HID Conversion: 35W vs. 50W; Best H4/9003 bulb type?

[joejoev]

I want to convert to HIDs and have been reading the HID threads and shopping around, trying to figure out which kit to go with. Have some questions:Anyone install a 50W HID kit yet? Just when I thought I new what I wanted, I saw the 50W kits on eBay.I know that aftermarket HID conversions are illegal, but anyone know the actual DOT compliant/SAE Standards for headlamp output in the U.S.? I'm leaning toward 5000k or 6000k color temp. A 35W kit would have 2800-3100 lumens output; the 50W kit would have 3800-4000 lumens output.Bulbs: I don't want to lose my high beams since I'm a driver by profession and like 75% of my driving is at night. (BTW, 2004 Base w/ M&T bought new 09/09/04 now has 200,808 miles.) I really don't use the high beams often, but I like having 'em at my disposal.Which bulb type do you recommend?- Hi/Lo with Xenon for the low beam and a separate halogen for the high?- Bi-Xenon with the solenoid activated shield?- Bi-Xenon with the telescopic movement?And for comparison, anyone know the lumens output for each beam of a standard 55W/60W halogen headlight bulb (H4/9003)?

[keithvibe]

I too have been looking to upgrade the headlights to a hid.. being ragin and I installed hid's in my fogs... and I love them... I want to do the same with the headlights... I have seen all the kits you are talking about and have heard good and bad... good... cheap... bad... cheap.. LOL I have decided to try and find a projector that accepts a 9003/h4 bulb.I have found a few but I need to locate a set of headlights to do the retro-fit to. This summer I plan on hitting the junk yards to see what I can find.I would suggest that you start with the foglights. those are a 9006 conversion. You may not even need to do the headlights then... One thing you will want to do is disable your DRL's if you do the headlight conversion I did this by cutting pin 12 there are other methods but this was the easyist for me.. do a search for DRLThis disables the DRL's and disables the auto light feature...