Basically I got the bixenon headlights with the sti-r lens retrofit running on 2003 stock 35 watt HID ballasts using 6k bulbs. Bottomline is my lights are not that bright.. My boy's lincoln ls 8k hid halogen lights murdered mine..due to the fact that we compared last night.. Should I upgrade to aftermarket 55 watt hid ballasts?
I think OEM hids are weak or headlights are not like bmw/acura projectors.. Let me know whats my best option.. Thanks

 

I bought the DDM tuning 55 watt 8000k HID slim kit. I haven't installed them yet, but I know it isn't plug and play. It'll require you to splice into the factory harness. And possibly modify the housing. The kit itself is well put together. It didn't come with instructions though. As far as just upgrading the ballasts, I don't think you can just get the different ballast because they would be too much power for the 35 watt bulbs. IMO, just get the DDM tuning 55 watt kit, and get the dual in dual out harness. Take your wheels off, fender linings off, front bumper off, prop your hood up, get some beer, and DO IT. Ill be taking the plunge in about 3 weeks. Ill post up a DIY when im done. Good luck

 

Yeah I saw that DDM package on their website and it looks solid..
My boy was like " i think your 03 reflector headlights were brighter"
I was like hell no lol
So the DDM 55 watt HID system are not plug and play huh..

 

This is not a DIY

 

Basically I got the bixenon headlights with the sti-r lens retrofit running on 2003 stock 35 watt HID ballasts using 6k bulbs. Bottomline is my lights are not that bright.. My boy's lincoln ls 8k halogen aftermarket 35 watts 8k murdered mine..due to the fact that we compared last night.. Should I upgrade to aftermarket 55 watt hid ballasts?
I think OEM hids are weak or headlights are not like bmw/acura projectors.. Let me know whats my best option.. Thanks

 

Hopefully if timing is right, this is my project this week.. Im a night rider so having bright lights is crucial to me, especially when sittin sidewayz lol
Anyways if I put them in I will post up before and after pics.

 

Go to hidplanet.com and read the pros and cons on using 55 watt hid ballasts

Also checkout why the guys who do use 55 Watt ballasts use oem bulbs

 

Plus, because you have the sti lense, you may eventually melt a spot on the plastic in front of the lense.
one would think that using aftermarket bulbs and/or 55 Watt ballast would make the issue worse

 

I will man.. Honestly I think halogen HIDS are way brighter than projectors.
I was a witness to it yesterday..

 

Halogen HIDS? Do you mean Xenon HID's in a reflector housing that blind everyone while you drive down the road with essentially what looks like high beams? Because if so then just drive around with your high beams on you will get the same effect without having to spend any money...unless you get rightfully ticketed for driving around with high beams on

Compared to having HID lights in the "proper" projector housing so that light is aimed rather than scattered.

 

Yeah thats what I meant xenon with reflector housing are much brighter.

I drive around with my high beams and they are still weak..lol

 

I'm not gonna post it here. Ill put in in the DIY section. If that's what you mean.

(Jk, just saw where this was. ha)

 

I thought mine were bright. Did the clear lens mod too. My brother has an s2k and I thought mine looked equal if not better. Stock 06 ballast and bulbs. Maybe try regular 4300 bulbs rather than the 6k crap?

 

The projector design of the projector in the 350Z is weak to begin with.
has to do with the bowl shape and some other things.

Look at some other stock vehicles projector light output...much better than ours and they r rocking 35watt ballasts anD 4200K bulbs like us

 

Yeah man i was next to a beamer in the freeway and damn those german projectors are bright and you can tell they are running the OEM HID setup.
I had the concept that the bixenon headlights with the STI-r lens retrofit was going to be amazingly bright lol.
Another thing is that Im running 8k bulbs lol
But that shouldnt be a big deal right..

 

8000K bulbs have less light output than stock
If you want light output w a "whiter" color, get the philips 5000K

Aftermarket hid bulbs don't put out as much as oem grade bulbs (Philips) and they run hotter

 

All of this info is on hidplanet.com

 

OP this is your 7th thread on headlights, seriously you need to learn to search rather than making repetitive threads.

 

Ok so I walked in to my friend's custom shop here in Diego and he had a set of DDM tunning 55 watt HID ballasts for sale. He eventually sold the ballasts to me for $75 and installed the hids for $20. After like 40 minutes of eye surgery to the Z (mostly wiring) it was done. Good thing it was night time. Now let me tell you..The light output difference is like %50 brighter!These HIDS blow my 03 OEM 35 watt crap ballasts out of the pond. The cutoff is still beauty with the STI lens and the aftermarket 8k bulb color is pure white with bluish/purpulish color from the lens. Now im going to get the real deal phillips ultrinon 6k bulbs or osram cool blue intense 5k bulbs for the best light output the Z has to ever deliver. Sorry I cant post pic due to some issues but I truly recommend this upgrade!

 

You have an STI lens upgrade on your 03 headlights? Your title states 06, is that 03 just a typo or do you really have 03 ballasts in your 06 lights?