HIDs in Aftermarket Headlamps Question

[Dan12GT]

So I recently installed the Raxxiom style headlamps from LMR. One disappointing thing was I could not re-use my H13 bulbs from the stock headlamps. The reason I wanted to re-use these are because I paid a cute penny for an HID kit that has High/Low beam bulbs.

So, I actually had a spare set of HID H9 bulbs laying around and plugged those into my ballasts and it worked fine, however I only have low beams on these bulbs. So, I know the ones the kit came with are dual high/low but obviously not HIDs.

My question is where can I find a dual high/low HID H9 bulb? I used DMM tuning before for all my other HID needs but apparently they do not carry this. Anybody else know of any other carrier that has dual high/low H9 bulbs?

For the time being I was probably going to take an extra look at the H13 bulb to see if I can modify it by any means to make it fit. Sometimes it just requires some trimming on the tabs, that I did not bother looking at during the install.

[Dan12GT]

Well it pretty much looks as if they do not exist. Think an H9 bulb is made to be used in conjunction with a completely separate bulb for high beams, there is no all in one for these types like what comes stock on our cars. I'll have to see what I can do to make it work.

[Grandpa]

Hmm, interesting.

[Dan12GT]

Hmm, interesting.

Interesting indeed. It seems there are not too many bulb types that are set up to run as a single high/low beam. I was looking at pictures of the two bulbs and I think I can easily modify the prongs to accept the bulb. I guess i'll post back on what I am able to pull off.

[DirtyD]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put HID bulbs into aftermarket headlights unless you know they can in fact handle HIDs. Most of those aftermarket housings are made from non-heat treated plastic and typically the projector lenses aren't glass. If you are really wanting HID projector performance, just spend the money for a retrofit kit. It may not be the cheapest route, but you will end up with OEM performance at a much cheaper price. Let me go find a link to an article I posted on SVTP...

[DirtyD]

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/2011-mustangs-354/860550-faqs-halogen-vs-hid.html

[DirtyD]

But in regards to your question, any H series bulbs are not produced in a dual filament format.

[Dan12GT]

I have heard a mixed array of things about this. I have heard if you stay within a 35W setup you shouldn't have any problems with heat melting anything. There are some H series bulbs that are dual filament. My H13s work this way, it does seem though there are not many produced this way.

[DirtyD]

Not necessarily heat issues all the time, but the plastic lenses refract light a bit differently than glass. Also, a lenses made for halogen lights will have a different focal length than one made for HIDs. Best thing you can do is contact Raxiom themselves and ask of they will properly handle HID lights or strictly halogen.

[Dan12GT]

Ya I think I will call them up because if they are going to melt I will get rid of the HIDs asap. As far as the way the light is reflected I am not too terribly concerned. I had HIDs in my stock lamps and these are way more focused so the glare is pretty much gone.

[DirtyD]

HIDs typically don't do we'll in a reflective housing because the light doesn't emit in the same direction as a halogen bulb.

Have you considered swapping in the OE projectors from the 2010-2012 cars? There is a thread on SVTP about doing so.

[Dan12GT]

As in swapping in the entire headlamp or just the projector? I've looked at the prices of the head lamps and they are insanely expensive.

[DirtyD]

Here is the thread. He scored his OE projectors off CL for $400...maybe there are some out there...

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/how-370/864743-halogen-factory-hid-swap.html

[Dan12GT]

That guy got SUPER lucky getting both headlamps for that price! I have been looking for a long time because my 1st choice was to swap to those. I was never able to find anything under $3-400 PER headlamp ($700-800 total). I guess I am kinda stuck now. I will probably hang on to these for a while and hope that those headlamp prices come down more and do the real swap later. I do like the look of the stock HID lamps over anything aftermarket.

[Midnight11]

Here is the thread. He scored his OE projectors off CL for $400...maybe there are some out there...

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/how-370/864743-halogen-factory-hid-swap.html

did u invite him over here? lol

[DirtyD]

did u invite him over here? lol

Why? So he can hunt down some? Lol

[Midnight11]

No bc he is in dallas

[DirtyD]

No bc he is in dallas

I...did not notice that...