HID Conversion

[Tacorossa]

I have been looking at upgrading my lighting on the Taco. HID conversion seems to be the way to go on a budget. I'm not interested in the HID retrofit due to cost and I'm really looking for something simple. Plug and Play FTW. Right now I'm running stock lights for the fogs and Philips Extreme Power for the headlights. I'm looking for something a little more yellow for the fogs, and brighter for the headlights. I do a lot of driving out of the city where there are no street lights, so they are not just for show.

For those who have installed HID conversion kits (Freeze/City Rider/etc.), what kit did you buy and what color temperature did you get? Any recommendations on reputable brands? 35 watt versus 55 watt?

Right now I am looking at VVME or DDM for both my headlights and fogs. I was thinking somewhere in the 4300-6000K range for the headlights with Hi/Low capability, and 3000K for the fogs.

I have seen a few second gen tacoma's around town with HID conversions, but they have their lights on all of the time... even in the day. Is this by design? Or are they just showing off their lights?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[freeze]

I ended up going the E-Bay route.. the seller's name is: hqz4321

I've had these since 2007 and they are still bright today the only problem is the deer claimed my passenger side bulb. I think I paid about $120 shipped.

Very easy to install it's truly is plug and play. Do go with tbe Bi-Xenon as you get a Hi-Beam as well. The bulb is retracted by a electomagnet to give you a highbeam which BMW and Audi use as well.

I would recommend going with as close to 4300K as it's the whitest and brightest light on the spectrum. The higher the K the more blue/purple it gets and the light output is actually diminished as it get's higher on the scale. If you can go 55 watt it's better as the warm up is much quicker and perhaps the output may be a little bit higher.

Do make sure it's 55watt bulb and ballast not just the ballast.

Most likely they're showing them off in the daytime, I try to keep mine off to preserve the bulb but I drive highway with them on. You'll really appreciate them on dark wet roads!

[BeachBoy]

I did the same questioning a few weeks back

I would suggest 35 Watts. 6000k for mains, and 3000k for fogs, if you want to use them as fogs, if not, then 6000k also.

I bought DDM raptors, you just cannot beat the price. I have them here still uninstalled, waiting for my fuse block to arrive.

[Jacked Up]

Taco -- I have a local guy here, good kit, plug and play, it's what I've been running in my FJ, dual hi low beam so you don't lose that function. Local guys own the company, price is actually very decent, and a good warranty to boot.

I'll pm you the contact info.

no spliciong, just a simple plug into the factpry connectors and EVERYTHING is included, ballasts, bulbs (I have 6000k) heck I'de even install them for ya, takes maybe 10-15mins if you really want to hide stuff maybe 20mins hahaha

[BeachBoy]

yeah I got the hi-low too.

[RiceFarmer]

I have the RTX 6000K HID, It's a plug and play kit with Halogen "Hi" beam. It's nice to have the Halogen "Hi" beam if you don't want to blind certain people on the street or on the trail, Nathan can attest to this haha. A co worker also has them on his 2007 Tacoma as well, bright as heck on the street.

[ed'syota]

Taco -- I have a local guy here, good kit, plug and play, it's what I've been running in my FJ, dual hi low beam so you don't lose that function. Local guys own the company, price is actually very decent, and a good warranty to boot.

Can I get some info on this one as well....I wanna get one before winter comes...

[Jacked Up]

no problem, I'll pm you the info, great easy kit to install, slim ballasts,

[freeze]

It's nice to have the Halogen "Hi" beam if you don't want to blind certain people on the street or on the trail, Nathan can attest to this haha.

haha.... no worries it wasn't how bright they are... we usually don't run headlights on the trail unless it's dark out. It's easier on the eyes for people who come the other way, specially if there's lots of obstacles.

Slim ballasts would be awesome to have. I've got the older boxier ones that take a little more room.

[Tacorossa]

3000k for fogs, if you want to use them as fogs, if not, then 6000k also.

Thanks guys, you have given me lots to think about.

The use of my fog lights is probably the biggest question mark right now. I always used yellow fogs as they tend to cut better than white... but since I've moved to calgary I very rarely get to use my fogs for anything more than decoration.

From what I hear, and what I've researched, 4300K is the brightest natural light you can get. Brighter would seem to be the intent, yet everyone seems to be promoting 6000K. I know it will be much brighter than stock halogens, but why 6000K instead of 4300K?

