Greetings, I have a question that I have been plagued with for some time. Where and what brand is recommended for and HID conversion on my 06 SS/SC? I would really like to get a very reputable brand that will look fantastic, and really light up the road so I can see better. If you can post links with your posts I will really appreciate everything you give me. Thank you all in advance!!!!!



Mike

 

What is your budget?

Remember that you get what you pay for....

Cheapest way:
Purchase a plug and play kit and place them directly into your stock housings with no modifications. $300 tops.

Pros:
Cool looking blue tint
Improved light output
Easy to install

Cons:
Cop Magnets (At least where I live)
Cause TERRIBLE glare (You ever get mad when you get blinded by a new lexus or bmw when they are driving up and over a hill... you'll do this ALL the time.)


My Preferene:
This option may not be as cheap, but the reward or outcome surpasses any kit that you can buy from a vendor. My preference would be to purchase OEM parts off a lexus or bmw and fabricate them to a spare set of lights. Depending on how fancy you would like and how top of the line you would like varies your cost.

A basic kit contains 3 main objects, Projectors, Ballasts, and Bulbs.

Projectors
Because our headlights have such a large area there are quite a few options that you have when chocing your projectors. The TSX Projectors are known to have the best or almost the best cut off color and output, but I didn't like the way they looked.

I chose to use a set of BMW e46 Bi-xenon projectors. Bi-xenon means that the projector functions in both a low beam and high beam function by utilizing a solenoid operated shield. When the low beams are used, the shield is placed over the top half of the projector blocking it off so the light remains towards the ground. When the high beams are turned on, the shield retracts and the full projector is lit up. You don't have to go with a bi-xenon set of projectors, but I would recommend it if you still want the high beam function.

Recommendations:
Mercedes e55 Bi-xenon Projectors....
Link to e55's

BMW e46 Bi-xenon Projectors...
Link to e46's

If you don't wish to use the Bi-xenon Projectors then I would recommend these.
Link to Bosch Single Projectors

Ballasts

The basics behind a Ballast is that its the spark in your lighter that causes the flame. You need that spark to get the flame burning, but once it's burning the gas can do the rest. Same thing with the xenon bulbs, they require a but more power to get them running, but then they actually only take 35w to run after the are lit compared to 50w-55w of our stock halogens.

Recommendations:

I would stick with OEM equipment. Try and find a set of Denso Slimlines as they are the best and easiest for fitment.
Example of Denso Ballasts

Another good option that a lot of modders use are the Hella Gen3s. A little more pricey, but definately a good piece.
Link to Hella Gen3's

Bulbs

Most common type of bulb is a D2S style bulb. New equipment uses a D4S bulb, but it very pricey and I wouldn't recommend them for a retrofit due to the price. Stick with Phillips or Orsam as they are OEM manufactors and again the life expectancy should be much better than aftermarket. You will find that the 4300k to 5000k temp bulbs still look good and produce much more light output then a 12000k temp bulb would.


If you have any questions and are serious about hids, look into HIDplanet.com and HIDTech.com for How To forums and discussion about almost any topic you would have in regards to customizing your headlights to fit a set of hids.




If after all of this you still just chose to go with a plug and play kit, i guess I understand... to each their own. But if your serious about swapping to HIDs and don't want to half ass the project, you know where to look.

 

Great information! Thank you for your time and effort! I will take some time to consider and make a decision. Thanks man!

 

No problem at all. I was in the same boat you are a few weeks ago. I wanted brighter headlights so I looked into the Increased wattage halogen bulbs, then to the plug and play kits... then finally realized that best performance would come from an actually projector lense.

I would suggest reading up on HIDplanet.com under the forums is a sub-category called HID University. This forum goes through and talks about how to Aim your hids, and how to wire up your new headlights, and best ways to seal your lenses. Very very informative and you can learn a lot from just reading them.

Let me know if I can be anymore of help. I know there are a few of us on this site that have retro fitted the projectors already that would be willing to helpout.

 

hey switt23 think you would be willing to make a pair of hid lights like how you described? im liking the idea especally since i dont really like the projectors out for the cobalts but im bad at these types diy projects

 

yeah switt23 i think i'd buy it too!

 

I'll be doing a retrofit some time, I scored a set of Celica projectors but they were made for a halogen bulb. I'm hoping I can do something to get them to work with an OEM HID setup since they were free