Quick HID questions!

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 23 Oct 2010, 11:25

I've read a lot about various kits and ways about getting HID lights in these cars. It usually appears that you can simply buy an HID kit and plug it all in and be done. But this method seems to ignore one of the biggest problems: that dropping HIDs in a housing meant for halogens is bad news for the light output patterns.

Personally I've very enticed by kits like this: DDM Slim HID Kit 35w/55w

However, from what I've researched, simply doing that will blind everyone and throw light everywhere. What would I need to do to be able to run these higher-output lights without problems? New lenses or new housings? Both?

Basically, I want bright white lights that do not blind anyone, and can be good with DRLs (I like DRL). I would just get the super bright halogens, but with DRL those burn up way too fast.

Thanks as usual!

Allen in Hemet · Post by **Allen in Hemet** » 23 Oct 2010, 12:29

I'm with you, I would like to do the samething, but I think we would have to by the E-code lens first. From what I have read here, E cde lenses put the light on the road, not into the sky. Or, we could go the really expensive route, and buy a pair complete clear lens/multireflector headlight assemblies from an '04 C70. R/ Allen

Post by **mikealder** » 23 Oct 2010, 13:15

Fit a set of projector headlights to it with normal bulbs and you will be amazed at how good the light output is it worked for me - Mike

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 23 Oct 2010, 13:52

Allen, sounds like we're in the same boat! I really can't shell out $200-300 each for new assemblies though. I definitely want to do this upgrade correctly, but if it is too expensive, then I'll just forget it.

I'm a little unclear as to what exactly needs replacement. Would one of those kits + the FCP E-Codes do it right? Somehow I don't think so...

mikealder wrote:Fit a set of projector headlights to it with normal bulbs and you will be amazed at how good the light output is it worked for me - Mike

Can you give a little more info as to what this entails? Any links to parts and stuff? Thank you!

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 23 Oct 2010, 20:16

I just wired them directly into my high beams since I turn them off for traffic anyway. The difference is amazing!!! Super wide field of view as well as a great distance, absolutely blinding though

- Jesse

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 23 Oct 2010, 21:37

Yea, sounds good for the driver, but not for the people on the other side of the road!

I've been looking up "projectors" and stuff, but they all are advertised for regular H7 bulbs. And they're darn expensive!

Post by **mikealder** » 24 Oct 2010, 03:29

ecbsykes wrote:I've been looking up "projectors" and stuff, but they all are advertised for regular H7 bulbs. And they're darn expensive!

I never said they were cheap, but they are better than the standard lighting units purchased from Volvo, I got mine from PFV see Here they do LHD or RHD but make sure you mention which ones you want at the time of order. A picture to show you what they look like when fitted to the V70:

Mike

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 24 Oct 2010, 08:34

I didn't expect them to be cheap.

But sadly, if that's the only option, I guess I'm out of luck?

Edit: Actually, I just realized that price was for the set (pair)! That just might be do-able. So with those projectors and the HID kit I was looking at, would that be very good light? Or are they not compatible with HIDs?

Post by **mikealder** » 24 Oct 2010, 10:53

You could fit HIDs but I found standard decent bulbs with the projectors are far more than good enough - Mike

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 24 Oct 2010, 11:00

Thanks Mike, I really appreciate the info! I think I might bite the bullet on those projectors. I'm not all too familiar with the laws in the US concerning headlights, but would those projectors give me any problems when having the car inspected? Do they already aim the light correctly?

An if I were to fit in HIDs though, would they still be impossible to aim correctly/not blind people?