mikeBal

I have been searching around about HID fog lights, and would like to but a set of 4300K bulbs. I have seen one or two people say they run without, but for the majority i cant really tell.

If I get 35W bulbs is a ballast still needed as the max is already wired for that wattage, or will it surge?

Also any reputable dealers with good prices for bulbs?

TallTom

All HID bulbs need ballasts to run and they come with the HID kits.

I got my fog HID kit from VVME.

bennuss

Which ones did you get and can you post a picture?

incubus0111

Where did you read about people running HIDs without a ballast? You are probably reading about a harness.

vq4thgen4life

DDMTuning(DOT)com FTW

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

HID requires a ballast, period. A typical stock bulb (such as on our fog lights) is an incandescent bulb that runs straight off 12volts.

I recommend if going to HID for your fogs to only run an H3c (shorty) bulb so you avoid hitting the reflector and possibly damaging the bulb. Also, only run a 35 watt system. Any larger (such as 55w plus) will significantly reduce bulb life and create significantly more heat, making it more likely your glass housings will crack.

There are a handful of decent eBay kits out there for cheap. I won't talk about high end stuff since it sounds like you're trying to save a buck. Some good kits would be DDM and GP Thunder. I've got a few GP kits, no complaints or failures yet. Supposed to be Korean made and great quality for the price (usually $40). I've also had a couple DDM kits that lasted for years.

mikeBal

I would say I am looking for the best bang for my buck. I am wanting my lights for viability and style. I am looking for something that will last a long time and thinning I will go with 4300K bulbs to match the OEM headlights.

I just looked at the "DDM HID Kit With Slim Ballast" it looks decent but as Its been said that they are a little lower end I might see what some better equipment will run me.

george__

iTrader: (1)

http://ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-HI...ast-35W-or-55W

TallTom

the hardest part will be finding 4300k bulbs. Most aftermarket are 5000k which is ever so slightly bluer.

the only 4300k I ever found were from VVME. I have their 3000k and it's been holding up well for the last nine months.

http://www.vvme.com/hid-headlights/s...headlights-kit

clintb3astwood

iTrader: (10)

Morimoto ftw. Theretrofitsource.com

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I've got 2 sets of HID fogs FS. 8k and 6k bulbs too.

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

^^^----- And there ya go OP. Get a good used kit. You can buy bulbs to match. I will add though, I was like you....all 4 of my HID are stock color 4300k. I can see well. But, I honestly think now that I would enjoy and benifit more from 5000k color. I installed 6000k in my wife's Jeep. It's still nice and clear, but very noticeably blue looking at it. When driving there is a blue tint, but its not horrible. So, I'm just suggesting go with 43000k OR 5000k- I think you'll be happy with either.

I've found 4300k are pretty easy to find actually. Morimoto is top notch stuff.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I strongly agree.

MaxMike93

DDM offers 4500k bulbs which I imagine would be as close as you can get from them to match OEM. I have 5000k and I think the output is great. And they match all the 5000k LEDs I have in my interior/city lights/side markers from VLEDs.

mikeBal

I think I have decided. I am likely going to order the kit from vvme with the 4300k bulbs.
It think that will be a good fit for me. I will probably look around a bit more and order my decision tonight.

I will check when I have a bit more time, but if anyone knows off the top of there head is installation the same for Canadian cars?

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

Should be the same as best I know. These kits are very simple. No running power wires or anything. One end plugs into the factory harness and the other end then conexts to the HID bulb.

You will need to adjust your shield to beat ensure clearance with the tip of the bulb (since I'm assuming you didn't get the H3c bulb). You will also need to drill out roughly a 1" or 3/4" hole in the fog housing cap to fit the bulb through. The bulbs should come with a rubber grommet to fill the hole cut and seal it back up. Make sure not to cut the hole larger than the rubber grommet or risk moisture coating the inside of the fog lens. Good luck cleaning that!

mikeBal

Thank you guys for all the help.

