Info about HID Conversions

JapTrapLove · 03-25-2007, 06:16 AM

I have done several HID Conversion installs over the past 2 years, one of which was on a 2004 Civic with 9006 low beam bulbs. After reading many of these threads, it seems that some people are not entirely informed and many of their questions are not be answered.

First, in my most humbled opinion, HIDs are the single most important mod on any car. They are relatively inexpensive if you know who to buy from (i.e. not neccesarily from people or sponsors on this site). They last forever unlike halogen, they are much safer, more energy efficient, and always catch peoples' eyes.

HID bulbs are rated by temperature in Kelvin (K). The lower the kelvin the more yellow the light. The higher the kelvin, the more bluish-purple the light. Contrary to popular belief, HID output is a bell curve. Most companies don't make bulbs that have a temperature under 3000K, which is a very deep yellow color. Most OEM HID headlights (like BMW and Acura) are somewhere around 4300K. As you go hotter, the color of the light goes from whiteish to blue, to purple. For example, a 6000K HID kit will be bright white with a slight tint of blue. An 8000K HID kit will be a deep blue. And a 10,000K kit will look purple. The catch is that the hotter the temperature the less light output. HID light output peaks right between 4000k and 5000K, which is why stock HIDs usually fall within those temps. I would not recommend going higher than 8000K because any hotter and you will notice the lower light output. However, an 8000K HID will still be almost twice as bright as the stock halogen bulbs. So, if you want to look like an Acura, buy a 6000K kit. If you want more blue, buy an 8000K kit. Both are bright, but the whiteish blue 6000K will put out more light than the pure blue 8000K.

8th Gen. Civics have 9006 low beams and 9005 high beams. Unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you shouldn't really worry about the high beams, no one sees them because you turn them off when other vehicles are around. Having said this, if you buy a kit for your 9006 low beams, it will not affect your high beams in any way. They are completely separate. I see many people worrying about bulbs sizes and stuff. A 9006 bulbs is also labeled as a HB4 or something like that. Its the same bulb, so when shopping for a kit, buy one that is a 9006.

The installs are fairly simple. Its all plug and play. All owner's manuals have simple instructions on how to replace headlight bulbs. Once the stock bulb is out, replace it with the HID 9006. Find a dry place away from extreme heat to mount the ballasts and ignitors. Clean the surfaces with windex and mount them using double sided tape. It is also a good idea to wrap electrical tape around all connections to keep out moisture and dust.

Every quality kit comes with 2 bulbs, 2 ballasts, and 2 ignitors and wiring harness. Ignitors are little black boxes that are smaller than the ballasts. While I'm on this topic, I should explain how HID (xenon) works. The electricity travels through the ballast/ignitor and then into the bulb. Each bulb is filled with xenon gas. When the electricity touches the gas it heats up the molecules which makes light. There is no burning filiment, and when your HIDs are on, you will notice that your headlights are pretty cool to the touch. Unlike halogens which make your headlights very hot to the touch.

I guess that is all for now. Feel free to ask me anything. I don't know it all but I can try to help. I also know of the best kits and good places to buy. I use ProLumen kits on my cars. They are usually around $225 and always come with a lifetime warranty. I have had them in three going on four of my own vehicles and have never had a single problem.

__________________________________________________ _

Mark S.

rookietl · 03-25-2007, 08:15 PM

Good write up. thank you. How long does it take to install one of this kits and is the wiring plug and play.If so what kit from # you. buy from prolumen

Si4Life · 03-25-2007, 09:25 PM

damn, good write up......you got anything else to do?

furrowjj · 03-25-2007, 09:32 PM

Thanks for the info

striker_1818 · 03-25-2007, 09:32 PM

lol sorry but that was funny

Si4Life · 03-25-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by striker_1818

lol sorry but that was funny

i like your dog.

striker_1818 · 03-25-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Si4Life

i like your dog.

join the Dog-Avatar Squad!
but hmm bulbs are rated at 35w bc the ballasts supply that power to the ignitor so the bulb can be ignited...the car is not powering the bulb but the ballast...

Si4Life · 03-25-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by striker_1818

join the Dog-Avatar Squad!
but hmm bulbs are rated at 35w bc the ballasts supply that power to the ignitor so the bulb can be ignited...the car is not powering the bulb but the ballast...

yay... im in the dog avatar squad

JapTrapLove · 03-26-2007, 08:44 AM

Okay, I guess I'm an idiot and couldn't find my original post so I hope no one is holding their breath for a response. Anyways, yes, I had nothing else to do. I was at work. Some might not like this idea, but I have bought three HID kits from www.umnitza.com. Its a site that is basically for Euro cars especially BMWs. I used them all the time when I had my 328. They don't sell the kits online, or at least I can't find them, but just call the number and talk to the guy. He knows everything there is to know about the ProLumen kits. And he gives you the lifetime warranty. All these kits that I see around some of these other sites are crap. If its not ProLumen or Philips...I wouldn't buy it. (And Philips are Effing expensive). BTW, ProLumen is the HID maker for several companies such as Nissan and Acura. So there is the balls to back up the brains. Oh, and a 9006 kit should take under two hours on an 8th gen civic. It would be easier but it takes more time to find the space to work in the engine bay.

striker_1818 · 03-26-2007, 11:07 AM

it sounds like you're trying to get people to buy the product...kinda making you into a profit benefitiary...

