HOW TO: HID installation and review for BA Astina (94-98) *56K warning*!!

[CityEnd]

ok, Even though I got HIDs in December, I finally got off my ass to finish up this installation guide and review on HIDs for the BA astina, hope you guys find it useful.

Tools needed

HID conversion kit
http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/T2.jpg
screw driver (only needed for the hardtop)
10mm socket wrench
stanly knife
nuts and bots(I used M5 x 20mm) or cable ties


Removing headlight
I recommend removing the headlight as it makes it easier to install the bulbs

1. remove parkerlight
this is only required for the hardtop, if you have a hatch skip to the next step :)

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/1.1.jpg
unscrew the parker where shown and then pull parker forward

2. disconnect headlight

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/1.2.jpg
unplug the headlights here

3. remove headlight
using the 10mm socket wrench unbolt the headlights where indicated

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/1.3a.jpg
for the hardtop

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/1.3b.jpg
the hatch


Removing globe

1. open socket
open socket by twisting it clockwise and then pull

2. disconnect globe

3. undo pin latches

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/2.3.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/2.3b.jpg

4. remove globe


Installing hid globe

1. remove globe from casing
2. put into headlight housing
3. secure pin latches

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/3.jpg


Modifying socket
this is needed so that the wires of the hids fit through them


1. remove rubber grommet

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/4.1.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/4.2a.jpg

2. cut hole large enough for socket to fit through it

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/4.2b.jpg

3. feed big socket through then smaller socket

4. close socket


Mounting ballast

1. bolt ballast securely to car
find secure places to bolt the ballast

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/5.jpg

Wiring up

1. connect HID globe to ballast
2. connect ballast to headlight wires
3. connect headlight wires back to car

Reinstall headlight

1. reinstall headlight
2. reinstall parkerlight.


Adjusting headlight
once you have the HIDs install make sure you adjust your headlight so they are aligned properly, so that it doesn't irritate other drivers.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/8.1.jpg
turn clockwise to tilt down
turn anticlockwise to tilt up

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/8.2.jpg
turn clockwise to tilt in
turn anticlockwise to tilt out

just a tip to remember which way to turn, just remember that clockwise will make them go down and in


Review

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/R3.jpghttp://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/R2.jpg

Awesome results, it dramatically improves visibility at night. At first they seems really blue, but I quickly got used to them and they just look white to me now, it was very obvious right before dust I had the headlights on and they just looked like natural light, which means they are easier on the eyes than the normal halogen globes.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/R1.jpghttp://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/R4.jpg

Cost was an issue when i was thinking about getting the HIDs, they aren't cheap, and I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way, however what made me finally take the plunge was the fact that it was not just a rice mod, it actually improves the safety of night driving, and now that I have HIDs I will continue to get them in the future when I own other cars, I have seen the light and I can not go back to halogen.

some people have concerns about the annoyance factor on other drivers, I can say as long as you adjust the headlights properly and point them down, then it's not a problem. If you look at the picture below, as long as the line of the light is below eye level then it won't irritae any oncoming drivers.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/R5.jpg

pros
improves visibility at night
closer to daylight color, easier on the eyes
longer life span then normal globes
low wattage
looks cool

cons
price
a bit of modification to fit into astina

that concludes the review, I hope you found it useful =)
all comments welcome, and I'll try to answer any questions you have.

P.S. admins, would it be possible to upload the pics onto the astinagt server?

[platypus]

ow the pics hurt my eyes.....

[project.r.racing]

Price? My car doesn't take Blue globe as it may have a earthing prob. any blue globe fitted on the right side blows within 3 hours. Would 1 of these kits fix this prob as in earths itself?

Ryan

[platypus]

just rewire your lighting earths

and what you doing with blue globes?

[CityEnd]

Price? My car doesn't take Blue globe as it may have a earthing prob. any blue globe fitted on the right side blows within 3 hours. Would 1 of these kits fix this prob as in earths itself?

Ryan

the price of these HIDs are $550

does your normal globe have any problem with the right side? if not then the hids won't have any problem either, and the ballast regulates the power going into the globe.

and i just want to clear things up that these are not the same as the blue globes. blue globes are still just halogen with a tint to make them look blue, hids are xenon globes. they work under different principles.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/A.jpg
normal globe on the left and xenon on the right

[MrShadow]

If I wasn't planning on selling the 'Stina (or if I'd have known how easy it was), I'd have dons this, especially for highway driving at night.
Isn't it illegal though to install HID on cars that don't come with it from the factory? I remeber reading about it in a Silicone Chip mag. It was either HID or another technology...

[Nate]

yeah ... but if you make the install look professional hows the cops gonna know

anyway looks really good ... and from being in twiggys car i know what a difference they make

so that it doesn't irritate other drivers.


RAOFLMAO ... is that possible

[twilightprotege]

HID's rock. simple as that

[platypus]

especially on the ridgeway... what was the count??

[Nate]

7 i think

[platypus]

was that all?

for the uninformed, we went across one of my local roads with a full twiggy mobile... this pointed the headlights up a little bit, coz we are all fat, so people kept flashing us - so then of course we had to flash the high beams!!

[Dogo]

with HIDs , do you need to get one to match the original globe type ( eg H3 , H4 ) or is it one-size-fits-all.

the main reason being I'm wondering if I could keep them and put them into my next car.

