Help me pick my next headlights...

[Tex Arcana]

Okay, we derailed Jim's (http://www.talonclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7174) thread enough, so I"m starting a new one here.

I wanna know what y'all think of these headlights, since we've decided that painting the stock ones isn't such a good idea. So, here goes: which ones do y'all like the most??

From ProCarParts (http://www.procarparts.com/store-detail.asp?sku=FD98F1%2D5183HCX&dbname=onlinestoreDB):
http://www.procarparts.com/products/FD98F1-5183HCX.JPG

As mounted on an L:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/624000-624999/624341_18_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/624000-624999/624341_22_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/624000-624999/624341_20_full.jpg


Matrix#1:
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Pics/Matrix_03_Exped_Proj_BLK_09-1108_Big.jpg

Matrix #2:
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Pics/Matrix_97_F150_Proj_Corner_Blk_Blue_09-1155_Big.jpg
(these are similar to SonicBlueTommy's set, I do'nt like the blue projector, maybe one can get clear instead)


Sylvania Xenarc HID kits: (http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Xenarc/XenarcKits.htm)
http://dafnwebpd.sylvania.com/os_filenet_pages/FnDocIdDisplay.asp?docid=003679425
(best lighting possible, but won't get the cool look of the others).

And, last but not least, '00Bolt's setup:
http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/578sig.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/galleries/images/3372-4883-83159.jpg

Vote away... and let me know what y'all think! :tu:

[00Bolt]

you know who else has a sweet setup is Jacob... he has the same blacked out tailights and he has the HID headlights, but he blacked out the front corners.... im sure somebody here as pics....

[L1nt2B]

personally I don't think any of those look as good as the stock set up .02

[sonicbluetommy]

Matrix #2:
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Pics/Matrix_97_F150_Proj_Corner_Blk_Blue_09-1155_Big.jpg
(these are similar to SonicBlueTommy's set, I do'nt like the blue projector, maybe one can get clear instead)

Mine are similar but dont have the 6 holes for the LED's underneath. I saw those on another truck and they look AWFUL! And mine dont look that blue either. Here are a couple of pics of them on my truck.

http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12340&sort=1&cat=500&page=8

http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12431&sort=1&cat=500&page=1



Here is a close up pic of them on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7936793724

The only thing I dont like about mine is that they are flat black instead of gloss black. Otherwise :tu:

[Alpine]

I agree with Tim, I think the stockers look pretty good. If you are going to do it for sure, I would get the HID's.

[skalywags]

same here. I think the stock one's look the best

[my2002lightning]

I'm thinking the HIDs, Tex.

My $.03.

[jcblack]

you know who else has a sweet setup is Jacob... he has the same blacked out tailights and he has the HID headlights, but he blacked out the front corners.... im sure somebody here as pics....
Thanks Brotha

[r1eater]

Definately HID's, the lighting on the Lightning sucks big time..

[my2002lightning]

Will,

One thing I will say about the stock L headlight setup, I went with the Sylvania SilverStar 9005/9007 setup for both the headlights and the fogs and I get "bright lighted" at night from oncoming traffic quite a bit with the L lights/fogs on.

Big difference over stock.



Definately HID's, the lighting on the Lightning sucks big time..

[r1eater]

Will,

One thing I will say about the stock L headlight setup, I went with the Sylvania SilverStar 9005/9007 setup for both the headlights and the fogs and I get "bright lighted" at night from oncoming traffic quite a bit with the L lights/fogs on.

Big difference over stock.

I dont have those specific ones but I have some that are comprable. I guess when you're used to the HID's as I was with the Audi its hard to step down to "regular" lights. Same thing with my wifes passport, even with the fogs on in her truck I always feel like I dont have the headlights on. Not to mention I have terrible night vision. Maybe I'll try the 9007's, Have you had any problems?

[my2002lightning]

I've had both fogs burn out at different times since putting them in early-on, but that could be just a roll-of-the-dice.

I just don't run them in the rain/etc. and turn them off 10min. or so before I hit the car-wash. I run them daily, too.


I dont have those specific ones but I have some that are comprable. I guess when you're used to the HID's as I was with the Audi its hard to step down to "regular" lights. Same thing with my wifes passport, even with the fogs on in her truck I always feel like I dont have the headlights on. Not to mention I have terrible night vision. Maybe I'll try the 9007's, Have you had any problems?

