XSeries-forum

Very 1st picture is a 35W bulb with 5000k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing,
Second one is 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast in headlight housing and the last one was a 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing. The 35W bulb got really bright and pure white within a second or two but 75w bulb was still warming up and had quite a bit blue tint eventhough the temp was 4300 on 75w bulb. I ordered the bulb connecting wires to hook up the oem bulbs to 75w ballast. I think that will make a hyge difference in terms of light output.

[quote="kkodal78"]
Very 1st picture is a 35W bulb with 5000k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing,
Second one is 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast in headlight housing and the last one was a 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing. The 35W bulb got really bright and pure white within a second or two but 75w bulb was still warming up and had quite a bit blue tint eventhough the temp was 4300 on 75w bulb. I ordered the bulb connecting wires to hook up the oem bulbs to 75w ballast. I think that will make a hyge difference in terms of light output.
[/quote]

Cheers for the post. Does prove the theory from previous. I'll definitely look at purchasing a pair of 55w ballasts to replace the OE ones with. And will just need the wiring adapters also.

I ordered the wires for £6.99. Should be with me tomorrow or next day. We'll see

[quote="kkodal78"]
I ordered the wires for £6.99. Should be with me tomorrow or next day. We'll see
[/quote]

Got a link?

eBay number 380513817567 I was going to order.

230385013333 this is what i got.

[quote="kkodal78"]
230385013333 this is what i got.
[/quote]

I'll order the ones I listed as works out slightly cheaper as it is for a pair.

Damn it. I thought i bought a pair. Now i have to get another one.

[quote="kkodal78"]
Damn it. I thought i bought a pair. Now i have to get another one.
[/quote]

I've done that before...LOL

[quote="kkodal78"]
Very 1st picture is a 35W bulb with 5000k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing,
Second one is 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast in headlight housing and the last one was a 75W bulb with 4300k temp connected to 75W ballast outside the headlight housing. The 35W bulb got really bright and pure white within a second or two but 75w bulb was still warming up and had quite a bit blue tint eventhough the temp was 4300 on 75w bulb. I ordered the bulb connecting wires to hook up the oem bulbs to 75w ballast. I think that will make a hyge difference in terms of light output.
[/quote]

Can you summarise what you've learned such that it can be applied to retro fit kits?

I would like to know if from your report if this is what you observed?

35w bulb with 35w ballast = benchmark
35w bulb with 75w ballast = Faster Start up? Brighter? Didn't blow up? Whiter than benchmark?

Thinking of getting a 55w kit (ballast+bulb) plus may retrofit a 55w ballast only to an existing 35w kit if it's a proven brighter step up

[quote="storminmike"]
plus may retrofit a 55w ballast only to an existing 35w kit if it's a proven brighter step up
[/quote]

That is what I am doing as it will provide brighter output as supply is increased.

With the 35w bulb and either 55 or 75w ballast you can get brighter output, a lot quicker start up and whiter output. I had the bulbs on for a few minutes and nothing blew up so it looks like 35w bulb with my 75w ballast will do the job for me. If you plan on ordering a new set than i would say order the 55w ballast and hook it up to your 35w oe hid bulb and call it a day.

[quote="kkodal78"]
With the 35w bulb and either 55 or 75w ballast you can get brighter output, a lot quicker start up and whiter output. I had the bulbs on for a few minutes and nothing blew up so it looks like 35w bulb with my 75w ballast will do the job for me. If you plan on ordering a new set than i would say order the 55w ballast and hook it up to your 35w oe hid bulb and call it a day.
[/quote]

Exactly. I'm just going to order a pair of 55w ballasts now. Any links buddy?

I did a web search on this and found the following....for running a HID using a higher rated ballast.

"The answer is no it usn't safe given the lamp will run at higher (thermal not colour) temperatures than the manufacturer's spec calls for and higher pressures which combined could cause premature capsule/bulb explosion/failure.  The ballast serves three functions. It provides the proper starting voltage to establish the arc. Second, it supplies the proper voltage to operate the lamp. Third, the ballast limits the lamp current to a level prescribed by the lamp manufacturer for the particular type of lamp being used. Ballasts must always be matched to the particular lamp type, wattage, and line voltage being used. Never use a ballast for any lamp, installation or purpose other than for which it has been specifically designed."

It might be brighter, but that will come with a potential 'cost'.  The UV filter will also be less effective which could cause premature 'ageing' of the plastics in the lamp unit.  There's a reason these things are done the way they are, but it's still impressive.....

Richard

I can give you the link for the 75w ballast but i don't have a link for the 55s. I'll dig thru my ebay acct and forward it later on