[pj's 850]

Ok all of you who have either seen or done the HID conversion to a volvo 850 or similar model, come help me out here. I havent made the decision yet, but Im def. ordering a set of E-code lenses, which I understand are much nicer. On top of that however I have been looking at the real Hid systems. It seems that every year I check the price of these HID conversion setups drops in half and the kits get better and more complete. I understand that the bulbs will outlast regular halogen bulbs, so I assume they will probably last the rest of the time I have the car, and they talk about how some are a 5 minute install. Since nothing seems to ever be that easy with the Volvo, can anyone tell me what is involved in the Conversion. I have been looking at the kits available from Autotoys, they seem to have the most complete kits and a very wide range of kits, along with good prices. They have the 6000K kits in both blue or purple look and two different 8000K kits using either generic or Hella ballasts. I was thinking of either getting the 6000k purple kit or the 8000k Hella kit, I believe the price is $379 and $449 respectivly. So what is involved with these kits, or in general, what modifications need to be made. WIll I have to do some rewireing so the HIDS dont end up drawing too much current and blowing a fuse. That was something I didnt understand, they claim they are only 35 watts draw and very efficiant, however I have heard a few mention needing to upgrade the fuses or rewire direct fromt he battery in order for them to work. I dont know, thats really not that important, I just want to know if I will be able to install these with my limited knowledge of cars, and hopefully the E-code lenses with the new HID systems with also look cool and light the road better. <BR><BR>
[Modified by pj's 850, 11:14 AM 11-15-2002]

 

[pj's 850]

Re: HID Conversion (pj's 850)

anyone please help

 

[javadoc]

Re: HID Conversion (pj's 850)

There's a decent writeup on volvospeed, in the modifications section.<p>Anyway, when I did it, I bought a setup w/Bosche ballasts (the only way to go) and 6000k bulbs, so they don't give off a blatantly bluish light. Volvospeed's writeup says you have to drill a hole in the top of your light housing, but I didn't have to, I guess b/c I got the direct plug-in bulbs for the lowbeams, and the ballasts came w/harnesses that plugged into the stock headlight wiring plubs, so it was plug-n-play. Install took about an hour, mainly taking the most time to find good places for the ballasts to mount securely. don't touch the bulbs or they'll blow out fast, of course, right. The ballasts I got weren't idiot-proof, b/c you can actually hook the power flow up backwards... which makes the lights not ignite until you reverse the wires back to how they're supposed to go.<p>Definitely a worthwhile upgrade. Night and day (pun) difference from E-code w/stock lamps to HIDs, imho.<br><BR><BR>
[Modified by javadoc, 4:47 PM 11-15-2002]

 

[pj's 850]

Re: HID Conversion (javadoc)

Thankyou, I have read the writeup before on volvospeed, but I wanted some opinions here because that was an older article. Since that article there have been massive changes in the design of these conversion kits, making them easier and more plug and play. What I was told though was that depending on the kit and car, you may still have to drill holes, I didnt want to do this. May I ask what kit you have, and how much it cost you. Are the prices I quoted pretty decent. As for Ballasts I was told that PHillips/Hella/Bosch are all actually the same ones, just with differnet names. I guess then there are Panasonic ones which are decent japanese ones, and then the generics, which I think I would stay away from. The price difference isnt that big, so why bother with generic and risk 400 dollars down the toilet. I would hate to spend that money and either fight over warranty work or have to buy the better ballasts in the end. Thanks again.

 

[javadoc]

Re: HID Conversion (pj's 850)

Right, from what I've read the Bosche/Hella/Phillips are all the same ballast, just badged differently. I paid like $400 for mine, early this year. I just saw a 7500K kit w/Hella ballasts for $359 the other day. It may still be on my watch list. I'll check and repost a link if it's still there.<p>I might start shopping for another kit for my dad. He's got a 96 855 and it might be a nice Xmas gift for him. My wife's car could use some, but she runs H4s in the MPV van. Lots of research before I do HIDs on her van. Don't know if the plastic lenses will react poorly, or if it'd work at all in her car.

