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Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 9:35 pm
by Johnny Chopsticks
So I'm thinking about both upgrading my headlights and all the exterior bulbs on my car...

I'm in dire need of opinions toward replacing the 7" round headlights. I've read numerous times in other forums that E-Codes are the way to go. However, I've also read that this sometimes requires to buy a new wiring harness for the headlights, especially if the bulbs are at higher wattage. And these harnesses are pretty damn expensive for just being wires... :smoke:
I was thinking of buying E-Code lenses, then converting to HID ballasts. Any thoughts on this? I think that HIDs use the same (if not less) amount of wattage, and come with wiring kits. Would this be a feasible idea? (And also allow me to skip on buying the new harness?)

As for my other bulbs (like turn signal, brake, etc.), I am thinking of updating to LED. This wasn't an option for my 944 a few years back due to LED bulb design (bulbs were too wide and bulky without modding my taillights). But now, new LED bulbs are slimmer and brighter, giving me a TON of options.

Any thoughts?

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 9:45 pm
by sneakyboy1
My HID kit was the best $140 I ever spent on a car. The kits are much cheaper now too. Bought mine about 2 years ago. I know alot of people complain about HID kits being too bright but with the exception of Spencer complaining about mine at YNP 2 years ago, i've never had a complaint. Never been flashed for brights. E-codes are the way to go if your going to do an HID kit. I run 6000k color on mine and they light up the street like it's daytime out.

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 10:00 pm
by Roadhog
haha....

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 10:11 pm
by Checkers
E-Codes!

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 10:12 pm
by Johnny Chopsticks
Okay, so far E-Codes it is! But what about a new harness? Not needed if I get HIDs? Oh yeah, kits are around $100 now, for both high and low beams.

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 10:30 pm
by Roadhog
HIDS IN ECODES. YEAHHH

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Thu 04, 2010 10:37 pm
by Checkers
Roadhog wrote:HIDS IN ECODES. YEAHHH
Image

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Fri 05, 2010 10:04 am
by Rennwagen1
ECodes yes. BUt, you should only have to uprgade your harness if you use "substandard" aftermarket bulbs. HIDs should work, as they take very little input wattage. PIAA bulbs will also work, as they take the same input wattage at stock, but have a higher output wattage. Cheaper "blue" bulbs will have higher input wattage. That is what is going to play havok on you wiring. I have seen the cheaper blue bulbs melt harnesses, connectors, blow fuses, etc....You should have like a 55watt/60 watt bulb in there now, or something close. DO NOT go with a bulb that say that it has a higher input wattage than what you have already. That is going to mess things up. If you see a bulb that says something like 85/90watt input and 140/150 watt output, stay far far away. you might even set them on fire to make sure that they never end up in your car. If you find some thing like a PIAA bulb ( which I carry and use exclusively) you will see that they have number like 55/60 input 110/120 output. Same input wattage, better output. I don't know how they do it, it must be elfin magic or something. That is what you wnt to look for.

That is my rant on bulbs. ANy other ?s, let me know!

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Fri 05, 2010 11:15 am
by vrtpassat
e-codes with pieas mine are bright but e-codes with hid would be beter :beer:

Re: Headlight/Bulb Upgrade

Posted: Mar Fri 05, 2010 3:15 pm
by Darkside
HIDs all the way