I bought my oem ballast from http://www.sparkhid.com
pretty good deal

 

does the projector have anything to do with the color of the bulbs?
so if i put the same bulbs in my headlights and fog lights (without projectors) will they look the same

 

The projectors only gives off color at the cut off line, andything above or below the cutoff will be the color of the "k" rating. So buying the same "k" rating for dogs and headlights should match if they're from the same company.
You'll see in the pic below where the color comes into play from the projector.

 

thanks nate...what Kelvin rating do you have?

 

Right now I'm running 5000k Osram 66240 CBIs. In the pic above, I was running Philips 85122+. I honestly wouldn't get anything over 5000k, IMO. In my link in my sig you can look through my transformation thread and see output pictures of the CBIs.

 

How rough is the bulb change in these cars?? My light output isn't what it should be. Might pick up those Morimoto's 35w in 5K

Pretty sure I'm running the stock bulb from 2004 so that likely doesn't help. Also, I've got condensation inside my headlights...ugh

 

Switching the bulbs can be a PITA, especially if you try to do it without removing the bumper, you better have some small hands to do it that way. I always take my bumper off then take off the headlight to replace bulbs, that way you know the bulb is in and seated correctly.
Is there a lot of condensation? It can usually happen with fast drastic temp, or elevation changes. Have your headlight every been opened? otherwise you can leave the bulbs out and take the headlights inside to let the condensation dry out.

 

I bought it used, so not sure if they've ever been removed. I'll try to snap a few pics of the condensation when I leave work and get back at ya. It's Oklahoma..so temp changes are pretty crazy. 70 degrees on day and 30 the next

 

Nate-I just got the CBI's and was wondering if I also need to get the zkr lens, or if the oem will be good enough?

I've read a few threads were the lenses were changed to get the full effect of the CBI bulbs, which I wasn't aware of before getting them.

 

I wouldn't say zkwr's are needed, but they do help increase the intensity of the output.

 

I've had to replace the originals for the past 18 months twice! Even though they do replace the bulb under warranty you still have to pay $15 for shipping and handling, you're basically buying a new bulb.

They seem like cheap bulbs because they go out every 6 months and the light output for the 6000k dies really fast.

I just purchased a new pair on theretrofitsource.com, can't wait to put them on!

 

^ I did the same I can't wait to get them

 

hahahah i feel the HIDEXTRA bulbs are not excellent, but hey you cant get better for $15 a pop.....but their customer service is good....since they are a vendor here, you can post something on their thread and they usually respond.....

i also have DDM tuning HID's....the color does last longer price is cheaper than HIDEXTRA but customer service sucks !!! big time !!!

 

What would be a good test to see if my HID's are on the way out as far as light output?? I feel when I'm driving next to some cars with HID's, their light output is much brighter than mine. I just want to make sure this will make a difference before purchasing new bulbs and possibly ZKW lens. I need to clean my headlight housing too as it gets condensation and looks a little "hazed"

Basically is there something I can do and someone else can do the same thing and we can compare pictures? I only have my Iphone4 as far as pictures go but I feel like I want more when it comes too overall light output on the road. Pretty sure my lights are aimed correctly and at the right height too

 

Well seeing that you have an '04, I'm going to assume that your bulbs are stock, making them almost 8 years old. I don't think their is a way to test lumen out put, you just basically have to measure by the years or hours used.
Search around HIDplanet, they have a lot of comparisson pics over there.

 

^ Thanks man. I'll check it out