[Nate]

was that all?

for the uninformed, we went across one of my local roads with a full twiggy mobile... this pointed the headlights up a little bit, coz we are all fat, so people kept flashing us - so then of course we had to flash the high beams!!

remember the alarms in the car park :P

[twilightprotege]

yes you do need to get the same type bulb, otherwise the part of the bulb that lights up will be in a different position and your beam pattern will suck

[CityEnd]

If I wasn't planning on selling the 'Stina (or if I'd have known how easy it was), I'd have dons this, especially for highway driving at night.
Isn't it illegal though to install HID on cars that don't come with it from the factory? I remeber reading about it in a Silicone Chip mag. It was either HID or another technology...

I think in europe they r illegal if they don't have a self leveling unit thing, but in aus there is no law saying they r illegal, i have not heard of anyone get done for them either

with HIDs , do you need to get one to match the original globe type ( eg H3 , H4 ) or is it one-size-fits-all.

the main reason being I'm wondering if I could keep them and put them into my next car.

globes need to match the orginal size, so you can't bring them over to your next car, however you can still transfer the ballast, which is the most expensive part, and get globes to fit your new car

[Rupewrecht]

damn i read the title as HUD, not HID :o

very nice Chris, good install. :D

[tkhov]

Hi I saw some of the products on ebay
which one is recommended and also are they for high beam as well as driving?
do you have to get the H3 size?

[platypus]

chris, they require a self leveller here too...

but as long as they are adjusted properly, all should be good... to be extra safe you'd be best off working out where the old cut offs were first hand, and change the globes with out moving the car or of course measuring properly, light is meant to be at the same height from 9 metres or feet??? i can't remember which one...

might be an idea to adjust them with a weight in the back too... get a big buffioon mate to sit on/in the boot to alter the weight of the car

[CityEnd]

Thay, you will need to get the H3, and that will only be driving light.

h4 are both hi and lo beams

james, i think I'll need to look into that more...

yeah the hight of the light should be the same or lower at any distance away, i just tweaked it after every time i went for a drive until i was happy, making sure the light never shone onto the rear window of the car infront of me.

[platypus]

mmmm H4....

my light comes just to the top of the number plates in front of me...

[CityEnd]

yeah depends on where the number plate is.. either on the boot or the bar...
i think mine light up the ones on the bar, but not on the boot. but lights up the boot section on cars who r on the left lane of me.

[platypus]

hehe, mine lights up the ones on the boot :p

and it should light lower on the right

[robprice]

on the subject of legalitys of hid, dad bought an rx8 with leather pack not long ago. obvioiusly this comes with xenon lamps for low beam. The car has windscreen style squirters on the head lights (they spray the whole car they're that strong, and work whenever you hit the windscreen suirters). The salesman at mazda hornsby (hinrick i think his name was) said it is illigal to have xenon without these. The reason being that the cool blue/rainbow look you get from cars with xenon is not from the xenon lamps themseves. Its from dried water dropplets on the front of the lens that refact the light. Dunno if hes right or not but he is normally a very knowelageable bloke, especially about mazdas and german cars.

[platypus]

water dries to water vapour... it leaves no extra,

water marks are caused by outside air drying on or in the water.... water spots don't exist in a vacumm......

sounds uber fishy to me, esp since you can run a HID globe outside of an enclosure......

[Rupewrecht]

but he's not talking about inside the light fixture, he means spots on the outside of the lens/headlight...

[platypus]

i know that....

[Rupewrecht]

well how would there not be water marks on the outside of the lense to reflect off then?

make sense :p

[platypus]

clean lenses :p

[robprice]

thats it. and the water spots cause refraction because the light is so white, making that rainbow look you see when they come towards you. xenon by itself is just off being a pure white light. Anyway thats what we got told about them and if you find a car with HID and no water sprayers ill be very suprised. The non leather rx8 doesnt have them, or at least ones that work.

[platypus]

the HID lights are sold by the temperature that they light, which determines the colour...

the rainbow is there for the same reason that the sky is blue... its the refraction through the lens and viewing angle....

water sprayers were a european legality me thinks but i'm not sure it was only for HID lights... peugeot/volvo/audi etc have been putting these on cars for a long time now...

from what i can work out the real issue is if the lights are self leveling...


but i love the water sprayers on the headlights!!! water runs against the spring pushs the bar out, and then sprays the lights... then pops back in when done

[robprice]

im 99% sure its an ADR too. They are cool but if your cars clean they fix that quick-smart. Also you dont want to use anything but water in it if you like your polish.

[mazdaguy01]

After seeing this install I went shopping around. I can get hella kits for around $1500 and narva ones down as low as $1200. Has anyone found them anycheaper. I thought someone mentioned $500 but I cant remember where.

[twilightprotege]

i got mine from america/hong kong for $400aud (i think - cant remember but it was under $500)

[CRA23]

i think all HID kits are illegal cos there are none that are ADR approved, like most of the blue tinted zenon bulbs arnt ADR approved.

i cant find any HID that are ADR aproved but i think if u a good install u should be fine :)

[skippy]

So are you saying the cheapish blue head light globes do not actually make any difference to visability only look cool. Like $60 bucks as I recall,

I was thinking about getting some cause they are pretty cheap, thought they where a mild improvement, told they last longer (if they last a month) and they look cool.
But if not an actual improvement for my visibility Baaah stuffem.

