[Guest]

Hi,

Like probably everyone else I'm looking to improve the lighting on my 6TME. I have replace the standard headlamp bulbs with PIAA EWC1 versions. These are an improvement, but still not great. Apparently there is another bulb, EBC2, which gives better wattage and is handmade and fitted to Tommi's car on the rallies (comlete with suitable price!) according to the guy at PIAA. I have read elsewhere that the headlamp unit in the Evo could be fragile, as well as the loom, and running this bulb could lead to overheating. Anybody out there got experience of these bulbs and had any problems, or not?

Thanks,

Kevin
W6 MAK

 

[Guest]

Hi Kevin,

I was just about to put a post up about this too but you beat me to it!

I have just bought my Red VITME too, but as you know, we are deprived of spot light fittings, so any changes have to be made to the actual headlight bulb. Anyone know any REAL high intensity lights? You know, the kind that turn night into day?

Cheers,

Cem

 

[Guest]

http://www.racebreed.com/ralli04.htm, goto electronics then the AP Rally 4 Light Pod!! If that doesnt help, don't know what will.

 

[Guest]

I stand to be corrected but as far as i am aware, the light pods are illegal for road use, unless of course the lights that are in them are non functioning.............

 

[Guest]

Hi Cem,

You might want to talk to Co-ord as there is apparently a driving light conversion that they do for the TME. One light goes in that extra intake on the front, and then they cut a hole (gulp!)on the left (as you look at it). Bit drastic though, got to be an easier way. Anybody know if you can get a replacement, more substantial headlamp unit, not a HID one, just same shape as standard, but more sunstantial and with a better refractor setup?

Kevin.

 

[Guest]

I've spoken to Co-Ord a few times about this and they say the problem is the headlamp reflector, and that changing bulbs won't make that much difference (I can vouch for this too!).
They are apparently looking around to find a solution.
I've wondered for a while...what IS the HID conversion anyway?

Alan (a bit thick)

 

[Guest]

Alan
Don't quote me on this but HID is a gas discharge system. This works in a similar way to flurescent tubes and produces a very intense white light. The advantage is the system is far more efficient than a conventional bulb (where most of the energy is converted to heat) and therefore produces more light with less heat. These systems are becoming common on higher end cars ie mercs audi etc. The only prob is at the moment they are very expensive to fit as an add on. Maybe finding a written off car with these fitted and adapting them would be a cheaper option. I believe the power pack and backing/adaptor plate for the bulb is required. When up and running they draw about half the current of conventional bulbs.
Adrian

 

[Guest]

Hi All,
Thanks for the replies.

Adrian,
Apparently, although these HID lights do offer an improvement over standard bulbs, they don't make too much of a significant difference to warrant the price difference and I have been advised to stick to the standard ones.

I have also spoken to a number of after market specialists who are also at a loss to this problem.

Shall keep you all posted.
Cem

 

[Guest]

This may sound stupid, but cant the lenses from a similar british model, say the carisma or watever be used in the lights instead? Im sure they would be a whole lot better?

Prit

 

[Guest]

Thought i'd done a deal with a us gas discharge company, but after a bit of digging. i found that most people had melted the OE reflectors......still searching i'm afraid!

 

[Guest]

Gas discharge is supposed to run cooler than Halogen. What caused the meltdown?