Quick and Dirty H.I.D. FAQ For N00bs
 

So this may not stop a WHOLE lot of posts... but I think it'll be helpful info for those with questions on what is out there, what they can get... etc. I'm going to keep it VERY SIMPLE.

NOTE: Keep the chatter and "should i...?" questions to a bare minimum in this thread. If you think something should be added/changed - say so.

What are HIDs?
- HID stands for High Intensity Discharge and they're a type of light known for their white/blue-ish beam and are commonly found on some higher end vehicles - but are becoming more and more popular and affordable for everyone else.

Can I order HIDs for my tC?
- Not from the factory. Plug and Play bulb/ballast kits exist but may or may not be recommeded in OEM housings - but there are many available.

Are there projectors available for the tC?
- Not yet. Hopefully Umnitza or Anzo will have a set soon. See the Umnitza R&D thread for more info on that.

What other options do I have?
- You could retrofit. You can do this yourself, like maximus96 (and some others). Or you can pay someone to do it for you - which may run upwards of $1200 for all parts/labor. HIDRetro is a good place to start if you want someone else to do them.

Why wouldn't I want a Plug and Play kit?
- Some people claim that when not used in proper housings, HID bulbs can cause an excessive amount of glare and may even be illegal (since they're not OEM). See your state's own laws on legality issues. Read up on some forums and then make your own choice to get a P&P kit or not.

Is there a cheaper way to get the look of HIDs without worrying about glare or so much $$ for a retrofit?
- Look into other bulbs such as the Sylvania Silverstars, Luminics, or HIR bulbs (another type of bulb altogether). These often are cheaper alternatives to the $$ of retrofiting or the glare/legal concerns of Plug and Play.

I see different color HIDs everywhere, how do I know what I'm getting?
- The color relates directly to the temperature of the gases inside. Higher temperature (measured in degrees Kelvin), means a more blue/purple tint. OEM halogen bulbs are around 3000-3500K. White is around 5000K. But as the temperature increases, actual light output will decrease (potentially less visibility). Here's a simple pic that illustrates some of the various colors/temps of HID kits:

http://downloads.allankintz.com/HIDcolortemps.jpg

My 2008 tC has projector low beams. Does that mean I can just put in a HID kit and not worry about glare?
- This is still yet to be determined. Word is that the projector is the same as the 2007 Camry projector. There are a few pics of a 2007 Camry with HID bulbs that look good but as of typing this, none actually from a tC yet. So no one can really say with certainty. Yet.

Some light reading:
- http://www.hidplanet.com/forums
- http://www.aaamidatlantic.com/automotive/MotorLaws/ - State Lighting Laws
- http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/ - RPI Lighting Research

I'll add and edit as necessary. But remember: VERY SIMPLE and VERY BASIC.

Chatter = No.

So apparently this helps no one?? :P

its helping.... i'm debating should i retrofit or plug n play or just wait for aftermarket projectors... well..... i'll wait.. to see wats in store.....

COLOR TEMPS......hope this helps with "which color hid's should i get"
most people run 6K its perfect for street....
As light color increases, output decreases.

3K, 3K, 4K, 4K,
5K, 5K, 6K, 6K,
8K, 8K, 10K, 10K,
12K, 12K, 3K, 3K,

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/we...ZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

this is good, helpful thread. im thinking on HIDs...didnt know much bfor i read this thread. still got research to do but this is a good start. thnx.

^^ That's just what this is for. Gives you a little info to get started and hopefully point you in the right direction.

:)

i like those 5000k's they look pretty good as for projection and color...not much of an hid. bluish look but definatly clear crystal white ...thanks for the info and pics... good job guys

i think i have XenonPro's plug n play 6000k's on my tC right now.....i havent gotten any trouble with the cops or nething lately....

3 IMPORTANT Q's:

#1: Could Luminics bulbs burn wiring/housing after installed. I heard one or two people say that high powered bulbs burnt parts in their tC's.


#2: It says on the Luminics website:

Low Beam: 9006
High Beam: 9005
Fog Beam: 9006

You have to buy Low (Regular) Beams and High Beams separately?

#3: The fog lights that came factory on my tC can open up easily and install Part number 9006?....


THANKS SO MUCH! :bow:

just to let you all know I ran plug n play on my car and it was fine. you have to point the lights down a little but the cut off it better than most outher cars even though its not projector

1. It's possible. It's happened to a few people actually. Luminics sells "upgraded harnesses" but that seems unnecessary for something that should just be a plug and play bulb.

2. Yes. High and low beams are separate.

3. Yes, the OEM fog bulbs can be replaced with any 9006 bulb.

I swapped out my bulbs and melted my passenger side receptical. It's gonna cost $60 to replace the receptical with upgraded parts that handle higher wattage bulbs, but that beats the hell out of the $$$ you'll be droppin on anything else. :P

You could have dropped $40 on a set of Silverstars and not melted the harnesses to begin with...

Sorry, I'm just partial to them b/c I've had them since I got my car and I love the color and absolutely zero worries about the wires.

Silverstars are hella nice, but they're too white. I'm one of those douchebags that's gotta have the purple look. :P

i have 8k bulbs - they are very bright and have a blue tint - if i had to do it again I would get 8k (again) not 5 or 6 cause they wouldnt have that rich bluer color.

okay i am not sure if this has been asked yet, but what size are the projector bulbs. i have xhecked but havent seen any sizes posted.

Also i dont know why poeple say that hid would melt the housings, hids are supposed to be cooler than regualer stock bulbs and after market bulbs. I got a tiburon and i put in hids 8000k about a year ago and i love them, and so does my girl who has the TC.

so basically what sixe projector bulbs would i need for the tc?

HID projectors use D2S bulbs, some projectors, mainly used in Audis, use D1S bulbs. none of these will fit a stock tc unless you have projectors

I have 8000k HID in my other car and motorcycle and they look great. But I have heard so many complaints about HID in the tC that I decided to get PIAA Plasma Spark Blue bulbs instead
that look like 10000k HID but without the bright intensity of the real-deal HIDs.

Hope this helps.

^What problems have people been having?

info isn't helping me :P

how about a wire harness DIY for the tC that is not crap quaility instructions thrown together like what they did in HIDplanet ^^