Harvey Yancey

I have an H4 lamp that has moisture inside of it and is no longer working. I have been thinking about converting to an HID system and wanted some opinions.

TIA

dr bob

Harvey--

A few years ago, there was a thread about installing projectors within the fender eyebrow. I think Ken (PorKen) was the creator. Fast-forward to today. The MB G500 has a projector setup in the middle of a rather standard-sized 'reflector'. I think any lighting upgrade I do would consider something like that, but mounted in the existing housings so they would still fold back close to flush to the fender surface. There are numerous HID projector options, including new or used OEM's from high-end Japanese SUV's, or new Minimoto units that retrofit into existing housings. For instance, there are retrofit HID projectors that fit in H4 housings, but they install from the front so you'd have to get the front glass off the reflector, install and aim, them reattach the glass. The lamps are only 35W so heat isn't as big an issue as it is with incandescent or halogen bulbs, perhaps enough less that a polycarbonate front lens could be used instead of needing 8" H4 glass. For sure there are early headlight assemblies, with cheapo aftermarket 7" H4 housings, just need to remove the glass from the 7" H4 and add back a polycarbonate 8" cover. That opens the door to CFL 'angel eyes' ala BMW, LED array in the surround ala Audi, etc.

I think Alan and Bill Ball both have HIDs in H4 housings. I've driven in front of Bill Ball and my eyeballs are not crispy. Alan is a stickler for good workmanship as well as results, and can probably offer guidance on what's worked for him.

Alan

I have HID's in my foglamps but with significantly revised reflectors - doesn't work otherwise - too much spill.

I have tried HIDs in my H4's and I find the pattern quite unnacceptable - compared to very adequately bright and crisply focussed higher output halogen H4's. I have also seen HIDs in H5's and they are criminal (you should be arrested - I don't want to be on the roads with you). So I say don't do it in the stock lamps - good quality aftermarket projectors could be a good solution...?

However I find 8" H4's with uprated bulbs and dual-on mode relays to be quite perfect for me, good flat cut-off low beam and just fantastic highbeams. For me it doesn't need to get any better than this.

Alan

Ducman82

i have a "phillips" HID kit in my H4's..... was to much light everywhere....... nice and bright, but I'm sure I'm pissing people off. i don't drive at night much. but I'm sure in LA, i will get shot.

Jadz928

What Alan said. And if you already there (have H4's?), just fix the moisture concern.

James Bailey

Have to ask if the point is to see or be seen ??? form or function

Alan

Jim - There is a third option:

See really well, be seen really well - and share the road with a bunch of blind people...

...sure is a strange one to me but some folks seem to think it's a really really good idea...

So: Form, Function or Imminent Death - They give out Darwin Awards for this kind of thing

Alan

Harvey Yancey

Sounds like replacement bulbs vs HID is probably the best path for me.

Any recommendations on bulbs / kits?

dr bob

I chose the lower range Sylvania Silverstars to replace the 100W H5's I had tried. They don't look as yellow (really it's 'red') as the stock bulbs, but I can't say there's any improvement other than color when looking from the front. Reality is that there isn't much you can do for H5's anyway.

On previous H4 cars, I had no issues putting higher-wattage bulbs in with upgraded wiring and switching (relays). Without the wiring upgrade and relays, the voltage drom to higher-current bulbs pretty much offset any brightness benefits. Plus in British and Italian cars with weak original wiring, you don't want to risk meltdoen and fire. I'm not sure that the 928 stock headlight wiring is better but it is certainly newer. Still new bigger wiring, including the ground wiring, plus good relays, will help even stock bulbs do a better job.

danglerb

New and different LED options may not be that far off either.

Don Carter

There was a guy at Marble Falls from the DFW area with LED headlights. They were very impressive although I didn't drive or ride in the car. As I remember, they were super bright with well defined cutoff. Google "Truck-Lite". They are not cheap, but in my opinion probably better than HID (I have HID in my 86.5).

SeanR

I installed HID's in my H5's and even aiming them as far down to the ground as you can, they are way to blinding. I think they lasted two weeks before I pulled them and put 85/100w bulbs in. Had a customer install some HID's in his car and after a week of being flashed and a ticket, out they came.

They do let you see the world around you but at the expense of the other drivers, it's not worth it. Like Alan said, it literally is criminal at how bright they are.

FredR

Try something like Osram Nightbreaker unlimited H4. They do not require much [maybe no?] additional wattage to drive them but they are noticeably brighter and a step up from the upgrade version I have used for many years ago which themselves were a noticeable improvement on stock.

You can find them on Amazon for about $38 a pair well worth considering I would suggest.

Regards

Fred

Don Carter

On my 86.5, I went to extremes to cut the glare by installing a shield below the bulb blocking light from the bottom half of the reflector which is used for high beams. 5 years later, it's still working well today and I very rarely get flashed.

You can see the difference in the garage door tests in this thread...
HID Install Thread

Unfortunately, I don't think you can't use this approach with the later 8" headlights.

theedge

http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs...2025&langId=-1