I bought a set of APC (American Products Company) XENON PLASMA Super Whites. They were $46 and are rated at 100/80, however, the front of the box says:

100/80 --> 130/100

What does that mean? They are pure white, with a blue halo. Their is a sticker on the back that says:

Color 4000K

What is that all about? I like them, but I'm not sure if they are actually brighter. It seems like it, but while driving lastnight, through some road construction, I actually ended up, "off-road" because I couldn't see where the barrels were trying to direct me. Am I just not use to them? They have to be brighter since they're 100/80 right? Maybe their just not so concentrated on the middle? Does anyone have any input? TIA!!!

-AR

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2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (Romeo, 20 HP Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
Mods.
- K&N Cold Airbox / Throttle Body Mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" x 10" Gibson Tip)
- Cranked Torsion Bars
- APC XENON PLASMA Super Whites
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades
Build Date: 8/23/00 (Kansas City Plant)

arobbins@mail.liberty.k12.mo.us



[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-30-2000).]

 

Jackel,

You are probably not used to the CRI of the new lights. CRI stands for color rendering index. Basically what this is, is a numeric indication of a bulbs ability to render indiviual colors accurately, relative to a standard. The standard you are basing the new lamps on is the old halogens you used to have. The only difference between the old lamps you had and the new ones is their CCT or Correlated Color Temperature. That is what the 4000K is. To give you some examples the help you understand this:

standard light bulb for your house 2700K
regular halogen auto bulb 3000K
standard clear metal halide 4000K

The latter is what we all want ours to look like, a H.I.D system like on the BMW's and Audis.

The difference in the lights color temperature can affect the colors that it either dulls or brightens. You will just have to get used to the idea of colors looking just a little different, or change your bulbs back.

As for the wattage rating they are trying to say that they will draw 80/100 but will look like 100/130. That's all. The difference is the white light gives a more perceived light or brightness. For example, if you know what I am talking about when I say High pressure sodium (the yellow/orange looking road lights) have a higher light output per watt than do the metal halide (pure white light), but the metal halide has a brighter perceived light, ie it looks brighter even if it's not.

Sorry for the long post just trying to help everyone understand.

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97 4X4 Flareside 4.6 5-Speed, Superchip, ASP underdrives, Airaid, Dynamax headers, Borla Cat-back, 5% Tint, 285/75/16, 16x8 Baha's, Rancho 9000's.

Soon to come:
3" body lift, 315/75/16 BFG KO's

 

Wow...thanks man, you're very knowledgeable. I only hope they don't fry my harnesses. Lastnight I put them on high beam for 30 mins., and felt the wires, and the harness. The wires were a little warm, but not bad enough to burn me...the harness itself was a lot cooler, because if the insulating material I assume. I guess well see. Those wires seem like an awfully small guage. Thanks man!!! Has anyone heard of APC really? Are they a good brand? I know them make other "performance" auto parts.

-AR

 

I currently have a bid on them on Ebay, same bulbs you have.

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97 4X4 Flareside
4.6 5-Speed
Superchipped
ASP underdrives
Airaid
Dynamax headers
Borla Cat-back
Clear corners
5% Tint
285/75/16 BFG All terr.
16x8 AR Baha's
Rancho 9000's

Soon to come:
3" Perf. Acc. body lift
w/lift lips
315/75/16 BFG KO's
4000K bulbs

 

Cool, I finally got a chance to really "check them out" lastnight. I went downtown to a resturant, and their are some pretty dark streets...man do they really shine!!! Best of all, people reallyhate em'. I had my uncle drive my truck lastnight so I could see em', and man...was I proud then!!! I love em', and I only paid about $46. The install was the best part...SUPER quick, and SUPER easy. Keep us posted.

-AR

 

Jackel,

I now have a question for you do these bulbs give off any blue hue? I really don't want that if they do but if it's not much I won't worry about it. But I have seen some that I wouldn't put in my truck. Almost looks like they have been coated blue on the outside of the bulb. I hope they look bright white from the front, that's what I'm shooting for.

Thanks.
Ole Blue

 

Well man, the bulbs are coated blue...I thought all of em' were, as that's the only was I've ever seen a "Super White" style bulb. If you look dead on from the front, they are pure white, with a blue halo. On the ground though, they are pure white. Also, from a good distance, they really do look just plain white. I know what you mean by "blue" headlights. I see em' all the time around here on the Ricer Racers, and I do not like them at all. Looks like they wrapped blue Saran-Wrap on their lenses. I think you'll be happy with them, but what do I know? The light casted isn't really blue, but their is a blue halo effect to em', when you look dead on, also, like I said, they are coated blue.

-AR

 

HERE is their website, and HERE is the bulb info.

-AR

 

HERE is a better shot of em'.

-AR