Has anyone installed HID's in a classic? I did a search and didn't find anything relating to the classics. I'd LOVE to know if someone has done it and how they like them. I know a lot about HID's and I understand that you'd get the best light disbursement from a projector, but plugging them into the normal housing has to be worth it in these little cars.

 

It's possible, but you have to watch how much wattage they pull as the mini stock alternator is not designed for high amp output and it will require a relay as well. I remeber seeing a kit for HID's somewhere on here but can't find the link. Hope this gives you a little insight.

 

When i purchased my mini it came with New Headlamps that are fitted with late model hid style h4 blue halogen headlight bulbs to replace the old style headlamps. They are not true hid lamps, but are brighter and look good. They are still new in the box. Im not going to put them on my car as I'm keeping it 100% original. They are for sale if you are interested.

 

MiniSport lists several halogen replacements ... I have a set of Angel Eyes myself
http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mini_Headlamps.html

you could also try just moving up to SilverStar lamps. They make standard replacement bulbs in addition to the Halogen elements used in MINI. I put a set in an A series Miata and was very pleased with the improvement.

I too was gonna caution about the power load. Be sure you have an upgraded alternator b4 you add much to the system.....

 

Be careful. I've almost hit several people running HID's because they've blinded me, while passing opposite directions on narrow backroads. I guess I could start wearing sunglasses though.

 

most aftermarket kits are illegal in most states. The biggest issue is the fact that the lens was not designed for HIDs and the other is that they lack the self leveling mechanism hence blinding other drivers.

 

elprofe, you are totally correct, and I would want to avoid that. In the other vehicles I have installed HID's in (Not my vehicle) I angle the headlamps downward to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. I was curious about if anyone had done it is all.

In all honesty, I would probably end up doing just a simple Silverstar Ultra upgrade as I have done in ALL of my other vehicles. I love the bulbs, and I have never had any issues with them.

As for the voltage load... I was under the impression that HID's actually pull less wattage than a standard halogen. I was told that they pull roughly 35watts of power, and the excess power for the arc is produced by the ballast. Correct me if I'm wrong because I'm still learning about them. I don't want to buy them or install them on any of my vehicles until I know as much about them as possible.

Also.. I remember seeing a thread about someone retrofitting projectors into a classic. Anyone have that thread. I searched and can't find tha tone either.

 

the only right way would be to retrofit some projectors behind the regular lenses. involves some fiberglass knowhow, and obviously the parts... usually some projectors out of a mercedes or BMW...

I had a friend do this on a mustang.... turned out well. ill see if i can find any info..

edit: found his link... pretty extensive job lol
http://forums.stangnet.com/612779-wr...lots-pics.html

 

I'm pretty good with fiberglass actually. Hmm....

And thanks for the link. The link within that link (lol) is actually VERY informative. I'm bookmarking it.

 

I put a set of these HID on my motorcycle:


JWS HID Headlight

They are pretty pricey but I only had to use one. It really lights up the road-but does not blind oncoming traffic.

There is also a Halogen version that is much less:
JWS Halogen Headlight

-M

 

hey guys check this out http://redlinecyclesports.ecrater.co...hp?pid=3163123 These are replacements for h4 headlight bulbs. and only $64.00 a piece for the hid kit.

 

I'm running HIDs on my mini. i had the H4 bulbs before that.....it's like night and day!!

 

Do you have any pictures or anything? Place you bought the kit or anything? Recommendations ?

I already know I'm not going with a high kelvin. I'm not into the ricey purple/blue. If I do it I'm doing it simply for the light output.

 

www.vtecminis.com

the guy who runs it has them on his classic.

 

I got them from Gain Electronics in Hamilton Ontario. http://members.hamiltondirect.info/1-905-578-4008/

 

i'll take some pics for you when i could get into the garage.

 

whatever you guys do...please do not purchase a pnp hid kit and drop them into your h4 halogen housings. ultimately, it will be a danger to you as it can blind oncoming traffic with glare. do it right and purchase a housing designed for hid's or do a projector retrofit.

for those interested, here's my hid retrofit:
http://www.vtecminis.com/gallery/thu...s.php?album=15

i'm actually in the process of doing a new retrofit with better projectors. i may be selling my existing retrofit for those who might be interested.

 

I KNEW I had seen this somewhere. Thank you.

And I may be interested sometime in the near future... maybe. lol

 

the main concern should be amperage load over voltage load. during startup, the amperage load will peak. it will then settle to a load which is far less than a halogen setup. actual amperage load will depend on the efficiency of the ballast. analog ballasts are being replaced with digital ballasts to improve efficiency. some digital ballasts requires as little as ~7A for startup.

 

That's probably what I would end up doing. In things like this I do not go cheap. I want all phillips, unless someone can convince me that there is something better. And ESPECIALLY in a classic with such low power and what-not, I'll be looking into the digital technology.

Thanks again.

 

so, Boister... have you decided if you're gonna be getting rid of the projectors you have sometime soon?

 

almost positive i'll be selling my old retro. i'm currently finishing my new retro. once it's completed and fully functional, i'll let you know.

for curious minds...here's my new retro. it consists of the infamous tl/zkw projector/lens combo.

 

Well... I call first dibs. haha. Just PM me a price that you're looking around, and I'll wait around for them.

 

I can't wait to see the new one's in person!