FYI that Rx7 on Sunday can water spray a car travelling not all that close behind it, See my bonnent for proof.

[chicaboo]

HID or any globes are only legal up to 6000K as far as I know.
If my headlights ever go out I will just get the Philips 4300K pure white things for the headlights and foglights. I don't need blue lights on the front of the car, and police will pull you over for it if they are blue enough...

[platypus]

So are you saying the cheapish blue head light globes do not actually make any difference to visability only look cool. Like $60 bucks as I recall
yes they make a visibility difference blue is the lowest spectrum visible to mankind

i'll explain simply....

yellow is the best colour you can get for visibilty, or hues of it... having said that **** tins of white (ie HID) will be better :p

human eye colour spectrum goes from blue, through yellow, to red with UV at the blue end, and infrared at the red end...

yellow is the most visible colour to the human eyes as that is where the highest response to colour is... this is why warning signs, traffic lights, tennis balls, and night golf balls, and cricket balls are yellow (not 100% on the cricket - it was last time i checked)

[mike_d87]

i dont no if it is street legal but the Top Secret R34 GTR had xenon headlights but no sprayers...

[robprice]

and last time i checked it was a Jappanese car, not an aussie domestic market car. ADR meaning Australian Design Rule, ie applicable to cars sold in oz.

[mike_d87]

thats true. thats pretty obvious isnt it lol

[robprice]

your cool mate, im learning as much as u are

[Cosmo Dude]

Lots of euros are coming out with HID but the lenses are designed to reflect the light correctly for HID to be legal. IMHO most aftermarket HID instals are simply unfriendly to other drivers and should be sought out and smashed with a hammer.

[mobsta_Satan]

hEY HOW YA GOIN MATE I WORK FOR A LIGHITING AND ELECTRICAL GROUP AND I WAS LOOKING AT THE XENON GAS GLOBES YOU WERE USING AND WHAT YOU ARE MEANT TO GET IS A XENON GAS TRANSFER WHICH INCLUDES ITS OWN BALLAST AND WIRING AND YOU INSTALL IT IN PLACE OF THE NORMAL GLOBE FITTING, THATS WHY YOUR GLOBES KEPT BLOWING.

[preeman80]

Lots of euros are coming out with HID but the lenses are designed to reflect the light correctly for HID to be legal. IMHO most aftermarket HID instals are simply unfriendly to other drivers and should be sought out and smashed with a hammer.

I think thats a bit unfair.. those BMW, Lexus, and other 4WD that have HIDs as well, they are high enough to blast light directly into my car when behind.. regardless they are pointed down/lenses/auto level etc.. the go straight into my car.. so should I smash their lights in?

also, on my HID install, i have pointed them down.. its is a very short throw of light... because i was getting sick of blinding people.. (when they were just installed and then re-adjusted by mazda service, they were way too bright)

and i have also done some tests (me standing on the side of the road, while my friend drives my car) and my lights do not stand out that much due to brightness. they stand out more due to the blue/whitness in colour.

[ssman]

hi
was just reading through the forum and notice you where looking for some hids

1 becareful of the cheap chinese brands
2 i got my kit from a guy in qlds where i noticed u r for $375.00 not sure if he still has them for that price biut wont help to ask if u still want them..here is his number: plus M 07 3216 9539, mobile: 0439 687 491
email plusmauto@korea.com

After seeing this install I went shopping around. I can get hella kits for around $1500 and narva ones down as low as $1200. Has anyone found them anycheaper. I thought someone mentioned $500 but I cant remember where.

[Dogo]

cityend , just wondering what temp ur HIDs are and now that you've used them a while do you still think that temp is good or would you go a different one ?

thnx :)

[ssman]

hi there, i know you are messaging cityend but i am running 6500k and could not be more then happy. i have tried many different globes from japan and here, if i compare them to my hid they are all rubbish including piaa that cost me about $120 a pair.....my hid kit cost me $375.00...cheers shane



cityend , just wondering what temp ur HIDs are and now that you've used them a while do you still think that temp is good or would you go a different one ?

thnx :)

[Dogo]

I'm thinking of getting 6000k ones.

the standard lights on the hatch suck !

[CityEnd]

sup Dogo,

the temp for mine are 8000k, if i were to do it all again, then i would probably go for 6000k.

there isn't anything wrong with 8000k vision wise, it's just too far from the legal temp, and i get paranoid I'll get hassled by the cops, maybe i'm just too square. But yeah, I've driven behind cops, been through booze busses, and they haven't pulled me over for it.

8000k if you want the cool blue look and don't mind a bit of attention
6000k if u want something that is close to legal, and ppl can't confidently say they aren't legal. but still has a touch of blue. :)

I know what u mean though, the BA headlights are shocking, and this mod is a great improvement.

ssman, what brand is the one u have installed in your car?

[ssman]

the box says super-vision h.i.d....made in korea and i just noticed my'n are 6000k not 6500k as well...shane

also i have never had any problem with the law either


sup Dogo,

the temp for mine are 8000k, if i were to do it all again, then i would probably go for 6000k.

there isn't anything wrong with 8000k vision wise, it's just too far from the legal temp, and i get paranoid I'll get hassled by the cops, maybe i'm just too square. But yeah, I've driven behind cops, been through booze busses, and they haven't pulled me over for it.