Si4Life · 03-26-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by striker_1818

it sounds like you're trying to get people to buy the product...kinda making you into a profit benefitiary...

hmmmm.....i like your theory Columbo. lol

**ethlar** · 03-26-2007, 11:57 AM

I thought we were past these threads, why argue with Striker about HID kits vs retros and whatnot, i dont think there are many people on here who know more than he does on the subject

btw, striker when did you stop being VIP?

striker_1818 · 03-26-2007, 11:59 AM

a week ago lol
I'm trying to save up money for my tuitin next semester...5K i gotta pay on my own

Si4Life · 03-26-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by striker_1818

a week ago lol
I'm trying to save up money for my tuitin next semester...5K i gotta pay on my own

i hear that. i have a 65k student loan monkey on my back.

striker_1818 · 03-26-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Si4Life

i hear that. i have a 65k student loan monkey on my back.

that's why i dont ask for a loan anymore and I'm trying to sell my car as well to pay it all off and be debt-free for once...

**wing_gundam** · 03-26-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by striker_1818

that's why i dont ask for a loan anymore and I'm trying to sell my car as well to pay it all off and be debt-free for once...

at least start making projectors/retros for members... maybe that could help pay for school?

FusionSi11 · 03-26-2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wing_gundam

at least start making projectors/retros for members... maybe that could help pay for school?

now this ^^ guy is smart....ya striker....ill be your first victim....i want me some HIDs....custom lightz does good work...but mucho expensive....so if u give me a good price, im down.

poizun · 03-26-2007, 01:16 PM

Where's there a good spot to mount the ballasts and ignitors?

And I, too, would be interested in inquiring about this newfound retro service...

striker_1818 · 03-26-2007, 03:46 PM

I got 2 retrofit projects for a 96 civic and another for a tyc projector swap for a 94 civic sedan...
trying to fit e55 in there and well retrofitting takes mine and that's what i dont got...
specially when igot fired last week = no income

ABM JDM · 03-27-2007, 04:41 PM

To the OP, great post, great info. I don't know if HIDs are the most important mod, but they are very nice. For some, the light output does not justify the substantial price jump from the best non-HID solution, HIR bulbs. Of course, I and my Xenondepot kit think it's worth it.

03-25-2007, 06:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
JapTrapLove Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 62 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Info about HID Conversions I have done several HID Conversion installs over the past 2 years, one of which was on a 2004 Civic with 9006 low beam bulbs. After reading many of these threads, it seems that some people are not entirely informed and many of their questions are not be answered. First, in my most humbled opinion, HIDs are the single most important mod on any car. They are relatively inexpensive if you know who to buy from (i.e. not neccesarily from people or sponsors on this site). They last forever unlike halogen, they are much safer, more energy efficient, and always catch peoples' eyes. HID bulbs are rated by temperature in Kelvin (K). The lower the kelvin the more yellow the light. The higher the kelvin, the more bluish-purple the light. Contrary to popular belief, HID output is a bell curve. Most companies don't make bulbs that have a temperature under 3000K, which is a very deep yellow color. Most OEM HID headlights (like BMW and Acura) are somewhere around 4300K. As you go hotter, the color of the light goes from whiteish to blue, to purple. For example, a 6000K HID kit will be bright white with a slight tint of blue. An 8000K HID kit will be a deep blue. And a 10,000K kit will look purple. The catch is that the hotter the temperature the less light output. HID light output peaks right between 4000k and 5000K, which is why stock HIDs usually fall within those temps. I would not recommend going higher than 8000K because any hotter and you will notice the lower light output. However, an 8000K HID will still be almost twice as bright as the stock halogen bulbs. So, if you want to look like an Acura, buy a 6000K kit. If you want more blue, buy an 8000K kit. Both are bright, but the whiteish blue 6000K will put out more light than the pure blue 8000K. 8th Gen. Civics have 9006 low beams and 9005 high beams. Unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you shouldn't really worry about the high beams, no one sees them because you turn them off when other vehicles are around. Having said this, if you buy a kit for your 9006 low beams, it will not affect your high beams in any way. They are completely separate. I see many people worrying about bulbs sizes and stuff. A 9006 bulbs is also labeled as a HB4 or something like that. Its the same bulb, so when shopping for a kit, buy one that is a 9006. The installs are fairly simple. Its all plug and play. All owner's manuals have simple instructions on how to replace headlight bulbs. Once the stock bulb is out, replace it with the HID 9006. Find a dry place away from extreme heat to mount the ballasts and ignitors. Clean the surfaces with windex and mount them using double sided tape. It is also a good idea to wrap electrical tape around all connections to keep out moisture and dust. Every quality kit comes with 2 bulbs, 2 ballasts, and 2 ignitors and wiring harness. Ignitors are little black boxes that are smaller than the ballasts. While I'm on this topic, I should explain how HID (xenon) works. The electricity travels through the ballast/ignitor and then into the bulb. Each bulb is filled with xenon gas. When the electricity touches the gas it heats up the molecules which makes light. There is no burning filiment, and when your HIDs are on, you will notice that your headlights are pretty cool to the touch. Unlike halogens which make your headlights very hot to the touch. I guess that is all for now. Feel free to ask me anything. I don't know it all but I can try to help. I also know of the best kits and good places to buy. I use ProLumen kits on my cars. They are usually around $225 and always come with a lifetime warranty. I have had them in three going on four of my own vehicles and have never had a single problem. __________________________________________________ _ Mark S.

