HID conversion

[importcrazy]

After both my driving lights burnt out simultaniously the other night I thought about upgrading to an HID kit. I was just woundering from some of you guys that hsve had it for a while, are there any problems with diming or bulbs burning out??

[Black_Protege_5]

I haven't had mine for that long but they are great and the bulbs usually last 5 times longer.

[imjustagirl]

After both my driving lights burnt out simultaniously the other night I thought about upgrading to an HID kit. I was just woundering from some of you guys that hsve had it for a while, are there any problems with diming or bulbs burning out??


I'm not all that impressed with mine... I have a 10k kit from HIDxpress.. it was great at first but now one of my ballasts is going bad.. I love the light output, but I'm tired of fucking with it so I'm thinking about switching back to Silverstars.. :)

[hyperboarder]

My 7k's from the group buy on this forum (I believe the vendor's sn is xenonshop) are freakin amazing. After the install and securing the wires and everything, no problems at all. I've had them on since about January, through a rather harsh winter, and they still work like champs. BTW, I was having the same problem, burning bulbs like crazy, so I can sympathize, and highly encourage the HID jump.

[imjustagirl]

My 7k's from the group buy on this forum (I believe the vendor's sn is xenonshop) are freakin amazing. After the install and securing the wires and everything, no problems at all. I've had them on since about January, through a rather harsh winter, and they still work like champs. BTW, I was having the same problem, burning bulbs like crazy, so I can sympathize, and highly encourage the HID jump.


I contemplated just buying a new kit from them.. did you have to do any modification to get the bulbs to sit right?? I'd rather just buy a new kit than spend $90 on a new ballast and hope that fixes my problem..

[importcrazy]

i guess im persuaded then because i have had enough of this buying bulbs S. anyway how much did the kit run you and do you need projectors. (i hope so ive always wanted angel eyes)

[Canecreekfreak]

I'm selling my kit, if you're interested:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123646819

Shoot me a PM or email. Thx!

[hyperboarder]

I contemplated just buying a new kit from them.. did you have to do any modification to get the bulbs to sit right?? I'd rather just buy a new kit than spend $90 on a new ballast and hope that fixes my problem..

I had to get a pack of hose gaskets from home depot, cost 76 cents, to get the proper seat with the spring clip, but other than that, no problems.
The vendor is great, and lifetime warranty on everything but bulbs.



i guess im persuaded then because i have had enough of this buying bulbs S. anyway how much did the kit run you and do you need projectors. (i hope so ive always wanted angel eyes)

I got mine for 275, I think they're 250 now. You don't need projectors, but it's an option. I've been toying with the idea for a while, I'm trying to pick up a set of headlights, then some angel eyes and projectors, and see if I'm really an ok fabricator. They're super bright as is, but the projectors would focus them a lot.

[redpr5]

no projectors = no cutoff, which will piss off oncoming drivers.

but theres a few cars on the forums that arent runnin projectors, and they look real nice.

[hyperboarder]

I've only gotten headlights flashed like twice, so it's not really that big of a thing. It will still aim like the stock lights, just really intensify the beam.

[kudakev615]

i get high beamed all the time. but after i installed my eye lids, not so much. ive been running a helios 6k kit for a while now and have been loving it
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/kudakev615/p5.jpg

[Mr.Ames]

I've only gotten headlights flashed like twice, so it's not really that big of a thing. It will still aim like the stock lights, just really intensify the beam.

I get flashed all the time and I've only got 100 watt halogens
I wanna get projectors with angel eyes, that would looked wicked
What's it gonna take to get a company to start manufacting them for our cars?
:bs:

[hyperboarder]

I get flashed all the time and I've only got 100 watt halogens
I wanna get projectors with angel eyes, that would looked wicked
What's it gonna take to get a company to start manufacting them for our cars?
:bs:

If you check the authorized vendor g/b section, you can find a kit, but it's pretty DIY.

[jadonP5]

people flash even if you have the shittiest light setup in the world. they just don't know how to not stare into oncoming traffic.

