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OEM HID's a bit dull compared to today's HID standards?

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Old 07-20-2009 | 10:13 PM
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OEM HID's a bit dull compared to today's HID standards?

I have noticed that the stock HID's that come with the RX8 is some what low on distribution of light on the road. Comparing it to other projector lens style lights from Lexus, BMW, Acura, etc.

I am wondering what I can do to increase the performance of the RX8's stock HID's while being as stock as possible. I do not wish to upgrade the OEM 4300k philps bulbs because that is not the issue and I do not wish to have a ricer blue tint that doesn't help in light output.

Has anyone tried aiming the headlights at a different angle to increase sight distance? How about swapping the projectors (perhaps just the lens) for something like TSX projectors or just swapping the lens. The TSX and FX projectors is quite a popular mod on hidplanet forums because they have one of the cleanest cutoff and widest and longest light projection out there.

Last edited by SayNoToPistons; 07-20-2009 at 10:17 PM.
Old 07-20-2009 | 10:29 PM
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chenge your bulbs OR remove the projector lenses lol theres a diy for that i think
Old 07-20-2009 | 10:37 PM
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Like I said in my post, it is not the bulbs problem. I am not looking for a bluer low beam HID light because that worsens the issue of having inadequate light output (for an HID system).

Removing the projectors is pointless.

All the RX8's i have seen with HIDs have a lack of light output for HIDs. I am assuming that the projectors that Lexus, Acura, and all the other brands with better output have better engineered projectors.

I tried searching and I didn't find anything on improving the output of the stock HIDs. Only found a thread about modifying the stock fog lights for a bulb with higher light output.
Old 07-20-2009 | 10:46 PM
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i read it on here a while ago and ill try to look for it. it does brighten the lights up ALOT i havent done it but he has pics let me look and your right about the bluer bulbs my bad but yea i just went outside and turned the 8 lights on vs my 335 lights and the 8 is def not as bright and both have the same bulbs so im guessing the projectors are the problem
Old 07-20-2009 | 10:51 PM
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here you go it really seems like a big difference

https://www.rx8club.com/forum/showth...=headlight+mod
Old 07-20-2009 | 11:05 PM
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its the projector lens and its density which make the difference. someone posted in this forum before. look for blackmobileR3's post
Old 07-20-2009 | 11:06 PM
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check this one SNTP:
https://www.rx8club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157531
Old 07-20-2009 | 11:17 PM
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sold the 8... :(
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this one is good too
https://www.rx8club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131469
Old 07-21-2009 | 02:18 AM
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mod your cutoff plate or retrofit a lense. not much else to it.
Old 07-21-2009 | 07:02 AM
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I actually got complimented on how bright mine were the other day.
Old 07-21-2009 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by rodjonathan
here you go it really seems like a big difference

https://www.rx8club.com/forum/showth...=headlight+mod
Originally Posted by 05rex8
Originally Posted by 05rex8
Thanks for the help, greatly appreciated.
Old 07-21-2009 | 10:14 PM
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i think RotaryRasp had a thread on changing the lenses and modifying the cutoff shield.
Old 07-22-2009 | 04:04 AM
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Originally Posted by nuke0907
i think RotaryRasp had a thread on changing the lenses and modifying the cutoff shield.
Yeah he did. That is the only way you will get better output since the lenses are a little more restrictive compared to other cars. Other than that, make sure you headlight is clear of scratches and haze. When I had my headlights replaced for fog inside, I couldn't believe the difference in the light output! It was ridiculous. I still am very satisfied with it, but agree that it could be better. I have taken very good care of this set and even put a protective lamin-x film on and have had zero problems.
Old 07-22-2009 | 06:59 PM
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I plan on changing the lens. Headlight cover is clean as a whistle.
Old 07-22-2009 | 07:09 PM
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yeah i think that would be the only way to actually better the output
Old 07-22-2009 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by SayNoToPistons
I plan on changing the lens. Headlight cover is clean as a whistle.
Yeah then that would definitely be your best option. What kind of lens are you planning to get? TSX?
Old 07-22-2009 | 10:29 PM
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I am going to replace the stock fresnel crap lens with a clear lens from a TSX perhaps. I am not sure what the dimensions are and when I do find out, I will see what matches. If nothing matches or if replacing the lens alone won't help and I might have to replace the projectors, then I'm going to ditch the project.

I will make a post on hidplanet soon.
Old 07-22-2009 | 11:50 PM
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PM Zelse. He swapped his lenses with aftermarket lenses. I used to have a link to it because I was going to do the same but I can't seem to find it anymore. Anyway, the one he used fit perfectly and made a big difference.
Old 07-23-2009 | 01:06 AM
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I found some things while running a a search on hidplanet. I will post whatever I find that might be useful.

These you need to log in to view.


CX-7 to TSX-R swap.

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/view...&highlight=rx8


RX8 stock lens color mod.

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/view...&highlight=rx8

RX8 lens replacement "you can use s2k lenses or celica halogen projector lenses to replace rx8 lens"
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/view...&highlight=rx8

rx8 s2k lens swap
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/view...&highlight=rx8
Old 07-23-2009 | 02:31 PM
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can you copy/paste some of them?
Old 07-23-2009 | 02:35 PM
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I'll try to do that later. Apparently Celica Halogen, E30, 300zx, and S2k lens fit. The stock RX8 is a fresnel and the diameter is 2.5" (possibly slightly larger).

Changing to a clear lens will produce a sharper cutoff, better color at the cutoff line and brighter light.
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