HID conversion
Ok, I would love to do a HID conversion, but have read many different things. One of my big concerns is the reflectors. I have standard lights on my Mazda, and I thought HID required special projectors to direct the beam correctly. I see a few of you are doing HID, and I assuming the conversion. So, how difficult, how expensive. I know I need the ballast, heavy duty harness, and would it be worth it with out the proper reflector/projectors? Is it for low beam only, or can you do HID high beams as well?
Thanks
Most of that crap I know nothing about Fred. But my one contribution is; HID would be on low beams only (as on my RX-8).
You asked in the right place. If you have the reflector style housings, (take a pic of your headlight and post it here) you'll have to do a full retrofit for mucho dinero.
If you have projector style housings like the mazda6, you drill a hole in the back bulb cover, run a grommet with wires, replace bulb, mount the ballast to the bottom of the headlights, and run your cable kit with relay to the battery positive. Upgraded grounding is optional but can only really help.
Fred if you have a speed3 I'm almost positive you have HIDs already. You could just get better bulbs of your choice and be rollin, maybe even go to higher wattage ballasts.
Nate and I are planning on doing HIDs on our cars sometime in the next few weeks since we both have kits waiting for install.
Oh and whatever you do, never pulse your HID low beams, you'll shorten the life of the ballast and bulb, just like fluorescent.
I will post a pic soon for ya. I do have a speed3 but the sport model. HID came on the GT model. I have read on the forums of lots of guys doing the conversion, but dont want to do anything just for the looks, I want them very functional.
Pulse my low beams? not sure what you mean.
Pulse - Don't flick them on and off to signal someone.
I didn't know they had trims of Speed models.
So you're in the same boat as nate and I but if you don't have projectors, you have to go a few steps further.
All I have to do is replace the bulb and drill a hole for the wire to go into the headlamp, then wire the power to the power harness I got with my kit.
You'll have to mount a projector in your headlight housing so fabricating a bracket as well as wiring will be on your to do list. You may want to try and find a speed 3 with HIDs at a junkyard.
Fred.. you are in luck! dabears2k.com has a 35w HID kit for $85 or the 55w for $125 both of these have a lifetime warranty, include ballast, bulb, all the hardwear and for free you can get an upgraded wiring harness.. this just hooks to your battery instead of using the factory one. The only thing you need to get are the spacers and you are good to go (he has them too) On the 3 its just a matter of pulling the light out and sticking it, mounting the ballast and plugging up the wires and you are done! here are some links
The HID kit
Instalation:
front bumper removal
HID install
best part about this mod is there is no cutting. Unless you drill holes to mount your ballasts. Not sure what voids warranty, but I am sure you can mount them some how as to not void it.. The OEM could be plugged back in whenever.. hope that helps
Yea you guys use a different bulb than me as well. I'm an H1. I am curious about this spacer...
And congrats! NO DRILLING!
