HID Headlamps anyone?

[Marauder2005]

Well I got 20/100 in Left eye and Leagally blind
in my right eye. I have an eye problem thats corrected
by a certain contact lense. Anyway when I drive at night
my vision is good (with contacts in) The MM headlights are
awsome compared to my old P71. But I wanted to go brighter.
I was considering those HID headlights like you see on the imports.
I was wondering if anyone has these on there MM? If they made a
diffrence and where they got them. Any help or comments is
appreciated.
-Mike

[Fourth Horseman]

Well I got 20/100 in Left eye and Leagally blind
in my right eye. I have an eye problem thats corrected
by a certain contact lense. Anyway when I drive at night
my vision is good (with contacts in) The MM headlights are
awsome compared to my old P71. But I wanted to go brighter.
I was considering those HID headlights like you see on the imports.
I was wondering if anyone has these on there MM? If they made a
diffrence and where they got them. Any help or comments is
appreciated.
-Mike

I'm no expert, but I remember talk that HIDs drew too much wattage and risked melting the headlamp assembly, or connectors or something.

Have you tried Sylvania SilverStars? Mine are considerably brighter than the stocks lamps, and much whiter too. Off the cuff I'd say they're 20% brighter than stock lamps. Well worth the investment. Do a search for SilverStar and you'll see many a thread on them.

[01 Interceptor]

A true HID system involves more than just a bulb. You could buy a 9007 HID kit, but your headlamp housings aren't designed for that type of lighting, and would "throw" light around. It would be brighter, but you would no doubt blind oncoming drivers. Also, HIDs use 35w usually...and generate less heat from what I've read.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what 01 Interceptor said^^^

A true HID conversion would run somewhere in the vicinity of $1000, too...

The bulbs ricers use are not HID, they're usually cheap and poorly-made Chinese halogen bulbs with blue-tinted glass...get the Sylvania SilverStars like Fourth suggested...brighter, whiter, and they seem to last a long time; I've had mine for almost 2 years...

[MERCMAN]

check with barry(Cruztaker), he has special headlamps in his ride for vision problems also :up:

[Bradley G]

The new ones may be better (more stable) I would go with what has been proven.If you go that route (aftermarket) and have a problem it may be expensive to correct!:twocents: Bradley G

[Mike Poore]

check with barry(Cruztaker), he has special headlamps in his ride for vision problems also :up:
Oh, yeh, Barry! He's the one to ask. His have the pop off, quick disconnect, ram air feature. :rofl:

[Marauder]

Reaper has real HIDs. I've been dying to get myself a set but I can't justify losing my high beams...at least not without spoending a fortune!!! I might get some HIDs to replace the fog lights. I did the baffle removal of the fog lights and I tell ya, they are much brighter and since they're low on the car, it doesn't blind drivers.

I myself have Sylvania Silver Stars in the headlights and fog lights. They're not brighter but have a whiter light so they "appear" a bit brighter since they don't look as yellow as stock bulbs. And since they have the same wattage as stock, you're good-to-go!!!

[DVader]

Very nice, but how on earth did you lower the rear air suspension??

[mmmmmmarauder]

LED headlights are the answer...


It was actually on the MSN homepage during this past week
and I remember clicking on it...

They NEVER burn out, run cooler AND brighter...


and yes, they are being made...
it is just a matter of finding them for now...


P.S. there was a photo of some ricer with neon/l.e.d. lightning bolts
on his headlights...they looked OK considering how cheap the car
looked...


p

greekchicago@hotmail.com

[AzMarauder]

Reaper has real HIDs. I've been dying to get myself a set but I can't justify losing my high beams...at least not without spoending a fortune!!! I might get some HIDs to replace the fog lights. I did the baffle removal of the fog lights and I tell ya, they are much brighter and since they're low on the car, it doesn't blind drivers.

I myself have Sylvania Silver Stars in the headlights and fog lights. They're not brighter but have a whiter light so they "appear" a bit brighter since they don't look as yellow as stock bulbs. And since they have the same wattage as stock, you're good-to-go!!!
What is the baffle removal that you are talking about for the Fog Lights?

[looking97233]

PIAA also makes bright white xenon lamps. They even have a one year warrante. They make them for the the headlamps, fogs and, cornering lamps. They are brighter, whiter and, throw the light better(see farther) than the superstars. They are kinda expensive though. I was quoted $175 for all three pair when I was looking at them at the shop when my car was getting painted.

[ultravorx]

Actually, you can buy 9007 kits on ebay for about $250-$400!!
The 250 range will give you japanese bulbs/ballast, which my friend bought for his cadillac and has no problems at all. If you move up to the $400 range, you will get the german bulbs/ballast, which some say are the best. Check out the links!
Frank
Complete german/hella kit $312
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7948042353&category=36476

Complete japanese import kit $235
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7949501037&category=36476

Just make sure you stay 6000k and under, anything over that and you loose light output.

