Although I haven't really had my HIDs that long (I installed them last night - HID PnP 4300k kit), I've used the stock lights as well as the Silverstar Ultras. Right now I can tell you that you're going to see a significant difference going from stock to HIDs in terms of light output, but beware of the glare that you'll get by not going for a complete retrofit w/ projectors.
Since I didn't have a whole wad of cash lying around, I decided to initially go the Silverstar Ultra route, which worked fine until one burned out after only a little over a year of use. Since I haven't had my HIDs for that long I can't say anything to the life of the HID bulbs, but I'm pretty sure if you get a decent kit, that the bulbs should last over a year if not more. Most kits are 35W kits, which, overall, draw less power than your stock lights.
To sum it up, I say go for it if you want more light output, but go for a good kit, because I'm sure a good kit should make the installation a bit easier. I had to do some modifications to the kit I installed to get it to fit properly.
Here's what I think your options are in terms of best lighting scenarios:
- Stock
- Silverstar Ultras (whiter, brighter light, significant improvement over stock)
- HID PnP retrofit (much brighter, less power, beware of glare/hotspots/etc.)
- HID projector retrofit (BEST cutoff, reduction of glare, very nice look, most costly though)
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
8th Generation Honda Civic Forum
12M posts
157.4K members
Since 2005
We’re a community for 8th Gen 2006 - 2011 Civic owners to discuss performance mods, body kits, Si models, turbo kits and accessories. Come Join the club!