Ben, in my book that number of installs qualifies you as an expert.
What kit have you used on the NSX?
Hanabi HIDs installation completed! yeah!
- Thread starter madfast
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Ben, in my book that number of installs qualifies you as an expert.
What kit have you used on the NSX?
While it is tru that the seperate igniter set up allows for more possible mounting options, I found it easy to mount the phillips ballast under the motorized cover of the nsx without any problems what so ever. As for servicing the hid kit.....9 out of ten times its either the igniter or the lamp that needs replacement....ive had mine for over two years without any problems.
As for the high voltage wires ......its the ballast/transformer that steps up the voltage to 400-600 volts,not the igniter.The igniter only provides the initial boost when you first fire up the ballast to speed up the warm up time for the hid lamp.
Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
Ben, in my book that number of installs qualifies you as an expert.
What kit have you used on the NSX?
Ben is indeed an expert. In addition to the numerous installations, he developed and sold his own HID systems in the past. Based on my extensive discussions with him, he knows more about HID systems than anyone else I know. (No offense to others, here or elsewhere, who also know a lot about HID systems.)
I agree, I didn't know how many people knew about this so I was kind of discrete about it. I met Ben back in 1997 and he had HID kits for us Legend owners back then.
Everything I know about HIDs I learned from him. I passed a lot of useful information along to the Legend owners during this time. Anyway, sorry Ben if I/we let too much of the cat out of the bag, but I have always regurded the HID kits I got from Ben as the best I've seen and installed thus far. It is only now that some companies are starting to make kits with the quality that his kits had. I've had mine since early 2000 and it has never failed to fire once so far.
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Hi,
I custom built my own kit for the NSX, as there were no kits on the market at the time (1998) that addressed all the issues of an aftermarket HID install. I actually showed the 2nd prototype of the NSX kit at NSXPO '99. ICBW, but as far as I know, our 1st prototype NSX kit (1998) was the first ever HID install on an NSX.
I helped to co-develop the kits previously sold by RM Racing, and they even used some of my custom components, but they are out of the HID business now, and that kit is no longer available. It was, and still is, I think the only kit to ever come out for the NSX that addressed ALL the installation issues (besides the kits I custom built).
At one point, early in the days of SoS, Chris approached me with the idea of modifying my kit to his spec, and selling through SoS, but I was already trying to get out of the business at the time.
I'm not counting the Bellof kits from Japan (they are very good), because JDM NSXs have different bulbs, so their NSX-specific kit won't fit US NSXs, and as far as I know, they don't produce a US NSX specific NSX kit, although I haven't checked to see if they've introduced it as a new product recently. Either way, Bellof kits are about 2x the cost of all the others.
To date, RM aside, there are still no kits that I feel address all the issues, but the SoS kit is the only one that comes closest, and is what I would recommend if shopping for a kit today. I would ask for the clear, non-tinted bulbs, however, which I think are now available.
-Ben
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
I custom built my own kit for the NSX, as there were no kits on the market at the time (1998) that addressed all the issues of an aftermarket HID install. I actually showed the 2nd prototype of the NSX kit at NSXPO '99. ICBW, but as far as I know, our 1st prototype NSX kit (1998) was the first ever HID install on an NSX.
I helped to co-develop the kits previously sold by RM Racing, and they even used some of my custom components, but they are out of the HID business now, and that kit is no longer available. It was, and still is, I think the only kit to ever come out for the NSX that addressed ALL the installation issues (besides the kits I custom built).
At one point, early in the days of SoS, Chris approached me with the idea of modifying my kit to his spec, and selling through SoS, but I was already trying to get out of the business at the time.
I'm not counting the Bellof kits from Japan (they are very good), because JDM NSXs have different bulbs, so their NSX-specific kit won't fit US NSXs, and as far as I know, they don't produce a US NSX specific NSX kit, although I haven't checked to see if they've introduced it as a new product recently. Either way, Bellof kits are about 2x the cost of all the others.
To date, RM aside, there are still no kits that I feel address all the issues, but the SoS kit is the only one that comes closest, and is what I would recommend if shopping for a kit today. I would ask for the clear, non-tinted bulbs, however, which I think are now available.