8000k if you want the cool blue look and don't mind a bit of attention
6000k if u want something that is close to legal, and ppl can't confidently say they aren't legal. but still has a touch of blue. :)

I know what u mean though, the BA headlights are shocking, and this mod is a great improvement.

ssman, what brand is the one u have installed in your car?

[CHiMPY]

After driving in the ****ful weather last night I agree.

[Dogo]

cool thanks.

I think ill stick to 6000k. Cops love pulling me over already.

Im joining in a group buy for $370 delivered.
Made in China but its run twice already and no bad reviews yet so I'll trust them.

[CRA23]

what brand dogo? ive been thinking about it as the hatch lights do suck! and im not willing speding 450+ on a set of light bulbs

[Dogo]

CNLIGHT.

Group Buy here (http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=111034)
Comes with 1 Year Warranty

[CityEnd]

Let me know if u need a hand in installing them dogo... I'm sure u can manage on ur own, just thought i'd offer just in case :)

[Dogo]

thanks :)

[platypus]

well pimped dave!

[goldsp]

do you have to chop the headlight wiring loom to connect an inverter into the circuit?????

i got know idea how they work, but im assuming to get the extra power to the light an inverter would be needed .

[platypus]

no extra required - the kit is all thats needed - they supply them with connectors to plug and play the only realy hard thing is deciding where to put the ballast, and ignitor (unless one unit)

chopping the loom may not be a bad idea, so you can hard wire it then, but apart form that is all good!

[goldsp]

chopping the loom i see as a bad idea , because then if you want to return it to stock you are stuffed. Also cutting wiring looms means less insulation, which could stuff your headlights up with help of a huge puddle :(

[platypus]

yeah but the connectors would be a little bit open anyway....

soldered wire with heat shrink.... only way to wire


but i'm leaving it as is for going back to stock!!!

[Dogo]

i would use the standard loom plugs and attach female spade terminals to the HID wires.

[CityEnd]

there is no cutting of the wiring loom required, the kit should come with an adapter
hm.. i guess i forgot to take a picture of it

anyway it's like this plastic thing with 2 prongs sticking out, like a male american power point... and u just hook that up to existing wiring loom - to - and + to +

easy! and the whole system can be converted back instantly

[ssman]

do not cut the loom...............if you have to you got ripped off.....

[platypus]

do not cut the loom...............if you have to you got ripped off.....
hehe, no one is cutting... i'm just thinking about making secure connections... and thinking out loud!!!

[Dogo]

finally my HIDs arrived and I installed them over the weekend.

They're great !

still need to adjust the angles though - the passenger side shoots way off and lights up the side of the road.

install was easy, the hardest part was finding a good space to mount the ballasts.
I ended up putting mine inside the sidewall, under the lights. You would never know they are there.

before u ask - no I dont have pics yet

[Pork Chop Express]

finally my HIDs arrived and I installed them over the weekend.

They're great !

still need to adjust the angles though - the passenger side shoots way off and lights up the side of the road.

install was easy, the hardest part was finding a good space to mount the ballasts.
I ended up putting mine inside the sidewall, under the lights. You would never know they are there.

before u ask - no I dont have pics yet

Did you have to drill anything, or were there existing holes to screw into?

To access the sidewall, did you just remove the headlight, or did you need to remove the whole bumper?

Thanks

[CityEnd]

Did you have to drill anything, or were there existing holes to screw into?

To access the sidewall, did you just remove the headlight, or did you need to remove the whole bumper?

Thanks

while u wait for dogo to answer, I'll tell you about my install :P
i mounted my ballast under the headlight facing down, there were holes there already, so no drilling was needed. pics below

http://members.optusnet.com.au/cityend/cars/astina/HIDs/5.jpg
that shinny mirror finish, at the bottom left of pic, is the back of the ballast. u can also see where the nut and bolt is that is holding it in place.

[CityEnd]

btw dogo, got pics yet? :P

[Dogo]

nup.

mine is below the headlight on the chassis , facing forwards

and i STILL havnt set the angle of mine yet

[scrooge]

i bought a set off ebay (from HK, China kit) and after a week one ballast blew, i sent it back, the guy said it never arrived!!! Should have used registered post! At least hte other one looks great, need to get a new ballast for the other side....

We tested the light output with a light-meter - more then twice the lumens!

Although i reckon they should ban HIDs in non-projector fittings. Only projector fittings cut out the light below horizontal.

[CityEnd]

how unfortunate, i try to stay away from anyone selling stuff from ebay, i brought a memory stick from a guy in hk. I"m having trouble getting it to work coz it was a knock off... yeah try to stick with euro, korean and jap brands. I"ve had mine for over a year now and still working fine.

i agree with u in regards to HIDs should only be on projectors

[BigBoyLemonade]

I'm looking at getting some HIDs,

Who are the best people to get them off?

I saw these on NS
http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=190117&st=0

Does 6000k give a blue tinge when you look at them from say 300m away? I like what is on the Honda Accord Euros.

[chicaboo]

4300K gives a blue tinge!

On night cruises I have been on, I've looked for the coloured lights of the cars over a stretch of distance to make sure everybody is in the queue. 5000K will stand out over 300m easily, 6000K would be particulary blue in general.

Gav.

