HID questions
12-12-02, 01:21 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
The HID upgrade is just for the lows. Keep the 9005 halogens in the high beams, just as newer models with factory HID do. HID isn't suitable for instant-on flashing (warm up time, not good for bulbs and ballasts to "hot-restrike"), so even European cars (MB, BMW, Saab, Volvo) with bi-Xenon (where a shutter opens to reveal more of the beam pattern on high beam setting) have a halogen bulb for flash-to-pass.
Keep in mind that the optics are designed for halogens, so a HID conversion may not result in the most evenly distributed beam pattern (hot and cold spots, see the thread from the Autolamps HID group buy for examples). One of the more common downsides to plug and play HID kits is the halo effect you see when looking at the car from a distance. The optics are designed to let a little bit of light shine upward to illuminate signs, etc. However, when the halogens are replaced with HID that are nearly 3 times as bright, a lot more light drifts upward. People have crafted their own "glare shields" to reduce upglare, and it's important to make sure the lights are properly aimed.
Do the Canada-spec LS's have DRLs? I don't think the 2nd gen US models did. If so, it's likely the 9005 bulbs running at partial power (again, something impossible to do with HID).
As for the 9006 fogs, there are plenty of HID kits for 9006 (it's a commonly used low beam size, used in the projector low beams of the 1st gen ES, GS, and SC). There are a few guys on the GS forum that have put HID kits in the 9006 fogs. Although running 4 HID bulbs simultaneously would be incredibly bright, and unless you're driving around the middle of nowhere at high speeds, no street lighting, and little oncoming traffic to annoy, I wouldn't suggest it.
Keep in mind that the optics are designed for halogens, so a HID conversion may not result in the most evenly distributed beam pattern (hot and cold spots, see the thread from the Autolamps HID group buy for examples). One of the more common downsides to plug and play HID kits is the halo effect you see when looking at the car from a distance. The optics are designed to let a little bit of light shine upward to illuminate signs, etc. However, when the halogens are replaced with HID that are nearly 3 times as bright, a lot more light drifts upward. People have crafted their own "glare shields" to reduce upglare, and it's important to make sure the lights are properly aimed.
Do the Canada-spec LS's have DRLs? I don't think the 2nd gen US models did. If so, it's likely the 9005 bulbs running at partial power (again, something impossible to do with HID).
As for the 9006 fogs, there are plenty of HID kits for 9006 (it's a commonly used low beam size, used in the projector low beams of the 1st gen ES, GS, and SC). There are a few guys on the GS forum that have put HID kits in the 9006 fogs. Although running 4 HID bulbs simultaneously would be incredibly bright, and unless you're driving around the middle of nowhere at high speeds, no street lighting, and little oncoming traffic to annoy, I wouldn't suggest it.
Last edited by squarehat; 12-12-02 at 01:26 PM.
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