Studiogeek

iTrader: (6)

Hi,
Seems more people suggest 4500k. I'll likely choose that.
Should I get 35w or 55w HID setup for my Sc400?
What are the pros and cons of either?

SG

Ian300D

Higher the watts, smaller the lifespan. Not sure on actual output difference though. Just remember to get good branded bulbs. Phillips.....

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

I say 55 for the lowbeam and high beam and 35 for the remainder of the bulbs for foglights, etc.

Bflatsharp

iTrader: (18)

For my low beams I went with 35W and 5k bulbs. Main reason for the 35W is I didn't want to blind people and have them flashing their high beams at me. Still happens once in a great while. But compared to just regular halogen bulbs light output is much better.

55W will be brighter but also takes more amps to run, more strain on your electrical system.

35W won't be as bright as 55W but less stress on the system.

4300k bulbs will be the closest to a straight white color.
5000k will be white with a slight blue (what I was looking for)
6000k will have even more blue in them but less light ouput

The higher you go in bulb ratings (k) the less white light output you get and more color will show.

x83slider

I have 55w's on all my cars and have had them on there for the better part of 3 yrs. My mdx has probrably 90k mi of night driving on them and still on the first set. They have dimmed a bit but still very bright. I'm running the VVME kit

Studiogeek

iTrader: (6)

Thanks everyone!

jacobjohn

If I were you, I would go with the 5000k bulb. Standard lexus bulbs are at 4300k, which will give you the brightest output available (3300 lumens) and anything after that will diminish (may not be noticeable by the naked eye). For example the 5000k bulbs gives out a output rating of 3000 lumens-3100 lumens (can't REALLY notice a significant difference). As for my opinion, I have the stock 4300k light and it has a tinge of yellow in it. I believe a true white light, IMO, is a 5000k bulb. And when I mean white light, I mean those nice audi LED white lights. 5000k will give you that white of a light. But hey, its all up to you, just my 2 cents.
As for the wattage, i would go with the 35w. Why go for the higher output and put stress to your system when the lower output gives you almost identical results, minus the negatives. If you do go with the 55w, make sure you use relay harnesses. I wouldn't trust a stock harness with a 55w ballast.

1) Go with 35W, no relay harness necessary,
2) Go with 55W, relay harness is necessary, but i would use philips bulbs

P.S. make sure you buy your bulbs from reputable makers!!!!

joedr

iTrader: (1)

I would go 35W and 5000K.

iJDMTOY

iTrader: (5)

A 35w kit is more than enough for regular night time driving. If you are worried about output, go with a 4300K color as that is the OE color temperature which produces the brightest available light for us to see at night.

55w kits tend to cause the bulbs to burn out quicker in comparison with 35w kits due to the higher temperatures created within the bulb. The harness and housing has a higher potential of melting due to the heat as well.. Personally, I would go with a 35w 4300K for maximum output. If you need more light than that, I would reevaluate your decision to drive at night or even driving at all.