Also, how is the light scatter when it is snowing, or in the small amount of fog we get? I'm not looking for a projector type of cutline, but realistically how much scatter are we talking about here?

Thanks again for all the help. Very much appreciated.

[City_Rider]

Thanks guys, you have given me lots to think about.

The use of my fog lights is probably the biggest question mark right now. I always used yellow fogs as they tend to cut better than white... but since I've moved to calgary I very rarely get to use my fogs for anything more than decoration.

From what I hear, and what I've researched, 4300K is the brightest natural light you can get. Brighter would seem to be the intent, yet everyone seems to be promoting 6000K. I know it will be much brighter than stock halogens, but why 6000K instead of 4300K?

Also, how is the light scatter when it is snowing, or in the small amount of fog we get? I'm not looking for a projector type of cutline, but realistically how much scatter are we talking about here?

Thanks again for all the help. Very much appreciated.


Scatter on mine is pretty good - with the black headlight mod done there isn't much reflective surface left around the bucket to throw light catywampuss.

4300K is the truest white light - I found my 6000K (on the Civic) are pretty good as well, just a little bluer (to colour match the car!).

I didn't want blue lights on the truck - just nice, bright white light. I have 510 fogs to throw on if I need some contrast. I've driven a winter with the HID's in the truck and they worked fine in the snow, no complaints here.

As for brand... well I went with a group buy on Toyota Nation - guy named slimcubby hooked a whole *expletive deleted* load of people. Quality seems to be decent although there have been advances in technology... as stated previously, make sure to get the 'small' ballast boxes as they are digital and 'should' last longer.

[Jacked Up]

I found that the lower the K, the whiter the light got, I had tried a 4000K kit and it was a weird white and I didn't like driving in the highways with them. The 6000K seems to have a better softer light, as it has a bit more of a bluish tone to them. Easier on drivers coming at you, the higher the K the more purplish look you'll get.

[eachin]

I just read this on another forum when trying to decide between 4300 and 6000.

"Also note that the color temperature is controlled by a blue filtering dye that is applied to the bulb. The bulb gas mixture, internal structure, temperature, and applied voltages are not changed. The total lumen output goes down considerably (some reports have it by as much as 20% lower), because the light source is filtered."

Can anyone corroborate? Definitely makes me lean towards 4300 if true.

edit: here's an image I found of a 4300k bulb and a 6000k bulb plugged into the same ballast

http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/attachments/archived-threads/9471d1013973487-4300k-vs-6000k-phillips-hid-kits-pics-dscf0003.jpg

[City_Rider]

I just read this on another forum when trying to decide between 4300 and 6000.

"Also note that the color temperature is controlled by a blue filtering dye that is applied to the bulb. The bulb gas mixture, internal structure, temperature, and applied voltages are not changed. The total lumen output goes down considerably (some reports have it by as much as 20% lower), because the light source is filtered."

Can anyone corroborate? Definitely makes me lean towards 4300 if true.

edit: here's an image I found of a 4300k bulb and a 6000k bulb plugged into the same ballast

http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/attachments/archived-threads/9471d1013973487-4300k-vs-6000k-phillips-hid-kits-pics-dscf0003.jpg

Photo looks right to me the 4300K are nice and white, 6000K have a blue hue to them.

The 'K' at the end of the number indicates what temperature they are running at if I am not mistaken. K is for Kelvin...

[freeze]

I do notice when I'm driving on the highway when it's dark and wet out, the 4500K provides more contrast with the yellow, brown and green vegetation versus the higher K range bulbs. The bluer light ends up making everything one colour.

As for light scatter... depends on the shields that come with the bulbs, however, there still is quite a bit of scatter as these housings are not meant for this type of bulb.

[BeachBoy]

because of heat, the 6000k will be closest to true white, 4300 will look a little more yellow.

both are ok, I prefer 6000k, looks white with a tint of blue, where 4300 is white with a tint of yellow.

[BeachBoy]

here is what I mean.. light blue vs light yellow

6000 on left on top two, and on right in the bottom one
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4057/ultinonsix0.jpg

4300 looks a little better when looking at the light, but I prefer the output of the 6000k

[Jacked Up]

so I spoke to Al this afternoon, he's just placed an order for more product, so they will be in stock by Friday, I have emailed him an idea of what memebrs are looking for and the range of vehicles we are looking ta, he'll confirm what he is getting and email me a group price. At least we'll know what hey cost and can go from there.

