caliness

I have a 96 LS400 which uses OEM halogen lamps. The lighting is excellent, no trouble there, but I'm looking for the modern blueish color. My question is, should I get the HID kit (with the transformers, bulbs, wires..etc.) or should I just buy the HID bulbs that usually sell for $15 and up but disperse only around 4000K? Or is it too risky or damaging to install any of these?
PS: My car uses H4 bulbs.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

If you're satisfied with the light output of your halogens and don't want to dish out the 3 to 5 bills (depending on the quality of the kit and it being new or used) for an HID kit, then I suggest you settle for a pair of hyper-white bulbs made by either PIAA, RAZO, Raybrig, or Sylvania (Silverstars) from around $40-$100 (depending on the brand)...some of the non-reputable brands you find at your local Autozone, Pepboys, etc. will most likely melt your harnesses or explode due to higher than recommended wattages.

Personally, I'd highly recommend going with HIDs....you won't regret it...but then again, my opinion is biased.

caliness

What brand do you recommend for the HID kit?

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

Philips/Osram if you want OEM color (4100-4300K) or 6000K. Hella if you want 7500K.

caliness

Does 6000K have the blueish look to it, or is it better to go higher like 7500K or more?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes, the 6000k already has the blueish look. do NOT get anything higher than 6000k, they are too blue, too dim, not worth it at all imho

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

I'd say 6000K has more of a pure white output with a very slight tint of purple to it (sorry Henry, but I have to respectfully [kind of] disagree with you ). The 7500K would probably give you the look you desire, but rominl is correct...it would be dimmer and would also increase the chance of getting pulled over by cops in certain cities.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

no problem brian, you gave a much better description than i did, i can't complain!

caliness

What is the intensity of the stock lexus HID bulbs?

caliness

Has anyone tried H4 HID kits? Does it work for both low and high beams? Any info/pics appreciated.

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

4100-4300K which is a pure white color...close to sunlight.
I currently have an H4 (low-beam only) kit on my '91 LS. There are high/low beam H4 kits available that use a motorized shield to reflect the light in the reflector.

Bellof Hi-Low H4 kit:


http://www.bellof.co.jp/products/hl4s.html

caliness

So, 6000K would be more blueish, brighter and at the same time legal?

How does it look? Are you happy with it? Do you have pics? What happens when you turn on the high beams?
Also, do you keep your headlights on auto? If so, does it overwork the bulb whenever you drive in and out of a tunnel and your headlights turn on and off?

Are these expensive? Are they worth it?

SORRY about all the questions! And thank you for your help!

EXE.UCF10

iTrader: (3)

Yes, they'll look brigher to the human eye, but technically they're a 'lil bit dimmer in output compared to 4100-4300K (which is as bright as it gets). By legal, do you mean they're D.O.T. approved? No, they're not D.O.T. approved, but you will most likely not get pulled over for 6000K unless maybe you have your headlights purposedly aimed to blind other drivers.

Here's a decent comparison pic of OEM (left) vs. 6000K (right) on 2 IS300's:

Quote:

How does it look? Are you happy with it? Do you have pics? What happens when you turn on the high beams?
Also, do you keep your headlights on auto? If so, does it overwork the bulb whenever you drive in and out of a tunnel and your headlights turn on and off?

I'm very happy with it. Nothing happens when I turn on the high beams since it's low beam only....however, when I try to flash using the highbeams, they turn off and then back on.

I don't have an auto option on my headlights. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to leave your headlights on auto since having them turn off and on within short intervals could possibly decrease the life of the bulbs.

Quote:

Are these expensive? Are they worth it?

SORRY about all the questions! And thank you for your help!

Hi-Low H4 kits should run for usually around $100-$200 more than low-beam kits depending on the company/supplier. I have yet to see a Hi-Low kit in person, so I really couldn't tell you if it's worth it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

man brian covered almost everything i wanted to say already

and just to reinforce what brian said, 6000k is dimmer on the road, but if you look at the headlight it might look brigher coz' there are more glare

caliness

Gee, thanks guys!! You answered each and every one of my questions!! When I get the chance (and $$$!) I will get the H4 hi/lo 6000K HID kit. I presume Philips is the best. I'll let you know how it looks/lights up.