[BigBoyLemonade]

Ah ok, I might go 5000k then. I just don't like the try hard blue HIDs up close

[chicaboo]

Pretty much anything over 4000K gives off a blue halo or tinge in the least. Apparently the hotter/bluer you go, the less intense or effective the light is for the same wattage. The guys that use Diamond vision (5000K?) have commented on how useless their lights are too, but that won't be so much of a problem with HIDs. :)

[BigBoyLemonade]

So where is the best place to buy a kit?

[platypus]

mine and dogo's were from http://www.bt-revolution.com/
which was here on silvia
http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=111034

but i'm sure you looked there....

in the reflector lights i wouldn't overly recommend them - light scatters around a lot, in projectors they are ace, as also in the older glass fresnel type lights...

and stop thinking about it do it - tis well worth it - ignore the legalities, as they can be adjusted with minimal disturbance to others on the road

[platypus]

i went 6000k slight blue tinge, but only enough that you'd go oooh hid... but not so much that vision is deteriated....

they are now living in the astra after the protege... and as i said above - reflectors suck

[BigBoyLemonade]

The eunos has glass lights with projectors :)

[platypus]

nice work should all be good!!

[Dogo]

.. and I STILL havnt adjusted the angles of my lights since putting them in.

ive gotten used to a car with lazy eyes.

[Eire323f]

I was thinking about the HID conversion but the cost was a bit much.Then I found xenon bulbs which don't need the HID ballasts to fire them. They are a straight swap for the original H1's. Haven't picked them up yet but I will keep you posted. The other problem I've heard with the HID's is that if/when the ballasts fail the headlights keep lighting and cutting out,so instead of just replacing a bulb you have to fork out for another ballast. Not much fun on a twisty country road at night.

[platypus]

I was thinking about the HID conversion but the cost was a bit much.Then I found xenon bulbs which don't need the HID ballasts to fire them. They are a straight swap for the original H1's. Haven't picked them up yet but I will keep you posted. The other problem I've heard with the HID's is that if/when the ballasts fail the headlights keep lighting and cutting out,so instead of just replacing a bulb you have to fork out for another ballast. Not much fun on a twisty country road at night.
me thinks you've been had here... but post us some pics/links!

[spreston]

why are hid up grades illegal on cars not manufactured with them look great though

[reshiek]

hey guys,
i purchased the HID kit from ebuy product.
i think it is a bit to bright. purchased the 8000 kit.
is there anyway to reduce the power?
i do not know what to do, i get flashed by the odd driver, but was wondering is it legal??

[70NYD]

you cannot reduce the power. the salt burns at a specific heat and thats it. the gas mixture in the bulb is what determins the colour heat (4000K 6000K 8000K etc) 4000K is white, 6000K is slight tinge of blue and 8000K is blue. its not legal, none of them are but if worst comes to worst you can try to argue it out that as the law stipulates (in QLD anyway) a "self leveling" headlight can have HIDs and since you havea BA with prijector lowbeams your could be classified as legal as the light is allways leveled off at a certain point due to the projector design and minimal light is that can "dazzel" oncoming drivers escapes past this highest point. if you get flashed a few times only thing you can really do is to lower the projection of your beams to face more to the ground. if you removed the headlights to install the HIDs you might have screwed up the height so go to a nice flat wall at night and shine your lights at them, and make sure that your drivers side beam is lower than your passangers, and that your passangers comes out parralell to the gound IE the tallest part of the beam projection on wall is "same" height as the headlight :)
hope this helps mate
Tony

[Clean_Cookie]

hey guys - just wondering what kit would be suitable for a '97 BA I4 astina. looking around for something $350 or less... any suggestions? can those who have theirs for a few months/yrs provide some feedback? what are the 4000K like? much brighter than the stocks? not a huge fan of the blue colour, but still want something super bright!!! my mate put them in his car and its like daylight 500m away! i think hes got 8000K though. stupidly bright...

thanks! :)

[phly]

You're gonna have to check the casing of your headlight to see what type of bulbthey are as they could be H1 or H3.

http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3154

I, myself have a 6000K kit and its definately brighter than stock but I find it not bright enough. Maybe my kit isnt as good as others. I wouldnt go for 8000K though as it might attract unwanted attention cuz of that blueness.

I know you can get some HID kits for around 100ish bucks on ebay but dunno about the quality of those though

[marcs_sp20]

most peeps on here have 6000k's fitted, nice and bright tho!

[70NYD]

also me thinks its worth mentioning that the higher the colour value (ie 6000K > 4000K) the less light there is actually emmited.. so if you want really good visibility go for the 4000k ones, they are yellowish white, but much brighter than halogens..

[scott b]

ive bought two sets from a seller off ebay, not sure if he still sells on ebay coz wen i got my last set he wasnt but i was able to deal with him outside of ebay. anyway, ive bought 3 in total from him and no problems with any of them, the first 2 sets i got for around $90 each but due to the dollar dropping my last set was $115 about a month or so ago. ive got 10000K in my foglights (very blue and bright) and 6000k in my headlights (fairly white and lights up several hundred metres up the road). let me know if u want me to link u too the seller.

scott

[schwinn]

I think Applio here used to sell... haven't heard from him for a while. If you do get them from him get your parkers from him too, would look weird with whitish lamps but yellow parkers.
http://astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10538

[phly]

I think Applio here used to sell... haven't heard from him for a while. If you do get them from him get your parkers from him too, would look weird with whitish lamps but yellow parkers.
http://astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10538

Agreed. Looks heaps better when you get white LED parkers to match the HIDs

[Advv]

Sorry to bump this thread. I just installed my HIDs tonight. Installation was pretty simple. Adjusting is a pain in the ass. I'm not sure why but my left headlight is stuck pointing down. I tightened the screw to the max but it still won't lift up. Basically, my right headlight is giving out most of the light and the left one points to the ground. Because of this, there are peaks. The left side is peaked pretty bad (IMO) and I think it might cause some trouble if I drive in the middle lane and someone is driving in the left lane. Does anyone know what I should do? I'll probably end up taking it to mazda or a mechanic if I can't fix it myself.