[jcblack]

I'll have to disagree Ronald. Not trying to prove you wrong, but I have the silverstars for my fogs, and they seem to me like the stock ones compared to the H.I.D.s. I know that you said that it was an improvement, not the same as. Check it out. http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/60P10100845.jpg (http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13306&sort=1&cat=500)

http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/60P10100865.jpg (http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13308&sort=1&cat=500)


http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/60P10100875.jpg (http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13309&sort=1&cat=500)

[r1eater]

I'll have to disagree Ronald. Not trying to prove you wrong, but I have the silverstars for my fogs, and they seem to me like the stock ones compared to the H.I.D.s. I know that you said that it was an improvement, not the same as. Check it out.

Do you have HID headlights.

[jcblack]

Do you have HID headlights.

Yes, it is a conversion kit by Bohmen.

[r1eater]

Yes, it is a conversion kit by Bohmen.


Are they the same as these?

Sylvania Xenarc HID kits: (http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Xenarc/XenarcKits.htm)
http://dafnwebpd.sylvania.com/os_filenet_pages/FnDocIdDisplay.asp?docid=003679425

[jcblack]

Are they the same as these?

Sylvania Xenarc HID kits: (http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Xenarc/XenarcKits.htm)
http://dafnwebpd.sylvania.com/os_filenet_pages/FnDocIdDisplay.asp?docid=003679425
No, I still kept my factory headlights but bought an H.I.D conversion that is made by Bohmen. Those are made by Sylvania.

[r1eater]

No, I still kept my factory headlights but bought an H.I.D conversion that is made by Bohmen. Those are made by Sylvania.

:| Think I'll go with Sylvania. They are known for lighting products and its also specifically made for the F-150. Not to mention cheaper :D

[my2002lightning]

Jacob,

I only meant that the Sylvania 9005/9007s were an improvement over the stock "yellow" bulbs.

Your HIDs are like night/day over the stock bulbs and even the Sylvania bulbs I'm running.

They look sharp on the "Darth Vader" L! :tu:

[jcblack]

:| Think I'll go with Sylvania. They are known for lighting products and its also specifically made for the F-150. Not to mention cheaper :DBohmen is the same company that provides H.I.D's for the G35. IMO the G35 is a pretty high dollar car, so I would think they would go with a good bulb. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I will admit that the Sylvania is made for the F-150, but the headlights dont look as good as the stockers.

[r1eater]

Sometimes you get what you pay for. I will admit that the Sylvania is made for the F-150, but the headlights dont look as good as the stockers.

Who had the Sylvania ones on their truck that you saw in person? I'd like to take a look at them aswell. The Sylvanias are not that much cheaper than yours but they are a bit cheaper. But they are a complete replacement not just a conversion or adapter kit. All of which is a moot point if the headlights dont look as good as the stockers.

[jcblack]

Jacob,

I only meant that the Sylvania 9005/9007s were an improvement over the stock "yellow" bulbs.

Your HIDs are like night/day over the stock bulbs and even the Sylvania bulbs I'm running.

They look sharp on the "Darth Vader" L! :tu:
Thanks Ronald. I knew what you were saying. I appreciate the props.

[jcblack]

.....All of which is a moot point of the headlights dont look as good as the stockers.
:confused:

[r1eater]

:confused:


All of which is a moot point if the headlights dont look as good as the stockers.

[jcblack]

None of the options that F-150's have will even come close to the same effect as cars with projector H.I.D.s. If that is the goal for anyone, then they are just gonna have to wait until someone makes a headlight replacement that comes with H.I.D. projectors. The effect of my headlights, or the others will be much like the Navi's and the Escalades. Just a bright light.

[r1eater]

None of the options that F-150's have will even come close to the same effect as cars with projector H.I.D.s. If that is the goal for anyone, then they are just gonna have to wait until someone makes a headlight replacement that comes with H.I.D. projectors. The effect of my headlights, or the others will be much like the Navi's and the Escalades. Just a bright light.

Just talked to Adam and Jeff was with him. He pretty much said what you said about the Sylvania HID kit. They dont look as good as the stockers... He said your lights are the best ones around. Do you have any pictures of what it looks like from inside the truck looking out? I have shitty night vision and I need all the damn help I can get :D

[jcblack]

Here they are in all their glory.

http://www.f150online.com/galleries/images/1261-1710-38945.jpg

If you want to tell me that the beam pattern is better on these, then I will agree. But I dont want my beautiful truck to look like ass.

