HIDs
07-30-2007, 08:27 AM
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HIDs
Hey guys i was thinking about getting some HIDs for my car but im so lost in all the different types and stuff. I have an enthusiast model 2004.5 and i want to upgrade to some nicer and brighter HIDs. Can anyone link me maybe to whatever it is that i need to get. I saw replacement bulbs then some whole kits and stuff and im not sure which is what i need. I want a sorta blueish tint ya kno but nothing so blue that i loose a **** load of visibility.
07-30-2007, 09:32 AM
#3
I can't answer your questions about the Z specifically, but when I had my old car I went to hidplanet.com forums for a pretty good education.
IIRC all Enthusiast models, from all years, come with HIDs from the factory (please ignore me if I am wrong). The easiest way to get better light output might be to buy a set of 2006-2007 headlights and swap them in. Then you get the larger projectors and bi-xenon function for your bright lights. This is also probably one of the most expensive options.
If you want to get 'brighter' lights then you may need to step up to the next power rating. I am totally shooting from the hip here, but the OEM HID system is probably 35 Watts, and some aftermarket systems are available in 55 Watts. More power = more light output. To achieve this you would need to go with a complete HID retrofit kit and not just bulbs. The kit would have bulbs, ballasts and any necessary wiring harnesses to handle the higher power (if applicable). If you try to run 55 Watts through wiring rated for 35 Watts there is the risk of frying the wires and starting a fire (worst-case).
Then you need to look the color temperature measured in Kelvin (K). I believe as a rule all OEM HID bulbs are rated at ~4300K. HID colors will appear different on different cars due to variations in the type of projectors, cut-off shields and lenses used. 4300K rated bulbs have the highest light output measured in lumens. Any lower temperature colors skew toward yellow, and higher temperatures skew toward blue/violet. If you want to increase to a higher than OEM color temperature and maintain or increase light output / visibility, then I would recommend going to a higher power system. Otherwise with all things being equal, going to a higher temperature bulb will decrease light output. If you want a white/blue color then 6000K might be good for you. There is not much blue to be seen in 5000K, and anything over 6000K will sacrifice too much output in my opinion.
Good luck with your project!
IIRC all Enthusiast models, from all years, come with HIDs from the factory (please ignore me if I am wrong). The easiest way to get better light output might be to buy a set of 2006-2007 headlights and swap them in. Then you get the larger projectors and bi-xenon function for your bright lights. This is also probably one of the most expensive options.
If you want to get 'brighter' lights then you may need to step up to the next power rating. I am totally shooting from the hip here, but the OEM HID system is probably 35 Watts, and some aftermarket systems are available in 55 Watts. More power = more light output. To achieve this you would need to go with a complete HID retrofit kit and not just bulbs. The kit would have bulbs, ballasts and any necessary wiring harnesses to handle the higher power (if applicable). If you try to run 55 Watts through wiring rated for 35 Watts there is the risk of frying the wires and starting a fire (worst-case).
Then you need to look the color temperature measured in Kelvin (K). I believe as a rule all OEM HID bulbs are rated at ~4300K. HID colors will appear different on different cars due to variations in the type of projectors, cut-off shields and lenses used. 4300K rated bulbs have the highest light output measured in lumens. Any lower temperature colors skew toward yellow, and higher temperatures skew toward blue/violet. If you want to increase to a higher than OEM color temperature and maintain or increase light output / visibility, then I would recommend going to a higher power system. Otherwise with all things being equal, going to a higher temperature bulb will decrease light output. If you want a white/blue color then 6000K might be good for you. There is not much blue to be seen in 5000K, and anything over 6000K will sacrifice too much output in my opinion.
Good luck with your project!
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