As I said I was still looking i have settled on this kit Digital Slim H3C HID headlight Kit
as it is a H3C I should not need to adjust the bulbs, and just need to drill the holes.

The instructions online appear pretty straight forward, and I am looking forwards to this mod.

george__

iTrader: (1)

^
Their shipping rate kills the deal

Why are they so much more money?

Would it OVERPOWER the stock HID?

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

George, simple concept of you get what you pay for. Although the DDM and Thunder units are above average compared to other ebay crap, it's still not as good as Morimoto.

SSJRICH

Should have gone LED...

mikeBal

Led is good for show, but doesn't it provide little/no functional light?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Neither does an HID bulb in a non-HID housing.

I've been through a couple of sets of ballasts and bulbs, and neither is as good as the PIAA halogens that have been reviewed on here time and time again. Great color match for the OEM or even 6k headlights, and far better light output.

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

HIDs in halogen reflectors = gay.

Get projectors or run better quality halogens.

george__

iTrader: (1)

Any pics of H3c + 3000K combo from Morimoto on Maximas?

SSJRICH

You guys are on glue! My LED PIAA's throw TONS of light.... have you ever seen an LED off road light bar on a truck or jeep... Mental amount of light...


Do a little research. LED's are on par with projector HID's and don't get stupid hot.

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

It depends on the LEDs used and the reflector design.. But cheap little plug and play H3 LED bulbs won't even perform as well as a stock 55W halogen bulbs let alone a 35W HID kit.

Pics of your bulbs and output? I'd love to see.

SSJRICH

Not that you can tell by this picture, but this is what I have





Here is the Link


http://www.piaa.com/store/p/188-LP-5...Light-Kit.aspx


I have the driving version, they also have a fog version.

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

Interesting. Although I don't think driving lights are a fair comparison, those do look nice for LED. I don't think they'd beat a proper HID projector set up though.

I wish hey had output shots of the fog versions.

TallTom

How do you keep those $280 lights from breaking from flying rocks?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I would NEVER use my light bar on the Pathy on the street. Unless of course it was the zombie apocalypse, I'd make the exception then.

SSJRICH

They have covers, but like any lights at the front of a vehicle, its just luck...




For those sceptics, Ill try to take some night shots so you can see what a proper LED light can do. If you have an LED light bar, then you know the power of a good LED setup... AND you are never going to melt a housing wiring harness cause they don't run at a billion degrees.

And like most people have stated, HID's in a non projector isn't that great (even tho stock HIDS are non projector....) In my Altima if definitely helped me out with lighting the road, but I am 100% sure it pissed the hell out of everybody else.


The problem I had with the aftermarket HID's in my Altima was the heat... They worked great, looked awesome, but I was always worried I was going to melt something...

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Jesus, calm down man. They’re only fog lights. For real offroad driving, an LED bar is great, but for where I take my on-road vehicle, I’m fine with halogen PIAA’s. And I’ve been as stated prior, a few couple of different sets of HID’s in the OEM housing. Aside from that, LED’s and a good fog set-up are expensive, if only doing fogs on an on road vehicle.

Also, as you probably know, HID's typically tun lower wattage than the OEM/standard halogens, so not sure the issue with your Altima.

SSJRICH

Umm ok... calm down... When was I not calm?? Did I write a huge essay about fog lights, running into a huge spec sheet and then rage typing about car forum edicate etc.


ANYWAYS - just because the HID run lower wattage (usually 35W) it doesn't mean that they are not hot... especially the ballast. And depending on the quality of HID set you get, the cheaper they are, the hotter they get... Myself and my techs that work at the shop have burnt themselves many a time on cheap HID setups...


And yes I agree that in the city (with city lighting) you probably never would need to use fog lights... Highway driving on low or non lit roads is more what I would figure as necessary for fog or extra "driving" lights.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

nishfish871

iTrader: (5)

I've been running a eBay kit for over 4 years. Changed the bulbs a few months ago because one cracked. The ballasts are still doing well though. DDM is the same as eBay stuff but you get the warranty.