Firebird LT1 HID?
11-10-2010, 09:34 AM
#1
Firebird LT1 HID? Ok guys, I've searched through several threads and can't find a definitave answer. I know on my lt1 I have the sealed beam halogens and I'd like to open them up and convert to a dual filament HID as on this thread for the camaro:
http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=761995
Is this possible with the Firebird stock bulbs/housings as we have hi/low dual single light? If so is the procedure the same and what Silverstar HID bulb should I go with for the replacement that will plug right into the stock harness. Just looking to get a little more lumens out of my lights at night. If this isn't practical are the H4666ST (halogen Silverstar) replacement lamps any better or worth it?
http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=761995
Is this possible with the Firebird stock bulbs/housings as we have hi/low dual single light? If so is the procedure the same and what Silverstar HID bulb should I go with for the replacement that will plug right into the stock harness. Just looking to get a little more lumens out of my lights at night. If this isn't practical are the H4666ST (halogen Silverstar) replacement lamps any better or worth it?
11-11-2010, 08:46 PM
#3
Copy & Paste Moderator
Short answer: its a bad idea to put HID in a Halogen reflector especially a dual filament housing since the HID arc is usually in the wrong place for either the low beam or high beam position creating a bad beam pattern. Also, if you get a single-xenon kit, you lose high beam, but since the HID arc is in the wrong place, it will be like you have permanent high beams anyway glaring other drivers. The alternative is that there are a few different kit designs that sorta provided hi/lo bi-xenon functionality by having a HID capsule that moves in the housing depending on low beam or high beam operation. This gets the HID arc closer to the right place but I haven't seen one yet that produced a decent beam pattern.
Sorry, but bi-xenon projectors are your best option.
Check out the Lighting FAQ and HID Planet for more info.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...hting-faq.html
Sorry, but bi-xenon projectors are your best option.
Check out the Lighting FAQ and HID Planet for more info.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...hting-faq.html
11-12-2010, 08:07 AM
#4
Short answer: its a bad idea to put HID in a Halogen reflector especially a dual filament housing since the HID arc is usually in the wrong place for either the low beam or high beam position creating a bad beam pattern. Also, if you get a single-xenon kit, you lose high beam, but since the HID arc is in the wrong place, it will be like you have permanent high beams anyway glaring other drivers. The alternative is that there are a few different kit designs that sorta provided hi/lo bi-xenon functionality by having a HID capsule that moves in the housing depending on low beam or high beam operation. This gets the HID arc closer to the right place but I haven't seen one yet that produced a decent beam pattern.
Sorry, but bi-xenon projectors are your best option.
Check out the Lighting FAQ and HID Planet for more info.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...hting-faq.html
Sorry, but bi-xenon projectors are your best option.
Check out the Lighting FAQ and HID Planet for more info.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...hting-faq.html
11-12-2010, 08:48 AM
#5
Thanks man, well it looks like on the LT1 birds it's not as easy as the camaro due to the dual filament halogen design. Do you think going with the LMC housing and just updating to a Halogen replacement bulb like the silverstar would be a better improvement as the housing will help with light projection and the bulb is much better esp the silverstar? Let me know.
11-12-2010, 08:52 AM
#6
I built some Bi Xenon for my 97 but never finished because other projects came up. I did get some Hella glass housings to replace the sealed beams,added the H4 capsule which you can get at higher watts and also added FF50s as driving lights where fogs should be. Very happy with results. Someday Ill finish the Bi Xenons.
11-12-2010, 07:37 PM
#7
I have the Hella relay system
I made some of the wiring using junkyard harnesses from other F bodys so it was all plug in and no spliced wires.
The housings are 165MM. I have the Hella capsules. With the FF50 driving lights aimed a little low I can see plenty good. I have those wired in for high beam plus driving lights.I have a relay system for those 2. (one for each light) If anything goes wrong I can always limp home with at least one eye.Yes I tapped in right at the battery and fused it too.
I made some of the wiring using junkyard harnesses from other F bodys so it was all plug in and no spliced wires.
The housings are 165MM. I have the Hella capsules. With the FF50 driving lights aimed a little low I can see plenty good. I have those wired in for high beam plus driving lights.I have a relay system for those 2. (one for each light) If anything goes wrong I can always limp home with at least one eye.Yes I tapped in right at the battery and fused it too.
