H11 to H9 Headlight Conversion

[rstark18]

Has anyone converted there headlights from H11 to H9? This is supposedly pretty easy and give a much great light output. I'm not thrilled with the beam pattern of my HID kit and that's why I'm thinking of going this route.

[bedrock8x]

Why don't you like the beam pattern after the HID conversion, too bright or the top cutoff not as sharp as the halogen?

[rstark18]

They are very white which I like but two things bother me. The beam pattern isn't as smooth as halogen. I have two hot spots ( one for each bulb) that weren't there with halogens. Secondly o don't think I'm getting as much reach as I did with halogens.

The H11 halogens give 1300 lumens of light at 50W. The H9 gives 2100 lumens at 65W. I think I'd rather have even consistant light than whiter uneven light. Also the H9 bulbs are cheap ($13).

[bedrock8x]

If you choose 4300K HID, you will get better reach, higher temp bulb gives too much blue light which the road does not reflect well. The hot spot is just because the HID is so much brighter.
To convert o H9, you have to modify the bulb so that it will go into the housing.

[a64pilot]

HID's will work correctly and have a clear focus etc when used in a reflector designed for them. The Gen III headlight housing was not designed for HID's

[radioprius1]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

HID's will work correctly and have a clear focus etc when used in a reflector designed for them. The Gen III headlight housing was not designed for HID's

To the original poster, you are better off listening to bedrock8x. a64pilot is like a broken record when it comes to HIDs. I wish his off switch was easier to find.

[rstark18]

Originally Posted by bedrock8x

If you choose 4300K HID, you will get better reach, higher temp bulb gives too much blue light which the road does not reflect well. The hot spot is just because the HID is so much brighter.
To convert o H9, you have to modify the bulb so that it will go into the housing.

I do in fact have 4300K HID's installed right now. Like I said in the original post, I really like the overall color of the bulbs as they are really white. My 4300K install I feel doesn't give me the reach I was expecting. My frien that has a Subaru WRX STi has factory HID's in it and they blow mine away.

After a very in-depth email conversation with Daniel at danielsternlighting.com I have decided to try replacing the H11's with H9 bulbs. I will report back with my opinion.

[bedrock8x]

When you mentioned the WRX, I realized that you really mean the light is aiming too low, not insufficient candle power as you already have 4300K bulbs. I suggest to re-aim the headlight to factory spec.
When I did my conversion, I noticed that the cutoff line is a little lower than the halogen bulb.

The H9 bulb is not as bright as the 4300K HID.

Originally Posted by rstark18

I do in fact have 4300K HID's installed right now. Like I said in the original post, I really like the overall color of the bulbs as they are really white. My 4300K install I feel doesn't give me the reach I was expecting. My frien that has a Subaru WRX STi has factory HID's in it and they blow mine away.

After a very in-depth email conversation with Daniel at danielsternlighting.com I have decided to try replacing the H11's with H9 bulbs. I will report back with my opinion.

[a64pilot]

Don't confuse lumen output with color when thinking "brightness", and yes I am a broken record when talking about illegal activities. I'm actually surprised the Mods allow discussion of illegal modifications, at least without some kind of disclaimer tacked to the post. Not saying they should or shouldn't, it's their forum, not mine.
HID's are not "brighter" than Halogens, they are more expensive and efficient and can be had in different colors, but they aren't brighter.
LED's are the future of vehicle lighting. lighter and more efficient than HID's.
Out of curiosity, why do you think it is that cars that come factory equipped with HID's have halogen bulbs for the bright lights? If HID's were brighter, that wouldn't make sense would it?

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Don't confuse lumen output with color when thinking "brightness", and yes I am a broken record when talking about illegal activities. I'm actually surprised the Mods allow discussion of illegal modifications, at least without some kind of disclaimer tacked to the post.

Hrmmm - so when we talk about driving 5MPH over the speed limit in other threads, we should place a disclaimer (?????) because it is illegal (????). I do have to say this is funny....