Are Hid's worth it? Or onother upgrade?
02-09-2013, 12:22 PM
#21
I just bought a 2013 FX2 with the HID headlights and as lame as it may sound they're one of my favorite features of the truck. After some white knuckle rides in my 2007 FX4 with standard headlights, it's amazing how much more safe and relaxed it feels driving with some clear, well aligned HID lights. Also, the OEM high beams for the HID lights are insanely bright and probably capable of temporarily blinding all oncoming traffic for the next 1/4 mile so be careful. I found this out the hard way when my wife was pulling the truck up the driveway and accidentally flicked the high beams on.
02-09-2013, 02:03 PM
#22
Senior Member
I am thinking I'll snap up a pair of Alfred's (816godschild) 2013 hids on ebay here soon. I noticed they haven't been selling the last few times he listed them and he has been dropping the price when they get re-listed. Next time they hit 900 I'll jump.
I am going to scheme up some custom paint on them and probably throw in the EVOX-R's while I have them open. The only way i can stand the lights on my 2012 is to have the fogs on also, the output is dismal to say the least, but it's not the end of the world. I have tired to limp it along as nearly a grand for lights is no small chunk of change!
I am going to scheme up some custom paint on them and probably throw in the EVOX-R's while I have them open. The only way i can stand the lights on my 2012 is to have the fogs on also, the output is dismal to say the least, but it's not the end of the world. I have tired to limp it along as nearly a grand for lights is no small chunk of change!
02-09-2013, 02:09 PM
#23
Senior Member
The new OEM HID's are definitely a big step up but... They do not compare to an aftermarket retrofit setup. If you are going to spend the money I would definitely recommend getting a retrofit done. Unless of course you want the '13 OEM look
02-09-2013, 02:18 PM
#24
i would try out the silverstar ultras. they put off a significant more amount of light then the stock bulbs. imo any kind of projector makes our trucks look rediculouse. i dont even like the looks of the oem ones and some retrofits look like frickin ufo's flying down the street with all the led's and glowing rings lol but ill agree the light out put is amazing. if you dont care about looks and money then they are the way to go jmo.
02-09-2013, 02:29 PM
#26
Senior Member
I have been looking into this OEM vs. retrofit quiet a bit...
A set of stock OEM 2013 heads vs. an FX-R retrofit, yes the retrofit would have a wider, longer throw. BUT you can't knock the OEM's too much, they are a step in the right direction.
A set of OEM 2013 heads with EVOX-R's vs. an FX-R retrofit, both are just about equal. The FX-R will have a bit more width and slightly better low beam from what I have read, but the EVO isn't too shabby on width or low beam performance and has a killer high beam. Both would be great!
The cream of the crop would be the LS460 retrofit, but even it has some pitfalls. For me the 2013's just have that integrated and fluid look to them.. there are some great looking retros into halogen housings but I just can't get into some of the designs.
Halogen < OEM HID
OEM HID < Retrofit FX-R
OEM HID upgraded = Retrofit FX-R (for the most part
)
A set of stock OEM 2013 heads vs. an FX-R retrofit, yes the retrofit would have a wider, longer throw. BUT you can't knock the OEM's too much, they are a step in the right direction.
A set of OEM 2013 heads with EVOX-R's vs. an FX-R retrofit, both are just about equal. The FX-R will have a bit more width and slightly better low beam from what I have read, but the EVO isn't too shabby on width or low beam performance and has a killer high beam. Both would be great!
The cream of the crop would be the LS460 retrofit, but even it has some pitfalls. For me the 2013's just have that integrated and fluid look to them.. there are some great looking retros into halogen housings but I just can't get into some of the designs.
Halogen < OEM HID
OEM HID < Retrofit FX-R
OEM HID upgraded = Retrofit FX-R (for the most part
)
02-09-2013, 02:36 PM
#27
I am thinking I'll snap up a pair of Alfred's (816godschild) 2013 hids on ebay here soon. I noticed they haven't been selling the last few times he listed them and he has been dropping the price when they get re-listed. Next time they hit 900 I'll jump.
I am going to scheme up some custom paint on them and probably throw in the EVOX-R's while I have them open. The only way i can stand the lights on my 2012 is to have the fogs on also, the output is dismal to say the least, but it's not the end of the world. I have tired to limp it along as nearly a grand for lights is no small chunk of change!