And yes, white LED parkers would look much, much nicer on my car compared to the yellow parkers. It looks weird right now and it's really obvious that it's not stock.

[Rupewrecht]

Sounds like the adjusters in your headlight are broken - it's a common thing with BAs.

[platypus]

sounds to me like the bulbs aren't setup correctly... to far back or forward will change how the bulb interacts with the output.

unclip it and have a play with them on, i'd think that pulling them back in the housing will bring the light up for you, or as dan said they is just plain busted adjusters....

[70NYD]

also as the bulbs havea round and a square notch (ithink) in the base of them it may be easy to spin it out by 180 and it will be end up pointung up or down (it cant be stuck pointing left or right really..)

[Advv]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the help. I tried the 180 degree flip with the right headlight last night and it helped a bit (reduced the peak). I'll try it with the left headlight and see what happens. I'll probably move the bulb around a bit and see where it works best. Also, would anyone know why LED parker lights don't work with my 97 BA astina hardtop? I went to an autopart shop today and they tried three different LEDs without any luck. The original bulb (incandescent?) still works though. I've asked them to order two of the original bulbs in for me but with a bulb tint on them so they look white. Just looks too weird with white/yellow right now. It's too noticeable that it's not stock so I hope I don't get defected. Also, the adjustment isn't perfect yet so there's probably more chance of me getting defected for them.

Any way to tell if it's definitely the adjuster that's broken? And how to repair it? The guys at the autopart shop had no idea.

[RustyKaos]

About the parkers you have to reverse the wires for it to work. Had to do that for mine.

[70NYD]

OR put the bulb in the other way arouns, as its a T10 wedge, it can simply be to spin the bulb 180.

[Advv]

That works for the parker light 70NYD?

If they can't get anymore of the incandescent lights then I'll reverse the wires and see if the LED works. Thanks guys.

[70NYD]

yes because LED works with electricity flowing only in one direction.. in the other direction it doesnt work at all (thats what a diode does)
filament bulb works either way..
so just take a LED and spin it around so it fits inthe wedge.
(it can only go in one way, but facing 2 directions.. i dont think im explaining this properly)

BUT THIS IS ASSUMING THAT THE PARKER BULBS ARE A T10 WEDGE LIKE THEY ARE ON THE HATCH

[RustyKaos]

The hardtop are bayonet type with an offset on the pins so spinning the bulb won't work. Need to reverse the wiring and should be all good then.

[maztech]

What HID kits do you guys have, How much and where did you buy it from? Any kits to stay any from?

[70NYD]

i got myn of ebay, from china over a year and a half ago
i think the seller was dianeshop or something
they were 80 delivered to my door (30$ for the kit, 50$ for the delivery, but i suspect it should have been the other way around) and they have been piss to install and have been working perfectly since the begining. i will need new bulbs eventually and i have bought a set from the same seller today :)
same sht as the 250+ ones u buy from autobarn. different brand yes but all still illegal haha

[Advv]

I got mine from some China seller too. Cost me 62$ all up. Friend saw them and said they were almost identical to the set he bought here for $300 (apart from brand/packaging). I can give you the link if you'd like. Just pm me. I was given the link by another forum member who has used them for at least a year without any troubles.

[70NYD]

there might be a cheaper one but this is the seller i used
the delivery is overpriced, but the bulbs kit is underpriced so its all still very dan cheap (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HID-XENON-CONVERSION-KIT-BULBS-BALLASTS-H3-6000K-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45eeb483f6QQitemZ30 0357551094QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcce ssories)

u want to go ver very damn blinding, brighter than the sun bright?
get the 50W + hids, as the common ones are 30W (and 30W xenon is brighter than 100W halogen :D)

[Advv]

Hey Rusty,

You say to reverse the wires to get the LEDs working but I saw in other threads that you said it caused the LED to blow fast? Is that true?

I tried to get some blue tinted bayonets, I got a call from the shop today saying that they weren't able to get me any. They have one instore but I kinda need two. Might consider reversing the wires for the LEDs unless it'll blow really quick.

And do I buy the T10 Wedge LEDs if I decide to reverse the wires?

[RustyKaos]

You need to reverse the wires but me being a ******** I didn't tape it up properly afterwards and kept blowing the LEDs. For the Parkers get the white reversing LEDs as they are the bayonet style but only for the hardtop as I think the hatch is T10.

[70NYD]

i can confirm that the hatch is a t10 wedge :)

[Advv]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2x-BA9S-T4W-1895-Bayonet-White-Flat-1-LED-Dash-Parker_W0QQitemZ140258218954QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_ Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item20a80a93ca

Do these look like they'd be okay? They're bayonet ones. Thanks guys!