03-26-2007, 11:57 AM	#12 (permalink)
ethlar ______ Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 8,928 iTrader: 3 / 100%	I thought we were past these threads, why argue with Striker about HID kits vs retros and whatnot, i dont think there are many people on here who know more than he does on the subject btw, striker when did you stop being VIP? __________________ 8thCivic FAQ Last edited by ethlar; 03-26-2007 at 12:02 PM.

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03-25-2007, 08:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
rookietl Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kingston Posts: 40 Barrie iTrader: 0 / 0%	Good write up. thank you. How long does it take to install one of this kits and is the wiring plug and play.If so what kit from # you. buy from prolumen

03-25-2007, 09:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Si4Life Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hopewell Junction Posts: 2,131 Whos High Pitch? iTrader: 0 / 0%	damn, good write up......you got anything else to do?

03-25-2007, 09:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
furrowjj Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 215 Jeff iTrader: 1 / 100%	Thanks for the info

03-25-2007, 09:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
striker_1818 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 9,114 I HATE Stephanie iTrader: 18 / 100%	lol sorry but that was funny

03-26-2007, 08:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
JapTrapLove Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 62 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Okay, I guess I'm an idiot and couldn't find my original post so I hope no one is holding their breath for a response. Anyways, yes, I had nothing else to do. I was at work. Some might not like this idea, but I have bought three HID kits from www.umnitza.com. Its a site that is basically for Euro cars especially BMWs. I used them all the time when I had my 328. They don't sell the kits online, or at least I can't find them, but just call the number and talk to the guy. He knows everything there is to know about the ProLumen kits. And he gives you the lifetime warranty. All these kits that I see around some of these other sites are crap. If its not ProLumen or Philips...I wouldn't buy it. (And Philips are Effing expensive). BTW, ProLumen is the HID maker for several companies such as Nissan and Acura. So there is the balls to back up the brains. Oh, and a 9006 kit should take under two hours on an 8th gen civic. It would be easier but it takes more time to find the space to work in the engine bay.

03-26-2007, 11:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
striker_1818 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 9,114 I HATE Stephanie iTrader: 18 / 100%	it sounds like you're trying to get people to buy the product...kinda making you into a profit benefitiary...

03-26-2007, 11:59 AM	#13 (permalink)
striker_1818 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 9,114 I HATE Stephanie iTrader: 18 / 100%	a week ago lol I'm trying to save up money for my tuitin next semester...5K i gotta pay on my own

03-26-2007, 01:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
poizun Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Great Mills, Maryland Age: 23 Posts: 442 Dan iTrader: 0 / 0%	Where's there a good spot to mount the ballasts and ignitors? And I, too, would be interested in inquiring about this newfound retro service...

03-26-2007, 03:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
striker_1818 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 9,114 I HATE Stephanie iTrader: 18 / 100%	I got 2 retrofit projects for a 96 civic and another for a tyc projector swap for a 94 civic sedan... trying to fit e55 in there and well retrofitting takes mine and that's what i dont got... specially when igot fired last week = no income

03-27-2007, 04:41 PM	#20 (permalink)
ABM JDM Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 328 JDABM fan iTrader: 0 / 0%	To the OP, great post, great info. I don't know if HIDs are the most important mod, but they are very nice. For some, the light output does not justify the substantial price jump from the best non-HID solution, HIR bulbs. Of course, I and my Xenondepot kit think it's worth it.