First, huge thanks to the forum owners for recognizing that the negative posts in my previous thread on these kits were inappropriate, and for taking action. I'm hopeful this thread can avoid unfairly slamming the product. Discussions about government regulation/control of the automotive aftermarket are certainly fair. So...

Acceleronics has HID conversion kits for the C5; $440 for the 9006 (low beam) and 9005 (high beam) bulbs used in US-spec cars, and $480 for the H4 high/low bulb used in the euro-lens conversion. This price includes shipping to the 48 contiguous states.

Additional 9006/9005 bulbs are available for $100, the H4 high/low bulbs are $120.

The kits carry a one year manufacturer's warranty on all components, including the bulbs.

I bought a 9006 kit for my '02 to evaluate the product before deciding to offer it to CorvetteForum members. I was completely satisfied with the quality and the performance on the components, so here it is.

And here are links to the ordering page, C5 install page, the HID vs halogen pic, and a pic comparing color temps:
http://www.acceleronics.com/neworder.htm
http://www.acceleronics.com/HID/HIDinstall.htm
http://www.acceleronics.com/HID/images/HIDvsHalogen.jpg
http://www.acceleronics.com/HID/colors.gif

The 5000K bulb provides the most light output and the least amount of the blue tint that calls attention to the bulbs being HID.

Finally, I want to emphasize that these kits are manufactured by an ISO9000 certified factory dedicated to HID bulb technology.


[Modified by 9secz, 8:44 AM 1/30/2004]

 

I just want to add a quick note to vouch for the quality of the 9006 kit I purchased from (9secz). A true plug and play with the existing wire harness, and a very clean install. Feel free to IM me if you want an impartial review of this product.

 

So these are not illegal?

 

They have the same legal status as long tube headers, aftermarket camshafts, about 90% of what's in the Summit Racing catalog (<--- that last one is a joke!!!), my Vortech ys-trim supercharger, turbo conversions, exceeding the speed limit, turning without using your turn signal, etc. This article is long, but you guys should read it:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/glare.html

Here's a snippet: "Another factor that may be involved is the phenomenon that may have occurred with the introduction of halogen lamps in the early 1980's. Drivers are attracted to headlamps that are different colors than would normally be seen. As such, the drivers may look directly at oncoming headlamps during driving to see the unfamiliar item. This is something that they do not normally do. Initial halogen headlamp introduction elicited some glare complaints, even though the first halogens used were actually very similar in performance to the standard non-halogens headlamps. The only marked difference was the color of the halogen headlamps."

 

I imagine they could then be classifed "for off-road use only", and as mentioned so are many mods on my car :D Certainly most of the fun mods at least!

 

I just had this kit installed today and it is super high quality. I will never go back to the standard lights. On a dark mountain road, I flicked on my standard halogen high beams and it seemed like I turned my lights off!!! Visibility of road signs and lane markers is superb.

The kit is plug and play so it was a cakewalk to install.

As far as legality, just about anything aftermarket that is worth a damn is pretty much illegal. How many of us remove cats, add headers, put on euro clear lenses and tail lights, remove front license plates, add loud exhausts, cams and tune the PCM? In this case it is a mod that actually improves safety.

As long as they are aimed properly, no one will pull you over. NHTSA might go after vendors but I don't think anyone using these will have a problem.

Also, the 5000k is the way to go very with very white output. Pretty much the same color as all the OEM HIDs out there. In other words, it looks OEM.

Thanks LJ!!! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

 

Do you have any pictures and more specific info on the H4 offering? Specifically, I'm wondering if your kit has the little servo to move the beam spot around as well as whether the exactness of the length is maintained.

I just installed a set of euros with high watt piaa's and while they work very well, I'm interested in reducing the heat level and overall power draw.

Thanks!
Dan

 

With reference to the temperature and oem's, we have a '03 Lincoln LS with the HID lights and they are definitely blue in color, not white. Very obvious and this is from the factory.

BTW, only the low beams are HID on the LS.

I did some digging and found this tidbit in an Automotive lighting FAQ:

"Philips and Osram are the ones widely used in cars in North America/Europe. (GE is still trying to get their feet into car manufacturers budget.) They come with standard 4100K color temperature only. This is the only legal HID bulb color temperatire under DOT/ECE regulations. Many projector headlights in upscale vehicles may look like they have higher Kelvin rating, but that is an optical effect. See Section for projector units for more details"


cc


[Modified by CCrane00, 2:28 PM 1/31/2004]


[Modified by CCrane00, 4:54 PM 1/31/2004]


[Modified by CCrane00, 11:28 AM 2/1/2004]

 

Are these kits C5 specific, or can they be used on any car running the 9005/9006 combo?

 

Not C5 specific. I'd wait for 9secz to chime in since he is the seller, but the packaging looked like a universal kit to me.

 

The short answer: The kits are universal, not C5 specific.

The long answer: I haven't completed the application page yet. In the meantime, PIAA has a nice application guide: http://www.piaa.com/BulbApplications.php

Acceleronics carries H1, H3, H4-single beam, H4-high/low, 9004, 9005, 9006, and 9007.

 

will they work in a 2001 Fbody??? Firebird to be exact :)

thanks and let me know

 

I just checked the PIAA application guide that I included in my previous post - no f-bodies. Sorry!

 

Thanks for answering all the questions. I have two more.

1. I already have installed/wired the H4 on my car how does the HID install vary with this system? Is it still a DYI?

2. Looked at your color chart. Is the 6500 alot less bright than the 5000 or is it nominal difference? I really like the color on the 6500 but do not want to lose a lot of brightness. What are your thoughts?