Installing HIDs

[Izzy]

I used a XenonDepot PnP for my Volvo. That install, apparently, was made more complicated by me. I really wanted hidden ballasts, so when I opened my engine bay, the Volvo techs (during one of the many times I was in the shop) didn't see them...not that they seemed to open my hood to check my CEL anyway.

Anyway, the kit I got (I didn't get the Extreme kit, but the regular kit they sell) came with everything I needed. Ballasts, bulbs, and harness.

Install took me about two hours, though you can probably get it done sooner than that.

Edit: I would like to disclaim that I'm a firm believer in retros.

[08civiclx]

Ok, now for a stupid question, what's the difference between HIDs and retros? I thought I was understanding and now I'm confused.

[Izzy]

A retrofit places projectors in the stock headlights. In my application, I use the TSX projectors and some OEM components (ballasts, bulbs, etc). This is the *real* way to use HIDs for our cars, though it IS expensive. Mine cost about 900$ all said and done.

In any case, since our headlights reflective housing was not made for HIDs in mind, unlike the Lexus IS300's, HIDs tend to give out glare towards the sides and above that is actually annoying and can be dangerous to other motorists.

You also get that star-point thing you see, when you see a TSX or Bimmer going the opposite way from you. It creats a nice cut-off that spreads light wider and further than you would get with just Plug and Play bulbs.

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Here's a close-up:




Retrofit courtesy of Home - CustomLightz - The HID Retrofit Specialist
On for over two years and still running strong!

[08civiclx]

Holy #$%^, I think I am in over my head! So if I buy the pieces from Xenon Depot I will still get the HID look but it won't look exactly like the bimmers? Your civic just has the HIDs, not the retros? I like the way this one looks. Sorry to be so annoying. I would like to do the best I can without spending $900, $250 I'm cool with. Thanks again!

[Izzy]

No, my Civic has the full blown retro treatment.

My old Volvo had just the HIDs. I knew I blinded people with it too, thinking back on it...because just the glare coming from the sides of the headlights were enough to light up a 13' wall.

I did my lighting right this time, so I got a retrofit.

As far as how a PnP kit would look. If you recall the Lexus IS300. Or the Toyota Prius, actually. Those cars are equipped with HIDs with reflective housings. There's no cool twinkly star look to them, just a headlight putting out a pure white light. However, unlike our Civics, those headlights were DESIGNED with HIDs in hand.