H I D light conversion

[tezza]

Hi again , has anyone got any info on h i d headlamp conversions, not the zenon bulbs, but the proper kit with transformer etc thats a hundred quid odd ta for any info as my headlights would come 3rd to fireflies and glowworms!!

[toomanytoys]

Well.. What you need to do is have a look at the glass on the headlamp.. if it doesnt say "H4" in the middle then they are the really crap ones and HID in them wont be that much better..
2nd is to use good quality bulbs (been using the Philips extremes and they are good)
3rd is to fit seperate power via relays to get the max voltage at the bulb.. the headlamp switch cant cope witht he power, gets hot and drags the voltage down...

The lights will be great after that.. and will be better than the HID's in the crappy non H4 headlamps.. or go for the HID's in a set of new H4 headlamps..

What I did notice a while back when I investigated HID's, there are several types out there and some are better than others..

[Simon Baxter]

HID conversions are great, just not legal.

For HID's to be legal they need to be used in a headlight that is designed to be used with HID bulbs, T3 headlamps were not designed to be used with HID conversions, so their light output is somehwat scattered, and can dazzle oncoming traffic.

For HIDs to be legal you must have self levelling headlights, that means fitting a sensor to the suspension that alters the headlamp aim depending on the loading of the vehicle and suspension position.

For HIDs to be legal then you need headlamp washers.

FACT.

You can put them in, they will work, you will see much better, they will use less energy, you will dazzle people but probably get away with it.
It only takes one clued up copper and they will have to come off.

[toomanytoys]

I knew Si would be along with the right info on law..
I seem to remember that HID also required to have headlamp washers dont they?

So, H4+bulbs+ relay = as good as it gets...

[Simon Baxter]

Like I said above!

[Simon Baxter]

Dunno if this is part of the answer.
http://www.hids4u.co.uk/h4-hid-converte ... r-188.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Doesn't say if it is type approved for use with HID lights.
I think the regulations regarding this are ECE R98 and ECE R99

[CovKid]

I mentioned this a year ago but I was stuck with candle power myself. The simplest way to solve it is wire them direct to battery with uprated cable and relays but I found a headlight 'booster' which transformed mine to a bright white light (along with fitting Osram Silverstar bulbs which are good anyway). It still uses relays but gives the voltage a boost and I've not had a bulb blow in all that time. Took AGES to set them right and I had to swing them down much lower than normal but they pass the MOT ok and I've done numerous checks to make sure they don't dazzle. Probably best upgrade I ever did actually.

P.S. I also replaced sidelight bulbs for 10mm LEDs and they give a very slight (though barely noticeable) tinge of blue to headlamps.

[tezza]

so guys to see where i'm going and not break the law it seems h4 headlamps and decent bulbs may be the answer? thanks by the way

[CovKid]

Yep - Osram Silverstars (or equivalent) and nice fat cable plus relays - lose the yellow, in with the white. Legal too

p.s. What I can NEVER understand is why so many young drivers fit HID and/or have driving lamps on permanently. By the time you hit 50 like me, even reading has to be in a strong light so whiter lights are a boon, but HIDs are over the top to my mind and annoying. You can definately improve T25 lighting without going that far.

[tezza]

thanks covkid, if i sort the lights out i'll be able to retire the old boy with the torch i have walking in front!!! by the way i'm over 60 and know exactly what you mean about white light my offside lamp is h4 the nearside isnt only 1 to buy then; result!!

[CovKid]

The Osram Silverstar bulbs are worth buying over standard ones as they really brighten the headlights markedly but fitting relays and heavier cable direct from the battery make the biggest difference of all., As for the old man with the bullseye torch, you sure its not Moore Marriot in search of one-eyed Joe the Miller?

Few under 50 would get that one (sniff)...

This will prove useful although we ought to put a really easy guide in the WIKI http://www.keithandsylvia.co.uk/tech%20 ... pgrade.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;