My neighbor wants a set for his gf's Blazer as she was behind the guy that hit the Cougar last night, she didn't even see it.

[Tacorossa]

So these are the Bi-xenon Digital Slim Ballast HID's from VVME (http://www.vvme.com/digital-slim-h439003-bixenon-hid-kit-p-128.html?cPath=44_46_35). Looks like a decent price... ~$90 +shipping. Maybe $30 for shipping? Any thoughts on this setup for headlights?

This should be a good baseline for cost. JackedUp, keep us in the loop on what kind of a price Al can do.

[BeachBoy]

you can get the ddm hi-lo for $65 + shipping!!

[Tacorossa]

you can get the ddm hi-lo for $65 + shipping!!

Is hi-lo the same as bi-xenon? Probably a dumb question, but it's not real clear to me. Because if that's the case, I think it would be hard to beat that price. It's not the fancy slim digital ballast though is it?

[Jacked Up]

This is no way a way to push anyone into buying the kit like I have, you are all big boys and girls, you can buy wherever and whatever you want, I happened to like my kit becuase I have had no issues with my kit. It was bonus that hte company is local.

but keep in mind guys, the kits listed on that website will require an additional relay harness if you have a single dual function buld (FJ owners for sure), so you are looking at roughly at about $170 shipped, not a bad price, my only concern would be warranty issues. Should you have a problem.

I've seen first hand "cheaper" quality kits cause sever damage, I'll find the pic of an old friends car that burnt down after he installed an ebay HID kit ($99.99). The ballasts and controllers overheated and melted the plastic housing around the headlights and started a car fire.


and in no way a shot at that product or members posting it, but I tend to think "Hoakie" when you have a light company selling tattoo kits as well?

I'll keep you posted on pricing.

[Tacorossa]

This is no way a way to push anyone into buying the kit like I have, you are all big boys and girls, you can buy wherever and whatever you want, I happened to like my kit becuase I have had no issues with my kit. It was bonus that hte company is local.

but keep in mind guys, the kits listed on that website will require an additional relay harness if you have a single dual function buld (FJ owners for sure), so you are looking at roughly at about $170 shipped, not a bad price, my only concern would be warranty issues. Should you have a problem.

I've seen first hand "cheaper" quality kits cause sever damage, I'll find the pic of an old friends car that burnt down after he installed an ebay HID kit ($99.99). The ballasts and controllers overheated and melted the plastic housing around the headlights and started a car fire.


and in no way a shot at that product or members posting it, but I tend to think "Hoakie" when you have a light company selling tattoo kits as well?

I'll keep you posted on pricing.

Just trying to gather as much information as possible. I'm not discounting anyone or anything until I can do so in an educated manner. I really appreciate the input I am getting from you guys.

Now, about this additional relay harness... this is new information for me. Would you care to elaborate?

I just read something interesting as well in regards to the 55 watt conversion kit. It said that due to the higher wattage and light output, you could expect the same look from an 8000K 55W as that of a 6000K 35W. By that logic, to achieve the look of 4300K with a 55W, I would have to get 6000K lights? Something about that just don't sound right.

[BeachBoy]

never heard of additional relay harness. I have an extra "harness" that came with my kit for the hi-lo.. thats' probaly what you mean and it's what makes them $65 instead of $40.

read online, hundreds of people have the DDM ones and are satisfied.

I don't mind local, but I will choose less $ before local... DDM raptors have one year warranty, their other set ($30 more) is lifetime warranty

[Jacked Up]

^ I agree, cheaper $$ is always a plus, the extra harness is only a loop if you have a single hi/lo dual bulb as it uses less wattage and can trigger a buld out light, or in the case of my Challenger, which has an amperage warning when the bulb is out etc. so it just loops the wattage back through the capacitor. I'll post a pic tonight of the HID's on the FJ and the distance I get, I also need an alignmnet I think but eh that I can do over the weekend.

[Jacked Up]

I just received an email, so the kits are going to be $220, and that is wholesale cost, so if anyone would like a kit, pm me the following info:

Vehicle yr:
Vehicle Model:
Bulb style (9440, H11 etc):
Color (6000K, 4300K etc):

reciepts will be given, and I am not in this for any kickback or anything, just helping out to those who want HID's

[freeze]

Thanks Chris... nice gesture for sure.

