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anyone using 55w HID ballasts?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by putty, Mar 14, 2010.

  1. putty

    putty Member

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  2. Kimlai

    Kimlai New Member

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    Hey guys! Both of my lights just went out in my 06 prius. Mechanic says I need to replace the ballasts on each side. Can someone recommend where I can purchase ballasts? HELP!!!!!!
     
  3. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    I know this thread is from 5/2010, but thought I'd pitch in for any future researchers. I've used the 35w kits from eBay (both xentec and the other brands) on all my previous cars and finally decided to try the 50-55w kit from eBay. Wow, I should have done earlier... the 55w kit is soooo much brighter, illuminates like a TRUE HID system (the 35w stuff is just a tad above halogen, IMO). BTW, running 6000k. Have tried 4300k, 5000k, 8000k and 6000k is my preference.

    Will it melt the projector housing? So far, after one month of use, still looking fine. Will update in a few more months.

    Also, highly recommend buying the HID capacitors (2 for $8 shipped on eBay) to minimize the chance of "flickering".

    And of course, make sure you align the lights after installation...

    Edit: I also run the 35w kit on my OEM replica fog lights that I bought from the shop at PC. Had them for 8 months now running HID's... no melting issues whatsoever. Solid. So there you go... I'm running dual HID kits, very happy with the intense brightness.
     
  4. andino

    andino Senior Member

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    I've been running a 55w kit for a few months now and no issues. I'm also using my 35w kit in my fogs like silentak above me however, I have 5000k all round.
     
  5. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    did you run the 55w hid's with the relay harness and hid capacitors? or just the capacitors only?
     
  6. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    Just 55w with capacitors for low beams. Same deal for my 35w on the fogs.

    No relay and no extra wires running to the fuse box for the low beams, just plug and play to the existing harnesses.
     
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  7. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    thanks...
     
  8. SDiego

    SDiego New Member

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    I installed 55w from DDM. No relay or capacitor. Works great. Using 6000k. I wonder if 5000k would even be brighter? It's been 6 weeks and no problem as I use the Headlights every morning on my 1 hour commute to work.
     
  9. us_matrix

    us_matrix Member

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    Where can I get he DDM 35w HID kit for $40? Does it require any modification or plug & play?
     
  10. Jchendy

    Jchendy New Member

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    I have 55 w with 5000k and there sweet I did have 35 K but the 55w are much better and I drove all the way to FL at night (10 hr ) no over heat or anything at all I have had them now for 8 months 45 min every morning and then sometimes drive them home in day light also got the fog lights took my old 35 w hid kit and converted them too the only thing that I did was lower the driver side light down 2 turns a lot less flashing from oncoming drivers
     
  11. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    Technically the lower the Kelvin temperature, the brighter. But in reality, it all depends on the quality of the the bulb. I've tried 4300k, 5000k, 6000k and 8000k and found that the brightness just really matters depending on the manufacturer...even if they all come from Asia.

    Having said that, I like the vivid white/blueish ground look of the 6000k kits. 4300k didn't really seem brighter to me only because the ground look was more yellowish, but technically it probably was...

    The only "ebay brand" that I didn't like after 3 kits is XENTEC. Tons of praises on the forums, but for me I had one ballast fail within 12 months (and too much hassle to go thru warranty) and their kits always flickered on me, so I had to buy capacitors (only $8 for 2). Now as a precaution I put capacitors in all my kits, definitely can't hurt!

    Try this.
     
  12. us_matrix

    us_matrix Member

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    Thanks and the base price is $30. 55w is $10 more...

    But they have option price for HID harness (dual in dual out $12.50), Error code eliminator (Type 3 $15) and brackets ($4). Do we need those for 2010 Prius NON LED? Or just go with the $30 base one? Should I say 5000k consider pure white?




     
  13. jordanr

    jordanr Member

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    I just went on my first road trip with the Prius and drove mainly at night. I felt the 35w 5000k HIDs from HIDextra weren't bright enough for me when compared to stock HIDs I saw. They are bright but when compared to a lot of the stock systems it doesn't compare.

    I'm debating on purchasing 55w 5000k kit. I do want to retrofit the projectors with the ones found on the TSX for a safer cut-off line.
     
  14. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    55w 6000k base + error code eliminator. Brackets only if you plan on drilling the ballasts, else just use heavy duty 3M double sided tape and clean the mounting surface with rubbing alcohol.

    Exactly my thoughts. 35w aftermarket HID kit does not compare to an OEM or even LED OEM setup. The 55w is closer to "OEM" brightness (notice brightness, not quality or reliability).