Color Temp of our HIDs?
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by Spankee,Dec 21 2005, 07:19 PM
All stock HID systems are 4300K. The higher the Kelvin the more blue/purple(ultraviolet) they get and the less light output you get. Lower you go they get more yellow(go low enough and it dips into infrared). All the colors you see from different cars like BMW are not due to the bulbs, they are due to the optic designs inside the headlight housing.
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From: Dallas
Originally Posted by versionJDM,Dec 21 2005, 07:26 PM
i understand that. but why do some aftermarket HID systems seem so damn blinding? bright but actually less light output maybe? does that make sense? hahaha!
Joined: Oct 2005
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Originally Posted by Spankee,Dec 21 2005, 07:19 PM
All stock HID systems are 4300K. The higher the Kelvin the more blue/purple(ultraviolet) they get and the less light output you get. Lower you go they get more yellow(go low enough and it dips into infrared). All the colors you see from different cars like BMW are not due to the bulbs, they are due to the optic designs inside the headlight housing.
The temp of the capsules have nothing to do with the ballasts. The only thing the ballast cares about is the wattage, that is it. 12 volts in, 35 watts out, period. That is a major misconception as far as the ballast lifespan.
OEM 4100K capsules manufactured by Philips has been reported to have a more noticeable color shift than OEM 4100K Osram/Sylvania. OEM 4100K capsules made by Philips have a colorshift of approximate 250K after 500 hours, which will bring it to up to 4350K.
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Former Moderator
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: St. Louis, MO
Thanks for the comments, advice, etc... Please know that I was asking about this not for my S...but for my Element. Conversion kits can be had for less than $400 and the safety of HID is what really interests me. When I drive my S, I can see much better on the road at night versus Halogens in my wife's Accord or in my Element. The look of HID is cool too... 
Thread Starter
Former Moderator
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: St. Louis, MO
Originally Posted by GranPrix,Dec 22 2005, 02:01 AM
please don't put a rebased "kit" in the Element, you'll look like stadium lighting!