[project.r.racing]

T10 and T4 are different. If you need T10s, then buy T10s.

[Advv]

I don't need T10s. I was wondering it they were the right ones for a hardtop.

[RustyKaos]

They look too small. You need the bigger bayonet BA15S like this set:
Ebay link (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2x-White-19-LED-Car-Rear-Reverse-Bulb-Light-1156-DC-12V_W0QQitemZ120489196450QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car _Parts_Accessories?hash=item1c0db73ba2)
As I said look for the reversing lights as these are the bigger bayonets.

[Advv]

Thanks! They look like the ones the autopart shop tried. It fits but doesn't work. Gonna have to resolder the wires then. Cheers.

[RustyKaos]

Yup thats correct if they fitted, just have to reverse the wires.

[Clean_Cookie]

hids - I've installed some 55W and they r bright! in highbeams

[outbakoz]

Found some 55w H1 6000k HID's on ebay $AU89.95 delivered

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Premium-55W-HID-Xenon-Conversion-Kit-H1-4300-6000-8000K_W0QQitemZ160412133460QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item25594ee854

[miah87]

Wow... This thread is soooo helpful... I can change my light to HID on my own now...

[70NYD]

Found some 55w H1 6000k HID's on ebay $AU89.95 delivered

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Premium-55W-HID-Xenon-Conversion-Kit-H1-4300-6000-8000K_W0QQitemZ160412133460QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item25594ee854

woah that guy is cheap..
i might get some 55W and stick my 35W in the high beam :D

[chicaboo]

HIDs aren't very good for highbeeam, since they take so long to warm up [get brighter].

Gav.

[miah87]

How much does this light usually cost? Is the ebay guy selling it very cheap?

[asanga]

How much does this light usually cost? Is the ebay guy selling it very cheap?

I dont think you'll get them any cheaper than Ebay!! there are heaps on ebay with different price tags

[mikey_something]

i posted this is another thread but
$499 for phillips brand HID kit from autobarn
$50 is the cheapest ive seen on ebay (with dodgy ratings)

anywhere in between sounds good
i got mine for $162.75

[outbakoz]

Well i just ordered 2 sets, for high and low beam, should have them installed for the coffee catchup for anyone that wants a look. I'll post pics, before and after later.

[RustyKaos]

Just noticed that JayCar are doing hids now as well for $99.

[Clean_Cookie]

wow. the cops are going to have a field day soon when they decide to crack down on it! until then, enjoy safer driving with HID :)

[mikey_something]

technically they could yea
but our lowbeam housings are already a semi projector type
it keeps the same light pattern and spread (tested by myself with a light gun used in MOT in the UK :p)
the only thing we are missing is auto-levelers

the highbeams are technically illegal but then again if ur driving around with ur highbeams on u deserve to be shot :( lol


i dont think u'd get many complaints from our cars anyway, they are sufficiently low that it wouldnt really bother other drivers
however HIDS in those big 4WD things are like being raped in the face :(

[Clean_Cookie]

and SUZUIKI SWIFTS/ HONDA (ESP THE NEW ONES!) varients...accords etc... sigh. if ive had my high beams on in a dark street and i see someone alone with horrid lights i just flash mine and they get the idea haha

[Joeee]

Just bought my new HIDs on ebay, 55w High beams and 35w Lows, Heaps excited, now ill be able to see more than 10m in front of the car :D

[Clean_Cookie]

careful with the high beams...

[platypus]

Just bought my new HIDs on ebay, 55w High beams and 35w Lows, Heaps excited, now ill be able to see more than 10m in front of the car :D

10m makes me think you have a broken adjuster or a fully misaligned headlight - be interested to see if HID can fix that, or just light up the 10m in front of you better.

[Joeee]

Haha okay so 10m was a little overstated, but the lights are ****.
And why careful TC3?? :)

[Clean_Cookie]

becuase they are STUPIDLY BRIGHT... seriously man after 10 seconds i can see on the highway for at least a kilometer... (it was 2am on a sunday morning...) great for mountain driving too, but im always scared a car is coming so at every crest i always flick them off to be safe... they would blind you if you were driving towards it in another car. i got a headace from just looking from across the street for a fraction of a second.

you have been warned.

[Joeee]

Haha wow, Thanks for the heads-up man, do you still run them in yours? :p

[hitokiwi]

I'm going to try and re adjust my stock headlights first using a wall at the shopping centre.

if the light pattern is still crap I'm definitely upgrading my BA to hids

[mikey_something]

Ruling out a break in the cars wiring but fairly sure i just friend my passenger ballast.
No whine from the ballast on the passenger side and obviously no light :(
If it was the bulb going I think it would have flickered but not sure

Trying to get it replaced under warranty from the guy but I assume he won't write back until tomorrow

[70NYD]

Ruling out a break in the cars wiring but fairly sure i just friend my passenger ballast.
No whine from the ballast on the passenger side and obviously no light :(
If it was the bulb going I think it would have flickered but not sure

Trying to get it replaced under warranty from the guy but I assume he won't write back until tomorrow

lol one of my highbeam ballasts died as well (used it ~5 times for like 2 minutes). im not buying from that guy again ay.. the one i bought from dianeshop(ebay seller) over 2 years ago are still going strong.
i wrote him a email and setup a dispute over paypal.. il get another set or my money back either way (lol for $30) but i got a email from the seller (automated) stating that the are not in office untill 11th

[mikey_something]

Yea it sucks... Are the connectors on all ballasts the same shape? Or do I need to stick to same brand?
This guy still isn't writing back so I may just order another cheap kit leaving me with two spare bulbs and 1 spare ballast

[70NYD]

most of the ones i have seen and all the ones i have handled are same conections (bar one 6yr old set that i took out of my friends prelude, the bulbs and ballasts were soderd together...)
i would assume Philips might have a different connector forcing you to buy their bulbs, but i dont think so

[Clean_Cookie]

personally i just cut off all connections and connect them as well as they can be... for longevity and the possible performance increase.