 

[pj's 850]

Re: HID Conversion (javadoc)

Thanks, yeah, I would be careful about the MPV. Im sure it would work wonders as far as looks, but I would worry about the plastic lens melting, infact I would be quite sure that will happen, and I would also worry about the dispersion pattern. A friend of mine has an Imprezza RS, I believe a 98, has plastic lenses, and she ended up melting the lenses just with higher wattage bulbs and later with Hids. Big mistake, she had to get a pretty expensive Hid Replacement kit that included projection lenses. It was funny to see however, bugs and rocks got stuck in the soft plastic, and when it rehardened, they were basicly in the plastic lens. However, I would be concerned just as you mention, maybe they make a glass replacement kit or something for the lights. <p>Again, thankyou for the advice, Im really glad to hear that its basicly a plug and play deal, that was my biggest concern, having to cut.

 

[Ski Brick]

Re: HID Conversion (pj's 850)

Where are you guys seeing this pricing under $400 for an HID setup...we should try and get some sort of group buy together...as Christmas is just around the corner, we all need to buy ourselves some new toy, like HIDs for our babies. I have a 97 855 T5 and am scourging the planet in search of a solid, quality HID kit for my wagon. Where do you see this pricing at again?<p>Thanks mucho

 

[S.R.]

Re: HID Conversion (Ski Brick)

You know what guys, Ebay has a kit for $299 for 9006 bulbs @ 6000K. I really want to get a 9006 HID kit for my 960 as well, but I am waiting for lower prices.<p><IMG SRC="http://www.hyperlights.com/hidnewbox.jpg" BORDER="0"><p>McCulloch also makes a kit (9006 @ 6000K) for $369. It is made in Japan and seems to be of good quality.<p><IMG SRC="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PwD7d*sSAJECDRMrVL8ay2qW15OkEjJO7HzoidWXNtWzSCptXRmNnlB3pnq1OmuUDIp3nkDxghwgmnqrYgu4WtvgTwvDKOK7/mcculloch2.jpg" BORDER="0"><p>-Drew

 

[javadoc]

Re: HID Conversion ([email protected])

Here's the guy's site that I saw on ebay. This guy sells a kit w/the Bosche/Hella/Phillips ballasts, and correct plug hookups for the 9006 (and others) headlight systems... <A HREF="http://www.misterjung.com" TARGET="_blank">misterjung.com</A><p>His going price looks to be about $379 including shipping, but I wonder if he could be pursuaded to sell for less in a group-buy situation.

 

[pj's 850]

Re: HID Conversion (javadoc)

The Mculloch kit I know is a pretty good one, I have heard them to be a reliable company for a while now. Im looking at <A HREF="http://www.autotoys.com" TARGET="_blank">www.autotoys.com</a> The site is a little hard to navigate, but you go to store, then the lighting section, then Hid conversion kits, then you get all the different sources. They have two different kits for under 400 and a few for a little over 400, but they are better kits and is probably more what I am looking into. I havent looked on Ebay in a while, this pricing was so good I saw no need, atleast here I get a warranty, know what Im getting, and I know the company well, they are really good about helping you out. Thats my big issue with Ebay, unless they are well acredited, you dont know if they will honor the warranty or not, often not. Thats important with HID kits, the Warranty, as I have heard some horror stories with certain quality and reliability problems. I believe, as we mentioned, that if you go with the better brands that isnt as much an issue, but still, I like the piece of mind I get with a warranty.

 

[drPheta]

Re: HID Conversion (pj's 850)

I've used HID kits before (on my integra before it was stolen) and I would only stick with Hella/Philips/Etc ballasts. The quality is by far, way better than the Japanese made HID kits.<p>mrjung has a very nice kit. And the price is fair too. If we could get a groupbuy together, that'd be great. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to participate in it until Spring if it does fall through.<br>