I have the chance to pick up a Catz Zeta HID-Like system for very cheap. I have also read a bit about the 9005 conversion.

My question is: What is brighter? A Catz system coupled with a good set of bulbs, or the 9005 conversion?

Note: Both will cost the exact same. HID is not an option, I do not want to do something too expensive. Please, reply only if you have tested/seen both systems. I realize you are passionate about the part you currently own, but I want to keep this as unbiased as possible.

 

if it is the catz system that they discontinued, then i would definately go with that...hell, even if it isnt, you will have good results and you dont have to worry about bulbs blowing

 

can someone inform me on what the catz zeta is??

 

From what i've understood, the catz system is a system that amplifies the amount of power that your bulbs receive. From what i've seen, they seem really good.

 

i see... I dont understand how the catz system and the 9005 will cost the same. The conversion you can buy 10 dollar 9005's and your set.

 

I found a catz system for about 60 dollars shipped. I will only attempt the 9005 conversion with Silvania Silverstars, which go for about $60 here.

 

what is catz zeta system???

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mrmonk &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what is catz zeta system???</TD></TR></TABLE>

It was some kind of headlight "amplifier" system that Catz was selling a few years ago for around $200-$250 new. IMHO it's pretty much pointless if you ask me. The only way to get more light out of a halogen filament-based bulb is to have the filament burn hotter. You get more light, but you also get ALOT more heat. More heat means possibly melting headlight housings, connectors, wires, or other things. It also greatly decreases the life of the bulb. I think it also had some kind of circuit that would gradually increase the voltage when you turn on the headlight, making them appear to "warm-up" to further the HID-wannabe appearance.

IMHO a 9005 conversion or OEM HID retrofit are the only good choices for more usable light.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

It was some kind of headlight "amplifier" system that Catz was selling a few years ago for around $200-$250 new. IMHO it's pretty much pointless if you ask me. The only way to get more light out of a halogen filament-based bulb is to have the filament burn hotter. You get more light, but you also get ALOT more heat. More heat means possibly melting headlight housings, connectors, wires, or other things. It also greatly decreases the life of the bulb. I think it also had some kind of circuit that would gradually increase the voltage when you turn on the headlight, making them appear to "warm-up" to further the HID-wannabe appearance.

IMHO a 9005 conversion or OEM HID retrofit are the only good choices for more usable light.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i researched the system when i was considering it. . basically it gives a variable power supply . . .. whatever bulbs you put in your car it will adjust to the maximum amount of wattage the bulbs can handle. no more, no less. . . it comes with wires and connectors that cn handle higher wattage . . . so they only risk u run is melted headlight housings (never seen that before) or a bulb that runs hotter (but hey thats wat they're rated at right?)

in the end i decided not to get the system. upgraded bulbs is as much as i want to spend money-wise on any HALOGEN based lighting system.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mr poo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i researched the system when i was considering it. . basically it gives a variable power supply . . .. whatever bulbs you put in your car it will adjust to the maximum amount of wattage the bulbs can handle. no more, no less. . . it comes with wires and connectors that cn handle higher wattage . . . so they only risk u run is melted headlight housings (never seen that before) or a bulb that runs hotter (but hey thats wat they're rated at right?)

in the end i decided not to get the system. upgraded bulbs is as much as i want to spend money-wise on any HALOGEN based lighting system.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can't vary wattage on a bulb. The bulb draws a certain amount wattage, which cannot be changed unless you obviously change the bulb itself. Now what can be changed is the amount of voltage going to the bulb, ultimately changing the amperage load on the car's electrical system. Ever notice how your headlights dim if you start the car w/ the headlights on? It's because of the immense voltage drop caused by the starter drawing alot of current. So if you increase the voltage, the headlights should get brighter.