[70NYD]

which makes it a bitch to change the bulb ;)
my friends bulb was blown (the one that was soldered) so we ended up changing both the ballasts and bulbs cus it was easier and faster lol

[Clean_Cookie]

the thing is, the first set i got - i couldnt figure out how to get the plugs out without cutting the back of the stock housing out, so i just cut them off and put them through the small holes already there... then not soldering (cause it will crack) but using a "BP double screw connector" and twisted and folded under. easy to undo (just unscrew and puill apart pretty much) and a better join too.

[70NYD]

aaaah i c that makes sense :)
i dremmeled a reasonably round hole on the back covers and fed it through there :)

[Clean_Cookie]

i had to drill a 25mm hole in my fogs cause the bulb was too long, but other than that, my lights can be brought back to stock if required for selling etc.

[mikey_something]

I also dremmeled a hole.

Ordered two sets for less than the price of my first kit
6000k lows and 5000k highs (for a bit whiter and more lumens)
Both 55w

[mynameisdaniel]

anyone tried both to see how much of a difference 55w makes vs 35w?

[mikey_something]

tc3 has both.
ive read that you get 30-40% more lumens output at 55W over the 35W
however you get colour washout.
so a 55W 6000K looks more like a 35W 5000K sort of thing.
have you noticed this at all tc3?

[Clean_Cookie]

tc3 has both.
ive read that you get 30-40% more lumens output at 55W over the 35W
however you get colour washout.
so a 55W 6000K looks more like a 35W 5000K sort of thing.
have you noticed this at all tc3?
my 55W australian bought ones are actually alot bluer than the cheaper chinese ones i got later. and the bulbs havent started flickering like the 35W ones have either... all round better i guess (still cheap chinese made though).

i cant comment on the actual brightness difference as i have not put them side by side in the same beam (high/low) as they use different bulbs. but the 55W are seriously bright, and id guess at 30-40% more in my case. my 55W 3000K fogs arent that bright (more like a 35W setup) and i think thats due to the chinese getting cheap and just putting any label on the same ballasts etc.

[mikey_something]

New pro tech are back on my list as good HID sellers. The lack of communication regarding a replacement was because they has a long weekend off :/
Lol but they are sending a replacement free of charge and ask that I return the old ballast so they can find the fault "at your leisure (within 6 months)"
Lol

So I'm gunna have a spare kit for replacing bulbs and ballasts :)

so now i have a choice,
55w low 35w high
or
35w low 55w high?

[Clean_Cookie]

2nd for sure.

[70NYD]

1st one :p
just cus how often do u use high beams?? might as well use the stronger ones where it counts ;)

[mikey_something]

1st one :p
just cus how often do u use high beams?? might as well use the stronger ones where it counts ;)

That was my logic but in worried they will be stupidly bright lol!
Will have to give them a trial and see.
If o get flashed too much then it's Probly a good sign

[70NYD]

u can allways switch back right??

[mikey_something]

Yeah just a hassle I spose
Those clips holding the bulbs in break my fingers every time lol

[pyromaniac11]

im looking for eBay HID's
You reckon New Pro Tech is good? Anyone else got reccommendations on a reputable and cheap HID seller?
Need 35W 6000k low beams (what H# is that for Hardtop? h3??)
and 55W 6000K high beams (thats H1 right?)
And 35W 5000K for fog lights (pretty sure H3 ...)

[mikey_something]

New pro tech is excellent for quality but around midrange for price. If you ask Tony and some others they swear by the cheaper Chinese sellers around 50-60$
Advantage of new pro tech is they are Sydney local, speak English, and give a 1year warranty Which I just used.
It's up to you, you can spend anywhere from $50 to $500 for a Phillips kit from autobarn

As far as bulb sizes. I'm not sure for hardtop but foglights should be H3
And in the hatch at least on mine high and low beam were both H3

If you wanna check it's written on the back of the bulbs on the metal surround.

For the price of one new pro tech kit, you coils probly score all threekits you're after from china.
On some pages earlier in this thread there are links to a few sellers

And when it comes to install time plenty of install threads bu it's truy bullet proof

[pyromaniac11]

thanks mate.
might do it all at once when i get the foglights installed (again :\)

[RustyKaos]

Hardtop lights are as follows:
Low beam H3
High beam H1
Genuine foglights H3

[Clean_Cookie]

rusty, afaik some are H1/H1. (origininal ones i think, before ford production)

[RustyKaos]

Only on the hatch. The hardtop is the same all the way through (except for the HID version maybe).

[70NYD]

Post ford is h1h1 for hatch
Preford is h1h3