[jcblack]

Just talked to Adam and Jeff was with him. He pretty much said what you said about the Sylvania HID kit. They dont look as good as the stockers... He said your lights are the best ones around. Do you have any pictures of what it looks like from inside the truck looking out? I have shitty night vision and I need all the damn help I can get :D
Ill have to take some. Tomorrow I will snap a pic.

[jcblack]

Where I messed up was I got the 12000K. The higher the number, the more color you get. I think that the G35 runs a 6000K. My mom has the G35 coupe and I will try to take side by side pictures with her lights on. I think that I am going to buy some 8000K's to get a little bit more of a white color. I was going for the BMW/S2000 purpleish look, but I can't complain. I'm still happy with them.

[dboat]

because I have Silverstars in my L, headlights and fogs. I have HID's in my Acura with Silverstar fogs (dont ask why hids in headlights and reg in fogs, I dont know). Anyway, the Silverstars in the L are just as good out on the road, IMHO as the HID's in the Acura. The HID's are bluer than the stark whiteness of the Silverstars.
I havent really felt the need to change the bulbs or upgrade after going with the Silverstars. I would suggest trying the change before you go HID. The only reason is $$. Silverstars are now $20 at Autozone. So for $40 you can try them out. If you dont like them, you can probably sell the Silverstars here to someone without much of a loss.
Dana

[jcblack]

because I have Silverstars in my L, headlights and fogs. I have HID's in my Acura with Silverstar fogs (dont ask why hids in headlights and reg in fogs, I dont know). Anyway, the Silverstars in the L are just as good out on the road, IMHO as the HID's in the Acura. The HID's are bluer than the stark whiteness of the Silverstars.
I havent really felt the need to change the bulbs or upgrade after going with the Silverstars. I would suggest trying the change before you go HID. The only reason is $$. Silverstars are now $20 at Autozone. So for $40 you can try them out. If you dont like them, you can probably sell the Silverstars here to someone without much of a loss.
Dana
I've never had a car with HID's and to tell you the truth, I got them for the bling factor. I never thought that the L had lighting problems. I think that they are pimp. I'm not downing the silverstars in any way.

[BLACKSUNSHINE]

I've never had a car with HID's and to tell you the truth, I got them for the bling factor. I never thought that the L had lighting problems. I think that they are pimp. I'm not downing the silverstars in any way.

About how much do the Bohmen's run and where is a good spot to buy the kit? I like that look.

[Tex Arcana]

jcblack, that kit you have, does it include the reflectors and housings for the HIDs?? One reason I've considered the Sylvanias is because federal law has made it illegal to install HID bulbs into non-HID-designed housings. The pic you posted looks like an aftermarket light design to me.

My wife's Mercedes SLK has HIDs on it, and the light is unbelieveably cleaner and whiter than anything else, including SilverStars and others. Given that my night vision isn't what it used to be, having a cleaner, whiter light is critical.

[jcblack]

jcblack, that kit you have, does it include the reflectors and housings for the HIDs?? One reason I've considered the Sylvanias is because federal law has made it illegal to install HID bulbs into non-HID-designed housings. The pic you posted looks like an aftermarket light design to me.

My wife's Mercedes SLK has HIDs on it, and the light is unbelieveably cleaner and whiter than anything else, including SilverStars and others. Given that my night vision isn't what it used to be, having a cleaner, whiter light is critical.
The picture that I posted is of the Sylvanias. They have the aftermarket housings. That is what I was saying looked like crap. They put those gay ass ripples in them. As far as the law prohibiting the use of them, I dont really care. I'm no crazy rebel by far, but I have been by many cops on the highway and at stop lights and have never been pulled over. That is with HID's, 3% tint, no reflectors on my front corners, and tags that have been out since Jan. I think that unless you blind a cop in oncoming traffic, they wont mess with you.

[jcblack]

About how much do the Bohmen's run and where is a good spot to buy the kit? I like that look.
They are around 600 with shipping and tax. Do a search and you will find many places that carry them.

