For those of you contemplating converting your stock halogens to HID aftermarket kits I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. Hope this helps.
I have done hours upon hours of research about HID and Halogen bulbs. Although I am by no means an expert I have learned my fair share about lumens, Kelvin’s, optics etc etc etc. I love the look of OEM HID but when it comes down to shelling out hard earned cash versus the final outcome for aftermarket HID kits for my reflector beam headlight, this is my final conclusion:
MY06 Honda Civic came equipped with stock Halogen 9006 (HB4) Sylvania’s part number HB4U at 51watts, (4 amp load), for the low beam housing.
9005 (HB3) Sylvania’s part number HB3U at 60 watts, (5 amp load), for high beam housing.
9006 low beam produces about 1,000 lumens @ 3,600 Kelvin temperature
9005 high beam produces about 1,700 lumens @ 3,800 Kelvin temperature
I immediately replaced those with inexpensive Japanese bulbs ($30)
I modified the 9005 bulb to fit the 9006 low beam) wire harness (very easy). I started with Sylvania Silver Stars 65watts @ 4,000k, then switched to a 65watt @ 6,000k then a100watt @8,000k and then finally a 100watt @ 5,000k producing 1,900lm (8amp load). I found the last to be the perfect balance.
to modify your 9005 bulb to fit a 9006 socket I used this site:
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
As for my high beams I put a 65watt @10,000k bulb in for the sole purpose of having a purple/rainbow affect for my DRL (daytime running lights), I don’t use high beams at night, don’t need to with my low beams.
daytime pics:
http://danielbenedict.com/my06_honda_civic_4door_ex_auto_photoset.html
night time pics:
http://www.danielbenedict.com/my06_honda_civic_4door_ex_auto_night_photoset.html
Hid conversion kits cost $150 cheap, to $450 best and gives me 2,800lm @6,000k 35watts (3amp load), and the problem of the bulb aligning in the housing to produce a good beam pattern.
I would rather take the $400 I’m saving and put it into more useful things like tuning.
Although I am putting more strain on the electrical system by drawing 8amps versus 4amps I’m still 2amps under the melt down for that system.
End result, I have nearly doubled light output, have nice white color temperature close to HID and am only out 30 bucks.
Future mods, 1” drop with 18” gunmetal rims, intake chip and exhaust. Keep it clean and simple.
I have done hours upon hours of research about HID and Halogen bulbs. Although I am by no means an expert I have learned my fair share about lumens, Kelvin’s, optics etc etc etc. I love the look of OEM HID but when it comes down to shelling out hard earned cash versus the final outcome for aftermarket HID kits for my reflector beam headlight, this is my final conclusion:
MY06 Honda Civic came equipped with stock Halogen 9006 (HB4) Sylvania’s part number HB4U at 51watts, (4 amp load), for the low beam housing.
9005 (HB3) Sylvania’s part number HB3U at 60 watts, (5 amp load), for high beam housing.
9006 low beam produces about 1,000 lumens @ 3,600 Kelvin temperature
9005 high beam produces about 1,700 lumens @ 3,800 Kelvin temperature
I immediately replaced those with inexpensive Japanese bulbs ($30)
I modified the 9005 bulb to fit the 9006 low beam) wire harness (very easy). I started with Sylvania Silver Stars 65watts @ 4,000k, then switched to a 65watt @ 6,000k then a100watt @8,000k and then finally a 100watt @ 5,000k producing 1,900lm (8amp load). I found the last to be the perfect balance.
to modify your 9005 bulb to fit a 9006 socket I used this site:
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/More_light.htm
As for my high beams I put a 65watt @10,000k bulb in for the sole purpose of having a purple/rainbow affect for my DRL (daytime running lights), I don’t use high beams at night, don’t need to with my low beams.
daytime pics:
http://danielbenedict.com/my06_honda_civic_4door_ex_auto_photoset.html
night time pics:
http://www.danielbenedict.com/my06_honda_civic_4door_ex_auto_night_photoset.html
Hid conversion kits cost $150 cheap, to $450 best and gives me 2,800lm @6,000k 35watts (3amp load), and the problem of the bulb aligning in the housing to produce a good beam pattern.
I would rather take the $400 I’m saving and put it into more useful things like tuning.
Although I am putting more strain on the electrical system by drawing 8amps versus 4amps I’m still 2amps under the melt down for that system.
End result, I have nearly doubled light output, have nice white color temperature close to HID and am only out 30 bucks.
Future mods, 1” drop with 18” gunmetal rims, intake chip and exhaust. Keep it clean and simple.