[Krytin]

Actually, you can buy 9007 kits on ebay for about $250-$400!!
The 250 range will give you japanese bulbs/ballast, which my friend bought for his cadillac and has no problems at all. If you move up to the $400 range, you will get the german bulbs/ballast, which some say are the best. Check out the links!
Frank
Complete german/hella kit $312
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7948042353&category=36476

Complete japanese import kit $235
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7949501037&category=36476

Just make sure you stay 6000k and under, anything over that and you loose light output.

Thanks for the 411! Very interesting....

[Joe Walsh]

PIAA also makes bright white xenon lamps. They even have a one year warrante. They make them for the the headlamps, fogs and, cornering lamps. They are brighter, whiter and, throw the light better(see farther) than the superstars. They are kinda expensive though. I was quoted $175 for all three pair when I was looking at them at the shop when my car was getting painted.

PIAAs.....:2thumbs:

MUCH Whiter light than OEM. Also, significantly Brighter light. I've got the PIAA #9007 headlights & the H1 foglights and I wouldn't drive on the OEM bulbs ever again.
(I swapped out only one side initially to compare and the OEMs looked like yellow candles!)

You are right though....$70.00/pr for the #9007....NOT cheap!

[jgc61sr2002]

I would try the silverstar bulbs. They are a very modest investment. Most members on this board who have them seem satisfied.

[Joe Walsh]

I would try the silverstar bulbs. They are a very modest investment. Most members on this board who have them seem satisfied.

I bought the Silverstars for my MM and promptly returned them...They were 'whiter' than the OEM bulbs but definitely not brighter.
I was not impressed by the Silverstars and IMHO they are not worth the investment.
Having installed PIAA bulbs in my 96 Blazer I knew how good the PIAAs were, so I coughed up the $$$ for a set of PIAAs for my Marauder....Oh well, so much for trying to save a little money on the Silverstars.

[michburt]

Reaper has real HIDs. I've been dying to get myself a set but I can't justify losing my high beams...at least not without spoending a fortune!!! I might get some HIDs to replace the fog lights. I did the baffle removal of the fog lights and I tell ya, they are much brighter and since they're low on the car, it doesn't blind drivers.

I myself have Sylvania Silver Stars in the headlights and fog lights. They're not brighter but have a whiter light so they "appear" a bit brighter since they don't look as yellow as stock bulbs. And since they have the same wattage as stock, you're good-to-go!!!
Baffle removal? Is there a thread on this? First time I've heard of this. Of course, it is not unbelievable that I slept through it.

Mike

[Marauder2005]

PIAAs.....:2thumbs:

MUCH Whiter light than OEM. Also, significantly Brighter light. I've got the PIAA #9007 headlights & the H1 foglights and I wouldn't drive on the OEM bulbs ever again.
(I swapped out only one side initially to compare and the OEMs looked like yellow candles!)

You are right though....$70.00/pr for the #9007....NOT cheap!
Wow, that seems like a great option along with the 300.00 coversion
kit. Thanks for a ll the great info

[Marauder]

I bought the Silverstars for my MM and promptly returned them...They were 'whiter' than the OEM bulbs but definitely not brighter.
I was not impressed by the Silverstars and IMHO they are not worth the investment.
Having installed PIAA bulbs in my 96 Blazer I knew how good the PIAAs were, so I coughed up the $$$ for a set of PIAAs for my Marauder....Oh well, so much for trying to save a little money on the Silverstars.

Do you have the PIAA extreme white bulbs? I wanted a set but the price was a bit high. The silverstars are definitely a nice upgrade and are a bit whiter but the light output isn't much brighter.

[Joe Walsh]

Do you have the PIAA extreme white bulbs? I wanted a set but the price was a bit high. The silverstars are definitely a nice upgrade and are a bit whiter but the light output isn't much brighter.

Yep...PIAA #9007 'Extreme White Plus'. Part #19617 (not cheap, but they are BRIGHT!)
Now I've got to get a set of PIAA #3156 Extreme White cornering lamps because compared to the PIAA headlight and fog lights the OEM cornering lamps look like yellow candles!!

[01 Interceptor]

PIAA is a really good brand. I have a set of PIAA Super White from 4 years ago, and they are still going strong! I am trying to find some Japanese import PIAA Super Plasma, or Plasma Spark Bue bulbs...for that HID look w/o the HID price!

[Marauder]

Yep...PIAA #9007 'Extreme White Plus'. Part #19617 (not cheap, but they are BRIGHT!)
Now I've got to get a set of PIAA #3156 Extreme White cornering lamps because compared to the PIAA headlight and fog lights the OEM cornering lamps look like yellow candles!!

How are they in comparison to real HIDs. I've seen some cars with really good looking bulbs (not sure what brand) that you can tell aren't real HIDs but almost fooled me. The silverstars are a good upgrade but I may want a set of PIAAs.

