| SuperDuty Steve |
OK guys, here goes...
I have arranged a group buy on high quality HID systems with a local Dallas Fort Worth area company that is a distributor for Xenon Technologies. I have negotiated a deal similar to the one from the company in England, but it is much easier to deal with, both warranty wise and shipping and payment wise.
These systems are made by Xenon Technologies and come with Philips bulbs and ballasts and a high quality harness with relay that connects directly to the battery to keep your factory electrical system safe from overloads.
The 4100K system and the 5000K system are $440 plus shipping.
The 6000K (Stage 2) system is $579 plus shipping.
This is only for the 9006-type fitment; other fitments may cost more.
The 4100K and 6000K bulbs are clear; the 5000K bulb is a blue tinted 4100K bulb.
All bulbs are laser aligned for proper fitment.
Cost is plus shipping, which is estimated at $10-15 in the continental U.S. Shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and other countries is extra.
These lights come with a one year warranty.
The company is www.lavalighting.com
Their contact phone number is 972 479-1051
Email link is from the lLavaLighting website.
I met personally with Jerry, the owner, today and am comfortable with the company and the product. My order is placed with them for a set of the 4100K HIDs.
Due to the low cost, payment is preferred by certified check or money order. Paypal is accepted, but there is a 3% charge to cover the extra cost of it. They'll probably take a personal check, but will require it to clear before shipment.
I am not affiliated with this company; I am just helping arrange a group buy for MDX owners and getting myself a set at the same price. All business will be conducted through them. I will answer any questions I can here, but most will probably have to be answered by Jerry and the people at LavaLighting.
We need to get at least 5 people buying to make it happen. If you're in, please let me know.
Thanks, and enjoy!
Steve |
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| manus1980 |
| I want somebody with a $600 HID kit to compare side by side with my $200 South Korean Ebay 6,000K HID kit. Not every kit on Ebay is this well priced, you have to do some searching and smart bidding. Although you can easily find kits under $300. I had this kit for some time now and I'm quite happy. Bright, violet, aimed properly, and no problemos. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Manus, please don't take offense to this, but I would not buy offbrand HID stuff, even at $300. I found kits in this price range, and I have heard horror stories. I am glad that you've had good luck with yours; count yourself lucky.
I would rather pay an extra $100 now and have the piece of mind that it is the highest quality equipment available. I also know that the bulb bases and fitment are dead-on. And they come with a warranty.
I wonder what a new bulb or ballast costs if they blow...
Steve |
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| manus1980 |
Steve,
You're right about the more expensive kit being more reliable. No offense taken buddy. I have heard a couple stories myself of cheap kits having problems. I took a risk because the seller was recommended and my risk paid off for me. Gambling is fun :2: |
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| steventimm |
in the 4100k too but do you know what the install is like? Can you elaborate?
Thx |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
I believe it can be done either of two ways.
If you want to install it the easiest way, you remove your factory bulb, install the HID bulb, plug it into the ballast, mount the ballast with velcro or double sided tape, and then plug the original headlamp plug into the ballast.
If you're concerned about drawing too much juice on startup, you install the relay that the system comes with, which requires hooking up to the battery and grounding a wire.
Either way, it's a piece of cake.
Why don;t you email LavaLighting to verify?
I should have my kit in a week or so.
Steve |
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| steventimm |
| I will f/u with vendor and report if his directions are any different |
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| tnguyenmdc |
I'm interested. However, I went to their website today, and found 2 different kits.
One is called 'Philips HID Kits' and is listed for $479.00 for the 4300K, and it mentioned 'Our wiring harness bypasses the factory headlight wiring to ensure safety.
Second kit is called 'Philips Xenon 4,300 HID Conversion Kit', listed for $525 SHIPPED. It mentioned '2 Philips Bulbs 2 Panasonic Ballasts
Plug-and-Play 5 Year warranty Detailed Instructions Ballast Mounting Plates and hardware'
So which kit did you negotiate to sell for $440??
Thanks, |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
It's the $479 kit. All Philips bulbs and ballasts.
It's made by Xenon Technologies.
