So the newest mods are my Projector head lights and HID conversion all the way through. I chose the projector solution for three reasons:

1. Split high beam and low beam bulbs, which allows for both to run at the same time without any heat issues.
2. The projector has a very distinct cut-off line - limit blinding the meeting traffic
3. Looks (see my project review in my sig..)

I have upgraded all my vehicles to HID over the years and usually stick with a 35w 5000-6000 Kelvin bulb, which is white and not blue, gives around 3000 lumens (normal 55w halogen gives 1000-1200 lumens and probably 3200K if not tinted with blue paint, and factory HIDs usually sit in the 4300K Kelvin range for maximum light output of 3200 lumens)

I just found 50/55w HID (ambiguity probably due to lack of definition =; I.E. is it a true 55w bulb or only 50w) with the same ballast for 59 bucks shipped for a pair, so I tried it. 6000 Kelvin and around 4,300 lumens each WOW!!! On this photo I am running low beam only into some trees 100-200 feet away. You can easily distinguish the cut-off line eight feet of the ground, which is very sharp (yes, my rear is sitting a little bit low hence the high cut off line, it should be arund 2-3 feet at this distance).



It is very difficult to reproduce the overall light output to properly show what these HIDs looks like in real life, so here is some math instead:

My vehicle has eight driving/hi/low beam lights:

Two high beams
Two low beams and
Four PIAA lights in the bumper

Stock halogens, I ran roughly 1,200 lumens each, which with low and high turned on at the same time with the PIAA fogs gave around 9,600 lumens (stock Excursion around 2,400 lumens w/o fogs...) which was very bright and plenty enough for our dark Michigan roads... why stop there?

Fast forward to HID version.

Currently I am using 50/55w in the low beams and 35w HID in the high beams. The low beams alone yields well above 8000 lumens and on their own "feels" significantly brighter than all eight stock halogen did all together. Now, I am using another four HIDs in the bumper, and high beams too for a total of 8000+ (low) + 6,000+ (high) + 12,000+ (four HID in the bumper) = 26,000++ lumens.... DAYTIME!

I remember when I started using HIDs, they were 250 each... factory options was 700 bucks for the wife's X5. The last few 35W HID have costed me 25 bucks each....

For whatever it is worth....

Anders

 

Second time I've looked carefully at that truck and can't think of anything I would have done differently. It looks terrific. You have a great design vibe going on there. Keep up the posts and good work.

 

Have you had any issues with the ballasts on the cheaper HID units?

I was thinking of throwing a set of bi-zenons on the truck but was concerned that the ballast would give me troubles for the price.

 

Yes, I have. On my Dodge Charger, I needed some 470 microF caps, due to the digital PWM, not sensing the proper load, otherwise. Other applications have been flawless, just mount the ballasts somewhat vibration protected, and that has been it....

 

Thanks for shedding some light on this...

sorry - couldn't resist....

Question for you - how are you running the high/low beams at the same time? Are you using the Britebox system or something homemade? I've thought about this but wondered about the heat buildup by having both filaments lit at the same time.

 

One answer here:

Second answer:

I heard about the britebox, but it was 90 bucks? There are two ways to do this: $5 Relay from high beam power to low beam signal, but the more estetic version is to install a diode between the hi beam relay power out to the low beam signal in.

 

FWIW, I have the HID's and love them. I have the stock housings. I have the Bi-Xenon's which means that the high beam is also HID.

WHen the fog lights are on I can use the high and lows at the same time along with the fogs. The only way to turn off the high beams is to turn off the fogs. WIth the fogs off they operate like normal.

Remember, with HID's the low beams will always be on with the high beams since it's the same bulb.

 

Just to clarify, my high and low beam are separated. Projector on the low beam, and a regular reflector on high...as you can see here:

 

Well, thank you for actually using projectors for you HIDs. That is a pet peave of mine when people use HIDs with non-projector housings and think that they are not blinding people. They are.

 

Yes, I have made that mistake a few years ago, and it is a safety issue. As you see in the photo the projector's cut off is very clear albeit too high on the photo. It is imperative to control the HIDs dispersement pattern, since the radiate axially. That pattern cannot be controlled by a regular reflector. It needs a physical cut off. My fogs are just throwing everywhere, haven't found any projector fogs yet, so they are used with the highs only...

 

Where did you get your projector and HID's from? I see kits on Ebay, but am afraid to pull the trigger. I'd prefer to buy something someone can vouch for.

 

I use a few different HID distributors on ebay, have been very lucky so far. Probably same OEM behind most of them. 35 bucks, each, so if they break no biggie to replace (although I am eight for eight so far - none broken)

 

As far as projectors go, is any one to stay away from? Or is it similar to the hid's. Here a couple I've been eyeballing. . .

Projector
99-04 FORD F250 F350 EXCURSION LED PRO HEADLIGHTS +HID:eBay Motors (item 310191863533 end time Jan-10-10 20:27:04 PST)

Non Projector -wondering if this will have a good cut off because the housing is flat instead of round, if that makes any sense
HID 00-05 FORD EXCURSION/SUPER DUTY 1PC LED HEAD LIGHTS:eBay Motors (item 250547609760 end time Jan-11-10 17:07:09 PST)

 

Those are the same I use (except for mine are blacked out a bit) just pay attention to the seam. Mine came apart a few times. Ensure that the clips are there. Glue alone is not enough....

Anders