[TheGuardian]

I'm definitely wanting to get a set of "plug-n-play" HIDs for the 9007 size which shouldnt require any retrofitting, but I am worried about if heat will be an issue. I don't want to melt any portion of my casing and I'd rather not be blinding people. You guys say Reaper has them are there any pics in the gallery of his car? Or does he have problems with melting or scattered light blinding other cars?

[Marauder]

I'm definitely wanting to get a set of "plug-n-play" HIDs for the 9007 size which shouldnt require any retrofitting, but I am worried about if heat will be an issue. I don't want to melt any portion of my casing and I'd rather not be blinding people. You guys say Reaper has them are there any pics in the gallery of his car? Or does he have problems with melting or scattered light blinding other cars?

Most 9007 HID kits are plug and play with no mods or retrofitting required. Only down side is 95% of the kits are low beam only and you're lose your high beams.

As far as meelting, HIDs run a ton cooler than OEM bulbs. you can almost touch the HID capsule while on....they get slightly warm but not hot at all. The actually even use much less power than OEM bulbs.

Here is Reaper948's gallery. :)
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/209

[TheGuardian]

Most 9007 HID kits are plug and play with no mods or retrofitting required. Only down side is 95% of the kits are low beam only and you're lose your high beams.

As far as meelting, HIDs run a ton cooler than OEM bulbs. you can almost touch the HID capsule while on....they get slightly warm but not hot at all. The actually even use much less power than OEM bulbs.

Here is Reaper948's gallery. :)
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/209

Wow thanks for the quick response. That's good news, I knew they pulled less charge to power but I had heard they generated more heat...which didn't make much sense haha Less energy required + more light = more heat than normal? I didn't think so. I honestly don't care about losing my high beams so it looks like I'm all go to get these. Reapers must be 8k+ I'm going to be keeping it below 6500 and going for a more factory look. I'd rather not draw extra attention from police and get an equipment violation or citation hehe

[Marauder]

Wow thanks for the quick response. That's good news, I knew they pulled less charge to power but I had heard they generated more heat...which didn't make much sense haha Less energy required + more light = more heat than normal? I didn't think so. I honestly don't care about losing my high beams so it looks like I'm all go to get these. Reapers must be 8k+ I'm going to be keeping it below 6500 and going for a more factory look. I'd rather not draw extra attention from police and get an equipment violation or citation hehe

Yes...he has an 8000k kit. Has more of a blue tint than OEM HID lighting. I prefer 6000k. 6000k is very white with a very very slight aqua blue color...not a deeper blue or purple.

I think Lexus IS300 is 6000k....Acura TL is 7000k....S-Class (1997-2002) Mercedes is also 7000k.

[jgc61sr2002]

The Guardian - Welcome to the site. :welcome:

[MENINBLK]

Wow thanks for the quick response. That's good news, I knew they pulled less charge to power but I had heard they generated more heat...which didn't make much sense haha Less energy required + more light = more heat than normal? I didn't think so. I honestly don't care about losing my high beams so it looks like I'm all go to get these. Reapers must be 8k+ I'm going to be keeping it below 6500 and going for a more factory look. I'd rather not draw extra attention from police and get an equipment violation or citation hehe

The Less Energy = More Light Output has to do with the GAS inside the HID Bulb.
Halogen bulbs use exactly that, Halogen gas.
You put a 55w element inside the bulb and when you run power through it,
the energy excites the Halogen gas, and it in turn amplifies the light output.

Now HID bulbs, use Mercury Vapor, Metal Halide, Sodium, or Xenon.
Each of these gases produce a slightly different color,
and also require different electrical systems to work.
The gases these bulbs use are more efficient at amplifying light, so less power is required to produce the same amount of light,
and since they also produce a higher frequency of light, their light output is also greater than an equivalent Halogen.

[TheGuardian]

The Guardian - Welcome to the site. :welcome:

Thanks man :beer:

Yea the 6000 color temp is what I like, I'm hoping they won't be TOO blue/purple as I don't want too much extra attention since I'm not supposed to have them in the first place, technically. I'm going with 6000k off of Phillips bulbs and ballasts..so as soon as I get them ordered and installed I'll post some pics.

[Blackened300a]

Gentlemen I have your Answer, go to ultrabrightlights.com They have 9007 kits for $300 complete with bulbs,balasts,and wiring harness that protects your cars electrical system. Its all plug and Play. My Friend just ordered the 5300 kit for his 02 Lincoln LS and the Lights are true HID and are just as Bright as any BMW or Mercedes out there I shall be ordering my kit next week

[wchain]

Gentlemen I have your Answer, go to ultrabrightlights.com They have 9007 kits for $300 complete with bulbs,balasts,and wiring harness that protects your cars electrical system. Its all plug and Play. My Friend just ordered the 5300 kit for his 02 Lincoln LS and the Lights are true HID and are just as Bright as any BMW or Mercedes out there I shall be ordering my kit next week


Just talked to the good people at Ultrabrightlights.com about a group buy, see related thread here
Here (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=247490#post24 7490)