HID or LED Headlight Conversion

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by DRACO, Jan 13, 2016.

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  1. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Hey Fellas,

    So my MIL tells me she can not see at night with the stock H4 headlights, even after I cleaned, sealed and aimed the lenses. I have to say the lights are worthless.

    4 years ago, I installed cheapo eBay $42 HID kit ( China made US Seller) on my 1985 911, they are super bright and I can totally see way down the road:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Left: Osram Night Breakers Plus ( The best incandescent on the market ) Right: eBay Special HID kit

    I searched but could not find G1 specific conversions.

    Have any of you G1 owners converted their headlights to HID or the new LED H4 dual filament/mode kit.

    I plan to order from the same seller since I had very good experience with the Lexus ES300, Mom's LX450 and my car.

    TIA,

    Jim
     
    #1 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2016
  2. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    I have done a 4300k eBay H4 HID kit in my 2002. L O V E I T ! ! !
    Sorry you didnt feel the stock lights were adequate, I found the beam pattern nearly identical to my euro-spec Hella H4 semi-sealed headlights I put in my 83 Celica.

    Similar to what you saw in your Porsche, the excellent pattern, WITH the HID kit gives fantastic results.

    I too have been curious about the LED kits, but not about the prices.
     
    #2 OldMage, Jan 13, 2016
  3. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Just ordered this Bi-Xenon 35watt HID kit $67.47

    [​IMG]

    Autovizion AC 35W HID Kit 880 9005 9006 H1 H4 H7 H10 H11 H13 5202 6000K 5K Xenon | eBay

    I have ordered and installed 3 from this seller, warranty and service is great. They suggested HID's will be brighter then LEDs that they sell even though the Lumen ratings are similar.

    Just received it: Wow, these are built much better than the one I bought for my 911. The ballast is heavy and seems solid. Definitely thinner ballast

    [​IMG]
     
    #3 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2016
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    OP, you've got a lot of glare off of that HID bulb. I'd hate to be driving in front of you, or approaching you from the opposite direction. :(

    The reason you "can see way down the road" is because it's like you are driving around with your highbeams on.
     
    #4 xliderider, Jan 13, 2016
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  5. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    LOL, yes, I lowered my beams by 1 inch from spec. :D
     
    #5 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
  6. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    Shouldn't be that bad in the Prius. Mine hasn't been.
     
    #6 OldMage, Jan 13, 2016
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  7. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    My 911, was not meant for HID, I forced it but I love the light that is thrown and it is much safer IMHO.

    BTW, did you get the 35Watt or 55 Watt. I think I will go with 55Watt as not to throw an error code.
     
    #7 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2016
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I've recently read quite favorable reviews about an LED H4 offering from Philips. Now just wondering when or if they will also do an HB2 version for us in the US.

    -Chap
     
    #8 ChapmanF, Jan 13, 2016
  9. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Yes, I did as well. I like the fact there is no warm up like HID. It is instant on. The only thing is the fan and/or the copper cooling fins. Kinda Hokkie but as long as it works, I guess.

    I tried to use the H1 LEDs on my 911 but is was totally inadequate and did not fit properly. Not Phillips brand, a china made but was re-branded for a US seller.

    Okay my eBay seller stated $65 for the Dual H4 LED Kit, not bad.
     
    #9 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 13, 2016
  10. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    My kit is the "standard" 35w, I was a little concerned about the plastic lenses & whether the 55w capsules would be too much heat.

    I don't know yet which seller I bought from. I took a pic of the packaging, but dont have it uploaded anywhere yet.
     
    #10 OldMage, Jan 13, 2016
  11. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Oh no problem, It is the opinion of my eBay seller that HID is brighter in LUMENS compared to LED so I will stick to the HID Kit.

    Our standard bulbs are 55Watt so it will not be an issue. I was more concerned about the low wattage due to sensors on the Toyota. If yours worked that is good enough for me :D Thank you Brother OldMage!
     
    #11 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
  12. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    Lets see if it behaves. I think the seller was "ilinkme", but I dont see this kit currently.
    [​IMG]
     
    #12 OldMage, Jan 13, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2016
  13. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Thanks Brother!

    I love it "German Design" and a 993, made in China. :-P
     
    #13 DRACO, Jan 13, 2016
  14. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    do not know, was just really happy w/ the kit, the harnesses, etc. I have not been as happy w/ the kit I ordered for our van, branded as "Innovited", I believe.
     
    #14 OldMage, Jan 13, 2016
  15. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    #15 DRACO, Jan 14, 2016
  16. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    There is no "warm-up" for the high-beams. The bi-xenon "H4-3" kits have a solenoid base that retracts & tips (slightly) the capsule, moving the arc to the position of the high-beam filament.
     
    #16 OldMage, Jan 14, 2016
  17. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Hmm? Interesting, Well I hope they send me that package :D
     
    #17 DRACO, Jan 14, 2016
  18. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Just recevied, wow 24 hours free shipping ( eh, built into the price )

    [​IMG]

    Caveat, no instructions so watch videos or find installation online. If you have never done this before.

    The trick is a good solid GROUND.
     
    #18 DRACO, Jan 15, 2016
  19. OldMage

    OldMage RWD Celica freak, Prius "collector"

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    The kit I put in my Prius didn't need any extra ground or battery connection. Everything was done through the existing bulb socket. I can't find this kit currently, or anything with a similar harness.

    The kit I bought for our van (Innovited) only connects to one bulb socket, and requires additional battery and ground connections. The terrible stock beam pattern makes the HID conversion show (even more) how bad the pattern is. And I think that capsule doesnt quite line up with the original filament position, making it even worse.

    Fingers crossed for a smooth install & looking forward to seeing the results!
     
    #19 OldMage, Jan 16, 2016
  20. DRACO

    DRACO Member

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    Brother OldMage,

    So does your Prius have both Hi & Lo beams? If you have a moment could you a pic of your set up?

    TIA,

    Jim

    P.S. I am trying to figure out were I can tap the constant 12v source. Other Gens have the jumper post in the fuse panel. All we have is the 100AMP fuse but the bolt is barried. Hmmm?
     
    #20 DRACO, Jan 19, 2016
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