Hid kits? DDM tuning, ebay etc?

[takevin]

So decided to finally get a set, the wife has a pair of ddm in her jeep. Told the 5000 spectrum is the brightest, since I have two different bulbs for hi/low need two kits which sucks. Anybody recommend any ebay sellers for hid kits, ddm tuning will be about 105.00 for two kits plus shipping otherwise. Was looking at getting the 55w over the 35w like my wife has. I have aftermarket headlights but same size as the oem ones, anyone have issues with the 55w melting the plastic on the headlights?

 

ps. only switching to hids now because my ccfls for high and low stopped working so its like oem lighting now

[jdnoble18]

I have 55W DDM slims in my Impala. I have had them for probably 3-4 years with no problems, and for 2 of those they were running constantly (DRL). No melting issues, just replaced the bulbs once. I also have 35W DDM slims in my foglight enclosures in the Silverado and have had no problems with those either.

I tried a set of bulbs and ballasts from ebay once. Ended up returning them about 4 times cause they never could send me a fully working set. I vowed after I got my money back to only go DDM from then on.

[Gurrzt]

If you go with the 55W setup, I would install a "inline fuse" just to be on the safe side.

 

I have read on other boards about lenses "melting, discolored" with the 55W setup.

[takevin]

DDM is what ill go with for the lifetime warranty. I just have to decide then the 35w or 55w. DDM said itll be fine as long as theres room to disappate the heat. SInce the headlight assembly is good size it shouldnt be a problem but on the other hand to take a chance then melt, then all new headlights. Might be safer just stick with the 35w?

[jdnoble18]

DDM is what ill go with for the lifetime warranty. I just have to decide then the 35w or 55w. DDM said itll be fine as long as theres room to disappate the heat. SInce the headlight assembly is good size it shouldnt be a problem but on the other hand to take a chance then melt, then all new headlights. Might be safer just stick with the 35w?

FWIW, I've got several sets of HID's and the only pair of 55w's ive got were the first. The rest have been 35w just to play it safe. I cant tell a difference between the wattages.

[Ianf]

I also have the 35W ones without issues now that I have installed the relay kit. Before the relay kit was added they would occassionally not light or flicker. As they are also my DRLs they are on constantly with no discolouration in the lenses or any other issues. For the extra $10 I think the relay is a must for these trucks or your ballasts will die prematurely unless you pull the DRL fuse.

 

BTW one of my ballasts is now going on ten years old as it was orginally in my '01 Astro. Don't even know if Eurolites (the brand) is still available.

[tramz]

^{Bought a set from "theglowdoctor" on ebay about a year ago 35w slim and no issue. I bought a relay kit but don't remember who the seller was.}

[Gurrzt]

What should be kept in mind is the word "wattage" translates to "heat", the higher the wattage, the more heat is generated.

 

This brings to mind another POSSIBLE problem, "is my stock wiring able to handle the increased heat?". The stock bulbs ARE rated @ 55 watts, however the HID ballasts play with that number.

 

I personally would stick to the 35W system.

[takevin]

Going to stick with the 35w to play it safe. Plenty bright on my wifes car. Ddm comes with relay included. Thank you everyone.