From Halogen to Xenon
 

Hey I'm new to the forum so I'm not sure if ya'll discussed this before but I have a base model Rx-8 with halogen lights. I wanted to upgrade to the Xenon lights that you see on the Grand Touring Package. I talked to a dealer and was told the only way was to replace the whole headlamp unit because of the self leveling motor that is present in it. Also that it would need new wiring that wasn't present. I was quoted that it would be about 5k. I wanted to know if I could just replace the bulbs from Halogen to Xenon with no problem. I don't know much about head lights but would I need different wiring or a new fuse? I don't really care about that self leveling stuff..the Halogens I have now doesn't self level :) . The dealer says it may void my warrenty. Please help, Holla back!

lights
 

Im no expert, but I have upgraded bulbs in many vehicles until I got my 8. You can increase the output (watts) of the bulb, and get different "colors" for your headlight. I'm not sure what bulb is used in the 8, but remove yours, head to a parts store and ask for a "whiter" more powerful version of the same bulb. If they can't hook you up, look on the internet. True HID lights are very expensive, but you should be able to get a good bulb for much less. I wonder if the stock bulb from the GT would just plug right in?

Trevor

The Xenons use an AC ballast so you can not just change bulbs. The dealers price does seem a little high but a change over will cost big $$$.

Thanks fellas I may just go by your advice Tbone and go find a bulb with higher wattage and a slight blush tint to look similar to the HID. Do you think that i would void the warrenty?

Sylvania Silverstar H7 twin pack will improve them greatly for 39.99 at Pep Boys

Silverstar....
 

I agree, the Silverstars are your best option - just make sure you get the real-deal 'Stars, not some blue bulb junk! They really restrict the amount of visible/usable light, (that could be why you've never seen a purple lens on a flashlight!) and the high wattage ones can dammage the harness.

Been there, tee-shirt etc, when I turned on the "brights" it actually got DARKER! :D

S

There are aftermarket companys that have HID replacements for halogen. They include the High voltage balasts and cost about $600 to $900. The kit uses your existing lense. You will not have the autoleveling feature, but that is no big deal.

John

I was on www.rx8garage.net and they have an HID kit for the 8 for $425.

John

5k? IMHO the dollars would be better spent on other stuff like.....oh......um.....TURBO?
HID's are nice, but halogens are similar for a fraction of the price....again IMHO :D

Alright since I used to have halogen and I converted it to HID's. I paid $360 for it. Which is a lot cheaper than the stock xenon lights. I would consider it a rip off. Forget the sylvania silverstars that will only give you looks and you still wont see a damn thing. I have the 9k HID's the pictures will tell for itself. Let me know if you have any questions. On the left is halogen, HID, xenon and xenon. If you were to look at the ground you will see that the xenon is showing a yellowish color. While my HID has that blueish/purple color since I have the 9K but you can always get 5-6K.

I agree with the Sylvania recommendations. But definitely stay away from higher wattage bulbs, no matter what the manufacturer tells you. They will probably work fine but they just might fry your wiring by drawing too much current. It could burn up a switch or something else. It is not worth the risk!!!

If you're considering replacing the stock Halogens with HID, I seriously recommend reading this webpage:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

There's a lot more to HID than meets the eye (sorry...!)

Somewhere else on that site I think the Silverstars are mentioned. If I recall, he makes a distinction between two different headlamps by that same name. One is sold in USA by Sylvania, and is more or less a gimmick. The other is produced for the European market by Sylvania's parent company (Osram), and is the real deal.

I think the Rx8 w/eyelids and halogens looks evil as hell. Iwould keep that one theway it is b/c if youput xenons on that one itwont look as vicious at night

Hey, good find Nubo :cool: .

...So I was considering the same thing (from Halogen to HID) and it isn't a good idea or not safe?