Thread: Hid highbeam conversion on a D2a?

I have replaced the standard incandescent globes with HIDs on several vehicles including a couple of D2as and the difference is unbelievable. I initially replaced low and high beams but I since learned you can get pinged for replacing the lows. I initially used 35W HIDs but more recently 55W. The cost is minimal - something like $40 per kit including delivery. I have had no issues with reliability with the Chinese eBay systems, either in normal size or compact ballast.

They are available in a range of colour temperatures- I run the 5000Ks.

Installation takes about twenty minutes a pair. I used a round hole cutter to make a hole in the plastic cover that conceals the original globes. This accommodates the grommet that comes with the kit. I mounted the ballasts on the cross member just under the front lip of the bonnet when it is closed.

Yes, the low beams do look dim when you dip, but I'd rather have decent night vision out on the highway. Believe me, there is no comparison. I also use 55W HIDs in the Narva 225 spots. The light with all these blazing is just ridiculous. Don't let anyone tell you that incandescants even get close.

For those with H4 globes, they do make a combo replacement globe with a normal low beam, and a HID high beam. I haven't tried this though.

Roberto, that is the most helpful post so far!

I have done the conversion to spotties before so I know how cheap, easy and reliable it is. Despite others claims to the opposite. This was the aim of my question to mundy. At about $50 a kit it is almost as cheap as upgraded globes.
And it is definitely worth doing to a set of standard spotties if you have any spare.
I did a pair of ipf 900's and the difference was huge! They are certainly not over rated and expensive.
Why would a few second warm up time make any difference? I'm sure I can wait for them. I also have lightforce 240 blitz's which are instantaneous.

Originally Posted by Roberto

Yes, the low beams do look dim when you dip, but I'd rather have decent night vision out on the highway. Believe me, there is no comparison. I also use 55W HIDs in the Narva 225 spots. The light with all these blazing is just ridiculous. Don't let anyone tell you that incandescants even get close.

For those with H4 globes, they do make a combo replacement globe with a normal low beam, and a HID high beam. I haven't tried this though.

Care to put your money where your mouth is?


H4 Combo globes are the worst of the worst - Offset HID and Offset QH globes cannot even hope to work in the reflector!!!!

Hearing tonnes of comments...

"The difference was huge", massive difference...

Can we quantify this people? DO we have measurements to back this up or is this perception?

Glare is often perceived as brighter...

But has any one of you measured and compared your pre and post upgrade results using a light meter?


Also loving the "I converted a <insert expensive light here> to HID and its heaps better and it cost me $XYZ.00"

Congratulations!!! You fitted a cheap chinese HID kit in a overpriced, poor optic light and it looked "heaps brighter".... Well done...


And its so much brighter than Halogen... Dont let anyone tell you otherwise....

I suggest a few google this: Belief Disconfirmation Paradigm


All my information is based on FACT... Proven, repeatable FACT...
Not BS, hearsay, rumour or seat of the pants judgement.. But FACT...

Enjoy your 55w HIDs? Excellent... They're actually only running at 44w output to the globe....

What output does a 55w(44w) Ballasted HID generate? ~85 Lumen / watts = 3740 Lumen

If you like your lights.. Lovely...

But lets keep to the facts, give people real information and actually quantify the statements for those who read these threads.

Originally Posted by The Angry Chook

I also have lightforce 240 blitz's which are instantaneous.

No they're not , the salts have to be heated before vapourising completely.

They also need a reset ignition time after dipping.

Most HIDs flash up initially (those with Electronic Ballast) then cool a bit and then come back to temp quickly.

They may be quick, but they aren't instantaneous...


Debate if you wish......

They appear instantaneous to my eye. They appear quicker to me than HID's with initial light output...

I have no information with a light meter only my own experience on the same stretch of road with the Halogen then the HID. I set a point where I could see the corner (not a sign as I realise that HID create high amounts of glare) then went back with the HID and I could see it sooner.
I must state that I was stationary not moving when testing.
The fact is I did improve my horribly inefficient overpriced lights and that is the point is it not? To improve the output of the light irrespective of whether I got ripped off in the first place.

I'm willing to discuss this information though so what is your suggestion to improve lighting on my discovery? Or any car? Should I have not converted my old Spotties to HID and done something else? Should I have bought something else in the first place?
Is Halogen better than HID for light output? It would appear so, however the useability of it seems to depend on the "colour".
I'm not concerned about the power use.

I have 5000k in my high beam and 4300K in my low beam and I will in due course change to 4300K all round - just gives a warmer look to the scenery when driving.

Garry