-Ben
Originally posted by D'Ecosse:
Ben, in my book that number of installs qualifies you as an expert.
What kit have you used on the NSX?
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
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A few thoughts:
- When mounting the ballast, underhood is preferred, because the headlight bucket is an area exposed to dust/water, etc. The underhood area, while far from sealed, is much better at keeping dust/water out. Thus, for an electronic component such as a ballast, underhood is preferred, if at all possible.
- While I've personally done over 20 installs, I've worked with over 150 kits, and it was always the ballast or bulb that failed. Out of the over 150 kits, the ignitor has never failed, and that goes for at least 2 different ballast/ignitor manufacturers.
- The ignitor is definitely the part that provides the spark to ignite the arc in the lamp. The ballast only acts as a power source/ output regulator. The actual high voltage I was talking about is the 25000 volt spark that ignites the arc in the lamp. You'll believe me if you've ever seen an improper installation with a severed and rejoined high voltage wire arcing. The wiring from the ballast to the ignitor is normal wiring, and will not arc if cut/extended while the ignitor to lamp connector is special silicone jacket insulated wire that most definitely will.
-Ben
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
- When mounting the ballast, underhood is preferred, because the headlight bucket is an area exposed to dust/water, etc. The underhood area, while far from sealed, is much better at keeping dust/water out. Thus, for an electronic component such as a ballast, underhood is preferred, if at all possible.
- While I've personally done over 20 installs, I've worked with over 150 kits, and it was always the ballast or bulb that failed. Out of the over 150 kits, the ignitor has never failed, and that goes for at least 2 different ballast/ignitor manufacturers.
- The ignitor is definitely the part that provides the spark to ignite the arc in the lamp. The ballast only acts as a power source/ output regulator. The actual high voltage I was talking about is the 25000 volt spark that ignites the arc in the lamp. You'll believe me if you've ever seen an improper installation with a severed and rejoined high voltage wire arcing. The wiring from the ballast to the ignitor is normal wiring, and will not arc if cut/extended while the ignitor to lamp connector is special silicone jacket insulated wire that most definitely will.
-Ben
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
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Hi Ken & Chris,
Thanks for the kind words. I will say that the actual engineers who developed the ballasts/ignitor/bulbs are definitely very knowledgable, and a lot of what I know is from them, or things they've written, so I felt I should give credit where it's due.
Factory HID systems were barely available on the market when we started development of the aftermarket systems. My prototype kit from late 1996 is still running to this day w/ no problems on an Accord somewhere in LA, and the 2nd prototype kit has been running on my Legend since early 1997 w/ no problems.
I was actually trying to be discreet about my past involvement in the business. By virtue being the very first to market with a beam corrected (for certain applications) HID kit in early 1997, we were under close watch of the NHTSA in the early days, often receiving frequent email from them. As such, we have kept a low profile to this day.
I'm not doing it anymore, so it's no big deal. Obviously, there are so many vendors now, there's no way the NHTSA can keep track of all but the largest few, some of which are based outside the US, out of NHTSA's jurisdiction.
On that note, NHTSA is actually currently working on updating the FMVSS 108 that regulates headlights, and the new code may severly impact the aftermarket, depending on what the finalized changes that get passed are, and how they will go about with enforcement actions. In the past, it seems they've tended to go after and severly hit a select few vendors to set an example for everyone else.
-Ben
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
Thanks for the kind words. I will say that the actual engineers who developed the ballasts/ignitor/bulbs are definitely very knowledgable, and a lot of what I know is from them, or things they've written, so I felt I should give credit where it's due.
Factory HID systems were barely available on the market when we started development of the aftermarket systems. My prototype kit from late 1996 is still running to this day w/ no problems on an Accord somewhere in LA, and the 2nd prototype kit has been running on my Legend since early 1997 w/ no problems.
I was actually trying to be discreet about my past involvement in the business. By virtue being the very first to market with a beam corrected (for certain applications) HID kit in early 1997, we were under close watch of the NHTSA in the early days, often receiving frequent email from them. As such, we have kept a low profile to this day.
I'm not doing it anymore, so it's no big deal. Obviously, there are so many vendors now, there's no way the NHTSA can keep track of all but the largest few, some of which are based outside the US, out of NHTSA's jurisdiction.
