So, I attempted a head gasket job on my 99 A4 2.8L V6 30 valve (AHA motor). It looks like it was successful! I replaced all the gaskets along the way to replacing the head gaskets. Man was it a job, but after doing it now, I feel like I could do it in two days . I'm still working on putting up a write up on how to do it...hopefully I'll have it up sometime when I get some more time to finish it up.

I just drove to the Twin Cities in Minnesota to visit a buddy with puring rain at night, and I realized I really need to update my lighting system. I seriously could not see anything at times because my lights suck so much....: ( Time for some HIDs which I'll hopefully install this summer sometime. I was thinking about getting one of those HID housing kits from ebay .... not sure if i want to spend the money on the ecodes which are redicilously expensive. Any opinions?

 

Congrats on the work! That's impressive.

As for headlights, look for a set of Depo 2-piece headlights on eBay (~$150 shipped) and then pick up an HID kit from vvme.com (or from flashplus, their eBay alter ego with even better prices).

 

First off, congrats on the successful job. Definitely get the HIDs, and you can get a kit now that will work in your existing housings, and will transfer to your new headlights (when you get them) with no problem. Since you have reflector headlights, you can either adapt and get 99.5+ one-piece headlights (you have to grind part of the fender and do some rewiring for them to fit and work), or you can get Depo headlights, which are chrome (or black) housings, clear corners, and projector low beams. I got mine on eBay from Makotoautotrends (the seller's screenname) for $147 shipped, and they look great and function very well. A proper HID kit for your existing headlights (H7 bulbs, 4300k-6000k color temp) will work perfectly in the Depo lights as well.

 

Congrats on a job well done. If you are considering HID's and dont want to spend the money on ecodes, I would suggest looking on ebay but for used factory HID's and then just do a CC mod. They look and perform great. When my car was hit I was going to get ecodes as the one factory light with the ballast and bulb from the dealer cost more than a set of ecodes. But after I found out that the ballast was still good I decided to buy a factory HID light and I got one for $160 shipped. All you have to do is look. A set of HID's can be purchased on ebay for about $400 but that includes everyhthing ready to go, housings, bulbs and ballasts.

 

Just to clarify things, when you say "factory HIDs," you're talking about OEM projector headlights, right? Because those don't necessarily have HIDs. To the OP...if you can find a set of OEM Valeo projectors, you won't be disappointed, but you'll probably end up paying more just for the used headlights than you would for a set of new Depos and an HID kit together (and it probably won't come with ballasts and bulbs for an HID setup). I got a smokin' deal on my Valeos, otherwise I would still be happily rocking the Depos.

 

actually the HIDs aren't great in the rain either. they are better than the regular lights but the fog lights are really what does the trick in th rain. since you have an early 99, it's probably pre facelift so get some fogs for your lower grilles. also gratz on the headgasket, i may need to do that this summer.

 

In 2000 and 2001 Audi offered Factory 1 piece HID lights with self leveling and these are the lights that I am speaking of as they have ballasts and bulbs. Here is a picture.

Factory Audi 1 piece headlight with CC mod:



With Stealth Auto chrom bulbs

 

I'm not trying to correct you, just keep things clear for the sake of people who don't know anything about the subject. Those are projector headlights with HIDs.

 

Yes, but they did offer a projector without the HID's so I was not sure which one you were talking about.

 

fred do your stealth bulbs like up orange? and where did you get them?