Mavrick

Prior to my 2004 LS430 UL w/PCS, I converted my 2003 Toyota Avalon's OEM 9006 headlights and fogs to HID with the available kits. I have to say I loved the output of light. It made night time driving so easy, not to mention it looked cool.

Learning that the HID conversion kits available for almost every auto are illeagal/not DOT approved.... I wondered if anyone has played around with the available OEM 9006(fog) & 9005(high-beam) fit bulbs on the market?

So far I have seen 4 different SilverStars, the GE Nighthawks, Philips Crystal Vision Ultra's, PIAA' s offering and numerous "generic" brands that claim to be direct OEM HID (without using a ballast).

I also can't seem to find a legit answer as to why some OEM bulbs have silver tips on the glass bulbs. What are the benifits and difference? A new bulb I had't seen before is the new "H.O.D. High Definition Olive Lamps" that claim to be 30-50% brighter than HID... Any info???

During all this research and reviews I came across some info that states changing the Philips or OSRAM HID bulbs to 6000 Kelvin or higher can have negative effects to the lenses of our
beloved LS430's!! Not sure about the projection lens either... I wonder how much or if any of this is true.

So, fellow CL members..... lets all step up and chime in. I know I can't be the only one to wish my Fog's or High's were HID too.

tahiles

HID's are not suited for high beams. High beams are designed to be turned on and off quite a bit and HID's don't lend themselves to this application. That's why your high beams are halogen.

HID's take a little time to reach operating temperature and are designed to be "fired off" with 20,000 volts (or so depending on application) and then be left on.

The best bulb for your high beams hands down are the PIAA Xtreme White bulbs. I've used them in my last four or five cars and don't believe there's anything better!

Mavrick

Tahiles, great info! I knew about the warm up needed for HID's but hadn't thought about the on/off of high beams. What thoughts do you have on Fog lights, or as I use them for additional "driving" lights??

So as far as the PIAA bulbs, I noticed different packages indicating that diierent companies made them. I looked at the "PIAA Xtreme White" you mentioned and just wanted to confirm if those were the specific ones you raved about? Thanks for posting a reply!

C8V6C

I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for HID fog lights...you must have pissed off the wrong cop that day to get that ticket.

Just go with HIDs IMO...

Mavrick

C8V6C, agreed the HID looks and are awesome! I haven't received a ticket for the HID conversion but learned from a State Police officer in my church that non OEM HID lights are illegal. Now I know that there are MANY out there. But If you look on ebay and or search for the question you'll find that they are not DOT approved. I would love to use them but honestly don't want a ticket... it's not worth it to me.

C8V6C

Worst case scenario, it is most likely a fix it ticket...

I'd ride with them, and chances are you would never get a ticket...if you do, swap them out and no fine...at least in NV anyways

LionsGate

You might also try here, those guys live for lumens.

www.hidplanet.com

Stu

I used Silverstars in my last car, the both burned out in less than a year. They seemed slighly brighter.

There are HIR halogen bulbs that are a lot better than all the ones you listed, that output a lot more lumens and last a long time. I bought some from Daniel Stern 3 years ago and they were fantastic.... not sure if he sells them anymore, but he really knows his stuff and if you read this link it answers a lot of questions

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...dvantages.html

I do know if you put HIDs in a halogen lamp, the beam will be unfocused, you will blind other drivers ( dangerous ) and some high wattage bulbs can actually melting your wiring harness .... and are illegal.

Mavrick

I was hoping to get a lot more input from our fellow LS430 owners! So far we have a couple but I know there are MANY more who could speak up.... How about our forum leaders, can you rally the troops??

Thanks to those who have spoken up!! It's Much appreciated!