Well I've finally done it, got a used lexus HID off of ebay and put it in my car. I've wanted this from the day I installed the PIAA Xtreme white. I didn't want to spend a fortune($500-$700+ irreversable hacking of factory housing) for brighter lights but for about a cost of 3 1/2 pairs of PIAA bulbs, it was reasonable. Total cost = $270 shipping included.

Beam pattern:

Isnt bad at all, I know that on most HID forums it's ugly and blah blah~ it does not give off too much stray light with the casper shield. I'm happy with the way it turned out. It retains identical factory beam level so I didnt even have to adjust headlights, from behind of most passanger cars, it shines to just right below their trunk(it doesnt lit up their heads) I did have to take out the grill insert of my brushguard because it created too much reflected lights(christmas tree effect)


***Lexus uses Philiphs 4100k bulbs. When it's lit, the color turns from Blue-green-purple within about 10seconds, when after about a minute or so, it stays at brilliant white(same as IS300). Notice only up half of the housing is giving off light, similar to Acura, Lexus sealed beams? this is due to effect of casper shiled correct light patterns
https://www.casperselectronics.com


Here are the pics:

When it's first lit:


Warming up:


Warming up 2:

 

Dude, where's the pics? I gotta see this. I miss my HIDs sooooo bad.

Matt

 

Are they leagal? How much brighter are they than the PIAA bulbs?

 

I think im having problems with my webshots, I'll post pics as soon as it's available. I'd say They're about twice as bright, the color of the ground becomes florescent white. And NO they're technically still not legal, but I have purposely passed by cops few times but no words yet. Casper shield blocks a lot of lights so It's not as bright as it can be(i.e. as opposed to projectored housings)

 

They look good!

 

pics are up!

 

that is dammmnn nice. was it a pita to install?

Matt

 

I would say it's about 2hour job. You have to apply epoxy to bind bulb and casper shield together and also find a good mounting place for the ballasts. I cut the headlight socket to wire up the unit but I can alway reverse it back, whole thing is completly reversable. I still have to find a way to seal it good because you cant use factory rubber things(dont know what it's called)to cover up socket and bulb. It doesnt leak or draws moisture but I still want to seal it. Oh, and you DO NOT GET HIGHBEAMS with this, I've got my Hella 500s for the job. I dont ever use high beams anyways

 

wow, those look fantastic!

can you PLEASE do a detailed writeup??

 

Looking good. I like how white they are.

 

sorry, I dont think I have time for all that right now, maybe later =)
I was so happy i got the thing I didnt even take single pic of the process. Install is VERY easy, If you decide to do it, I can help you via Email.

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys!

 

They get whiter a bit later, I looks purplish on the 3rd pic but that goes away after you have them on for a while. Bluer ones might look better but at 4100k you get the most light output, which was important to me. If you have ever had blue PIAAs or colored bulbs, you'd know why I say that, especially in rainy wether.

 

can you just list the items you bought?

thanks man.

 

If you get time, take some night pics from inside the cab so we can see how they light up the road or your driveway or whatever. Great job!

Matt

 

*Lexus Ballast/bulbs-from ebay $205 +shipping
*Casper H4 shields- $45+shipping
*High Heat Epoxy- $5 bucks
*some wires for wiring.


I'll try to take some ground pics, night shots etc. and post them If you guys would like

 

did you have to upgrade the wiring? to what kind/grade?

man, they look so sweet, i want to do this!

 

here are some shots from tonight. Even HIDs are not that strong with wet grounds due to their color. It looks much better/brighter on dry grounds. This was taken on my driveway with snow on it. It looks similar when shun on dry ground. The pic of beam pattern is somewhat off due to angle of the car


Warming up(blue)


Warmed up


factory fog lights only


Hella 500s only (aimed for high-beam)


All 6 lights lit up(HID, factory fog, Hella500s)


Beam pattern against wall(car is facing left, but cutoff line is somewhat there)

 

looks good! I also did the HID retrofit on my headlights as well, but i slit the rubber grommets to fit over the bulb and wires and used a ziptie to secure it on. i used an H4 kit, so i didnt have to epoxy the bulbs in. HIDs makes a huge difference, i probably wouldnt have another car without them.

 

That looks good!

Do you have a safety inspection in your area? In UT, they test for high beams, so if they don't turn on (in the headlight) you will fail...

 

great pics, man... looks terrific.