HID upgrade

[tonyk72]

For anybody interested in doing an HID upgrade, I just recently got some KC Hilites 6" replacement fog light lenses (part # 4206) and a KENSUN HID Xenon Conversion Kit H3 6000k. The lens fits perfectly in the headlight retainer ring. The only modification I had to do was slightly bend up the reflector inside the lens because the HID bulb was a bit too long.

I did run into some electrical issues though, seems like my battery has drained. It could have been from firing up the lights a few times without starting the engine.
This is what the manufacturer has to saw about power consumption:

" The gas is ignited with an approximately 23,000 volt charge and stays illuminated by a constant 12v source that is provided by a ballast which is connected directly to your battery. Remarkably, HID lights are able to provide greater light output with much less power consumption. Studies show that a 35 watt HID lamp produces 3 times as much light compared to a 55 watt halogen bulb. Moreover, the 55 watt halogen bulb uses a continuous power draw of 10-15 amps, while the HID system uses 20 amps for starting up, but then drops down to a mere 3 amps during operation (that is up to 80% less power during use!). "

I have a new Sears Diehard Gold battery and recharding it now. I'll try running the lights again after a full change and see what happens...

[thebuggyman1]

"the 55 watt halogen bulb uses a continuous power draw of 10-15 amps" Yeah right, anybody want to buy some prime agricultural land in Florida.....comes with livestock. The kind with big teeth. lol By definition 1 watt = 1 volt x 1 amp. 12v x 4.6a=55w The High Intensity Discharge probably does produce much more usable light, but nothing else is as efficient as LED.

[tonyk72]

I found out my battery drainage issue was due to a faulty regulator...

I also picked up a two pairs of cheap H3 led's on ebay. One set was a 3528 and another I'm still waiting on are the 5050 led's.

I'll post pics later for comparison purposes, but can tell you now that you get what you pay for...

[mustangwagz]

"the 55 watt halogen bulb uses a continuous power draw of 10-15 amps" Yeah right, anybody want to buy some prime agricultural land in Florida.....comes with livestock. The kind with big teeth. lol By definition 1 watt = 1 volt x 1 amp. 12v x 4.6a=55w The High Intensity Discharge probably does produce much more usable light, but nothing else is as efficient as LED.

Hmmm...some LED Conversions may be in store for the attex...and i agree, LED"s are the way to go when it comes to being in a rough, tough environment.. My backup light i got wired up is super bright..now if i can find LED headlights, im in!!

[Dan67]

Did you say LED? These are the lights I am running on my hustler rebuild.. https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.a...tname=electric I have 2 in the front mounted on either side of the winch and a single in the back for when I need to back up or see behind me.

[spookum]

found a KILLER site for HID ligting!!! way cheap.... They have flood, spot and trapizoid, (trapizoid is my favorite, as it is both a spot and flood) and 35 and 55 watt lights!! 100 bucks for a light or 35 for balast and 15 for a bulb!

HID & LED Lights

[mustangwagz]

that site also has re-greaseable 1" axle bearings for like 7 bucks a piece... not triple sealed...but still...alot cheaper than most other places that sell that style!

[smog]

I changed the bulbs for LED on my MAX.

as it's not a very high speed machine, I don't need to see very far ahead of the machine, 30 feet is enough.

with all lights open, it barely draw 1 amp, leaving enough amps for the heated throttle cable and the heater fan.

http://www.dealextreme.com/c/car-led-light-bulbs-712

[jpswift1]

Those are some excellent tips and links guys. I have amber LEDs with clear lenses (they look clear when they're off, amber when they're on) for the headlights on my Hustler 980 BIGFOOT and then I have clear 35W halogen driving lights mounted on my factory Hustler bumper/light bar up front. It REALLY lights up those dark trails and doesn't drain the battery at all.