GT1

Have any of you done the conversion to "new style" headlights so you could use PIAA almost HID hyperwhite bulbs. I found a BOSCH housing kit for the swap for $100 CDN, and the same place will sell me the new PIAA hyperwhites for $85 CDN for the pair. My friend has the PIAA's in his M3 and they are f@#$n BRIGHT, but do you think that price is good???
Ehchange is about $1.4CDN to $1US
thanks!

speckamp

Vic. British has Hella "Sealed beam kits" that have the glass bulbs that accept a standard halogen bulb module for like 84$ US for the set w/ a set of probably el-cheapo little bulbs. A set of PIAA's I think are like 40-50$ for the kind that would fit. so, it doesn't sound like a bad deal. They would probably provide a much brighter beam than the OEM sealed beam halogens. Worth it? depends on your walet.

BasAssRX-7 is coming up with a sleepy eye kit, with dual lamps in each bucket, one for low beams (a regular halogen bulb) and a projector for the highs. I'm anxiously awaiting it since I really would love that on my baby.

--matt
waiting for the badass light kit and a set of Hella driving lights to put in so he can blind all oncoming traffic!

smnc

There is no such thing as "almost HID". It's simply an illusion created by "hyperwhite" bulbs. Get the facts on "hyperwhites" here. They are brighter than some standard bulbs, but there is a HUGE difference in output bettween "hyperwhites" and TRUE HID's.
Then there's the optics differences to consider. Read this for more info

The thing with headlights is that the reflector is a LOT more important than the bulb (as long as the bulb is decent).

The price you were quoted is pretty decent, but I wouldn't deal that kind of money unless you see the beam patern put out by the reflectors first.

This is the BEST site I have ever seen on headlights. The FAQ and Tech sections are HIGHLY recommended.
Everyone should go to this site BEFORE doing any headlight mods.
The page was never completed, but the info is GREAT!

Hope this is usefull to you

GT1

Thanks for the input!!
And that site on lights is incredible! thanks for the link.

JoseReyes

I used the 7" Round Diamond Cut Blue housing headlight, which accepts H-4 Bulbs. I am currently using the 135w 85w Super White Bulbs. They are very bright, but to use those bulbs efficiently, you will need to upgrade your headlight harness. I upgraded my headlight harness at the same time I installed the headlights and it made a hell of a difference. Before the harness upgrade my high beam stop working and I thought that my switch had gone bad, but when I upgraded to the new harness with new relays my high beam switch started working immediately and the headlights do light up much brighter...

I purchased mines through a local shop for about 55.00 for set without the bulbs, as I had them prior to buying the headlight conversion. I do like them very much. When I turn the headlights on it gives a very low bluish color due to the color of the headlight itself and not the bulb. Very nice setup...and when you bring you headlights up without turning the headlights on the headlights look bluish with the 2001 look of high power headlights...


82 GSL

http://www.rotaryrx7.com

jrx13

iTrader: (3)

I bought the matrix housings from Summit. Then I got some ultrawhite H4's. I think 55w but they supposedly put out about 85w of light. That way I didnt have to upgrade the harness and dont have to worry too much about getting pulled over for super bright lights.

smnc

JoseReyes
Good point about the wiring. The stock harness on the 1st gen won't take anything much past 55W reliably.
Just a question tho... WHY whould you want a blue tinted reflector? Read this.

jrx13
The 85 watts of light from a 55 watt bulb is complete BS from the manufacturer. As I said to GT1, it's an illusion from the light colour. Read THIS and THIS[/URL] THIS.

jrx13

iTrader: (3)

Yeah thats why I said "supposedly". They are a better than the standard 55w H4 bulbs I had in before. I'm not gonna spend a couple hundred bucks on true HIDS. I'd rather spend it on go fast parts.

smnc

Yeah, weather HIDs are worth the cash or not is debateable. I wanna get myself a nice set of E-CODE (European spec) replaceable lamps and dump the sealed beams.

Actually, what I'd really like is a dual light system like BadAss is working on, but with HIDs for brights and E-CODE lows, but that'll have to until AT LEAST next winter or until I win the lottary, lol.



BTW, for anyone who cares, I talked to Daniel Stern (the guy who owns the lighting website), and he's going to be doing updates soon

HOZZMANRX7

iTrader: (43)

This is something I've been investigating for awhile. However, I never found anything close than the honest, straight forward conversation in the earlier mentioned Web site. That guys has earned my loyal dollars when I do my conversions.

General conclusion is E-Spec. I kinda like the idea of the city light bonus available. H4 bulb, best beam pattern, simple conclusion.

However, I was in my local Kragen (Shucks in the NW and Checker other places) who is marketing a Sylvania true HID conversion set up with balasts and the works. Problem is, purchase price is around $500. Yeah, you read right, $500.

So, HID can be had. But you need a fat wallet your ready to put on a serious diet.

My conclusion, E-Spec with standard H4 bulbs.

smnc

Yeah, Stern's got my business for sure.

Is that HID conversion you mention $500 per light, or for both? For both that's actually a good deal.

Yeah, E-CODES are great. 'Course, technically they're illigal in the US, but luckily I live in Canada so there's no problem.

BoominRX7

Hey, what's up everyone?
I did the change about 2-3 months ago, I bought the diamond headlight conversion kit from matrix GR motorsports.. (bought through a local performance shop) the kit came with streetglow's H4 xenon white bulbs 90w/100w. the bulbs are pretty ricey looking, (they're blue) but that's the look I was after (I feel a flame coming on) anyways I'm very happy with the conversion I haven't upgraded the stock wiring harness for the lights.. but it's been doing great so far, and the light bulbs say they're safe for stock wiring.. but that will probably be my next upgrade.. depending on if anyone buys my car or not.. email me if your interested (83 Mazda rx-7)
I'm very happy with the kit, and it was a pretty decent buy at 140$ for the conversion housing and the bulbs..

smnc

I'm not gonna flame ya, I'm just gonna tell you to read this.


You're running 100W off the stock wiring harness of an FB? Wow! I don't know how reliable that'd be when the cars were new, but on a 16+ year old car, I'd say it's a fire waiting to happen.

Then again, if it works for you, then more power to ya!

JoseReyes

It's not really that blue, it depends which angle you look into. Here is a picture of the headlight...


[QUOTE]Originally posted by smnc
[B]JoseReyes
Good point about the wiring. The stock harness on the 1st gen won't take anything much past 55W reliably.
Just a question tho... WHY whould you want a blue tinted reflector? Read this.

smnc

Yeah, they're not too blue, but I prefer a natural white light (clear bulb). It gives you the most and best light, especially in fog, which we tend to get a lot of around here.

But you still didn't answer my question:
WHY would you want a blue tinted reflector?


-Spencer

JoseReyes

I have used several types of H-4 conversions. It was just different. The H-4 bulbs are not blue nor do they give a blue projection. The output of the lights is just as clear and of normal color. The lenses look a little blue but other than that the light pattern is of normal color and of brightest output as I have the 100w 85w on it. I have used the Hellas, which are very good, the diamond cut clears with tribar, which also are good, now I am using this ones. I do have the others at home for sale...

smnc

Sorry, didn't mean to be a PITA, I was just curious as to why you chose blue.

jimmyv13

What are you asking for the bulbs?

JoseReyes

Original 130.00 set will let go for 70 with H-4 bulbs inside



Original 89.00 set will let go for 50.00 with H-4 bulbs inside..