HID Question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Showtime 95 · 10-18-2008, 07:32 PM

So, I have been on here and on SolaraGuy and have found numerous posts/threads about this. I was hoping to get one straight answer. I have read that HIDs don't work well with the projector on the solaras (I have a 2004 Solara that I want to but HIDs into). I have read you have to MOD the projector...

So has anyone just plugged in the HIDs? Did it work out? I have heard that from outside the light looks great but from inside the car not so much. True?

Any suggestions would be great. I really want HIDs but if they aren't going to work with what I have now I will pass (I don't want to buy HID projectors or anything) All I want to do is buy a HID kit.

Thanks for any advice.

Gadgetjq · 10-19-2008, 06:21 AM

Showtime,

The simplest and most effective way to put HID on your '04 is to find a set of Gen 2.5 headlight assemblies at a junkyard. That way you're using the correct reflector for the bulb. It also fixes the 'which bulb do I replace' issue. Remember you have separate bulbs for high and low beam. Which one will you replace with the HID and then what are you going to do with the other?

Installing an HID bulb into your currently assembly isn't all that difficult, there are lots of them available for very little money on E-bay. The problem is, since your reflector isn't designed for the HID filament (which is in a different place than your current bulb) you end up with lots of light 'scatter' which really annoys other motorists and doesn't put as much light on the ground as your existing projector.

So, if you really really want HID for some reason find a pair of replacement assemblies or, second best, follow the instructions already posted on Solaraguy. If all you're looking for is the whiter light, get yourself a pair of Sylvania (or other) direct replacement bulbs. Here are the recommended replacements:

High beam headlamp
9005
9005SU Silverstar ULTRA for Ultra Night Vision - The Whitest and Brightest Halogen
9005ST Silverstar High Performance Lighting: The Whiter and Brighter Halogen
9005XV XtraVision Halogen Upgrade: Up to 20% Brighter
9005CB Cool Blue Halogen Upgrade: White Hot; Super Cool; 100% Street Legal

As you probably noticed, they replace the 'high' beam bulb.

Cheers

Showtime 95 · 10-19-2008, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the info Gadgetjq. I was planning on just replacing the low beam since I hardly use the highs. So, I guess another question would be, are there bulbs that give you the same effect as the ones you listed but would be a replacement for the low beam. Like I said before I don't really care about the high beam since I hardly ever use it.

Jigg007 · 10-19-2008, 06:48 PM

I have 9006 (low beam) Silver star ultras in my Avalon The light produced is much more whiter than the existing bulbs, and 'bout the same brightness.. However after the fact the silverstar ultras are claimed to have only 300+ hours of bulb light, priced at $50 for a set. Compare this to a traditional $5 bulb at 900 hours. The ultra's predecior only lasted about 120 hours or something crazy like that.

However I heard that recently Toshiba is producing bulbs using a patent called HIR. These bulbs are halogen too, but have an internal reflector that bounces infrared light back at the filiment, causing it to light up more. All this and still consuming the standard 55W. And supposedly close to 60-75% more light output, plus the filament is located in the same area as the bulbs it replaces, so minimal light scatter. You'll have to search eBay or some sorts for it though, I don't know of any local retail sales.

If you invest good money into bulbs I high recomend that you get electrical connector greese and apply a thin film arround the bulbs gasket to keep moisture out and keep maximum bulb life.

Showtime 95 · 10-19-2008, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the info on HIR. I think I might look into that. I would really like to have HIDs but I want to get the most out of them without having to do any type of mod to the headlight itself. Do you know if these HIR bulbs have the same look as the the HIDs? I know it may not be identical but is it similar? I'll try to do a little research on them but have you had a chance to see a comparison of these versus anything else?

Jigg007 · 10-19-2008, 07:21 PM

The light is a little more whiter than normal lighting, but not much. Its less than bulbs like the Silverstar though. Though the yellowish tone seems irritating (not appealing atleast) It generally has the most usable light, is relaxing on the eyes and cuts though fog a lot better than whiter/blueish lamps will.

I don't recall seeing a side by side comparison thouh. |:

Gadgetjq · 10-20-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showtime 95

are there bulbs that give you the same effect as the ones you listed but would be a replacement for the low beam.

The standard replacement for your low beam is H11-55W. I'd imagine there's a SilverStar or other bright white equivalent. Beware though. As the other forum member pointed out, the bulb life of those white bulbs tends to be a whole lot less than a standard replacement but you pay a lot more money for them. You 'might' also get less nightime visibility (jury's out on that one).

Cheers