[dboat]

I've never had a car with HID's and to tell you the truth, I got them for the bling factor. I never thought that the L had lighting problems. I think that they are pimp. I'm not downing the silverstars in any way.

I didnt take it that you were dissing the silverstars.. I was just wanting to report my own experience. In fact, my parents changed their headlights to silverstars to help them see at night.. they love the difference..
But I wouldnt mind having the HID's either..
Dana

[jcblack]

Will,

I couldn't get a good shot of the lights at night because my camera brightens the light to much and they look way too bright. I have a video that I took when I was behind a Gallardo. You can see the lights pretty good. I'll try again with my other camera and post back.


http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/60Gallardo.MOV

[dboat]

You guys ought to get together at the next meet and compare. I would be there but my truck is put up for the winter.. at least I get a break on the insurance rates this way..
It gets dark early, so just do a comparo then..
Dana

[Tex Arcana]

The picture that I posted is of the Sylvanias. They have the aftermarket housings. That is what I was saying looked like crap. They put those gay ass ripples in them. As far as the law prohibiting the use of them, I dont really care. I'm no crazy rebel by far, but I have been by many cops on the highway and at stop lights and have never been pulled over. That is with HID's, 3% tint, no reflectors on my front corners, and tags that have been out since Jan. I think that unless you blind a cop in oncoming traffic, they wont mess with you.


The "ripples" are the reflector surfaces, that disperse the light properly. You may not like them, but they are absolutely necessary.

I only wanted to warn you, that it could come to some cop or an inspection station slapping you down for having improper HIDs.

Still, post pics of your surrent headlight setup, and shots of the bulbs.

[PoorSvtman]

The "ripples" are the reflector surfaces, that disperse the light properly. You may not like them, but they are absolutely necessary.



The ripples in the headlight are not the reflector and have nothing to do with dispersing the light.... the reflector that controls that is actualy inside the houseing right at the bulb it self....

I have a friend that is a HID guru.... he buils one off custom hid retro fits using stock housings with true hid kits/projectors out of high end cars like bmw, lexus etc........He takes the hid stuff with the projector and the stock housings of any given car and basily he ends up with a unit that looks stock.


If you stick a hid kit in the stock L housings the light will scatter and not be a niceflat even light like a true hid...But you will get a brighter light.. but being in the stock housing not made for hid is when you get people flashing there brights at you...


Ill try and get my friend to come here and shed some light on the subject

[jcblack]

The ripples in the headlight are not the reflector and have nothing to do with dispersing the light.... the reflector that controls that is actualy inside the houseing right at the bulb it self....

I have a friend that is a HID guru.... he buils one off custom hid retro fits using stock housings with true hid kits/projectors out of high end cars like bmw, lexus etc........He takes the hid stuff with the projector and the stock housings of any given car and basily he ends up with a unit that looks stock.


If you stick a hid kit in the stock L housings the light will scatter and not be a niceflat even light like a true hid...But you will get a brighter light.. but being in the stock housing not made for hid is when you get people flashing there brights at you...


Ill try and get my friend to come here and shed some light on the subject Light does scatter on non-HID housings. I agree. But your friend that makes his own must be one bad ass dude to make some headlights that will properly align with the housing, the body of the car, and the beams on the ground, and look professional. Give him some props and let me meet him. 1/8th inch off at the housing can be 1 foot off at the ground.


If you stick a hid kit in the stock L housings the light will scatter and not be a niceflat even light like a true hid...
Navigators have true HID kits and they dont have nice flat even light.

[PoorSvtman]

He mainly dose import stuff but im trying to get him to do a set for me.....I just cant find a head light i like to use... most of the projector lights have to much flash and stuff to my liking....

He did a set on his civic with a cheap $200 projector headlights off ebay, took everything out and put in honda s2000 hids... He also did a set of a late 90s accorrd using lexus is300 parts.....



he has his own website/ forums i just cant find it.

[Tex Arcana]

The ripples in the headlight are not the reflector and have nothing to do with dispersing the light.... the reflector that controls that is actualy inside the houseing right at the bulb it self....

egh, misunderstanding. :confused:


I have a friend that is a HID guru.... he buils one off custom hid retro fits using stock housings with true hid kits/projectors out of high end cars like bmw, lexus etc........He takes the hid stuff with the projector and the stock housings of any given car and basily he ends up with a unit that looks stock.



