Anybody Installed HID Headlights?

[photovette]

I converted my sealed beam bulbs to H4's a couple years ago and now that H4/HID conversion kits are $275, I went ahead and ordered 2 kits (to do all 4 headlamps)--anybody else done this yet?

 

[lone73]

Got Halogens?

I've been thinking about a headlight upgrade and just recently bought a couple of Halogens for the high beams for about 5 bucks a piece from O-Reilly's.
I figured the newer style HID lights would be more money but $275 ? wow,
I didn't realize they were that expensive...

I take it these are a SIGNIFICANT upgrade from halogens?
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[photovette]

HID conversion kits have been about $600; now the prices are falling.

I go to many way out-da-way places for photo shoots--I need bright heads lights just to see and set up when I get out of the car. With the H4 system I have now, the total headlight amperage is 65 amps--so I have to leave the motor running. With the 4 HID headlights, the amperage would be about 12 amps, so I could leave them on for a bit, with the motor off, without worrying about running down the battery.

 

[ßill]

Where did you fid HID kits for $275, all I've seen are about $600. Is there a web site? Please point us in the right direction.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Photovette, can you post the link to the HID kits so if anyone else is interested they know where to go.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[photovette]

You just switch out the H4 bulbs and mount the little boxes--no wiring/cutting involved--it plugs into the existing headlamp socket. There's a lot of kits, but they're all about the same. H4-ready headlamps that replace the sealed beam are available at JC Whitney for about $14.

I'm running 4 130/90 watt H4's now. The H4-ready headlamps from JCW produce a very flat defined beam that allows me to run super bright H4's without blinding the oncoming driver--I hardly ever get someone flashing their high-beams at--no more than normal. So, I expect no brightness problems when switching to HID.

I expect to install them this week; I'll let you know how it goes.

Ebay link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7947855786&category=36476

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Looks sweet. Can't wait to see them.

I was under the impression that these brighter bulbs needed heavier wiring. This is good to know.

 

[photovette]

The brighter halogen (H4 bulbs) do--more wattage. The HID use only 35 watts--which is less then normal halogen--a win win situation. Still a bit pricey at $275, but I've done ten vanity shoots this week (I swear I'm getting tired of Valetine's Day theme lingerie), so I'm rolling in cash for a change. Yep, Corvette Central will be packing boxes full of other goodies to send me Monday morning!

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-and here's a swell step-by-step for further consideration...

:confused -undecided/confused, well see if this sheds some light!! :cool ~Bob vH
(left click)- http://www.alxlee.com/Lotus/EspritHID/EspritHID.html

ps: -to avoid needlessly irritating fellow motorists, it would seem more logical to install the HID-pair of retrofitted headlamps at the inboard/high-beam position, whereby you'd have the added safety of the substantially brighter headlamps readily available during open-road driving; --plus not be shining the HID's into the eyed mirrors of a car in front of you in traffic (besides just being thoughtful of others, --it helps to avoid road-rage encounters! ).... ~Bob vH

 

[photovette]

That's the exact H4 headlamps I have-thanks, I worried a bit.

 

[lone73]

They were $600?? Ouch!

The brighter halogen (H4 bulbs) do--more wattage. The HID use only 35 watts--which is less then normal halogen--a win win situation. Still a bit pricey at $275, but I've done ten vanity shoots this week (I swear I'm getting tired of Valetine's Day theme lingerie), so I'm rolling in cash for a change. Yep, Corvette Central will be packing boxes full of other goodies to send me Monday morning!

So you use them to make money? Ahhh, Very clever. I'm impressed! Not being one who studies headlights much I was unaware that there would be such a huge difference between current draws of the two types. I really like the idea of lower current and brighter lights. I have already had to switch to a higher amp alt to handle various upgrades. Being able to save some amps via higher efficiency headlamps would be very cool. Unfortunately I will probably have to wait 'till they get even cheaper than you've found them to justify it on my old beater.

Do you happen to know how the H4's compare to a regular old 5 dollar sylvania halogen? Also, have you done the relay upgrade to your system to improve the voltage at the headlights? There's a website that discusses this mod. It bypasses the switch inside the cabin for the high current and just uses it to run the relays that are under the hood close to the headlights. You might find it helpful. I can hunt down the link if you want it.
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[BB wowbagger]

I bought a kit from Ebay and its really nice. I did convert the electical to a relaysystem to unload the original wiring.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=6
Scroll down to HID Conversion..This is a really nice writeup on the subject

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

Like em photovette real nice! But eventually will do the headlight relay mod, then the aircraft landing lights mod to replace the highbeams..100,000 candle power, then will do the HID mod..looks good! Joe!