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High Intensity Discharge Retrofit

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by energysaver, Mar 2, 2006.

  1. energysaver

    energysaver New Member

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    Is it possible/cost effective to retrofit an '06 having standard headlamps with HID headlamps? Would it just be a matter of replacing a bulb, replacing a headlight assembly, or something more involved? I'm asking because I have xenon lamps on another vehicle and find them to be an enormous safety improvement (I live in the country, with 2-lane winding, hilly roads with lots of deer), but HID headlights are only available in the Northeast as part of an expensive option package #7.
     
    #1 energysaver, Mar 2, 2006
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I retrofit my '04 with HID and I'm very satisfied. :)
    Requirements, dissasembly of the complete front bumper assembly and black plastic trim in front/above of the radiator, removal of the lamps housing nice person'y ( only to make your work easy on the change over, only a few 10mm screws). I had shop at Ebay for a Jap. Kit, dual lamp HID ( LOW beam) and Halogen for HI beam. The ilumination is incredible better, color temperature is very important, I got in the order of 6200k. (blueish tint)
    In my case, being that I'm a electrical freak and I had the necessary hardware and time, I installed a sub relay (activated by the existing lamps wiring) to power the HID's straigth from the fuse box but it is really NOT necessary on a good quality HID KIT. The HV ballast were mounted ( screwed in) straight to the nearby chassis mounts. Total investment for a dual lamp KIT and miscelaneous $345.00 and with this concised instructions 2,5 hs total labor. ;)
     
    #2 mrbigh, Mar 12, 2006
  3. vlenac

    vlenac Junior Member

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    Do you have any problem with the light distribution of the headlamp? Halogen bulbs and HID bulbs have different focus, only to mention one difference... :huh:
     
    #3 vlenac, Mar 20, 2006
  4. vlenac

    vlenac Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(energysaver @ Mar 3 2006, 12:39 AM) [snapback]219296[/snapback]</div>
    Installed today a retrofit HID kit on my '05 Prius.It is a bixenon type kit. I'am very satisfied with light strenght and color. Cool stuff...
     
    #4 vlenac, Apr 16, 2006
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