Focal point of the filament is critical for correct beam pattern. That is where the filament of the new HID bulb sits exactly where the stock one did. Check out http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/ for a lot of information. If you want to do it right you could retrofit some HID projectors into the halogen housing.

 

correct, just like spankee said.

The only way to have correct HID lighting and I mean the ONLY way, is with OEM HID parts. This would mean a retrofit. You are going to hear about "casper shields" that block glare but that never works. All that happens is that you lose road illumination. If you don't want to do a retrofit, then just save the $$$ and get a pair of Silverstars.

A rebased capsule is a D2S/D2R capsule that has been fitted to a 9005, 9006, 9007, H7, H4 base so it will fit in non-HID vehicles, hence the glare issue.

 

Also, to add to your comment. Not only is the focal point critical but also the way the reflector bowl is shaped.

 

I bought Silverstars for my Nissan pickup and it was quite a noticeable difference. I would definately go that route before spending the money and potentially not beinng happy and or frustrated with the install and results. Just my opinion though.

 

1 yr with 10,000k bulbs and my ballasts are fine....yes the did reduce visibility, but I don't live in the country so that did not concern me...

 

I already have Silverstars in my Element...for the headlights and fog lights. However, I wanted more of that "blueish" HID look. Oh well.

Oh...what's the deal with Silverstars burning out sooooo quick?

 

Wow that 10000k has really poor visibility, less than regular halogens.

I've done a OEM Audi HID retrofit into my prelude, it really does make a world of a difference. It's not too hard to do, you just need patience. hidplanet.com has a forum that has tons and tons of information. Look there and at the lighting faq to answer all your questions about a retrofit.

My project cost me ~$450, and that's with bi-xenons and custom shrouds.

 

It's because they try to crank up the output to compensate for the lumens lost due to the lens coating. The bulbs run hot and burn out quicker.

 

We Know ..........it's all about the "bling"

 

^ you stole my thunder