Headlight upgrade options Options

[DouglasJaneway]

Okay, so I know the $900 projectors are the best and easiest and all, but I ran across this kit to do HID. Has anyone used anything like this? Could I plug them right into my low beams? Or would it blind everybody? It looks almost plug and play. Would my stock lens scatter the light upwards too much? Would projectors of some kind be necessary in order to direct the light?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/H13-9008-6000k-Dia...448&vxp=mtr

This post has been edited by DouglasJaneway: Jan 14, 2013 - 1:15 AM

[Special_Edy]

The biggest problem I have with the HIDs is not oncoming traffic, its when its someone behind me and the light reflects off my sideview mirrors into my eyes.

Also there is no law(at least in Texas, Ive checked) that says vehicle equipment must be DOT approved. It is illegal under certain circumstances to manufacture and sell equipment that isnt DOT approved, but I think these laws had more to do with fraudulent sales methods. So long as your equipment meets state laws, you are okay. I forgot the headlight specs, but they have to be so many inches off the ground, demonstrate the width of the vehicle, be of a minimum luminosity(but below a maximum amount), be only white or yellow and there are very specific details regarding the scattering of light(the beam must angle downward x inches per y feet). If you install HIDs you are not breaking any law. If you install HIDs that shine into other driver's eyes you are breaking the law.

Sec. 547.333.  MULTIPLE-BEAM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. (a) Unless provided otherwise, a headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp, or combination of those lamps mounted on a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle:
(1)  shall be arranged so that the operator can select at will between distributions of light projected at different elevations; and
(2)  may be arranged so that the operator can select the distribution automatically.
(b)  A lamp identified by Subsection (a) shall produce:
(1)  an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead during all conditions of loading; and
(2)  a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam that:
(A)  is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and
(B)  is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on a vehicle that is operated on a straight, level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator.
©  A person who operates a vehicle on a roadway or shoulder shall select a distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a safe distance ahead of the vehicle, except that:
(1)  an operator approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet shall select:
(A)  the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam, regardless of road contour or condition of loading; or
(B)  a distribution aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the lamp projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator; and
(2)  an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear within 300 feet may not select the uppermost distribution of light.
(d)  A motor vehicle of a model year of 1948 or later, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, that has multiple-beam lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator that is:
(1)  designed and located so that the lighted indicator is visible without glare to the vehicle operator; and
(2)  lighted only when the uppermost distribution of light is in use.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Jan 16, 2013 - 2:21 PM