| Author | Message | ||
     Never2late |
I am considering changing my stock 55W bulb out for a higher wattage bulb, either a 90 of 100 watt bulb. I am concerned that it might be too hot for the stock plastic headlight housing. I've done it on my S1 with a glass lense with no problem. Any recomendation/thoughts? | ||
| Foximus |
I probably would not worry about it. They can handle pretty high heats, more than most people give them credit for. I have a spare h4 bixenon HID bulb if your interested. You'd just have to buy a ballast. | ||
| Never2late |
Thanks for the offer, being overloaded with projects I'll probably just go the cheap simple route and grab a bulb and give it a shot. | ||
| Foximus |
cool. ;] Try different combinations of hi beam lights. | ||
| Eshardball |
Post your results. My S3 headlight is a very bright candle and I live in Whitetail country | ||
| Dfbutler |
Look @ PIAA web site, bright bulbs lower wattage. Too much wattage generates higher heat and can melt reflector. If that happens, you'll have a much bigger project on your hands. | ||
| Never2late |
Yep, good call on the PIAA site, looks just like what I need. | ||
| Kalali |
"...bright bulbs lower wattage." You mean higher wattage, right? | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
I put on a DDM HID that makes daylight. It is almost too bright in some situations. Following a car at night really lights them up  even on low beam but at least now I can SEE where I am going. Cost was $50.00 and installation was easy. | ||
| Never2late |
Great, Now you have me looking at HID units. I find the more light I have in front of me the happier I am. Thanks for the info..  | ||
| Foximus |
Yes... DDM is the best. If you order one, the bulb i have is their kit. In case you want to change color sometime. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I put on a DDM HID that makes daylight. It is almost too bright in some situations. Following a car at night really lights them up even on low beam but at least now I can SEE where I am going. Cost was $50.00 and installation was easy. +1, I have the same. | ||
| Midnight_rider |
which bulb color did you use? | ||
| Foximus |
3000. It was super bright yellow with a bit of a lime green hue to it. But that was because I used a 55watt ballast with it. a 35 watt ballast would have made it less green. On my new setup I will be using my 55watt ballast for a 6000k bulb and a 35watt ballast for a 4300k bulb which the manufacturer swears to me will shine bright yellow... ( I have my doubts though) | ||
| Foximus |
Here's a clip of my HID. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4aZ_V79u64&feature =player_embedded#at=17 | ||
| Xl1200r |
4300K should be pretty close to white. I think 4500-5000K is considered pure white. I have a 55w 5000K bulb in my S3. The 55w will wash out whatever color there is. I had 5000K in my car but they were only 35w and they were a tiny bit more blue. My S3 looks pure white to my eyes. | ||
| Foximus |
Yea well... I get my orders drop shipped from the factory in china, so who knows what their standards are. He told me they could not produce 3000k bulbs for me, but that 4300 would shine bright yellow. He also told me not to get 5000k, because 6000 was MORE white. so Who knows. I guess I'll find out when it arrives. | ||
| Never2late |
See if this helps.  | ||
| Kalali |
Great reference chart. Thanks for posting. | ||
| Preybird1 |
I am using an 8k xenon bulb at 100 watts for my low beam and it does not over heat! It does get hotter but no problems i have noticed. I just consider it an even swap for power as i went to led turn signals. They free up some watts. | ||
| Mark61 |
I took the plastic headlight out of my '99 S3 and replaced it with a glass halogen from an ATV. Kawi I think. Had to make adapters to bolt it on. Piece of 3/4"x3/4" angle about 4" long drilled in 3 places. Went from having yellowish looking light to nice and crisp white light. No worries about melting that bulb housing! |
