HIR vs. Halogen bulbs

[Go Fast Get Tickets]

Has anyone replaced Gen 1 halogens with the HIR bulbs? Here is a link for info on HIRs.

http://hirheadlights.com/

[ekooke]

Has anyone replaced Gen 1 halogens with the HIR bulbs? Here is a link for info on HIRs.

http://hirheadlights.com/

See this thread: http://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31588

[JP]

I have the HIRs for high beams on my HID conversion

Very bright.

[RallyZCamaro]

JP,
I have a couple questions for you. Are you running Halogen or HID housings? And, if you are using halogen housings, which 9005 style HID retro-kit did you purchase?

[JP]

Both my '93 and '96 have the OEM HID housings.

[ekooke]

My '94 Mark VIII with factory HIDs, HIR/9011 high beams, and a relayed wiring harness

http://www.network54.com/PersonalPhotos/1070512618.JPG

Picture taken in DAYLIGHT, around 6 PM, mid-September '00

In case there's ANY doubt as to the worth of converting to HIR bulbs, COMPARE the first two pix of before-and-after low beam shots on this Corvette forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1588070

Pix 3 & 4 compare high beam outputs.

The light output increases are almost unbelievable, and this is with STOCK wattage. Headlight relays would even punch up the new lights a little MORE.

[RallyZCamaro]

Ok, JP, I had seen previous posts of yours and was a little confused as to your headlight setup. I am running all four HIR's with stock wiring (big improvement over stock). I have considered the relay harness, but am leaning towards the HID conversion. I have been checking out the 9005 compatible conversions on the Net and thought maybe you were running that. My housings are actually still in pretty good condition and am a little reluctant in forking over the HID money right at the moment. Do you think that the relay harness would give me a substantial improvement with my low beams?

[ekooke]

Just 5% more voltage at the bulb socket will produce about 20% more light at the bulb. On an older car, relays will give 5% more socket voltage easily. Just as important, relays will almost completely take the electrical load off the headlight and MF switches, preventing switch failure and possibly even a fire.

[JP]

Do you think that the relay harness would give me a substantial improvement with my low beams?

In my opinion and my experience with Fords... yes. You should see a visible difference with a relay harness.

Given the HID bulb supply nightmare now ongoing, if I had another Mark VIII - it would get new stock halogen housings, HIR bulbs and a relay harness.

[v8_dave]

Just 5% more voltage at the bulb socket will produce about 20% more light at the bulb. On an older car, relays will give 5% more socket voltage easily. Just as important, relays will almost completely take the electrical load off the headlight and MF switches, preventing switch failure and possibly even a fire.

Right on! ;)

[Go Fast Get Tickets]

Thanks for all the input everybody. A lot of good info. Ordered 2 Toshiba HIR 9011 for my lows. Going put them in my old but very good shape housings. Then when the funds build up I'll call Max and get new halogen housings and 2 more 9011 for the highs.

I've seen the wiring harnesses on several different sites. You guy's who have harnesses: who's did you use? Might as well buy something that is tried and true.

Thanks again...

[ekooke]

Thanks for all the input everybody. A lot of good info. Ordered 2 Toshiba HIR 9011 for my lows. Going put them in my old but very good shape housings. Then when the funds build up I'll call Max and get new halogen housings and 2 more 9011 for the highs.

I've seen the wiring harnesses on several different sites. You guy's who have harnesses: who's did you use? Might as well buy something that is tried and true.

Thanks again...


Many people use the 9005/9006 harness sold by www.autodynamic.com

The Autodynamic harness needs to be modified (Dremel) at the low beam sockets/plug to accommodate the unique-in-all the-world 9005 low beams on the halogen bulb Mark VIII, but is no big deal. AFAIK, there is NO 9005/9005 relayed harness commercially available.

[JP]

AFAIK, there is NO 9005/9005 relayed harness commercially available.

True, I had mine custom made.