Upgraded Halogens... Opinions

"Der Käfer" (Rhy) 12/09/2013 at 22:19 • Filed to: Lighting Halogen HID

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So I don't like the look of aftermarket HIDs in halogen lamps and a set of OEM hid xenons for my car are over $2k so I put in a set of Sylvania Silver Star Ultra for $50. I like the color temp, it's very white and a lot brighter compared to the factory GE bulbs.

Should I have done an HID kit? Opinions please!

Louros > Der Käfer 12/09/2013 at 22:26

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On behalf of everyone who has ever been blinded by HIDs in non-HID housings, I thank you for sticking with halogens.

Mathias Rios > Der Käfer 12/09/2013 at 22:28

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Unless you're doing a "non-blinding" HID kit I would NOT recommend that. However, if you're slightly mechanically inclined you could make your headlights projector HIDs with stuff from theretrofitsource.com . You can get better light output than most new cars on the road if you play your cards right and pony up some cash.

Your silverstars look good, not personally a fan of halogens myself, but they match the headlight housing.

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > Der Käfer 12/09/2013 at 22:48

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Thanks for sticking with halogens. If you really really really want HID's, retrofit is the only way to go.

Der Käfer > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare 12/09/2013 at 23:03

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I HATE being blinded by a 8k HID wearing scion TC.. well HIDs period in halogen lamps. I would only go HID if I could afford the factory xenon projectors.

Der Käfer > Louros 12/09/2013 at 23:05

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lol I'm in the same boat, HIDs in factory halogen lamps is a blinding sin.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Der Käfer 12/09/2013 at 23:13

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Look into Halogen Infrared.

depending on what halogen bulbs you have, an HIR might be an easy swap, and up the output.

HIR is a halogen bulb with a specific coating on the inside of the glass, that passes visible light transparently, but reflects infrared sub-visible frequencies back to the filament. With the increased temperature of not wasting that thermal output, the tungsten filament glows brighter, and outputs more visible light, but still focus like any other halogen, rather than an arc, as HIDs are.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer 12/09/2013 at 23:45

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I used the Sylvanias in my past two cars and definitely noticed a difference.

Arben72 > Mathias Rios 12/10/2013 at 00:38

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+1 on retrofitting projector hids, it's the only way to go.

SteyrTMP > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 02:11

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I knew that was going to bring out the HID haters...

I guess the big question is, do you have halogen projectors, or traditional reflectors? I've put an DDM HID kit in my 07 Subaru, and haven't had anyone flash at me yet, including people I know. Halogen projectors are a lot closer to HID projectors than a regular headlamp. I'd avoid doing a HID setup in a reflector.

Der Käfer > SteyrTMP 12/10/2013 at 07:40

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I have the reflector style, which is why I opted out of an HID. I was going to retrofit my lamps but the lenx has to be cut to access the internals and I wouldnt know what to glue it back with.

Der Käfer > Arben72 12/10/2013 at 07:44

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The only issue is my head lamps is crazy difficult, the lenz cant be heated up, it has to be cut off my lamp. I wouldnt know how to adhere it back on.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz 12/10/2013 at 07:45

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They def are an imporvement over the stock bulbs.

Oh and my OCD right now can't handle this winter weather. I havent washed my car in a week. I CAN'T TAKE IT.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 08:27

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I feel ya. The Dart is filty right now but it rains every other day. At least the wax is doing its job and keeping it somewhat clean.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz 12/10/2013 at 08:40

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theres mud.... all over the side of my car from a military buisness class box truck that was fitted with huge off road tires at work....... I can't avoid the dirt no matter how hard I try.

SteyrTMP > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 11:44

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You could probably use superglue, or an automotive equivalent, but I've never done that. There's Youtube clips on "how-to", that's your call.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 12:07

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The only good thinh about this rain is that you can hose it down and not have to dry it.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz 12/10/2013 at 12:19

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veryt rue, I'll cruise by a self power wash place and do a quick once over.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 12:20

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One of the perks of working at a shop is that I can pull my car in on lunch and clean it.

bob and john > Der Käfer 12/10/2013 at 16:28

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I have an HID kit stuck in my Sv650 (motorcycle)
if you know what you are doing, and readjust the light AFTER the HID kit goes in, then its not bad at all. MUCH brighter then halogens.
also more expensive. so w/e floats ur boat

Der Käfer > bob and john 12/11/2013 at 07:45

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I'm going to to do a retrofit projector lamp and xenon. Wish me luck.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Der Käfer 12/12/2013 at 12:48

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You should not do an HID kit unless you are willing to cut open your headlights and correctly install projectors.

I would have murderous thoughts towards those who just modify the bulb mount.

I decided to stop being a cheap ass and buy them from the factory. They are brilliant on my BMW.

Der Käfer > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/12/2013 at 12:50

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I have another post of antoher halogen beetle owner who retrofitted and cut his lights successfully and it looks GREAT. Kit includes everything needed including resealant glue and its plug and play.