HID question

[cxiong1]

Ok so I decided that I am going to get a hid kit and was wandering what "K" should I go for? I was thinking about the 10000k lights but every where that I have researched, so far they have said, "it looks bright when you look at it in the front but when you drive with them they do not see that far?! So instead I was thinking about getting 8k. And How is the quality from the web site Mod-express? How many people have bought from them? If you have, share with me about how the customer service is, and if there is any negative feedback on them? Thank you for your time! Oh yes one more thing I drive a 04 toyota corolla S!

[gic121]

well ur research is correct, usually for lights of higher kelvin temperature, the brightness will be sacrificed,
as for stock HID kits such as BMW or Mercedes, they obtain kits of 4300k approximately as it is the closest to the sun's rays, correct me if im wrong. But one thing i am certain, temperatures of around 4-5000k would be the brightest temperatures you can get in a vehicle. Ive tried 10000k and during driving, its really dim because in my area there are not many street lights. stick with 8000 and under =D

[cxiong1]

Thank you so much for replying to my post! I still have not decided yet either? But I do live in the bounies to so...Will see? Any more suggestions from others and you would be great!

[JasonA]

I wouldn't do anything higher than 5000K if I were making the switch. With those higher color temperatures, you not only lose brightness, but also color-rendering ability also. I would not be safe (for you or for oncoming drivers).

[cxiong1]

Originally Posted by JasonA

I wouldn't do anything higher than 5000K if I were making the switch. With those higher color temperatures, you not only lose brightness, but also color-rendering ability also. I would not be safe (for you or for oncoming drivers).

So as for 8000k it is to blue then? I want a hint of blue in there, but still able to see the road. I have seen 6000k on some cars and it just looks white? I do not know yet probably do some more research on other K's then. Well if anyone has anymore suggestions just post up! thank you for your reply.

[JasonA]

8000K would definitely be blue. If you're just going for looks, that might work. But your vision will most likely be worse. In my opinion, 6000K is even too blue (for me). Most factory HID systems have bluish tints to them to me, and those are usually only 4300K. I'd stick with 5000K myself.

My mother-in-law has a 2005 Acura TL. I don't like her lights. They're only 4300K I think, but they cast a weird color on the road and I can't make out details as well. I much prefer the lower color tones to her HIDs, and they're not even really blue (just barely white). I guess it's all what you're used to. Somebody around here with a Caddy Deville has purple HIDs in his head lamps AND fog lamps. It looks absolutely ridiculous.

[cxiong1]

Originally Posted by JasonA

8000K would definitely be blue. If you're just going for looks, that might work. But your vision will most likely be worse. In my opinion, 6000K is even too blue (for me). Most factory HID systems have bluish tints to them to me, and those are usually only 4300K. I'd stick with 5000K myself.

My mother-in-law has a 2005 Acura TL. I don't like her lights. They're only 4300K I think, but they cast a weird color on the road and I can't make out details as well. I much prefer the lower color tones to her HIDs, and they're not even really blue (just barely white). I guess it's all what you're used to. Somebody around here with a Caddy Deville has purple HIDs in his head lamps AND fog lamps. It looks absolutely ridiculous.

Thanks a lot Jason! You have been a big help! I think I will probably buy the 5000k ones then...Oh one more thing do you or anyone you know know about the website mod-express? Where did you get yours?

[JasonA]

No experience with mod-express. I don't have HIDs in my Corolla. The light housings weren't designed for HIDs and retrofitting often produces a lot of glare. In mine, I run 9005 XtraVisions in the low beams. Same beam pattern (because it's still a halogen bulb), but lots more light.

[dansto82]

Originally Posted by JasonA

No experience with mod-express. I don't have HIDs in my Corolla. The light housings weren't designed for HIDs and retrofitting often produces a lot of glare. In mine, I run 9005 XtraVisions in the low beams. Same beam pattern (because it's still a halogen bulb), but lots more light.

A true retrofit is where u put projectors in the housing. and retrofitting a set of projectors doesn't create glare. Putting a PNP kit in the reflector housing designed for a halogen bulb creates glare

[PhatRoyale]

if you must get a hid kit, then for the sake of others please install some casper shields as well.

[Rdkill]

I dont know I think some projectors glare too and its worse because if you do catch proj. glare its a lot more concentrated. Just dont get purple...and you should probably put a relay in..

[dansto82]

Originally Posted by Rdkill

I dont know I think some projectors glare too and its worse because if you do catch proj. glare its a lot more concentrated. Just dont get purple...and you should probably put a relay in..

crappy ebay projectors do real OEM like the FX's do not

[sonyminidiscman]

i have 4700K HIDs... I drive a lot of Toronto to Ottawa at nights........ HIDs are the best investments i have ever made on my car.. Driving at night is no real different then driving at day time.

[jaysi09]

i have to agree, the higher the temp, the less visibility you get.

but the color of HIDs differ by the kit you have and who makes them. i have 6K hids on my low beam and its more of a bluish white while my friend's 6K from a diff company is more on the white.

i know a lot of 9thgen corolla owners that have 6K HIDS. 6K is popular on the site i go to.
its just right.

i do lots of night driving on streets with no street lights and my HIDS (lows and fogs) do help a lot.

[projectSXV20]

6000k FTW!!!11!