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11-12-2010, 08:12 PM
#9
Copy & Paste Moderator
As stated above, you can get aftermarket Bosch/Hella housings (I don't think LMC makes one in that size) that use a modern dual-filament bulb and you can use higher wattage bulbs, but if you do you should use a harness to handle the higher wattage.
BLS, thanks for stepping into this thread. I forgot about your bi-xenon setup for the early 4th gen.
BLS, thanks for stepping into this thread. I forgot about your bi-xenon setup for the early 4th gen.
11-14-2010, 04:06 PM
#10
I don't have HID's, but I do have a better than stock setup.
What I did is use some Auto-Pal E-code headlight housings. The housings accept a H4 bulb. The difference between these, and something like the LMC truck housings is that the E-code lights have a cutoff line. The line isn't nearly as sharp as legit projectors, but it's far superior to the factory sealed beams. I used some Sylvania Xtravision bulbs, and picked up some H4 pigtails from the auto parts store.
The lights aren't nearly as bright as projectors and HID's, but it's much better than the factory lights, and it was very budget friendly.
Here is a link to the Auto-Pal lights:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/165mm...Q5fAccessories
Here is a pic of the cutoff line. Keep in mind, the picture is taken with a cell phone, so the light appears to be brighter, and whiter, but it gives you an idea of whats going on:
You can probably pop some HID's in the housings with decent results, but these do alright for me at the moment.
What I did is use some Auto-Pal E-code headlight housings. The housings accept a H4 bulb. The difference between these, and something like the LMC truck housings is that the E-code lights have a cutoff line. The line isn't nearly as sharp as legit projectors, but it's far superior to the factory sealed beams. I used some Sylvania Xtravision bulbs, and picked up some H4 pigtails from the auto parts store.
The lights aren't nearly as bright as projectors and HID's, but it's much better than the factory lights, and it was very budget friendly.
Here is a link to the Auto-Pal lights:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/165mm...Q5fAccessories
Here is a pic of the cutoff line. Keep in mind, the picture is taken with a cell phone, so the light appears to be brighter, and whiter, but it gives you an idea of whats going on:
You can probably pop some HID's in the housings with decent results, but these do alright for me at the moment.
11-15-2010, 07:19 AM
#12
I don't have HID's, but I do have a better than stock setup.
What I did is use some Auto-Pal E-code headlight housings. The housings accept a H4 bulb. The difference between these, and something like the LMC truck housings is that the E-code lights have a cutoff line. The line isn't nearly as sharp as legit projectors, but it's far superior to the factory sealed beams. I used some Sylvania Xtravision bulbs, and picked up some H4 pigtails from the auto parts store.
The lights aren't nearly as bright as projectors and HID's, but it's much better than the factory lights, and it was very budget friendly.
Here is a link to the Auto-Pal lights:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/165mm...Q5fAccessories
Here is a pic of the cutoff line. Keep in mind, the picture is taken with a cell phone, so the light appears to be brighter, and whiter, but it gives you an idea of whats going on:
You can probably pop some HID's in the housings with decent results, but these do alright for me at the moment.
What I did is use some Auto-Pal E-code headlight housings. The housings accept a H4 bulb. The difference between these, and something like the LMC truck housings is that the E-code lights have a cutoff line. The line isn't nearly as sharp as legit projectors, but it's far superior to the factory sealed beams. I used some Sylvania Xtravision bulbs, and picked up some H4 pigtails from the auto parts store.
The lights aren't nearly as bright as projectors and HID's, but it's much better than the factory lights, and it was very budget friendly.
Here is a link to the Auto-Pal lights:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/165mm...Q5fAccessories
Here is a pic of the cutoff line. Keep in mind, the picture is taken with a cell phone, so the light appears to be brighter, and whiter, but it gives you an idea of whats going on:
You can probably pop some HID's in the housings with decent results, but these do alright for me at the moment.
11-15-2010, 06:48 PM
#13
I used the Sylvania Xtravision bulbs. They are stock wattage if I remember correctly, but they put out a brighter, whiter light. The pigtails I used are just cheap little stock replacement ones from the auto part store. They weren't used as upgrades, but to convert the harness to the H4 style plug. Our cars use an oddball plug for the stock H4666 bulbs.
