) From: Stephen Jones <smj@xxxx> Subject: Going Xenon .. really so expensive? I was looking to get a set of xenon lamps to replace the Sylvania sealed halogen. I know that the wiring would support 55-60W (at least I believe so). Its my understanding that with 'xenon lamps' you don't really have a sealed lamp like with the older halogen lamps, but rather a new lamp casing with a bulb. I wasn't sure myself what would work as a replacement, but the pricing for most setups didn't seem to be too expensive. Does anyone have a recommendation of what to use or what they are using to get whiter, brighter beams for cheap? _____________________________________________________________ Unfortunatly there in NO cheap replacement avaliable yet. The xenon blue bulbs are not avaliable in sealed beam lights yet, that I know of. their are currently only 2 companies that I know of that make the replacement lens housings that fit the D. HELLA and CIBIE and they are anywhere from $40 to $60 each lens housing and I'm not sure if that even includes the bulbs. I know Rob grady has hella's in his green delorean. Dmc houston Sells there high performance CIBIES ( euro spec ) w,regular halogen bulbs for $225 complete set of 4 lights. the euro spec is supposedly far superior to our US DOT standard. Then there's the HID setup that DMC Houston has installed in one of their cars Im not sure if there using 2 HIDs or 4 . Hopefully as time goes on the rediculusly high price of these units will come down but rightnow if you want a set, there around $500 for each light that would be $1000.00 for a pair and $2000 for the set of 4. There is an aftermarket manufacturer called EAGLE light that sells an HID driving light setup for around $250.00 per light but they currently don't have a bulb and housing setup that would replace the sealed beams. Incidently I have the blue xenon 80/100w bulbs in my daily driver an 86 Audi Coupe GT. Thinking that more power would be briter, Well I was sorely disappointed. Infact because of the blue light spectrum they actually appear less brite than a regular halogen and I drive thru a lot of deer country in Wisconsin. NOT GOOD!! however the factory Hella headlight lens have a lot to do with it also. The beam pattern is very poor as far as I'm concerned. I had A new AUDI A4 w/ HID lights pull up beside me one night on the interstate. His headlights completely obliterated my light pattern and lit up the road almost like it was daylight. Absolutely incredable all that light operating from 2 35watt HID bulbs HID is definatly the way of the future. believe it or not the life of an HID bulb is around 5 to 10 thousand hours. My blue xenon's are rated at 1500 hours Dennis 5180 _______________________________________________________ Send a cool gift with your E-Card http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/