[SNike05]

If you do get a kit make sure you get one with Lifetime warranty on bulb and balasts.

I've had my Xtec 6000K kit for almost 2 years now and I love them. If they are pointing right you should not get flashed.

[digitalricepape]

had my 7k's fer about two hyears now and not a single complaint about em!

[hyperboarder]

had my 7k's fer about two hyears now and not a single complaint about em!

I think the black housing helps a lot too, eliminates a lot of reflected light going elsewhere.

[imjustagirl]

well my passenger side ballast has finally just about crapped out.. *sigh* So from what I gather, the Helios kit is the way to go?

[Protephile]

well my passenger side ballast has finally just about crapped out.. *sigh* So from what I gather, the Helios kit is the way to go?

The Techones I sell are only $225.00 shipped; very nice kit.

[hyperboarder]

well my passenger side ballast has finally just about crapped out.. *sigh* So from what I gather, the Helios kit is the way to go?

I love mine, but I haven't had any experience with others, so I'm a little biased.

[Protege2886]

I love mine, but I haven't had any experience with others, so I'm a little biased.

I just installed mine and it's the same thing I haven't experienced anything else. I've got a 6000k bi-xenon kit - the high beams are crazy.

The difference between regular halogen and HID is so amazing.

In terms of getting highbeams flashed at me - I just flash my HID highs and ppl tend to go away.

[hyperboarder]

I just installed mine and it's the same thing I haven't experience anything else. I've got a 6000k bi-xenon kit - the high beams are crazy.

The difference between regular halogen and HID is so amazing.

In terms of getting highbeams flashed at me - I just flash my HID highs and ppl tend to go away.

I just flash my katana, gets em runnin every time.

[patmaz]

well my passenger side ballast has finally just about crapped out.. *sigh* So from what I gather, the Helios kit is the way to go?


yes sir,helios all the way,best warranty out there,and an oem look finish,oem like connectors,rubbers,everything is sealed,wires are amazing quality,i dont have a single regret about mine,and i ve searched for almost 2 years before going with helios,its worth the money and the wait....(first)

[importcrazy]

is there any cutting involved with the installation. and how much do different colored bulbs cost. Im thinkin purple would look sick.

[hyperboarder]

is there any cutting involved with the installation. and how much do different colored bulbs cost. Im thinkin purple would look sick.

No car modification at all, just mounting ballasts and ignitors to existing points in the engine bay. I don't know about bulbs, you could pm the vendor though.

[Protege2886]

is there any cutting involved with the installation. and how much do different colored bulbs cost. Im thinkin purple would look sick.


There isn't any cutting involved. In my case I had to drill 5 holes - 4 for the 2 mounting brackets and 1 for a good ground. The only reason I had to do that though was because I didn't have any other convenient places to put the ballasts.

I just finished a GROUP BUY for HID lights on the Ottawa Mazda and Club Protege Quebec forums/clubs and the different color bulbs didn't affect the price at all. Every kit was the same price regarless of color.

[imjustagirl]

is there any cutting involved with the installation. and how much do different colored bulbs cost. Im thinkin purple would look sick.


Mine are purple and when they work, it looks bad ass.. :) just dont get an HIDxpress kit.. :(

[Protege2886]

Mine are purple and when they work, it looks bad ass.. :) just dont get an HIDxpress kit.. :(


Are they no good ?

[imjustagirl]

Are they no good ?


mine was great... it installed easily (minus having to rig the bulbs in) etc, etc.. I've only had it for 7 months and one of the ballasts is crapping out.. as far as I know, they dont warranty them so I'd have to buy a new ballast.. might as well just buy the whole kit

[patmaz]

you dont need to cut anything,its all plug and play and oem quality,it takes about an hour max(with a beer)to install...

as for the colors,remember this,higher the color range,less light output on the road...best is under 8000k,over that,its purple,but almost no light,an cops will run after your ass...

the best for you,try to stay under 8000k,like between 6000k or 7000k....

