Viper and HID high/low differential fix

[grizztracks]

I did a lot of testing with the HID bulbs to reduce the differential between High and Low beams. Most of the testing was done with a Nytro but after installing HID's in a Viper and having a similar problem I carried over what I discovered to the Viper with good results. I realize Rock did some testing also and found that reducing the bulb displacement helps reduce the differential also but this requires opening up each bulb to install shims. Some have elected to completely remove the antiglare shield but this causes a lot of unwanted scattering of the light and does little to correct the differential. I found that a simple modification of the antiglare shield is a much easier alternative to correct the problem.

Typical antiglare shield


Marked area to be removed


Grind or file shield


Modified shield with nose cone removed


before and after results

 

[12pointer]

So are you saying we should remove the nose cones from the bulbs before we install? Because I am in the middle of installing mine so now would be the time.

 

[grizztracks]

Yes, remove the nose cone and modify the antiglare shield. The reason for the window in the shield is to allow more light through to the lower lens when in the high beam position. The angle of the lower lens reflects light up for the high beam. Increasing the size of the window allows more of the low beam light through raising the beam slightly while lowering the high beam and decreasing the differential.

 

[TD Max]

It looks to me like you are getting significant light scatter on the top panel of the door on the mod low pic. When I limited my travel I also altered the shields, but did so with a hand file and only by the approx. amount that I limited the travel. I too noticed light scatter starting to grow so I stopped. I still run the nose cone. You have to remember there's more than just you and those behind you out there.

 

[grizztracks]

There is no significant increase in light scatter with this mod and because the low beam pattern becomes taller the headlight can be adjusted down making what scatter there is irrelevant. The pictures are to provide a comparison of the beam differential before and after the shield modification and doesn't necessarily reflect what is actually seen on the trail. Also with the nose cone removed and the low beam properly adjusted the HID's are not impeding the vision of approaching traffic any worse than with the cone. Removing the cone provides better overall illumination on the trail but if concerned about approaching sleds leave it on. I prefer running without it and made the necessary adjustments to make sure it wasn't blinding other sledders.

 

[eric.s.t]

So what hid bulbs would we be using? Is it a good upgrade for these sleds? I know with 2 stroke I hear it wasn't a good idea to use...

 

[grizztracks]

H4 high/low HID bulbs. For sleds most go with the 35 watt kits and 4500k bulbs. I don't want to get into which HID kit is best so do a search and take your pick. There are several options out there.

 

[mtcooler]

I have to agree with TD MAX on this. If the pictures would have been taking at the same height on that door I think the light scatter would really look bad. Thats alot of light for oncoming sleds.

 

[grizztracks]

The pictures are a before and after without moving the sled or adjusting the headlight housing. The camera was held in approximately the same location to give an accurate comparison. Further adjustment was done after these pictures to properly aim the low beam. The scatter and intensity of the light can not be accurately depicted by illuminating the inside of a garage door so making any assumptions based on this is ridiculous and without merit. This mod was done several years ago on my Nytro and has proven to be effective for night time trail riding and now after trail testing the same modification on the Viper it's been found to be equally effective.