HID bulb vs. HID kit
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HID bulb vs. HID kit
I have a 96 LS400 which uses OEM halogen lamps. The lighting is excellent, no trouble there, but I'm looking for the modern blueish color. My question is, should I get the HID kit (with the transformers, bulbs, wires..etc.) or should I just buy the HID bulbs that usually sell for $15 and up but disperse only around 4000K? Or is it too risky or damaging to install any of these?
PS: My car uses H4 bulbs.
PS: My car uses H4 bulbs.
If you're satisfied with the light output of your halogens and don't want to dish out the 3 to 5 bills (depending on the quality of the kit and it being new or used) for an HID kit, then I suggest you settle for a pair of hyper-white bulbs made by either PIAA, RAZO, Raybrig, or Sylvania (Silverstars) from around $40-$100 (depending on the brand)...some of the non-reputable brands you find at your local Autozone, Pepboys, etc. will most likely melt your harnesses or explode due to higher than recommended wattages.
Personally, I'd highly recommend going with HIDs....you won't regret it...but then again, my opinion is biased.
Personally, I'd highly recommend going with HIDs....you won't regret it...but then again, my opinion is biased.
Thread Starter
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From: California
Originally posted by BR1AN
If you're satisfied with the light output of your halogens and don't want to dish out the 3 to 5 bills (depending on the quality of the kit and it being new or used) for an HID kit, then I suggest you settle for a pair of hyper-white bulbs made by either PIAA, RAZO, Raybrig, or Sylvania (Silverstars) from around $40-$100 (depending on the brand)...some of the non-reputable brands you find at your local Autozone, Pepboys, etc. will most likely melt your harnesses or explode due to higher than recommended wattages.
Personally, I'd highly recommend going with HIDs....you won't regret it...but then again, my opinion is biased.
If you're satisfied with the light output of your halogens and don't want to dish out the 3 to 5 bills (depending on the quality of the kit and it being new or used) for an HID kit, then I suggest you settle for a pair of hyper-white bulbs made by either PIAA, RAZO, Raybrig, or Sylvania (Silverstars) from around $40-$100 (depending on the brand)...some of the non-reputable brands you find at your local Autozone, Pepboys, etc. will most likely melt your harnesses or explode due to higher than recommended wattages.
Personally, I'd highly recommend going with HIDs....you won't regret it...but then again, my opinion is biased.
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From: California
Originally posted by BR1AN
Philips/Osram if you want OEM color (4100-4300K) or 6000K. Hella if you want 7500K.
Philips/Osram if you want OEM color (4100-4300K) or 6000K. Hella if you want 7500K.
Originally posted by caliness
Does 6000K have the blueish look to it, or is it better to go higher like 7500K or more?
Does 6000K have the blueish look to it, or is it better to go higher like 7500K or more?
Originally posted by caliness
Does 6000K have the blueish look to it, or is it better to go higher like 7500K or more?
Does 6000K have the blueish look to it, or is it better to go higher like 7500K or more?
). The 7500K would probably give you the look you desire, but rominl is correct...it would be dimmer and would also increase the chance of getting pulled over by cops in certain cities.
Last edited by BR1AN; Aug 3, 2004 at 12:45 PM.
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Originally posted by BR1AN
I'd say 6000K has more of a pure white output with a very slight tint of purple to it (sorry Henry, but I have to respectfully [kind of] disagree with you ). The 7500K would probably give you the look you desire, but rominl is correct...it would be dimmer and would also increase the chance of getting pulled over by cops in certain cities.
I'd say 6000K has more of a pure white output with a very slight tint of purple to it (sorry Henry, but I have to respectfully [kind of] disagree with you
). The 7500K would probably give you the look you desire, but rominl is correct...it would be dimmer and would also increase the chance of getting pulled over by cops in certain cities.
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Originally posted by caliness
What is the intensity of the stock lexus HID bulbs?
What is the intensity of the stock lexus HID bulbs?
Originally posted by caliness
Has anyone tried H4 HID kits? Does it work for both low and high beams? Any info/pics appreciated.
Has anyone tried H4 HID kits? Does it work for both low and high beams? Any info/pics appreciated.
Bellof Hi-Low H4 kit:
http://www.bellof.co.jp/products/hl4s.html
Last edited by BR1AN; Aug 3, 2004 at 02:44 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: California
Originally posted by BR1AN
4100-4300K which is a pure white color...close to sunlight.
4100-4300K which is a pure white color...close to sunlight.
I currently have an H4 (low-beam only) kit on my '91 LS.
Also, do you keep your headlights on auto? If so, does it overwork the bulb whenever you drive in and out of a tunnel and your headlights turn on and off?
There are high/low beam H4 kits available that use a motorized shield to reflect the light in the reflector.
SORRY about all the questions! And thank you for your help!
Originally posted by caliness
So, 6000K would be more blueish, brighter and at the same time legal?
So, 6000K would be more blueish, brighter and at the same time legal?
Here's a decent comparison pic of OEM (left) vs. 6000K (right) on 2 IS300's:
How does it look? Are you happy with it? Do you have pics? What happens when you turn on the high beams?
Also, do you keep your headlights on auto? If so, does it overwork the bulb whenever you drive in and out of a tunnel and your headlights turn on and off?
Also, do you keep your headlights on auto? If so, does it overwork the bulb whenever you drive in and out of a tunnel and your headlights turn on and off?
I'm very happy with it. Nothing happens when I turn on the high beams since it's low beam only....however, when I try to flash using the highbeams, they turn off and then back on.
I don't have an auto option on my headlights. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to leave your headlights on auto since having them turn off and on within short intervals could possibly decrease the life of the bulbs.
Are these expensive? Are they worth it?
SORRY about all the questions! And thank you for your help!
SORRY about all the questions! And thank you for your help!
Last edited by BR1AN; Aug 3, 2004 at 05:24 PM.
man brian covered almost everything i wanted to say already 
and just to reinforce what brian said, 6000k is dimmer on the road, but if you look at the headlight it might look brigher coz' there are more glare
and just to reinforce what brian said, 6000k is dimmer on the road, but if you look at the headlight it might look brigher coz' there are more glare
Thread Starter
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Gee, thanks guys!! You answered each and every one of my questions!! When I get the chance (and $$$!) I will get the H4 hi/lo 6000K HID kit. I presume Philips is the best. I'll let you know how it looks/lights up.