So who's gonna be rocking some HID's in the near future?

[Tacorossa]

Well, CityRider fillowed me for a while on Deerfoot tonight, and that definitely reaffirmed my decision to get HID's. It is just a matter of when I can free up some cash to do the conversion. Unfortunately it may have to wait until next year as it isn't a necessity.

I'm pretty sure I will go with Bi-xenon and 4300K.

[annoyingrob]

Here's my small bit of input.

I'm really not a big fan of 6000K, and I wasn't sure if I wanted 4300K, so I compromized, and went 5000K. IMO, it's a perfect color.

Here's a few pictures of the color once they're warmed up on my Supra.

http://offsite.lostjournal.com/rob/Supra%20Pics/HID%20foglights%201.JPG

http://offsite.lostjournal.com/rob/Supra%20Pics/HID%20foglights%202.JPG

The car has 5000K 35w H3 HIDs in the fog lights, which I usually use as driving lights, and 5000K 35w Bi-Xenon H4s with Hella E-Code housings for headlights. The fogs run off the stock harness, and the headlights are wired right to the battery through a relay. The fogs do scatter a little more than I would like, so I don't usually use them at night, but the headlights have a very nice cutoff to them. I highly recommend spending the money on a GOOD set of housings if you plan on installing HIDs in your truck.

Here's a comparison picture I took with my parent's cars. The car on the right was my step-mom's 95 Saab 9000 with stock headlights. The car on the left was my father's 95 Saab 9000 (same car), with E-code housings, and the same 35W 5000K HIDs I have in mine.

http://offsite.lostjournal.com/rob/Random%20Pics/Saab%20HID.jpg
I currently have some projector housings on order that I'm going to experiment with, as my mother has expressed an interest in a set of HIDs in her Celica. I'll make sure to post the results.

[Tacorossa]

I finally got a HID conversion kit for my truck. It arrived today.

One question that I have is with regards to the rubber boot on the back of the headlight housing. My install instructions do not show this boot getting reinstalled once the bulbs are installed. Is this a good idea? Or is there a way to modify it to go back on?

Any help would be appreciated.

[CalgaryRider]

I finally got a HID conversion kit for my truck. It arrived today.

One question that I have is with regards to the rubber boot on the back of the headlight housing. My install instructions do not show this boot getting reinstalled once the bulbs are installed. Is this a good idea? Or is there a way to modify it to go back on?

Any help would be appreciated.

Which kit did you go with, and where did you get it from? I saw this thread way too late! I need HID's badly!

[freeze]

I really miss my HID's. One of them bit the dust after almost 3yrs of use.

I haven't had time to look into getting some bulbs yet though, just haven't had time but the stock bulbs are horrible in comparison on dark wet roads. I felt like I was driving by candle light last Sunday night from Kimberly!

[Tacorossa]

Which kit did you go with, and where did you get it from? I saw this thread way too late! I need HID's badly!

I followed Etienne's lead and got the DDM Tuning set. I went with the digital slim ballasts and 4500K Hi/Lo bulbs.

Should be a fun project for this weekend.

Oh, and I bought it off their website. Got it in less than a week which is fantastic!

[freeze]

It's super easy, should take about 30-60min. Just remember to burn the bulbs in. Once your fire them the first time, leave them on for 15min un-interrupted.

[Tacorossa]

It's super easy, should take about 30-60min. Just remember to burn the bulbs in. Once your fire them the first time, leave them on for 15min un-interrupted.

Good to know! Thanks Nathan.

[BeachBoy]

I need to install mine too, but I want to put the fuse block first, and I'm totally undecided on where exactly....

[Tacorossa]

I need to install mine too, but I want to put the fuse block first, and I'm totally undecided on where exactly....

I won't be going the fuse block route.... yet... so installation sound pretty straight forward. I'm just still uncertain on the rubber boot. But it looks like I may be able to squeeze it on over the new wiring and bulbs.