To be honest, this setup was mostly temporary. I have been planning on making my owned headlight harness, using relays and thicker gauge wiring, I just never got to it.
To be honest, this setup was mostly temporary. I have been planning on making my owned headlight harness, using relays and thicker gauge wiring, I just never got to it.
11-18-2010, 07:02 AM
#14
Alright guys, I broke down and contacted EuroLamps and here is what they sent me:
Hi Dave,
Dave, we offer the complete kit with plug-in wire harness included...see below.
Your factory lighting uses sealed beam headlamps...We have Sealed Beam
Conversion(SBC)tm kits which will replace your sealed beams with new
headlight housings which will allow you to use replacement H4 bulbs...this is a great upgrade for your lighting.
Our housings feature all glass lenses with european beam patterns for
maximum performance!
**Very Easy Direct Replacement install.**
EuroLights/SBC(tm)Replacement Housings Type4666 $79.00 per pair
(complete kit) including your choice:
2x TypeH4-Blue/Gold SuperBright Ion
2x TypeH4-Yellow SuperBright Ion
2x TypeH4 -Xenon-Charged Blue/White
Free Shipping to USA and Canada!++ Limited time offer.
All models above are direct replacements for your factory bulbs...easy
install.
I figure this is not bad as I get the housing, wiring and H4 bulb upgrades for $80 and it will be a good improvement over my existing sealed housing. A temporairy upgrade until the price of HID/Projector kits comes down as $650 is a little steep right now.
Hi Dave,
Dave, we offer the complete kit with plug-in wire harness included...see below.
Your factory lighting uses sealed beam headlamps...We have Sealed Beam
Conversion(SBC)tm kits which will replace your sealed beams with new
headlight housings which will allow you to use replacement H4 bulbs...this is a great upgrade for your lighting.
Our housings feature all glass lenses with european beam patterns for
maximum performance!
**Very Easy Direct Replacement install.**
EuroLights/SBC(tm)Replacement Housings Type4666 $79.00 per pair
(complete kit) including your choice:
2x TypeH4-Blue/Gold SuperBright Ion
2x TypeH4-Yellow SuperBright Ion
2x TypeH4 -Xenon-Charged Blue/White
Free Shipping to USA and Canada!++ Limited time offer.
All models above are direct replacements for your factory bulbs...easy
install.
I figure this is not bad as I get the housing, wiring and H4 bulb upgrades for $80 and it will be a good improvement over my existing sealed housing. A temporairy upgrade until the price of HID/Projector kits comes down as $650 is a little steep right now.
12-16-2010, 12:07 AM
#15
im going with the same setup too on my 94 formula .either autopal or hella
euro spec housings with super bright blue h4 xenon bulbs . im running
silverstars right now and im not impressed with them.its time to upgrade .
euro spec housings with super bright blue h4 xenon bulbs . im running
silverstars right now and im not impressed with them.its time to upgrade .
12-16-2010, 08:49 AM
#16
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@ Blackbird I have a LT1 bird with Co-Way 8000K's in my fog lights. I have a kit, by the same company for my headlights, but they use the Hella housings with no cut-off, or projector set-up. I don't have these installed (mainly because i can't find a stealth place to hide the ballasts) Does the kit you sell compare to the temperature (color) of the kit i have in my fogs. For such a high temp - they really aren't that blue. I didn't want a rice-blue. Just something that looked like a BMW or something.
12-16-2010, 03:21 PM
#17
I also noticed that Speed Inc sells a direct bolt-in HID kit for our cars. How would theirs compare? Anyone have feedback on it?
12-16-2010, 03:24 PM
#18
What else would you need to make this kit complete? I need new headlights, these stockers are crap. And the nicer HID kits are way too much for me.
I also noticed that Speed Inc sells a direct bolt-in HID kit for our cars. How would theirs compare? Anyone have feedback on it?
I also noticed that Speed Inc sells a direct bolt-in HID kit for our cars. How would theirs compare? Anyone have feedback on it?
12-16-2010, 06:19 PM
#19
The kit in the email I listed above (you quoted) has everything you need as it plugs into your existing harness. All the searching I found this was the best deal and converted our sealed beams to H4 HIDs (replaceable bulbs). I'll be going this route once I have some Christmas cash - LOL.
