![55w halogen vs 35w hid 55w halogen vs 35w hid](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H8bq3kQ6gis/maxresdefault.jpg)
But, the OEM bulbs are 55W on the NSX (as well as the SLK), and the NSX high beams are 65W. Looking on Prime, I saw old posts saying a relay should be used for the 12V power when using 55 W HIDs. OK, there may be a better scientific way to measure the total light output, but the numbers were close enough to agree with the calculation and verified my visual experience. The difference was tiny, measured either at the adjusting points on the headlight lens or at about 3 feet away zooming in on the headlight assembly. Still being curious, but lacking a light meter, I decided to set my camera at a fixed shutter speed, a fixed ISO, and measure the resulting f/stop. So, about twice the lumens yields about a 11% (rough calculation) in perceived brightness. Clue #1 : human vision, like hearing, is not linear, its logarithmic. So, what gives? Time to revert to a little science for a consultation. However, there was a somewhat wider pattern of illumination from the HIDs, and as noted before, the color more whiter, ie, more "natural." Once again, the ability to see the lines on the side/middle of the road, especially with the glare of oncoming headlights was only slightly better. The HID was surely a truer white than the yellowish halogen but to my surprise, it didn't seem much brighter. I marked the headlight pattern on the garage wall to make sure before/after alignment had not changed. I installed one bulb so I could do an HID vs halogen comparison. This should be great, roughly twice the light! I decided to go for a 55w 4300K conversion kit, which provided 3200 lumens vs 1450 lumens of the OEM 55W H7 halogens.
![55w halogen vs 35w hid 55w halogen vs 35w hid](http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/12024359/images/uk-pl800_876__1.jpg)
I decided to experiment on our SLK, being its simpler to get at the bulb. After all, you can get a conversion kit now for under $25 on Ebay, including shipping. They will cost you much more than the DDMs though.My night vision isn't what it used to be, so I decided to give HID lights a try. The Morimoto 5Five ballast is supposed to be higher wattage as well so that is something to think about. The system would be brighter than the DDM bulbs. If you decide to do this mod I would suggest getting a better bulb like the Phillips 85122 (it will shift to a whiter light after approx. There is likely a cleaner way to do the install but I was still very sick (chemo) when I did it and I doubt I did it the best way but it works, it is safe, and it's done. If I didn't have factory HIDs I would not have done the upgrade without doing a projector retrofit. Just keep in mind that my car came equipped with HIDs so I already had the bulb cover in the reflector housing. If you've done HIDs before then the process is quite simple. It is pretty self explanatory once you open the headlight up. I also drilled a small hole in the main black plastic cover and pushed the new kit wires (the ones that go directly to the bulb) through it then sealed it back up with epoxy. I saved the factory plugs and left enough wire to restore to original condition if needed. I would recommend using either solder and heat shrink or quality crimp connectors then heat shrink. I ordered my Slim Line 55w kit the other day and I just got an email saying delivery will be delayed for up to 4 weeks.Īs a side note, the 35w HID kit is still working perfectly in my stock foglight housing and the lens is barely warm to the touch after driving for 50 minutes.Ĭlick to expand.I snipped the factory plug off (outside of the headlight housing) and spliced the new connector onto the factory wires. It appears they don't have a D4R Slim Line kit at DDM Tuning and they are out of the Raptor kits until the end of the month according to the salesperson. If there is no difference then you can get a D2R kit and install it for your headlights. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the mounting system between a D2R (2004-2005 Prius) and a D4R (2006-2009 Prius). I would just spend the $30 on a new kit for the fog lights. The 9006 bulb mounting system is different than the D4R so trying to retrofit the stock HID system to your foglight housing would not be worth the effort. I would suggest buying the mounting brackets instead of using zip ties like I did. The ballast is smaller and would be easier to find a place to mount. Click to expand.I used the Raptor 35w 6000k 9006 HID kit sold at DMM Tuning.