Best headlights (HID Conversion??)

[elementalvoid]

So, I tried the Silvercrap Ultra replacements lights and returned them. For the price, they SUCK.

I am looking to get better lights. I found some PIAA (http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-9000.html)'s that are nice (#19617). They look like they are better than the Hella (http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/ProductsServices/Performance_Lighting/Bulbs/Bulbs.jsp)'s.

It looks like the PIAA's have the highest output.

I've also considered going the HID conversion route, but I don't want to spend that much money. I've seen some cheapo kits but I'm sure they aren't any good.

I'd also be willing to hack up my existing lights to fit in a new light. Its an '03 so I have the round lights. Not sure if this would work though...

Any suggestions?

[Packman5280]

there are a couple tricks you could try. have you done the relay mod? your stock lights send all the current through the switch and the stock wiring, reducing the actual voltage seen at the lights. if you run a wire from the battery, through a relay, to your lights, then you are getting higher voltage at the light, thus a brighter output. I did this to my pathy and my roommates mustang and it made a noticable difference.

also, once you do this, I think you can put higher wattage bulbs in, giving you more light, but they run hot and you run the risk of melting your headlight housing.

[elementalvoid]

Nope, haven't done that. I'm sort of an electrical tard.

Please explain, or maybe you have a link to someone elses explanation?

More precisely, explain where to tap into at the lights... Also, I assume I wire to the positive terminal?

Thanks

[JayRyan]

Gawd! How I wish they'd come out with projectors for my X!! I'm running the PIAA bulbs and very happy with them.

I wouldn't recommend running HID's without projector lenses. They'll just wash everywhere blind people and not give you a good beam at all. It'd be very hard to rig a leveler to them as well.

There are some very good conversion kits out there and if anybody wants a lead on them, I have a few.

[Ditchfinder]

The HIDs are horrible without projector lenses I ripped mine out JayRyan is correct. my friend put some in his Yoda with cheapo projector lenses and they also flood they are horrible in the hills. The relay trick sounds good,Packman should post a wiring diagram...hint hint.:wave:

[elementalvoid]

Jay, which PIAA model are you using?

[JayRyan]

I think they're the ones just below the Extreme whites- those were whiter but the the ones I got had a higher output.

...and don't forget to wash the lenses with all the crap that flys up on them from the road. That can make a bigger difference then bulbs! LOL

[Packman5280]

google is your friend
http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/WiringHeadlightRelays.htm
it is pretty easy to do, my next step is to figure out how to do it to my honda, with aftermarket projectors, so that when I hit the brights the lows stay on too. shouldn't be too hard, just gotta sort the wiring of the relays out.

[elementalvoid]

google is your friend
Usually yes, but like I said.. I'm no good at electrical stuff, mostly because I've never done it. I didn't even know what to search for to find that site. I did find some other descriptions, but nowhere near as good. Thanks for the link.

[Packman5280]

I'll probably be doing some work on my honda tomorrow, either getting my headlights straightened out or installing my amp and sub, or both. if you want to swing by, I could show you how to do it if you have any questions, or if you bring the parts I could probably do it for you.

[elementalvoid]

I'll probably be doing some work on my honda tomorrow, either getting my headlights straightened out or installing my amp and sub, or both. if you want to swing by, I could show you how to do it if you have any questions, or if you bring the parts I could probably do it for you.

Hmm. I should be getting the X back from Alpine Developments tomorrow. Not sure when though, they are going to be doing road tuning.

When could I come by? Also where abouts are you?

If I were to get the PIAA's I was talking about do you think I would need a higher amp relay? And, finally, what size fuse will I need?

P.S. Aren't you glad you spoke up? :crazy:

[Packman5280]

no worries, I'll be wrenching on sunday too, replacing the pinion yoke on my roommates commanche pickup. I have plans in the afternoon tomorrow, so maybe shoot for sunday or monday, i have off. I live in Aurora at hampden and tower.
I would think a standard 30amp 5 wire would be fine, they're about 5-10 bucks at the auto parts store. I would use a 30 amp fuse on the high current line, to match the relay.

edit: to add, I'm not really familiar with the PIAA's, so you may need higher amp stuff, got a link to specs on them?

[elementalvoid]

Awesome. Thanks. Sunday or Monday it is then. PM me with a phone number and address. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll settle on the day.

PIAA (http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-9000.html)'s (#19617) <- 9000 Series Xtreme White Plus

[Packman5280]

cool, those lights should do fine with 30 amp stuff.