Can I use a Xtreme White or Super Plasma 9004 bulb in the high beams on my 2K2? Are there any special considerations other than wattage? I've read threads about beam pattern (vertical vs. horizontal), melting harnesses, and other stuff -- didn't know there was that much to know, and none of the threads actually answered this question.

So has anyone replaced their stock high-beam bulbs in the HID setup? What bulbs did you use?

 

Why would you want to replace actual HID for imitation HID? That just does not make any sense at all....your current lights are brighter than any of those imitation bulbs.

 

No. The bulbs you need are 9005. I have a set on Mini Max 9005's in the high beams.

You can go with any brand you want but make sure they are the 9005/65W.

 

high beams -- only the low-beams are HID, the highs are a regular halogen bulb

 

Thanks ... even after reading all the threads I could find I had the bulb-type wrong!

 

You know I considered this at first, since I like to change the "night-time" look of my Max and I've swapped out the major bulbs. However, then I realized I would be spending $60+ on something NOBODY would see or care to see.

I mean why change the HIGH beam, NOBODY is going to see it unless your a d!ck and drive around with your HIGH beams on and even then, why would they care what color light your blinding them with?

Sorry, but I realized I could spend the $60+ on something a little more "useful".

 

$60 I only spent $15 on mine. I can't see myself spending that much on high beam bulbs.

 

Yeah, I obviously don't plan on people "seeing" the lights (i.e. driving around with my high-beams on in their face) but I live where there are still little rural roads (with little traffic) on the back way into my neighborhood and there are lots of deer back there. The HIDs illuminate things better than the halogens, due in large part to the light color and how it aids reflection and depth perception, so I want the high-K lights on my high beams as well, rather than halogens.

In fact, that picture in my sig is taken right off the side of one of those roads. The back entrance to my new neighborhood is about a 1/4 mile up the road on the right.

 

I spent $20 on mine...Eaglight Xenons

http://midnightmoose.com/9005.htm

They have a bluish tint to them but damn are they bright on back roads. They look great with the HIDs. Now I just have to replace those little lights in the corner so I can get rid of all the yellowish tint from my car.

 

Xtreme Whites and Super Plasmas are MORE than $60. If you got a hook, hook me up.

 

Both Xtreme Whites and Super Plasmas will give you a different COLOR output, but not BRIGHTER output.

They are for looks, not seeing more on dark roads. Unless.....you upgrade to higher wattage, but then you need to upgrade the wiring. I've already upgraded the wiring, so I will eventually add higher wattage bulbs for more OUTPUT not color.

 

My bad there killer! I must have missed the HIGH BEAM, sorry about that.

 

So when they say the brightness is 85% better than standard halogens, allowing a 60W lamp put out a light equivalent to 110W std halogens, they're just lying? Just curious how they make that claim then. But the color actually does have something to do with better visibility, anyway.

BTW, I can get the PIAA Xtreme Whites for under $60 shipped on eBay.

 

Yes, somewhat. More accurately bending the truth. They claim "85% better", but they are referring to Kelvin rating(K). They are giving you a BS number as a benchmark that theirs is better when in fact all that is different is color. An increase in Kelvin(color) decreases Lumens(visible light the human eye reacts to), therefore dingy crappy yellow light is more USEFUL light for visibility than white/blue color light.

Lumens are what you want to INCREASE NOT Kelvin.

Check out these links:
http://www.hitechimportlighting.com/techinfofaq.htm
http://www.autolamps-online.com/gasd...1to5centre.htm


Post that link on ebay, would ya! Thanks.

 

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/info/bulbs/superwhites/

In summary...

1)PIAA are for LOOKS NOT OUTPUT.

2)Overwattage bulbs increase output, but you need to upgrade the harness and/or run directly off the battery(using relays of course ) to safely and fully capitalize on the higher output capability.

 

BE CAREFUL!!!!

I put the some hyper-white bulbs in my Integra. 4 of em to be exact. Well, I thought I was buying a quality product, until one of them exploded. Well, to say the least, it made a HUGE mess inside of the light housing! My low beams were never the same color after that because the bulb fogged the lens (projector on the 98 GSR) when it exploded. I was ****ed. So, if you're doing it just for looks, consider the consequences! I probably coulda bought PIAA or something, but I went with some X brand from one of the BIGGER online car parts stores.

 

I paid $85 for my PIAA's (no offense Russ) and I love 'em. Can't argue with the well-if-I-turn-them-on-and-there-is-no-one-else-to-see-them-did-they-still-kick-a##, but man, they light up the roadway!

Buzz