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Upgrade to HID lighting for '95 456

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Cliff Mesirov, Feb 28, 2010.

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  1. Cliff Mesirov

    Cliff Mesirov Rookie

    Feb 28, 2010
    20
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    Full Name:
    Cliff Mesirov
    #1 Cliff Mesirov, Feb 28, 2010
    So, I have Halogen lights . . .OK but I'd like to move into this Century with HID lighting.

    There are 'replacement' HID kits that profess to work. The form factor of the bulb is compatible with the Halogen bulb socket, you just have to install a 'ballast' to provide the correct power for the HID bulb.

    From the standpoint of heat and electrical power usage the HID bulbs are superior to the Halogen Bulbs. Yes, I realize that I can buy higher wattage H1 bulbs. However they are illegal and are risky from the standpoint of increased heat ans power usage.

    My question is twofold;

    1. The lens and housing I have in the 456 was designed for the H1 bulb. The HID units I see as OEM installed appear to have a completely different lens. Maybe the term Projector is correct or appropriate. If a HID bulb is installed in a housing that was designed for Halogen deliver a 'good' light pattern without extraneous 'scatter'?

    2. Do any of the later models of the 456 have OEM installed HID lighting? And, would the bulb housing retrofit into the '95?

    Thanks Cliff
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,105
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    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Feb 28, 2010
    There is no HID in any 456. I think you will find an improvement installing HID's in the standard fixture. I recently did that to a clients F40 and he is very pleased with the outcome.
     
  3. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
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    F683
    #3 eulk328, Feb 28, 2010
    You'll find your answer to question 1. here:

    http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/conversions/conversions.html




     
  4. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #4 Paul_308, Feb 28, 2010
    There has been some discussion of making the blue lights illegal in new car design. Their overall color temperture can be altered or specified at purchase, but the blue portion remains which is not present in older light technology. Plus there is a legality issue of retrofiting HID into cars which didn't come with them.

    You may not realize that older eyes have a great difficulty in being blinded by the blue portion of the spectrum. And in my case,

    Cataract surgery required removal/replacement of the cornea which filters blues. After several near accidents due to oncoming HID lights, I no longer drive at night.

    I know this won't affect your decision but I need to speak for an appreciable number of people so afflicted.

    Just finishing up a 308 thread on brightening headlights by eliminating the voltage drop. If you are truly interested in brighter headlights, read the voltage at your lights, there may be improvement possible there.
     
  5. Cliff Mesirov

    Cliff Mesirov Rookie

    Feb 28, 2010
    20
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    Full Name:
    Cliff Mesirov
    #5 Cliff Mesirov, Mar 1, 2010
    Thanks so much for the new perspective! US old farts gotta stick together.

    The number 2 reply really cooled me on the conversion . . . very interesting and believable!

    Cliff
     
  6. Cliff Mesirov

    Cliff Mesirov Rookie

    Feb 28, 2010
    20
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    Full Name:
    Cliff Mesirov
    #6 Cliff Mesirov, Mar 1, 2010
    Hi Brian, I've heard a great deal about you . . . I'm also in Northern California, can you give me a phone number and physical location so that I can come and meet you and see your facility?

    Thanks, Cliff
     
  7. wahoowa

    wahoowa F1 World Champ
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    Aug 7, 2008
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    Bill
    #7 wahoowa, Mar 1, 2010
    Cliff, there are H1 based HID kits that are reliable. The biggest issue is the lens assembly they will be placed in. My experience with converting non HID vehicles is that the success (or not) is directly attributable to the lens housing. Reflector housings throw a ton of light...unfortunately, everywhere (OEM HID reflectors use a D2R bulb).

    Projector housings, on average, work the best (OEM HID Projectors use a D2S bulb) as the lens focuses the light with a sharp cut off, reducing the "blinding affect" to oncoming traffic.

    Not sure what kind of lens the 456 has, but if it's reflector, you will "shoot" light everywhere, but, you will see everything.....unfortunately, the guys coming toward you won't see *****.
     

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