4300k vs. 5000K HID Question
11-25-2007, 01:30 PM
#1
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4300k vs. 5000K HID Question
I have a vertex HID kit (4300k) but I decided to go with some of the slimmer ballasts and install everything in the headlight enclosures. I bought a much cheaper kit off ebay and ordered a 4300k kit. But I received a kit that is rated at 5000k. My question is: what determines the kelvin rating-the bults or the ballasts? I'm assuming the bulbs but you know what assuming does....
I'm wondering if I install the new kit (5000k), can I use the bulbs that came with the vertex kit (4300k) as backups? Said another way, can I 'mix and match' these two HID kits?
chuck
I'm wondering if I install the new kit (5000k), can I use the bulbs that came with the vertex kit (4300k) as backups? Said another way, can I 'mix and match' these two HID kits?
chuck
11-25-2007, 01:40 PM
#2
Chuck,
Did you buy the ones from FJT3000? These are the ones Patrick has and I think Dan ordered his about the same time I did. I'd check the output on top of the ballast and compare. I'll bet they are the same. The slim ballast are digital, but I don't think that matters. If you haven't received yours yet, I can take a picture of mine and post it.
Did you buy the ones from FJT3000? These are the ones Patrick has and I think Dan ordered his about the same time I did. I'd check the output on top of the ballast and compare. I'll bet they are the same. The slim ballast are digital, but I don't think that matters. If you haven't received yours yet, I can take a picture of mine and post it.
11-25-2007, 01:42 PM
#3
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Chuck,
Not that I am an expert, but I believe the degree Kelvin in HID bubls reflects the color of the light beam. The higher the number (say 7,500 degree K), the bluer the light, the lower the number, the whiter the light. I think OEM Porsches and BMWs are about 4,000-4,500 degrees K. OEM MBs and Lexus are higher.
I do not know that between 4,300 and 5,000 degrees, you will see a huge difference in the color of light from the HID.
Hope I am not all wet on this one.
CP
Not that I am an expert, but I believe the degree Kelvin in HID bubls reflects the color of the light beam. The higher the number (say 7,500 degree K), the bluer the light, the lower the number, the whiter the light. I think OEM Porsches and BMWs are about 4,000-4,500 degrees K. OEM MBs and Lexus are higher.
I do not know that between 4,300 and 5,000 degrees, you will see a huge difference in the color of light from the HID.
Hope I am not all wet on this one.
CP
11-25-2007, 01:47 PM
#4
My experience is thath either bulb should work fine with either ballast - assuming the bulb base is the same. Temperature rating on the bulb is not dependant on the ballast, more a function of bulb design.
11-25-2007, 02:54 PM
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Thanks Tom. Just what I needed to know.
CP-your understanding and mine on color temps are the same. I believe the 4300k to 5000k temp diff is a nit. I appreciate the info.
Travis-attached is a pic of the ballasts I purchased. Thanks for the offerof the picture but I think I am all set. I wish I had gone the digital ballast route right from the beginning but I got the vertex kit at a good price a few months ago. I have a friend who wants the 'big ballasts'.
CP-your understanding and mine on color temps are the same. I believe the 4300k to 5000k temp diff is a nit. I appreciate the info.
Travis-attached is a pic of the ballasts I purchased. Thanks for the offerof the picture but I think I am all set. I wish I had gone the digital ballast route right from the beginning but I got the vertex kit at a good price a few months ago. I have a friend who wants the 'big ballasts'.
11-25-2007, 03:57 PM
#7
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The ballasts that came with the Vertex kit are larger than the digital (slim) ballasts. The recommended method of installing the vertex kit is to install the ballast in the trunk, requiring drilling a hole into the fender liner so you can pass the wires (with their connectors) thru. I didn't like that method after seeing that the small ballasts will fit into the headlight enclosure. Some have been able to wedge the vertex ballasts into the headlight enclosure but not me. OR you can install the vertex ballasts behind the headlight enclosure (in the headlight well) but that exposes them to the elements. Didn't like that either.
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11-25-2007, 04:38 PM
#8
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Chuck, the Color Temperature measured in Kelvin in HID bulbs reflects the color of the light beam.
The higher the number (say 8,000 degree K), the lower the light output (say 2,550 lumens). I would recommend staying with the 5,000K bulb with a 3,250 lumen output.
Hope this information helps
The higher the number (say 8,000 degree K), the lower the light output (say 2,550 lumens). I would recommend staying with the 5,000K bulb with a 3,250 lumen output.
Hope this information helps
Color Temperature is a measurement in Degrees Kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source. Many people believe the misconception that color temperature is a rating of the brightness of the bulb or HID kit. This belief is completely false. The reality of the matter is that the higher the color temperature, the less usable light output you will obtain. A perfect example would be a black light. This light has a color temperature of approx 12,000k and has almost no usable light or lumens output. Higher K kits such as 7000k, 7500k, etc. have been manufactured for individuals that are more concerned about the actual color output of their lights as opposed to the actual usable light output they produce.
- 4300K (3300lm) -------- BRIGHT WHITE (BRIGHTEST)
- 5000K (3250lm) -------- INTENSE WHITE
- 6000K (2800lm) -------- CRYSTAL WHITE
- 8000K (2550lm) -------- CRYSTAL BLUE
- 10000K (2300lm) -------- AQUA BLUE
- 12000K (2100lm) -------- BLUE-PURPLE
- 14000K (2000lm) -------- PURPLE
11-25-2007, 05:40 PM
#10
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Chuck...I installed my Vertex kit without drilling a hole, just used existing rubber groumet to route wire to headlight. Pretty easy and water proof.
11-25-2007, 05:51 PM
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Randy,
I know several have done it that way but the hole (with the grommet) on my car is not near big enough to fit the connectors on the end of the wires through. I thought about cutting the wires and re-attaching on each side of the hole. Is that what you did?
Thanks Randy,
chuck
I know several have done it that way but the hole (with the grommet) on my car is not near big enough to fit the connectors on the end of the wires through. I thought about cutting the wires and re-attaching on each side of the hole. Is that what you did?
Thanks Randy,
chuck
11-25-2007, 06:52 PM
#12
Chuck - where did you buy the digital kit from and how much if you don't mind sharing. I think this is going on my wish list from Santa. Thanks - Greg
11-25-2007, 08:37 PM
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Gret,
Here's a link to the vendor I purchased from. I paid $96 but it looks like they've gone up to $120 now. Looks like the link from RallyJon is a good deal.
http://showcase.vendio.com/gallery?cid=27724585&mid=1
chuck
Here's a link to the vendor I purchased from. I paid $96 but it looks like they've gone up to $120 now. Looks like the link from RallyJon is a good deal.
http://showcase.vendio.com/gallery?cid=27724585&mid=1
chuck
11-25-2007, 08:58 PM
#15
thanks for the links - looks easy enough. I assume that the wiring inside the headlight assembly is easy to modify for this setup. I like the idea about putting the ballast in the headlight assembly instead of the boot. any feedback you can offer before I give this info to my wife, I mean Santa?