RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

HID 55w?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-07-09, 08:45 PM
  #1  
ivan1
Driver
Thread Starter
 
ivan1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: new jersey
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default HID 55w?

so i have a 2000 rx300. have silvania silverstar ultra halogen headlights, they are bright but not bright enough. my buddy just got a nice quality kit, put it in his AUDI and it is so much brighter than his old halogens. if i put in a quality after market kit that is 55w ballast will it melt or short anything? or should i go with the 35w ballast kit instead? will it scatter real bad since i do not have projectors? when it comes to electrical and lighting i have no idea what's going on so any input would help guys. thanks.
-Ivan
Old 12-07-09, 11:46 PM
  #2  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,484
Received 1,050 Likes on 948 Posts
Default

The water has been muddied so much that even the folks who should know are confused about wattage.

In reality, the wattage is the energy consumed to produce light (when we talk about light bulbs) [divide the wattage by 12.2 or 12 to get Amperage in cars].

Since folks are interested in amount of light/brightness, the industry started the trend of using watts for brightness [If you read the fine print, they state that, bulb consumes 25Wats to produce light equivalent to 45watts]. Better course of action should have been to publish Lumins or efficiency.

Hids use larger turn-on current, but steady state draw less current than the filament type halogens.

Sockets/wiring burn out due to two reasons.
Thermal conduction [hot bulb]
and loose connector which under large current acts like electric heater coil.


Back to your question; If really the wattage for hid is more than 5% of what Lexus specifies, i would be hesitant and at 10% or mre, I would skip the swap.

Salim
Old 12-07-09, 11:52 PM
  #3  
eyezack87
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (4)
 
eyezack87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 5,004
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

I don't like reflector headlamps as they tend to glare...a lot...

I'd do a proper retrofit if you want HIDs. It'll save people in front of you from getting pissed off when you are right behind them glaring into their rear view mirror
Old 12-08-09, 07:55 AM
  #4  
salimshah
Moderator
 
salimshah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 15,484
Received 1,050 Likes on 948 Posts
Default

^^ You mean halfway proper ... with projector and without self leveling.


Salim
Old 12-08-09, 06:57 PM
  #5  
Privacy
Rookie
 
Privacy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: -
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

dont bother

I own a 55 watt HID kit 4000K for my rx 300 and they are no brighter then my Great pair of 55 watt Slyvania silverstar ultra's

I have done side by sides
I have tried everything
without a projector i just wasted $100

oh
and they scatter like no other..the filament length is different from halogens designed for the reflectors so the light goes..everywhere...
Old 12-08-09, 10:03 PM
  #6  
ivan1
Driver
Thread Starter
 
ivan1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: new jersey
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i wish i wasn't a BACK and could actually afford to retrofit...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CAtoNYcar
Lighting
3
04-17-17 08:45 PM
lexuscfour
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
7
05-22-15 04:39 PM
hotwheels1
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
36
04-22-12 11:43 AM
96sc3
Lighting
4
04-19-04 05:49 AM
genius1512
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
1
09-18-01 05:16 AM



Quick Reply: HID 55w?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:17 PM.