Rep Power: 285

I've got a question to anyone that is currenty running what I call "HID bulbs". Not an actually a HID conversion, but the bulbs that you can find in stores for maybe 30-40 bucks, or whatever. You can find them on ebay for like 7 bucks probably. They list them as 4000K bulbs usually.

Here is my question. For those who have tried them or are currently using them. Is there one brand that is better than another?

I've now had 3 sets of these HID lights. Not a single pair has lasted me over 6 months probably. I am very careful anytime I've put them in, to not touch the bulb at all. I've had no luck with these things at all. I love the look, and how bright they are, but I am sick of tearing them in and out every couple months.

I'm also wondering if anyone has done an HID conversion in here on their civic, and how much it costs, and if it's working good for ya etc? If I have to keep doing the bulb replacement more than I change my underwear, I'm going back to stock, or maybe paying for the HID kit depending on what people have experienced.


Second part of the post is for my CAI.
I bought a CAI off ebay, and the second part of the pipe does not meet up with my mounts in my engine bay. I looked at how the "AEM HOW TO INSTALL" in the DIY part of this site, and it's not the same as what I have. I can't get a good look at how it mounts in though. I think the AEM pipe is a bit different from what I have, and I wonder if I have to buy a new CAI after all.

IF someone has a pic of their CAI of AEM, Injen, etc.... I would appreciate any pictures you have where it meets up with the second mount. The one like behind the battery area. If you have pics, or are willing to take some with a digital camera and post them I'd be greatful. I've had such bad luck with parts lately, I'm just about ready to drive the thing 100mph into a wall right now.

Help me out.

 
Rep Power: 0

I changed over to Sylvania SilverStar 9003 Halogens about 8 months ago - I am very pleased with the performance of the lights. Front and Side-view brightness increased noticably: I drive in an area in (NJ) where deer frequent the roadway so the extra vision has really helped during late night driving. Saved my front-end 2 or 3 times already.

My only (minor) gripe is what appears to be a 20-30 foot loss of forward lighting (vs. the stock lamps) - I think it is due to a sharper cutoff pattern on the bulbs, I haven't tried to adjust the Headlights back yet. ( I might ask the dealership to do this at the next oil change. )
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Cost of the (2) bulb set was just over 40.00 shipped - I would buy SilverStars again, and plan to replace each lamp as needed. Well worth the money to me.


I hope the info helps.

 
Rep Power: 812

I have sylvania cool blue bulbs that have lasted me two years before one burnt out. Color temp is pure white 3800K, instead of the stock 3200K.

 
Rep Power: 285

see those aren't bad. I like the "blueish tint. Much better than the yellowish glow of the standard bulbs. Mine are obviously still brighter being 4000k, but at least I know I've got options. Anyone know of a member that has the HID kit in thier ride?

 
Rep Power: 334

i have piaa h4 xtreme white bulbs. i beleive their 4100k bulbs.

so far lasting me 8 months and workin perfectly fine.

its a replacement bulb of the stock bulb only. paid a good $65 for them on eBay... retail = $80+

 
Rep Power: 329

Perhaps you should check out the lighting section, there are numerous members with HID kits, BMW and AUDI projecter retrofits, and a plethora of info on the matter.

 
Rep Power: 0

I ran into the same problem with replacing numerous bulbs for my car, once I changed out of stock. My lights stopped burning out once I sealed the housing with silicon. I also made sure that the rubber caps were placed on tightly in the back to keep the moisture out. Once I did that I haven't had to replcace the bulbs in 6 months. Hope that helps.

 
Rep Power: 449

moved to I.C.E & Electrical...Subforum: Lighting