I wanted to start a thread to talk about ways people have been able to improve the front lighting on a Z. MY '89 has stock lights and they are not the greatest. I've seen some posts on HID, which may have legal issues (not sure if in all States) and also changing the fog lights. Also what are the differences with the later Z models. So, how are your lights? What have you changed that works?
HID's cost sweet **** all and are effective. They are mostly illegal though. Personally using 55W 6k low beams. Factory 2k spec Xenon's are great, however at almost $2000 a set, they aren't for everyone.
Firstly, the focussing of the entire headlight show is crucial in getting a decent, useable spread of light. If ur concerned about the law, just fit 4300K HID's. They look like bright halogens and dont attract the attention of the law. However they will inprove your low beam out of sight. next is to do the small mod to have your low beams stay on when on high beam. High beams are a fairly ordinary very long range spotlight and again, focussing them is the key to good lighting. 4300 HID's again for best results but they do take time to "warm up", otherwise some 55w +100 H3 halogen globes will serve you well. E
Do the HID systems plug straight into the standard Nissan plugs or is some rewiring required? I've seen how the ballasts can be fixed under the nose panel or under the lights.
tassuperkart, I saw a post describing the 'mod' you mention. I'll see if I can find that again. Thanks!
I've done a lot of research on the ADRs of HIDs. http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322392 It's illegal full stop in all states. But as you will read in my thread, we can easily bluff our way out of the fine. The late model zeds with factory HIDs has only got an extra bi-xenon "shield" if you like that is cutting off the light from the top of the beam. It's there to stop the spread of light scattering too high. If you google it, you will see a photo of a one being projected onto a wall, you will noticed a defined cut off along the top. The late models also didnt have sprayers, or self leveling system. So with that all said, if a cop pulls you up, just say you fitted the later model projector lenses in the headlamp, and say you don't like the look of the late model ones, so that's why you went to the trouble lol I don't personally believe the cops care too much about HIDs being put into "projector" lenses like what we all have for low beams. It's more the dicks in there Hondas or holdens or whatever else lol that have "reflector" lenses. Those become big giant blue looking orbs going down the road, blinding to others and ridiculous looking. Stick with 6000ks but no higher! Otherwise it's too blue (cop magnet) and also not as powerful as say 120000k HIDs (all to do with lumens, I won't go there lol) Don't go above 35wats either because they have a longer life, plus not as bright therefore not as obvious to police. And don't forget to re-level your lights just a little lower than usual. I have 6000k 35watt HIDs in, and love them. I even was coming into the petrol station and a cop was coming in the other was, my lights where on and they where looking my way just for a bit but said nothing. I've driven past them too with no fuss. Of coarse my zed is 100% stock with no p's on it like some of you on here so that may help in a big way.
Cam i highly doubt a stock zed came with yellow calipers like yours so its not 100% stock lol Abraham
Here's a couple of links to useful threads on lights "HID Lights on a 300ZX" http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323015 "HID Low and High Beams" http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320794
Any thoughts on upgrading the alternator to higher output? Will the stock alternator handle greater lighting okay?
The mod for high low beam sync From BiggTDogg "...when installing your HIDs in your lows, you need to ground the low beams so that they stay on with your high beams." From Anti "I'd recommend the headlight mod too. I went without for a month or so thinking it'd be fine, but there really is a solid delay going from heated up highs to cooled down lows. This can be done by simply bolting the negative from the low beam HID kit to the chassis (earth). They'll then stay on when you turn your high beams on." From OZX_320 "convert both hi and lo beam. No need to pull your relay panel apart to perform pexmod, just earth your ground wire for the lo-beam ballasts. Ample 6mm bolt points that are easily accessible on an NA. Downside is that you have to wait for your hi-beam ballast to warm up to achieve full illumination, but it is countacted by matching illumination/ kelvin rating of hi and lo beam lamps and much more affective hi-beam."
Yes it will. HIDs only run at 4.6 amps compared to a similar light output halogen that runs at 8.3 amps. It's about a 50% power saving! It's only on fire up when HIDs draw more current but then drop way down after the 10secs of heat up.
Abe it was a very rare aus spec only dealer option very desirable I'm referring to 20" mags, lowered and rocket exhausts maybe Lamborghini doors too [TIS]
One problem with cheap ebay/china HID's are sometimes the ballasts die or are problematic. ie. work sometimes and other times don't. Pretty much luck of the draw. Its amazing how much light they throw out there, but you can always clean the headlight assembly that will make a good difference.
Cam mine are 19" fyi & dont be jealous that your not the one with the zees exhaust lol As for HID kits...make sure you buy a AC kit instead of a DC kit as they are made of higher quality internals & is meant to last a lot longer. Especially on ebay they are listed as AC kits even though they are DC kits if you read the description, so msg the seller & ask to confirm. Ive had my ebay AC kit for 3+ yrs now & never had an issue. Plus its like $50 compared to buying the same kit produced in the same factories but packaged differently & being sold at supercrap for $200+!!! So definitely worth getting an ebay kit if you do your research Abraham
Most of the 'AC' HID Kits on Ebay are coming from the UK, around AU$30 postage on a AU$60 kit. http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=300zx+HID+kit&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=300zx+HID+kit+AC&_sacat=0