If you stick a hid kit in the stock L housings the light will scatter and not be a niceflat even light like a true hid...But you will get a brighter light.. but being in the stock housing not made for hid is when you get people flashing there brights at you...


Ill try and get my friend to come here and shed some light on the subject

:rll: that would be cool. :tu:

I was reading on the ProXenon site that Bohmen tries to align the "elements" of the HID bulbs in the same place as the traditional halogen elements lie, which--they say--will give one HID clarity with the stock housings (since the illumination source is where it should be for the reflector to work correctly). If what they say is correct (some more research is in order), then they've got the kit to have.

[PoorSvtman]

The ripples that your are talking about (atleast i think) that are on the clear part of the sylvania hid headlights do nothing for light pattern at all... The chrome reflector that controls the light pattern and keeps it from scattering and blinding traffic is actualy at the bulb itself.

If you look at the stock headlights on the newer 01+ Ls the little chrome part inside that says SVT is what controls the light... If you take that out it will just totaly screw up the light and let it go anywhere and people will flash there brights at you all the time.

For example on my old civic i had a hid kit... I took out the little chrome reflector deal that goes around the bulb. With it in the light pattern was nice and semi even. Soon as i took it out the light just went all over the place and i got lights flashed at me all the time

Heres a pic of the hid on my civic... this is basicly the exact same set up thats in the lexus is300

Im not that great at discribing stuff on the net, if you want i have pics from my civic i can show you and i can explain in person

[PoorSvtman]

I was reading on the ProXenon site that Bohmen tries to align the "elements" of the HID bulbs in the same place as the traditional halogen elements lie, which--they say--will give one HID clarity with the stock housings (since the illumination source is where it should be for the reflector to work correctly). If what they say is correct (some more research is in order), then they've got the kit to have.
If im reading that right.....
Im sorry but slapping in a Hid bulb into a housing with a reflector that was designed for a regular halogen bulb just dosent work like a reflector/housing made for a hid set up....

[Tex Arcana]

If im reading that right.....
Im sorry but slapping in a Hid bulb into a housing with a reflector that was designed for a regular halogen bulb just dosent work like a reflector/housing made for a hid set up....

That was my understanding as well, but this is what I found on Bohmen's site:


ProXenon's Bohmen HID conversions are fully up to German industry standards using the latest in machining equipment combined with clean room and computer-aided design. All Bohmen HID Lighting systems are TUV Certified direct plug in kits, with no modifications to the headlight assembly required. Bohmen HID bulbs are burned in, and tested by the manufacturer, and all units are beam pattern corrected and tested for accuracy. All Bohmen HID system installations are 100% reversible.

...

Capsule directly aligned to the original OEM bulb filament. Therefore, the original beam pattern is not altered.

Again, *IF* they aren't lying thru their teeth, then this kit may be the real deal. www.proxenon.com is the site, check out some of the stuff, it's quite interesting. :tu:

[Tex Arcana]

The ripples that your are talking about (atleast i think) that are on the clear part of the sylvania hid headlights do nothing for light pattern at all... The chrome reflector that controls the light pattern and keeps it from scattering and blinding traffic is actualy at the bulb itself.

If you look at the stock headlights on the newer 01+ Ls the little chrome part inside that says SVT is what controls the light... If you take that out it will just totaly screw up the light and let it go anywhere and people will flash there brights at you all the time.

For example on my old civic i had a hid kit... I took out the little chrome reflector deal that goes around the bulb. With it in the light pattern was nice and semi even. Soon as i took it out the light just went all over the place and i got lights flashed at me all the time

Heres a pic of the hid on my civic... this is basicly the exact same set up thats in the lexus is300

Im not that great at discribing stuff on the net, if you want i have pics from my civic i can show you and i can explain in person

If you're talking about the shield that goes directly over the bulb, that's tehre for glare control. The reflector behind the bulb is what controls and disperses the light from the assembly.

[99WhiteBeast]

Why is this thread from 2004 showing up?

[G'Lightning]

Why is this thread from 2004 showing up?

Maybe he still hasent made up his mind:icon_mrgreen:

[Silver_2000]

Why is this thread from 2004 showing up?

Someone voted on the poll.......:hammer:

[99WhiteBeast]

Maybe he still hasent made up his mind:icon_mrgreen:

That had not occurred to me Dude