On that note, NHTSA is actually currently working on updating the FMVSS 108 that regulates headlights, and the new code may severly impact the aftermarket, depending on what the finalized changes that get passed are, and how they will go about with enforcement actions. In the past, it seems they've tended to go after and severly hit a select few vendors to set an example for everyone else.
-Ben
[This message has been edited by Ben (edited 30 November 2002).]
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Hi,
I actually haven't kept up with every kit on the market, as there are too many kits out there now to count and keep track of.
To properly review would mean I would need to get several kits in house for testing at the same time. If vendors are willing to send samples, I'd be willing to give my opinions.
My comments were based on the kits I have seen at various times:
- Custom kit that I created (no longer available)
- RM (no longer available)
- SoS
- Phoenix
- Autolamps
- Several horrible installs adapted from so called "universal kits"
- Several horrible homebrew installs adapted from base parts
I feel that the SoS kit is the best of the above that are still currently available. Just make sure you ask for the clear bulbs.
-Ben
I actually haven't kept up with every kit on the market, as there are too many kits out there now to count and keep track of.
To properly review would mean I would need to get several kits in house for testing at the same time. If vendors are willing to send samples, I'd be willing to give my opinions.
My comments were based on the kits I have seen at various times:
- Custom kit that I created (no longer available)
- RM (no longer available)
- SoS
- Phoenix
- Autolamps
- Several horrible installs adapted from so called "universal kits"
- Several horrible homebrew installs adapted from base parts
I feel that the SoS kit is the best of the above that are still currently available. Just make sure you ask for the clear bulbs.
-Ben
Just curious, what are the proposed changes and why is the NHTSA targeting aftermarket HIDs?
------------------
Russ
'91 black/black
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They issued a request for comment last year:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/glare.html
While the comment period is closed, they'll take the comments into account when proposing changes to the vehicle code.
Specifically mentioned in the request were things such as aftermarket lighting, including HID, as well as enforcement and such. It's anyones guess what the final regulations will be, but it's safe to say that they will probably be stricter on the aftermarket.
-Ben
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/glare.html
While the comment period is closed, they'll take the comments into account when proposing changes to the vehicle code.
Specifically mentioned in the request were things such as aftermarket lighting, including HID, as well as enforcement and such. It's anyones guess what the final regulations will be, but it's safe to say that they will probably be stricter on the aftermarket.
-Ben
madfast,
Can you please provide us with information on where the kit you purchased can be bought. Also any pictures of your install? Has anyone tried the new Sylvania bulbs?
[This message has been edited by nsxxtreme (edited 02 December 2002).]
Can you please provide us with information on where the kit you purchased can be bought. Also any pictures of your install? Has anyone tried the new Sylvania bulbs?
[This message has been edited by nsxxtreme (edited 02 December 2002).]
Are u refering to the new silver star bulbs ?
are u talking about the silverstar bulbs ?
Hey Joe i can answer this question for you drop me an email.....ohh by the way u missed a great fun run on 12/1
Yes, I am just curious how they look. Everyone claims their bulbs are similiar to true HIDs.
madfast,
still interested in that info if you have it. You don't have a working email.
madfast,
still interested in that info if you have it. You don't have a working email.
nsxxtreme,
I bought it from a friends's friend whose service I was not happy about. anywayz I got it for $350...his name is johnny and his cell is 9178806983. I wasn't happy wiht his service overall. He never picks up his fone and when u try reaching him and leave a msg he almost never calls back. I would shy away from dealing with this guy. but I did get the kit for $350 and it's the Hanabi 6k 9006 HIDs.
I bought it from a friends's friend whose service I was not happy about. anywayz I got it for $350...his name is johnny and his cell is 9178806983. I wasn't happy wiht his service overall. He never picks up his fone and when u try reaching him and leave a msg he almost never calls back. I would shy away from dealing with this guy. but I did get the kit for $350 and it's the Hanabi 6k 9006 HIDs.
Those look very similiar in the picture how about real life?
I'm currently using the silver star.. it looks nice but not as bright as HID.. color is pretty close.. but it is the brighted halogen I've ever tried..
MUCH MUCH better than cheap xeon wannabies
MUCH MUCH better than cheap xeon wannabies
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