[SNike05]

well my passenger side ballast has finally just about crapped out.. *sigh* So from what I gather, the Helios kit is the way to go?

Like I said before I have the Xtec lifetime warranty great stuff. I've seen the Helios very solid kit plus the price is incredible. Go with the Helios cause Xtec will be more costly. As for colour I would not suggest getting anything higer then 7000K because you lose too much light then. Even 7K is too much but the colour is very nice.

[Protege2886]

you dont need to cut anything,its all plug and play and oem quality,it takes about an hour max(with a beer)to install...

as for the colors,remember this,higher the color range,less light output on the road...best is under 8000k,over that,its purple,but almost no light,an cops will run after your ass...

the best for you,try to stay under 8000k,like between 6000k or 7000k....


I would say the same thing - I have the 6000K kit and my friend has the 8000K kit - mine is MUCH brighter than his. Also - opt for the Hi/Low kit if you can. It is such a ridiculous improvement you won't believe it.

[importcrazy]

so let me get this straight the different output equalls different colors???

[patmaz]

so let me get this straight the different output equalls different colors???

euh well yes kind off...

i mean,there are many color ranges for hids,and there calculated in kelvin...

the higher you go in kelvin temperature,the more color you will have..

the amount of light output is calculated in lumens...

so lower the kelvin,like 4300k,the more lumens produced...

4300k-4500k usually puts about 3200 lumens

5000-6000k about 2600-2900 lumens

6500k to 8000k about 2200-2500 lumens...

theses are approx. numbers i took of many web sites to give you an example....by the way the lumen measure unit is to describe the candle light amount, about the same for a utility flashlight...the more candle light,more light=more lumens,more light....

for me,i have the helios bi-xenon 6000k,and i love it,really satisfied,they are really bright....

hope this explanation help you out...(glare)

[importcrazy]

so the temperature doesnt determine the color, but the sharpness of the color.

say a 4500k blue would be lighter than a 6500k blue. yes yes??

[hyperboarder]

so the temperature doesnt determine the color, but the sharpness of the color.

say a 4500k blue would be lighter than a 6500k blue. yes yes??

4500 would be white, the blue starts around 6000.

[kudakev615]

my 6k kit has a strong hint of blue after the bulbs heat up. its pure white with blue hue . i like them:)

[Breeegz]

do it... I bought my HIDs (6k) from protegefile and they installed really easy (once I figured out a place for my ballasts...

[Protege2886]

so the temperature doesnt determine the color, but the sharpness of the color.

say a 4500k blue would be lighter than a 6500k blue. yes yes??


The temperature determines the color and the color determines the "sharpness" / "Strength" of the light being emitted. Basically when the gas inside the bulb is heated to a specific temperature, the wavelength of the light emitted (interms of the electromagnetic spectrum/visible light spectrum) changes. Since each wavelength represents a different color - as the temperature changes --> wavelength changes --> color changes.

...or something along those lines

As was mentioned before:
4300K is white and launches the furthest because it has the most lumens.
Next in line is 6000K which has a hint of blue but still produces fairly white light.
8000K has a strong blue color and produces fewer lumens than the previous 2 colors
10 000K and above you start getting purple and darker colors and a lot less lumens.

[importcrazy]

(thought) ok i get it

[Protege2886]

cool :P now that's the first and last time I am ever going to use the word electromagnetic when talking about cars ;) :P

[amsgator]

how hard is an HID kit to install?

[redpr5]

3000K is yellow. perfect for either high beams, or converting your fog lights to hid (i thought about doing this, but i think it would just be annoying to oncoming drivers) so instead im just gonna get the CATZ fogs or the PIAA ones (which model are the PIAAs? i couldnt find them.

[amsgator]

how difficult is installation of an HID kit? and what about fogs? are those really hard to do?

