SatinBlack

I normally do not have any problems understanding most things on vehicles, for the light(life) of me I am no good with light systems. I want my lights brighter. I am tired of driving at night and worried about that I cannot see properly in the rain. I am willing to listen and get a good set of lights.

2003 350z here...stock lights, I already have HID and I still cannot see at night as well as I want.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

Stock HID?

SatinBlack

Not particularly sure.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

What model Z do you have? Is your light output more blue than white?

SatinBlack

Yes more blue, I do believe its 6000k.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

OEM is around 4300K which should be more white. Maybe the previous owner used a higher Kelvin replacement bulb. It's a common misconception that the higher the Kelvin the better the output...which is false.

Waiz

iTrader: (57)

I've already answered your question in your intro thread.

Why another thread?

SatinBlack

What do I have to do in this particular instance?

Moderator: Your correct, I thought I was missing something. I thought there may have been another step to do rather then just replace lights to 06 lights.

misterniceguy

iTrader: (14)

Maybe you can go to a 55 watt hid setup. I have been considering this to see if it gets any better output. I'm not into the idea of spending way too much to get some 06+ headlights.

If it works well, you could end up saving a lot of money. It's just too low on my to do list or else I would do it and post up results.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Get some updated headlights. Better for night driving.

bmccann101

iTrader: (16)

too tired to answer now.. will tomorrow.

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

Wow!I've got a 03 Touring,the OEM HID lights that come on the Touring are pretty damn bright.What is the condition of the housing glass?Is is clear or in need of a refurb?

SatinBlack

I already had the lights refurbed. I really dont know what the deal is with my particular set man. I may have to do the 06 setup, but not sure if its plug and play.

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

The thing you never answered up to this point is whether or not they are stock HIDs. "Not particularly sure" didn't answer the question. I have a base model with aftermarket 35w HID 6000k bulbs. They are brighter than the stock halogens, but in rain, they are a nightmare. If you're looking for best output, find OEM HID housing (03-05 or 06-08) and have 4500k-5000k bulbs. Yes the 06+ are even brighter due to configuration, but if you don't want to spend the extra money, the 03-05 is a good solution. Stay away from the eBay listings of "projector" or "dual halo" as they run H1 bulbs and will even state "DO NOT USE WITH HID BULBS". They are just not that bright and don't give the best light output even IF you run a 55w HID setup (I speak from experience).

Again, which model do you have?

If you have anything BUT a base, check the ballasts for current issues and/or change out the bulbs for 4500k-5000k temperature.

If you have a base model, get true HID OEM housings and install 4500k-5000k bulbs.

briin79

Nice Sig

SatinBlack

Track model
Lights are 6000k, lights are the worst in the rain as you stated.
OEM housing 03 but I am pretty sure its aftermarket HID 6000k setup.

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

I'll check your ballasts then and get new bulbs

Vivid Racing

iTrader: (67)

If you don't have HID housings, then there's your problem. Not only is it difficult for you to see, but you're also glaring really bad and pissing off everyone else on the road.

One way to tell is by looking at the headlight assembly. If it looks like this, then they're HID housings.




To see if it's OEM HID or aftermarket, you can look at the headlight plugs. If it's an OEM plug and is tied neatly into the stock wiring (doesn't look messed with), it will be either 6 or 8 pins. 8 pins is HID, 6 is halogen. If it's not an OEM plug/harness, then it's obviously aftermarket HID.

The best possible lighting setup is going to be OEM HID housings, OEM HID ballasts with OEM connectors, soldered/heatshrinked connections with a GOOD solder joint, and quality 4300k bulbs.

bmccann101

iTrader: (16)

^^ this pic is simply of the 2006+ model headlight, which is not only HID but a true bi-xenon ( hi and low in one bulb housing).

the early model cars use the same housing for HID as well as Halogen, and does not look like this.

Its just not a true projector, and thats ur problem OP.
My car is a 2005. Lights are now from a 2006. Nissan upgraded it becuase they suck, pretty much enbd of story on that one.

also 6000k is just fine for visibility. I had 10k and that was lame, but 6k will be just fine. Thats not ur issue.

I have owned all of the above, bulbs, headlights etc. and speak from experience.

By looking at your intro thread, i see your lights appear hazed due to oxidization of the UV hard coat.
Sanding past this and polishing it will make the lens appear new.. for about 2 months.. removng the hard coat is a commitment to monthly headlight upkeep. Lots of google search terms in that sentence for you.

EBAY headlights do not have a UV hard coat, thats why they are crappy... they wont last.


in perfect condition with the best bulb avail, the 2003 model headlight is a poor headlight.

the 2006 models can be had with for 500-800 a pair, even already modded.. theres always someone selling them here.

Youre new to the forum, take a look.

You need to know if they are factory hids first tho..

if there is an aftermarket ballast in there.. you do not have oem hids.

you have enough info to do some homework over the xmas weekend.. let us know.

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

Posted by the OP:
If it's the track model, it has OEM HID unless the previous owner was an idiot and installed an aftermarket ballast setup.