Steve |
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| lilypad |
Does anyone know if these are legal in California and if so, all levels? (4100k-6000k?)
lilypad |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by lilypad
Does anyone know if these are legal in California and if so, all levels? (4100k-6000k?)
lilypad
lilypad,
It is my understanding that no HID retro fit kit is legal in the US. You should see a disclaimer on most sites that states these kits are for show or off-road use only. Just my $.02. |
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| lilypad |
Ok phins, thanks for the info! :)
lilypad |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
The Xenon Technologies system uses an external relay to power the ballasts. Technically, this is the best way to go as you cannot overload your factory wiring at startup as the factory wiring only drives the power relay, typically limited to 150milliamps. (.150 amps).
As I said, technically, you can overload the factory wiring by directly powering the ballasts from the factory wiring. As an example, the factory lamps are 55 watts x 2 (110 watts total). From what I've seen, HIDs can draw up to three times their rated wattage at startup (35 watts each x 3 x 2 lights = 210 watts). Now, this is only a temporary condition applied to the factory wiring, but it COULD cause things to run hot and POSSIBLY have trouble with relays, fuses, and wiring.
On this kit, everything plugs in except for the power and ground for the headlight relays. They will require hooking up to the battery and to ground. I believe everything is preterminated, so it requires a couple wrenches and that's it.
As far as legality or lack thereof, all nonfactory HIDs are technically illegal. Having said this, I know of nobody who has been harassed for having such a system either. In my opinion, if you aim the lights properly, you will not have any trouble of any kind from the authorities. I recommend that if you are unable to align the lights to factory specs, go find a long flat straight deserted dark road at night, preferably one with a line running down the middle of it. Park your vehicle straddling the centerline, and adjust each light til your light pattern provides the best illumination for you. Walk in front of your vehicle about 50 feet and turn around and look at the lights. If the glare is blinding, adjust them down. Be mindful that at 50 feet, you will be blinding oncoming traffic if the glare is evident to you. Then find a wall to park facing and readjust the lights so the left and right sides are the same height.
If you're driving down the road and people flash at you, you might consider readjusting them a bit lower.
Hope this helps,
Steve |
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| steventimm |
| I've emailed Jerry and told him I'm in on the GB. How many have done same? |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
SteveTimm,
The Group Buy is now on the home page. Payment needs to be received by 1/31.
I think you'll be very happy. I sure will be.
My set should be in at the end of this week, but my MDX won't be born until next week, with delivery due in another 7 to 10 days.
I'll be patient...
Steve |
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| lilypad |
Hi SuperDuty Steve, thanks for all that info! It was quite an education on HIDs that I didn't have! I really like the looks of HIDs and mostly, would like the increased visibility they would provide, but was concerned about getting pulled over or blinding other drivers. Sounds like it's possible to live with HIDs with some carefull installation. I'm a bit short on cash at the moment so won't be participating in the group buy at this time :(....(besides I gotta get side-steps first)...but HIDs will now definitely be up there on the wish list! Thanks again! :4:
lilypad |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperDuty Steve
The Xenon Technologies system uses an external relay to power the ballasts. Technically, this is the best way to go as you cannot overload your factory wiring at startup as the factory wiring only drives the power relay, typically limited to 150milliamps. (.150 amps).
As I said, technically, you can overload the factory wiring by directly powering the ballasts from the factory wiring. As an example, the factory lamps are 55 watts x 2 (110 watts total). From what I've seen, HIDs can draw up to three times their rated wattage at startup (35 watts each x 3 x 2 lights = 210 watts). Now, this is only a temporary condition applied to the factory wiring, but it COULD cause things to run hot and POSSIBLY have trouble with relays, fuses, and wiring.
On this kit, everything plugs in except for the power and ground for the headlight relays. They will require hooking up to the battery and to ground. I believe everything is preterminated, so it requires a couple wrenches and that's it.