[redpr5]

how difficult is installation of an HID kit? and what about fogs? are those really hard to do?
its not too hard, so far the only difficulty is deciding where you wanna mount the ballasts and stuff.
fogs, idt it would be too hard, but im sure itd be a lil more difficult than headlights. but i still think that hid fogs would just be annoying to on coming drivers. but who knows

[amsgator]

its not too hard, so far the only difficulty is deciding where you wanna mount the ballasts and stuff.
fogs, idt it would be too hard, but im sure itd be a lil more difficult than headlights. but i still think that hid fogs would just be annoying to on coming drivers. but who knows

well i was gona get the 3000K (yellow) fogs if i got HID fogs

[redpr5]

well i was gona get the 3000K (yellow) fogs if i got HID fogs
same here. if you do it, definetly post pics of it (and where you mounted everything) im really curious to see how this will look. and if i like it, that might be the route i take.
you should also consider rockblocker yellow tint for the fogs to go along with the yellow bulbs. that would help you get a real nice yellow and hopefully not hot spot with the light

[amsgator]

i am getting the catz kit instead of hid fogs. i also have hid lows on the way. should be here thursday. gonna get them in and aimed and be good to go. aiming them a little lower than regular bulbs will help prevent the need for ppl to flash you

[redpr5]

i am getting the catz kit instead of hid fogs. i also have hid lows on the way. should be here thursday. gonna get them in and aimed and be good to go. aiming them a little lower than regular bulbs will help prevent the need for ppl to flash you

thats whats up. pics when youre done

[Breeegz]

i am getting the catz kit instead of hid fogs. i also have hid lows on the way. should be here thursday. gonna get them in and aimed and be good to go. aiming them a little lower than regular bulbs will help prevent the need for ppl to flash you

Thats what I did, nobody has flashed me yet (HID for almost a year). I think the P5 has good headlights for HID conversion. We get to keep our High Beams and our HIDs get installed in our low beam housing, which could help our HIDs from getting out of control.

FYI, I am not a headlight scientist, but I play one on the internet.

[importcrazy]

while this post is resurected, has anyone had any luck finding projector headlights, or finding projector housings to retrofit, for the protege or protege 5.

[ho bag]

I got a sort of off topic question.

Can you install HID's as your low beam and have them stay on with high beams? Like the mazda 3's do.

[amsgator]

while this post is resurected, has anyone had any luck finding projector headlights, or finding projector housings to retrofit, for the protege or protege 5.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123617723&highlight=hid+retrofit

[Protephile]

I got a sort of off topic question.

Can you install HID's as your low beam and have them stay on with high beams? Like the mazda 3's do.

If you have a sedan, the low and high beams are together. If you have a P5 you have a separate housing for low and high. If you have a sedan you could do a
conversion.

[ho bag]

P5, Its not a matter of seperate housings. I was wondering if i could rewire the headlight system to keep the low beams on when the high beams are on (both bulbs on at once).

This way i can use HID's as always on and highbeams for highway use.

I will have other issues with DRL's but that a different issue.

[importcrazy]

the protege 5 driving lights stay on with the high beams on, the fog lights shut off when you turn on the highs though.


and holly hell 600 dollars for those projectors, they are nice dont get me wrong but....

[Breeegz]

No rewire necessary, My low beams stay on when I use my high beams.


P5, Its not a matter of seperate housings. I was wondering if i could rewire the headlight system to keep the low beams on when the high beams are on (both bulbs on at once).

This way i can use HID's as always on and highbeams for highway use.

I will have other issues with DRL's but that a different issue.


the protege 5 driving lights stay on with the high beams on, the fog lights shut off when you turn on the highs though.


and holly hell 600 dollars for those projectors, they are nice dont get me wrong but....

[redpr5]

i like the projector idea, but it looks so weird in the housing

[amsgator]

how do you aim the lights for a p5? i took a glance and dont see what to do. you dont have to remove the bumper do you?

[mikeski]

i have them and love em....i dont get too much high beam flash either.

[importcrazy]

[QUOTE=redpr5;3313310]i like the projector idea, but it looks so weird in the housing[/QUOTE
i personaly want them so i can have angel eyes, they are so sexy