Headlight Upgrade ?

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

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After running HID's in my low beams for a while now, I've decided to go a different route as I'm getting flashed pretty frequently. I'm going with HIR's, I just haven't decided which ones yet. I'm thinking of running 9005 low beams. It's possible to modify the bulb so that it fits. However, I'm concerned that this will be too bright for oncoming traffic.

I've gotten these numbers from a seller of the HIR's. I expect them to be on the high side in order to promote their product. Numbers from a light meter they used for testing, 18" away from the bulb:
Stock 9005 bulb: 30
HIR 9005 bulb: 65
116% increase in output

Stock 9006 bulb: 20
HIR 9006 Bulb: 35
75% increase in output

Using 9005 HIR in place of stock 9006: 225% increase in output.

Now, based on the above and lumen ratings I've found online, here's what I've come up with.
Stock 9005 is 1750 lumens
stock 9006 is 1000 lumens
HID is approx 3200 lumens

So, 9005 HIR's in place of stock 9006's would result in a total output of 3250 lumens. This would be equivalent to the output of the HID's. However, since these are halogen based, they would function much better and have a more controlled output than HID's, thus not causing the issue of blinding oncoming traffic. They are essentially no brighter than HID's, so I don't believe this would be a problem. Only other concern is that the 9005's are 65w and 9006's are 55w. Would this be enough to cause issues?

Any thoughts on this?
 
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Upgrade to 06 headlights I'm running hid's and with the stock projector the cutoff is perfect

But as far as all the other stuff your saying idk lol
 
Very interesting proposition you have here, including the math and derivation of what you've got/will get. I don't have any real-life experience on this, but for what it's worth to you, I'll throw my two cents in.
The HIDs are causing you to get flashed now at approximately 3200 lumens and the HIRs are going to be about the same output as well. I do realize that the HIR may be better focused; I also will make the assumption that you weren't running the HIDs in a regular halogen housing, either, haha.

If the HIRs will actually result in a better focused light grouping, resulting in you having less "flashes" from oncoming, then it's probably worth it. I checked out the HIR site you posted yesterday and it is definitely interesting, although I didn't read too much into them.
You must really be getting flashed alot with the HIDs for you to be considering the HIRs instead. Have you thought about checking your headlight aim? i.e. adjusting those screws to point the headlight more toward the ground rather than higher up toward drivers. I know it will reduce the distance your light will shine, but may help with the number of drivers you're pissing off, haha.

Just some thoughts to get your mind crankin'.....
 
I am running 8000k HID in mine and i don't get flashed. They are mainly white but have a blue tint to them and i have been debating on upgrading to 10000k. Depending on which HID had might be the problem. In my opinion it would be too much trouble just for other people :happens: lol. My first vehicle was a Pathfinder and i put the Silverstar Ultra somethings in it and it is a white as it gets without being HID but they are around $40-$50 and i get my HIDs from DDMTuning.com and they are only $40 (before tax and shipping of course) but thats just me cause I've never heard of HIRs. Good Luck
 
I installed Phillips HIR bulbs for my low-beams and I'm very satisfied with the results. They are truly the best alternative to HIDs. So far no complaints after 3 months of use.
 
Do a retrofit and be done for. The amount of money you put in for light bulbs can go towards a better system.
 
A_HuL said:
I am running 8000k HID in mine and i don't get flashed. They are mainly white but have a blue tint to them and i have been debating on upgrading to 10000k. Depending on which HID had might be the problem. In my opinion it would be too much trouble just for other people :happens: lol. My first vehicle was a Pathfinder and i put the Silverstar Ultra somethings in it and it is a white as it gets without being HID but they are around $40-$50 and i get my HIDs from DDMTuning.com and they are only $40 (before tax and shipping of course) but thats just me cause I've never heard of HIRs. Good Luck
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That's because there not bright. The light output is bright the lower the K rating. 8k r blue more than white.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
After running HID's in my low beams for a while now, I've decided to go a different route as I'm getting flashed pretty frequently. I'm going with HIR's, I just haven't decided which ones yet. I'm thinking of running 9005 low beams. It's possible to modify the bulb so that it fits. However, I'm concerned that this will be too bright for oncoming traffic.

I've gotten these numbers from a seller of the HIR's. I expect them to be on the high side in order to promote their product. Numbers from a light meter they used for testing, 18" away from the bulb:
Stock 9005 bulb: 30
HIR 9005 bulb: 65
116% increase in output

Stock 9006 bulb: 20
HIR 9006 Bulb: 35
75% increase in output

Using 9005 HIR in place of stock 9006: 225% increase in output.

