How are your aimed? When mine was new I got flashed a few times and found out the passenger side was too high. Once I corrected that, never again, even with the HID's. It also helps to aim then down just a bit if you upgrade.

 

Do you all think that a higher Kelvin rating (darker color, less light) would be better since we are using housings that aren't made for HIDs?

such as:
a 35w 9-12000k with proper "stock" aiming
as opposed to
a 35w 5-6000k with a slightly downward aim


Or does it not really matter all that much? HID will be HID no matter how you slice it type of thing?

 

The higher the kelvin, the lower the light output, but IMO really highlights the glare factor.

Personally I'd stick with in the 4500-5000 range and no higher than 6K in a 35w bulb. 55w is overkill IMO.

 

From an engineering point of view, using the higher Kelvin rating would be a closer match to the housings designed for halogen lights. That being said, its always going to be a compromise because the light characteristics of HID lighting are different than incandescent lighting.

Take your time and think it out, the oncoming motorists who haven't had their night vision ruined and their eyes dazzled will thank you.

 

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