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Headlight projector retrofit - HIDs to the max!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by F8L, Apr 29, 2011.

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  1. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I got 4300k Morimoto from TRS. The one in the video is 5000k from ebay. It didn't come out as white as in real life.
     
    #141 usbseawolf2000, May 14, 2011
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Oops, I meant the headlights, not the bulbs. :)
     
    #142 F8L, May 14, 2011
  3. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I got it from ebay for $70 shipped.
     
    #143 usbseawolf2000, May 14, 2011
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    $70/ea right? Thanks. :)

    I'm doing the lowering springs and struts this month and new tires next month so maybe in July I can get the new headlights.
     
    #144 F8L, May 14, 2011
  5. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Sounds like a plan!

    I am still adjusting the height of the light. I have not gotten a good chance to take a comparable picture for "before and after". I only have this one to share. I took it with the camera resting on the roof.

    [​IMG]
     

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    #145 usbseawolf2000, May 14, 2011
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Can you link me to your source for the headlight assembly?

    You have the instructions for aiming properly right? It looks like you have it correct. I tried to find one of those storage box cars or a white wall for aiming. It made it easier to see the cuttoff when the surface was clean and the same color. Industrial parks are great for this.
     
    #146 F8L, May 14, 2011
  7. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    #147 V8Cobrakid, May 14, 2011
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I am still looking for a link. It is in the repair manual's Lighting section (LI-81 to LI-83).
     
    #148 usbseawolf2000, May 14, 2011
  9. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Yea, that's how I have it now. I tested as a turn signal first and recorded that video.
     
    #149 usbseawolf2000, May 14, 2011
  10. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

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    Hey F8L, can I call first dibs on your old headlights if you sell them? :)
     
    #150 flareak, May 19, 2011
  11. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I would put you first in line but I keep changing stuff around so by the time I am done they may not be worth anything. lol

    I just swapped to my DDM 55w ballasts instead of the OEM ballast. Some say I will burn up the reflector bowl in the projector and others say I won't because I am using an OEM bulb and they run much cooler than aftermarket bulbs. We'll see.
     
    #151 F8L, May 20, 2011
  12. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Finally got a chance to take a bunch of pictures with GF2. Enjoy!

    Low beam
    [​IMG]

    High beam - notice the white building lit up
    [​IMG]

    LEDs with projector off
    [​IMG]

    LEDs with projector on
    [​IMG]
     

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    #152 usbseawolf2000, May 22, 2011
    3 people like this.
  13. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    #153 macmaster05, May 22, 2011
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Like this one? It is not that bright and barely noticeable during the day.

    The passenger side orange parking light was out and it has been fixed.

    [​IMG]
     

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    #154 usbseawolf2000, May 22, 2011
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Very cool, Dennis! Thanks for taking the pics.

    So are you happy with the end result?
     
    #155 F8L, May 22, 2011
  16. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Yup, it was worth the effort. I love the light cut off on the car bumper in front. It seems the intensity of the beam lose fast as the distance increases.

    I want to switch to the 4300k Morimoto bulbs to see how I like them. It is good to have choices. :D
     
    #156 usbseawolf2000, May 23, 2011
  17. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    It really depends on how dark it is outside. On dark country roads the beam intensity is great but once you get into the city with street lamps it is not very impressive but in reality, why do you need it to be intense? You can already see just fine. The beams actually go quite far even if you don't really notice it. This morning I was driving over a very long bridge (Sacramento River) and on the incline I saw my beam hit a sign on the side of the bridge and it was waaaay far away. The was early dawn so I really didn't see much of my beam except right in front of the car but despite the shortcoming of my eyes the beam was reaching pretty far. It was just hard to notice it with daylight coming on. So again, test it out on really dark back roads. :)

    At some point I am going to purchase the 2006+ headlights and redo my retrofit but I will add separate LEDs instead of the strip. I'm going to drill out the false LEDs and insert real LEDs like that gray Prius that Mac posted. I've loved that look ever since the guy first posted pics a few years ago.
     
    #157 F8L, May 23, 2011
  18. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    So true. I now recall a street in NJ with no street light. I saw my low beam on the side grass. It was very impressive.

    On the other topic, I had my inspection done with the retrofitted headlights. They guy checked high, low beams and turn signals. He almost didn't pass -- not because of the headlights but due to the front brake rotors.

    The thickness of the pads are good but the rotors had uneven surface (not warp but multiple "rings"). He said that just changing the pad is not good. He told me I have to change the rotor together so the brakes are not compromised.

    I told him that's the original pads. He asked me how many miles on my car. I said 143k miles. He was in disbelieve and said it was impossible. Most cars needs brake pad replacement in 20k miles. I explained to him the whole regenerative brake and he let me go since the original pad would grab the rotor just fine.

    That's a real hardcore. If you have an extra pair, you can do it!
     
    #158 usbseawolf2000, May 23, 2011
  19. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Wow, you have a slightly more strict inspection than we do here. And some states basically have next to nothing.

    We have essentially the same lighting check - low, high, brake, signals. But our "brake' check is basically get up to abt 15 mph, and then slam the brakes when they tell you to stop. If you stop by a certain point, you're good to go. We also have to go through an OBDII hookup that scans for codes. If you have an older car, I believe they do a vacuum test on gas cap & emissions test by sticking a probe up the exhaust pipe.
     
    #159 wick1ert, May 23, 2011
  20. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Maybe he was looking for business. Ha!

    I am really glad my retrofit headlight passed the inspection. I take it as a complement. He didn't even noticed and probably thought it was OEM.
     
    #160 usbseawolf2000, May 23, 2011
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