Now, based on the above and lumen ratings I've found online, here's what I've come up with.
Stock 9005 is 1750 lumens
stock 9006 is 1000 lumens
HID is approx 3200 lumens

So, 9005 HIR's in place of stock 9006's would result in a total output of 3250 lumens. This would be equivalent to the output of the HID's. However, since these are halogen based, they would function much better and have a more controlled output than HID's, thus not causing the issue of blinding oncoming traffic. They are essentially no brighter than HID's, so I don't believe this would be a problem. Only other concern is that the 9005's are 65w and 9006's are 55w. Would this be enough to cause issues?

Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

If n e thing readjustment the lights angle but I wouldn't change the light..
 
The issue with hids is not they're brightness. In a proper setup, there's no glare. I am running hids in the stock halogen headlamp. Part of it is the concept of the hids, other part is the flashing. That's not happening a lot, but enough to show me hids in halogen housings isn't the best idea. Blinding shouldn't be as bad with hirs because the cutoff will be much better.

My main concern with the swap is the higher wattage of the 9005.

I'd love a retrofit, but I don't have the time, money, or patience for that. I just can't spend $400-$500 on better visibility, there are too many other things higher up on my list.
 
i would readjust the lights then, aim it a lil lower, what ever the height of the mid point of the lights from the ground, subtract 3 inches and mark it on the wall, back it up 25 ft on a flat ground and adjust.
 
I installed my HIR bulbs two years ago, great improvement, I'm very happy with them. They are bright, and I've aimed them a little higher because I'm on the highway a lot, but I rarely get flashed. One advantage over HID is that I can replace the bulbs easily when one dies. My two-year-old writeup, I think the bulbs are easier to find now: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/58010-hirs-installed-not-so-easy-but-wow.html#post477873

I wouldn't worry about increasing wattage by ten, your wiring should easily handle that. I used to run four 100-watt bulbs in my Audi, then you're looking at upgrading your wiring harness. These HIR bulbs probably give me as much light as my Audi had, amazing bulbs.

How long do HID bulbs/ballasts typically last? I know guys who've run their HIR for over five years without a failure. I run mine day and night, no problem for two years.
 
scottm said:
I installed my HIR bulbs two years ago, great improvement, I'm very happy with them. They are bright, and I've aimed them a little higher because I'm on the highway a lot, but I rarely get flashed. One advantage over HID is that I can replace the bulbs easily when one dies. My two-year-old writeup, I think the bulbs are easier to find now: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/58010-hirs-installed-not-so-easy-but-wow.html#post477873

I wouldn't worry about increasing wattage by ten, your wiring should easily handle that. I used to run four 100-watt bulbs in my Audi, then you're looking at upgrading your wiring harness. These HIR bulbs probably give me as much light as my Audi had, amazing bulbs.

How long do HID bulbs/ballasts typically last? I know guys who've run their HIR for over five years without a failure. I run mine day and night, no problem for two years.
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I put HIRs in mine as well. Love the improvement. My thread is in my sig. Check out both scotmm's thread and my thread and you'll see it's easy and a great improvement. I've never been flashed.
 
HOJeepster said:
Agreed. Better output, less glare to oncoming traffic. It's the only win win. HIR's will still blind people.
Click to expand...

No. HIR > HID in halogen housing. The issue with HID's blinding other drivers is the glare caused by the halogen housings not being able to properly focus the light. It's not the actual amount (in lumens) of light being put out that's the real problem. HIR bulbs, on the other hand, will remain properly focused by the halogen housings, while still being brighter. Horses for courses.
 
thegreatdivorce said:
No. HIR > HID in halogen housing. The issue with HID's blinding other drivers is the glare caused by the halogen housings not being able to properly focus the light. It's not the actual amount (in lumens) of light being put out that's the real problem. HIR bulbs, on the other hand, will remain properly focused by the halogen housings, while still being brighter. Horses for courses.
Click to expand...

Exactly, which is why I'm thinking the 9005 version of the HIR's would work great in the low beams. Same output as HID's, but better focused. My main concern about this swap is the extra wattage, I've read of people having issues with the electrical system with the higher wattage bulbs in the low beams (melting connectors is the most common).
 
I agree that you should try aiming them down a bit. I have Philips 4300 HID's in my 2003 from Xenon Depot. I live in a congested suburban area and have also added PIAA fog lights. I have NEVER been flashed once and my set up is extremely bright. In time I would love to go with 2006 projectors, but for now I love the light and it does not seem to be bothering other oncoming drivers.
 
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