HID upgrade

[CanuckElantraGT]

Just wondering how many of my fellow 2013 GT owners have installed HIDs yet? I will be doing them in the spring, getting too cold up here to be playing with plastic, but I'm wanting to know how hard it is to do.

[mikwerdna]

Google schmoogle, youtube is the new search engine.

How To Install A HID Kit On A 2013 Hyundai Elantra - YouTube

How To Install A HID Kit On A 2013 Hyundai Elantra - YouTube

I'm sure it is the same technique for the gt. I will be adding HIDs in about two weeks or so, I will update you on how it goes. I may try installing without taking out the headlights itself. Wish me luck.

[TurboLed]

Guys, you know installing HID kits inside the original hallogen assembly is illegal, right?

[CanuckElantraGT]

Originally Posted by TurboLed

Guys, you know installing HID kits inside the original hallogen assembly is illegal, right?

That is only correct for a normal (ie non-projection) reflective housing. There are "technically" too many mirrors, which cast off more light, thus making them very bright. It is perfectly legal to install HIDs into a protector beam assembly, like out 13 GTs have, as the light is concentrated to a certain spot no matter the bulb type. The only non-projection housings that are legal for HIDs are those from early Mercs, Lincolns, Escalades and Volvos that had HIDs as an option, as they have less reflective mirrors and won't cast off too much light.

[TurboLed]

Originally Posted by CanuckElantraGT

That is only correct for a normal (ie non-projection) reflective housing.

Not so sure about this. I suggest you read this. They do mention about projectors:
http://store.candlepower.com/trabhidki.html

[lovemysantafe]

Originally Posted by TurboLed

Not so sure about this. I suggest you read this. They do mention about projectors:
HID Kits: What You Need To Know

Probably consult your state or provincial laws before making any assumptions. However, I will agree with you on standard halogen housings retrofitted with HIDs being blinding, dangerous and annoying.

[TurboLed]

And why bother? Is it to look cool or something? I would never do it because:
-You have to break the seal of the dust cap. This cap is there for a purpose.
-What if something fails and catch fire? You car won't be fixed under warranty.
-As mentionned in the link (and many other links and videos), even putting an aftermarket HID into a hallogen projectors is not legal.

What I did to mine was put an H9 halogen bulb in place of the H11 and still I'm not sure about it being 100% correct and sure if I have a trouble and my dealer finds out the modified H9 bulb I will be in trouble.

[M3Chef]

Originally Posted by CanuckElantraGT

That is only correct for a normal (ie non-projection) reflective housing. There are "technically" too many mirrors, which cast off more light, thus making them very bright. It is perfectly legal to install HIDs into a protector beam assembly, like out 13 GTs have, as the light is concentrated to a certain spot no matter the bulb type. The only non-projection housings that are legal for HIDs are those from early Mercs, Lincolns, Escalades and Volvos that had HIDs as an option, as they have less reflective mirrors and won't cast off too much light.

Incorrect. They are illegal. Any HID "kit" will always include the "for off-road use only" warning.

The projectors in the GT are designed for halogens, not HID capsules. Unless you're changing the bulb AND projector, you (or oncoming traffic) will have issues. These cheap ebay "kits" use rebased capsules that are really much different from standard halogens. Halogens produce light from a very specific point in the bulb, whereas capsules produce light along the entire length of the tube. This is what causes glare and hot-spots. Additionally, the housings in the GT weren't designed with the increased heat output of the HIDs, nor is the electrical system designed for the huge power spike that occurs every time you start the lights. Your electrical system might be OK, but you are definitely taking a chance. With a proper retrofit, heavy gage wires are run directly to the battery and capsule ignition is controlled through a relay into the ballast. If you have some electrical issues with your car, and the dealer sees the rigged system like in that above video, good luck getting warranty service.

A proper retrofit will cost in the neighborhood of $400-600, depending on if you DIY or not.

Want to upgrade your lights? Silverstar Ultras work great, fit, and won't overtax your electrical system.

[lovemysantafe]

Meh.

I did it right. My HIDs are designed to be HID housings and come properly equipped with the correct light-diffusing optics and projectors. Now the lack of amber retroreflectors and side marker lights? That's another story.

[CanuckElantraGT]

According the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, my above statements are in fact correct, and have been verified with police and Ministry of Transportation Enforcement officers that I know. And as far as the projectors not being designed for the heat of HIDs, this is incorrect. Nothing on the North American cars have changed over the European model (that comes with HIDs) as an option, confirmed by Dealer's Service Manager. There's also no risk of any electrical issues when adding an HID kit to the car. Anyone that buys a $25 eBay kit is asking for trouble. Spend the money on a good kit, and you'll have no issues. I have run Lumens brand (Canadian company) kits in all my cars there's never have so much as a flicker in them. No over heating, no nothing.

Wasn't really looking for a lecture on traffic laws from people that don't live in Ontario, already know the HTA pretty much inside and out. Was just looking to see if anyone has done the upgrade to there car yet, to know how much work it will be...