I am going to scheme up some custom paint on them and probably throw in the EVOX-R's while I have them open. The only way i can stand the lights on my 2012 is to have the fogs on also, the output is dismal to say the least, but it's not the end of the world. I have tired to limp it along as nearly a grand for lights is no small chunk of change!
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FX4life (02-09-2013)
02-09-2013, 03:27 PM
#28
Girthy Member
I didn't read every word of this thread so apologies if anything is repetitive.
If you have basic tools and skills you can do your own retrofit. It takes a bit of time but if you like to work with your hands you'll get some enjoyment out of it too.
An FX-R retrofit with LED halos can be DIY'd for about $400.00... if you use your stock housings. About $350 investment if you think halos are gay.
I personally recommend Amber LED halo rings mounted behind the projector shroud. It is the most subtle way of showing off your uniqueness. Only those that truly give a **** will even notice your awesomeness.
All the wiring you need will be included and it is plug and play easy. You don't need to do any wire cutting or splicing unless you get halos.
This give kickass performance and IMO passes the cost/benefit analysis with flying colours.
If you don't want to use your stock housings buy a set of clean used headlights and go from there. You should be able to scoop up a set of chrome heads for $100.00. While they are apart, just paint the chrome if you prefer.
If you want the easiest route go for the factory HIDs. They look boss and probably have pretty good performance to boot. Convenience costs money though..
If you have basic tools and skills you can do your own retrofit. It takes a bit of time but if you like to work with your hands you'll get some enjoyment out of it too.
An FX-R retrofit with LED halos can be DIY'd for about $400.00... if you use your stock housings. About $350 investment if you think halos are gay.
I personally recommend Amber LED halo rings mounted behind the projector shroud. It is the most subtle way of showing off your uniqueness. Only those that truly give a **** will even notice your awesomeness.All the wiring you need will be included and it is plug and play easy. You don't need to do any wire cutting or splicing unless you get halos.
This give kickass performance and IMO passes the cost/benefit analysis with flying colours.
If you don't want to use your stock housings buy a set of clean used headlights and go from there. You should be able to scoop up a set of chrome heads for $100.00. While they are apart, just paint the chrome if you prefer.
If you want the easiest route go for the factory HIDs. They look boss and probably have pretty good performance to boot. Convenience costs money though..
02-09-2013, 03:29 PM
#29
Girthy Member
Halos OR led strips but not both.
As another guy suggested, the performance is likely disappointing as well.
02-09-2013, 03:35 PM
#30
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
I didn't read every word of this thread so apologies if anything is repetitive.
If you have basic tools and skills you can do your own retrofit. It takes a bit of time but if you like to work with your hands you'll get some enjoyment out of it too.
An FX-R retrofit with LED halos can be DIY'd for about $400.00... if you use your stock housings. About $350 investment if you think halos are gay. I personally recommend Amber LED halo rings mounted behind the projector shroud. It is the most subtle way of showing off your uniqueness. Only those that truly give a **** will even notice your awesomeness.
All the wiring you need will be included and it is plug and play easy. You don't need to do any wire cutting or splicing unless you get halos.
This give kickass performance and IMO passes the cost/benefit analysis with flying colours.
If you don't want to use your stock housings buy a set of clean used headlights and go from there. You should be able to scoop up a set of chrome heads for $100.00. While they are apart, just paint the chrome if you prefer.
If you want the easiest route go for the factory HIDs. They look boss and probably have pretty good performance to boot. Convenience costs money though..
If you have basic tools and skills you can do your own retrofit. It takes a bit of time but if you like to work with your hands you'll get some enjoyment out of it too.
An FX-R retrofit with LED halos can be DIY'd for about $400.00... if you use your stock housings. About $350 investment if you think halos are gay.
I personally recommend Amber LED halo rings mounted behind the projector shroud. It is the most subtle way of showing off your uniqueness. Only those that truly give a **** will even notice your awesomeness.All the wiring you need will be included and it is plug and play easy. You don't need to do any wire cutting or splicing unless you get halos.
This give kickass performance and IMO passes the cost/benefit analysis with flying colours.
If you don't want to use your stock housings buy a set of clean used headlights and go from there. You should be able to scoop up a set of chrome heads for $100.00. While they are apart, just paint the chrome if you prefer.
If you want the easiest route go for the factory HIDs. They look boss and probably have pretty good performance to boot. Convenience costs money though..
Those aftermarket headlights from spyder and all them are just ricey looking IMO.