[mudrunner]

Saw this thread a little late but have learned alot so far. Great thread. Has anybody ever used these Halo lights ? And what did you think ? Or are they just a fancy upgrade that look cool and dont perform as good as the other brand's ? I just seen these lights at the Edmonton Car show last week on a heavily modified tacoma that a dealer had done up. Thanks.
http://www.google.ca/aclk?sa=l&ai=Cpf1H4WBqS6X7E82bngfazdXpBpiN9VD-3oqECt6c14gCCAAQAVD7ifMTYP2I8YDIA6AB3MOJ_wPIAQGqBC FP0E0Q_4B7UVUWx47BAyVZJw8wSwGfY6R2llAU45tol-8&sig=AGiWqtzfnJeN9OrgEehvp_ZJSymBxFbjdg&q=http://www.carid.com/projector-headlights.html

[BeachBoy]

a projector retrofit will give you the best light, but these one I'm not sure about their quality.

[Tacorossa]

I finally got around to installing my DDM HID kit. This is the setup that I got: DDM HID Digital Slim Ballast (http://www.ddmtuning.com/index.php?p=product&id=101&parent=85)

Install was simple. There are also lots of videos on youtube if you like moving pictures! It is essentially impossible to hook it up wrong as all of the connections are different... there is only one home for each plug.

So far I'm very impressed with the quality of the kit. For $50 I was skeptical, but based on the reviews I read online, they are a great kit for almost the same price as a decent set of halogens.

The increased amount of light output is amazing. I do not notice much difference in the city with all of the street lights, but outside of town.... WOW! It is like seeing for the first time. Glare is not too bad. I will do some adjusting this weekend if time permits to make sure I'm not blinding anyone.

With the 35 Watts, it takes a few seconds for the bulbs to warm up. That's not a problem though since it takes the truck much longer to warm up on cold days mornings.

On a side note, I also picked up a set of Nokya Yellow Fog lights off Ebay for $25. They have come in real handy with all the fog we have been getting here lately. I'm a big fan of yellow fog lights!

[Tacorossa]

a projector retrofit will give you the best light, but these one I'm not sure about their quality.

Yeah, projectors are the way to go in terms of quality light output. Aftermarket projectors however tend to be a hot topic for debate. You will find people who have had bad experiences with them, and others who love them. With some the lens fogs up, or the lens cracks easily, or the bulbs burn out too quickly, etc. There just seems to be no consistency in the quality of construction of these aftermarket projectors. Are you feeling lucky?

In an ideal world, I would have purchased a set of OEM projectors from VW or Honda and retrofitted my stock headlights. But for the time and money, I just couldn't justify it right now.

[BeachBoy]

Installed my DDM headlights and fogs HIDs today

very easy, it was about time!!! I had them since like last summer

[kigi]

Which model of light did you get. The link to DDM goes to H1?

Is the high/low bean a H4 kit?

Thanks

[BeachBoy]

I got their cheapest Raptor.. they are now $29.95 (+$20 for the hi-lo)!!!
http://www.ddmtuning.com/index.php?p=product&id=102&parent=85

H4 6000k hi-low for the main, and H10 3000k for the fogs (I wanted yellowish, if you want to match the headlights, I'd get 4300k for the fogs).

both 35W.

very easy to install.

[Tacorossa]

I'm loving my DDM HID's.

Only one problem though, I'm having trouble aiming my passenger side headlight. I did my driver side first and all went according to plan, but it would appear that I have no adjustability in my passenger side housing. The knobs turn, but nothing happens.
I'm not too worried about it though. Height wise I'm within spec, horizontally I'm about 2" off spec towards the passenger side. At least I'm not blinding oncoming traffic.

[City_Rider]

I'm loving my DDM HID's.

Only one problem though, I'm having trouble aiming my passenger side headlight. I did my driver side first and all went according to plan, but it would appear that I have no adjustability in my passenger side housing. The knobs turn, but nothing happens.
I'm not too worried about it though. Height wise I'm within spec, horizontally I'm about 2" off spec towards the passenger side. At least I'm not blinding oncoming traffic.

I have learned that it runs on a rail system which requires both screws to be operated - kinda funky but whatever, just play with the other screw a bit and the one you are trying to adjust might 'loosen' up.

Now that I have the 'Runner and the headlights are hit with rocks, I need to purchase new buckets and do something with the lighting. After doing some research it appears the best option is for both the newer and older 'Yota's is to do a complete 'PNP' (with baking of headlights...) projector kit. Very, very tempting...

LINK! (http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148163&page=7)

I linked to a specific page in one thread - I suggest reading it through (which I am doing for a second time...)