What did you do to your SC today?
#5208
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
Originally Posted by Kris9884
^^^ I hear the 55w are more prone to burning out or vibration issues but I'd love to be proven wrong as I'd also like brighter 6k HID's.
That's why when you see some mid 2000's cars with OEM HID's some of the bulbs are very blue or purple. They're just burning down to the contacts and the color temp has shifted that much due to owners not replacing the bulbs.
55w ballasts are no more prone to vibration than 35w's. The biggest factor in vibration dampening is just manufacture quality, but most ballasts are designed to withstand vibration and be waterproof anyways.
If I remember 55w ballasts shorten the lifespan of bulbs by about 50-66%, so instead of a typical 3,000-5,000 hours, you might see 1,000-2,500 hours. At least I think that's what the typical lifespan of these bulbs is, at least if memory serves me.
I switched to 55w ballasts when I installed my TSX retrofit, so I can' really answer how large of a difference they made due to the Projector retrofit and clear lens making an impact on headlight visibility. But If I do replace my ballasts again I think I'll just go back to 35w, as I was unaware of the impact the 55w ballasts had on longevity until after I had purchased them.
#5210
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
For real; thank you.
Now I don't feel as bad about having 35's; lol.
So if I understood you correctly, then within a year, 55w ballasts will be as bright as 35's, while the 35's will remain as bright? Further, if I update my projector lenses, or at least clear up my headlights (but better yet, do both) then my 35's will be even more effective?
Sweet!
Now I don't feel as bad about having 35's; lol.
So if I understood you correctly, then within a year, 55w ballasts will be as bright as 35's, while the 35's will remain as bright? Further, if I update my projector lenses, or at least clear up my headlights (but better yet, do both) then my 35's will be even more effective?
Sweet!
#5211
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
So for the first year or so 55w output more lumens, but as the bulbs burn hotter and the heat degrades the contacts inside the bulb itself faster. 35w ballasts still degrade a bulb, the process is just slower. So the 35w's won't remain as bright, but the process of degradation with 35w's is slower, so they'll be brighter than 55w's after a year, but they still suffer from the same degradation.
Don't know if that was clear in my first post. And yes, clearing up the headlights, doing a retrofit, or even just opening the headlight and cleaning the stock projector helps a lot.
#5213
Started gathering parts for my build today...ordered a Mishimoto radiator & trans cooler along with a AEM 320lph in-tank fuel pump. Have to go to Toyota to source seals and gaskets to rebuild the new heart. Then I'll be getting the CX Racing frount mount intercooler kit with BOV as well as the radiator hard pipe kit. I also need to find a SC400 drive shaft and output flange.
#5215
Pole Position
100,000 km service 90% complete. Front of engine now all back in one piece after this photo was taken. Radiator to be fitted & fluids added tomorrow then hope for the best.
#5217
Lexus Champion
custom tail lights done!!! build thread in the sig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFL-...ature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFL-...ature=youtu.be
#5218
Racer
iTrader: (7)
^^^^^^^^I love that they look stock until you compress the brake or hit the blinker, good job!
Here's one headlight finished and re installed. Sanded, buffed etc etc JUST the area where the low beam shines through, I think it looks factory. The lines already give a rounded area where its almost as if they were meant to be removed but never got around to it or something. It's not perfect but I don't think it could get much better either lol..
Here's one headlight finished and re installed. Sanded, buffed etc etc JUST the area where the low beam shines through, I think it looks factory. The lines already give a rounded area where its almost as if they were meant to be removed but never got around to it or something. It's not perfect but I don't think it could get much better either lol..