To complement our S-10's fresh front-end swap, we wanted a premium lighting system as well. We found a great product—the Xetronic HID Xenon conversion kit offered by Xtralights.com. The package features the world’s first digital ultra-thin ballasts that produce three times more light than halogen bulbs and last 10 times longer. A patented Laser Photometric Calibration System for accurate color, focus point, and beam pattern and a waterproof, circuit protection system featuring a three-stage microprocessor that sidesteps electrical overload are the key selling points for this kit. Yeah, that's a lot of info to know about a headlight, but you want the best performing, most state-of-the-art product for your money, right? Best thing of all, this kit installs in about half an hour.
1. The Xetronic HID kit comes...
1. The Xetronic HID kit comes complete with new bulbs, G2 digital ballasts, and all the wiring and plugs needed for complete installation.
2. First, the bulbs were connected...
2. First, the bulbs were connected to the ballasts.
3. One end of the wiring pigtail...
3. One end of the wiring pigtail needed to be fit with the included hot and ground terminals, which were then crimped tight and fed into the plugs provided in the kit.
4. A light tug with a needle-nose...
4. A light tug with a needle-nose is all it takes to lock the terminals into the plug.
5. The newly constructed plug...
5. The newly constructed plug was then paired with the factory headlight plug
6. Once paired, it was connected...
6. Once paired, it was connected to the ballast.
7. A double-sided tape pad...
7. A double-sided tape pad was then used to secure the ballast behind the headlights. Make sure you know exactly where you want to stick the ballast because this tape holds strong. We mounted ours in a spot on the radiator support that wouldn’t interfere with the back of the headlight housings.
8. The HID Xenon bulb was...
8. The HID Xenon bulb was now ready to be installed into the headlight housing. Be careful not to touch the bulb with your bare hand. Dirt, grime, and oils can damage the bulb.
9. Here's just how much brighter...
9. Here's just how much brighter and wider the light distribution the Xetronic HID system is over the aftermarket "HID-like" halogen bulbs on the right. There’s no comparison.
The final verdict? Bright as hell and ultra-crisp illumination! The increased forward and side vision is amazing, and the look is nothing short of impressive.