As far as legality or lack thereof, all nonfactory HIDs are technically illegal. Having said this, I know of nobody who has been harassed for having such a system either. In my opinion, if you aim the lights properly, you will not have any trouble of any kind from the authorities. I recommend that if you are unable to align the lights to factory specs, go find a long flat straight deserted dark road at night, preferably one with a line running down the middle of it. Park your vehicle straddling the centerline, and adjust each light til your light pattern provides the best illumination for you. Walk in front of your vehicle about 50 feet and turn around and look at the lights. If the glare is blinding, adjust them down. Be mindful that at 50 feet, you will be blinding oncoming traffic if the glare is evident to you. Then find a wall to park facing and readjust the lights so the left and right sides are the same height.
If you're driving down the road and people flash at you, you might consider readjusting them a bit lower.
Hope this helps,
Steve
Good 'general' advice, but hardly the proper way to adjust headlights. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Dale, I agree with you that it is not ideal, but for a rough workable solution without dealership access, it will work.
I prefer the dealership option myself.
Steve |
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| DaleB |
I think a good way to prevent needless adjustments, since our vehicles are relatively new and 'should be' in alignment is to mark on a wall, garage door, etc. where the stock beam is at the recommended 25' distance and then repeat the check with the new lamps and see if it's same. It should be darn close if not right on.
When behind all but the very lowest vehciles like at a stop light, I notice the top of the beam never goes above the trunk lid or bottom or the rear window.
That's a very subjective observation. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Dale,
That is a great idea.
Steve |
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| catzx6 |
| I have a question for '03 owners. With the auto headlights, every time we enter the garage, or start the X to leave the garage, the headlights turn on. Is this going to cause the HIDs to fail prematurely? I would love to get them, but I also like the convenience of the auto headlights. |
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| jswift2000 |
| I would be interested in the 4100k - 4300k kit but I would like to know one thing - what does the acura rl, tl, honda s2000 use as their hid lights - 4100, 4300, 5000, etc? |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by jswift2000
I would be interested in the 4100k - 4300k kit but I would like to know one thing - what does the acura rl, tl, honda s2000 use as their hid lights - 4100, 4300, 5000, etc?
I'm pretty sure the TL has 4100K. No blue, just white. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
The 4100 bulbs are often called 4300.
The 5000K bulbs are tinted 4100 bulbs.
Hope this helps,
Steve |
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| rvehock |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
I'm pretty sure the TL has 4100K. No blue, just white.
I have a 2000 3.2TL and I purchased a set of Philips 4300K HIDs and they are identical in brightness to the stock OEM HIDs of my 3.2TL. |
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| steventimm |
| Question....jerry from lavalighting.com wanted me to make sure I signed up for this on the 'home page' for this GB. Isn't this it? if so, I've already indicated I'm in. Is there somehting I am missing? thx. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Steve,
go to the home page for this whole website and scroll down to the group buy section. Just click on the 9006 type HID link and join the group buy.
I am trying to get a couple more people to join; I sorta promised him I could get at least 5 people to join.
Have you received your kit yet? Mine is in but I haven't had time to go pick it up yet.
Let us know how you like them.
Steve |
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| steventimm |
| found it...guess I've never spent much time looking at the home page..did not know that section was there. Anyways, I'm sending check out tomorrow and will install and write a review once they are in and working. |
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| imdx |
I cannot find the group buy link?
could you just give me the URL.
Thanks |
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| imdx |
| Oh you mean the acuramdx.org home page. I've been trying to find at their web site. Thanks I found it. |
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| jswift2000 |
| I'm a little confused about the HID's. Why would someone buy the 6000K's if they produce less light? Do the 4100K's produce a blueish light (i like how it looks)? What is the difference b/t the 4100K and 4300K kit at lavalighting.com? |
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| rvehock |
| That's why I purchased the 4300K HIDs, they put out the most light without any of the blue or purple colors like the 6000K and 8000k HIDs. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by jswift2000
I'm a little confused about the HID's. Why would someone buy the 6000K's if they produce less light? Do the 4100K's produce a blueish light (i like how it looks)? What is the difference b/t the 4100K and 4300K kit at lavalighting.com?
