[Tomh]

Originally Posted by sLiVeRwOrM

could somebody please explain to what these things are that your talking about and what they do.

This is info from a site i mod on, hope it helps ya, there is going to be a few more post to help this one.

HID --> high intensity discharge, what does this mean.
Basically unlike the standard halogen bulbs which uses a "filament" to output the lights, the HID does not consist withfilaments and contain compact arc tubes, which enclose various gases and metal salts, operating at relatively high pressures and temperatures.
For Example: This Image Compares the HID vs. Haolgen

What are the advantages of HIDS consists of standard
Halogen or "super white" bulbs.
HIDS:
Wattage (W): 35W
Lumens (Lm): 3500Lm
Life Expectancy: 3000 hours or more
Light Outpuet: 3x or greater than standard Halogens
Color Temps (K): 4100/4300 (OEM) - 12000K (eww too purplish/blue)
Halogens:
Wattage (W): 50 -55W
Lumens (Lm): 1000 - 1500Lm
Life Expectancy: 350 - 500
Light Output: ~
Color Temps (K): 2400 - 3000K
Q:What Kind of HID Kits can i buy for my car?
A:There are actually two different answers i can give. Lets start with answer (1), and follow with (2)
(1)You can HID Kit such as: Catz, McCulloch, Bohmen, etc. These are rebased HID Kit. which means the the bulbs are made to fit for the "halogen" housing headlights. Also getting all the necessary wires, ignitor(so you dont' screw up) and other necessary parts. Useally the wires are longer. Other thing is by putting an HID Kit into your standard housing that are ment to take 55W halogen, this can mean disaster. Honestly there is not a single kit that will make the glares and "UFO's" disappear. The thing is most people don't comprehend... b/c you are putting a bulb that is 3 times greater light output and into a housing that is not even made to handle HIDs. This is both PROJECTORS & Reflectors
This is a "rebased" hid kit for an easy installment and good fitment

OMG UFO's everywhere .. glaring .. this is a disaster for on comming traffic and person in front of you.

This also is a GREAT light SHOW

(2)You can buy a "DOT" or "ECE" projectors off BMW, Audi, S2K, Volvo or what not and retrofit them into your car.Valeo a company who makes projectors and few ballistas for Audi are one of the best choice doing a retro. Retro takes a lot of creativness and time and effort to it. It is not just a day job. This can last from anywhere to 2-7days.
Picture of a Retro Fit done on a STi. (Thank You HIDforum for the image)

OEM Capsules vs. Rebased
OEM D2S (projector housing)

Rebased for H7 i believe

Q: Can I put HID kit into my TYC/aftermarket Projectors?
A: Yes and No. The thing is the aftermarket "projectors" so called are not high quiality like the Valeo, E55, E46 or what not and the aftermarket projectors for 99% of the Civic's are for halogen only and it's off some fog lights or same materials and stuffs. Either way DO NOT ever put your HID kit in a halogen projectors. It can give off various glares off everywhere, beam pattern will be not so great and sometimes it can melt :lol:
WOW Look at the lightoutput and the "Cutoff" line that is very very very sexy and NICE>!!
This is a 5th Gen Civic a local guy with TYC projectors and aftermarket "rebased" HID Kit

As you can see the AIMing needs to be re-doned, but the light output is not that great compared to the RETRO.
Q: Is HID illegal and also how about retrofitting?
A: Yes & No. to begin with hids were never legal. Companies like BMW, Benz, Lexus, AUdi and etc had them on because it was adapted from Europe and Asia. U.S. Officals never had a problem with it until "ricer" companies begun to bring out rebased HID Kits that was blinding people with blue/purple light and was never a perfect fitment. This now has been a reason why Government officals, NTHS or something like that has been cracking down retailers who sales HID kits. IF they are caught and convicted, they can get jail time and fines. Honestly ONLY best rebased HID kits were teh CATZ. I am going to say NO, because the OEM factory HID kit does meet "D0T" as they foresay. If U.S cracks down and tells car manufactors to do not put HID kits in their car, this will be a dramatic decrease in car indutry, and economy wise. Plus the OEM HID is levled and puts out white light instead of blue or purple. ONly the lense and the light bouncing off the "shield" and the lense is making the blue/purple look to it.