It's just a matter of personal preference. Some people like the look of the blue/purple lights (ala BMW, Audi, MB). Even though they produce less light, they are still producing over twice the lumens of the stock lights. I for one want the most light I can get and I am leaning towards the 4100k/4300k. |
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| jswift2000 |
| But if the BMW's and Audi are using a 4100K light why do they produce a blueish light? I like that effect but I want to maximize the output of light. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by jswift2000
But if the BMW's and Audi are using a 4100K light why do they produce a blueish light? I like that effect but I want to maximize the output of light.
From what I've read, the secret is in their projection housing. This is a factory setup. Most retrofit kits will be going into a reflector housing not a projector housing. I believe you may be able to retrofit something like this, but you are talking $1500-$2000. The higher K bulbs produce the look without the extra cost of a projector housing. Of course the light output is less but still a very dramatic change from the stock bulbs. |
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| steventimm |
| Hey SuperDuty Steve......you receive your HID's yet? What do you think? |
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| tnguyenmdc |
| I'm also waiting to hear your comments before I put in an order. I know it ends on the last day of this month. If you have the tiime, please post your comments. Thanks. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
I apologize, I just picked them up last night. They are as advertized, philips ballasts and Philips 4100K bulbs.
Kit is complete, ready to install.
Still waiting on vehicle delivery, hopefully by the weekend.
I will not get a chance to install them before the group buy is over, but they are as promised as best I can tell without installing them.
Thanks,
Steve |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
If you have any other questions, please let me know here.
Thanks,
Steve |
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| lilpun |
I've read that wehn these HID kits are installed, you loose the functionality of your high beams, is this true with this kit? I have been waiting for the prices to drop on the HID4less kits, but this group buy seems really good. I know the last day to purchase is 1/31/03, is there anyway we can get this extended? I would like to see some of the install pics of this kit. I am presumming that everyone is getting the 9006 type in the 4100k's or the 4300k?
thanks.. |
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| jswift2000 |
| Not with the 9006. Those are the low beams. I believe if you have the H4 type bulbs (pilot, civic, crv, etc) you will lose that functionality unless you purchase dual xenon bulbs. |
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| steventimm |
| I've got mine on order and will do a write up once received and installed. My understanding is you still have your hi beams with this kit....so just stay with the oem bulb or replace with a 'white' aftermarket bulb that more closely resembles HID if you like. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
This kit is only for the low beams, although I do not see any reason why you cannot install another HID kit in 9005 for the high beams or another 9006 kit for the fog lamps.
To be honest, with the HID low beams, you won't use the high beams as much anyways.
I would recommend that you contact Lavalighting and see if they can extend the group buy beyond the 31st. Email them and see what they say...
I cannot install mine until the vehicle arrives...hopefully this weekend...
Steve |
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| lilpun |
Hey guys.. and girls.
I just spoke to Jerry from Lava Lighting and placed my order for the 4100k HID kit. He is very helpful and anwsered most of my questions. My check should be in the mail today if not by this weekend. He has run out of kits and is going to have his supplier ship them directly. It should still take a week or so.
He asked me to mention that he is extending this group buy for another week. Please contact him if you have any questions.
972.479.1051
http://www.lavalighting.com
Thanks,
-lilpun.
BTW, for those that have recv'd the kits, how do you like them? Any pics to post?:D |
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| pospos |
I am thinking of getting a HID kit for my X
But i have no clue what all those numbers are.. like 4100k...6000k...
can someone please explain..
plus what is that stage 2 thing u guys mentioned? do we need stage one to get to stage 2?
-Thanks |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by pospos
I am thinking of getting a HID kit for my X
But i have no clue what all those numbers are.. like 4100k...6000k...
can someone please explain..
plus what is that stage 2 thing u guys mentioned? do we need stage one to get to stage 2?
-Thanks
pospos
You can do a search on "HID" and find just about everything you need to know. The "K" values are the temperature of the lights. Those at 4100-4300k are the whitest (and brightest) light. As you move up the spectrum, the color changes to include more blue (5000-6000k) and then more purple tints (>6000k). Stage II are usually referring to 6000K lights. Whereas Stage I are the 4100-4300K lights. You can install either one. It just depends on what you want in a HID lighting system. Hope this helps.:D |
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| pospos |
Thankyou.
I prob gonna do some research and then get them asap.
:p |
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