Planning on getting an HID retrofit

[zechs]

Share ko lang sa akin.

I had my headlights retrofitted way way back in 2006 (i think) way before anyone started here. Just a couple of guys who wanted more sa output ng headlights nila. I started with bmw e46 projectors and osram xenarc bulbs. Nga lang ang pangit sa e46 projectors ay single beam lang. Output is good but not the best dahil may mas marami pang better projectors at that time like TL projectors and FXR's. Laki ng gastos din nun dati. Isipin mo HID kits costs 10K plus pa dati with the projectors and labor, umabot ata ako 25K then.

Fast forward to last year, decided to have the headlights retrofitted again. initially I wanted GaryQ to work on my headlights but I simply couldnt afford his prices anymore. Siguro nga maganda talaga gawa nila but IMO prices could have been more lower. I think they or he tout himself as one of the 'pioneers' in the retrofitting business kaya it warrants those prices. But thats just my opinion.

Stumbled upon xenon concepts work and decided to try them out. Talked to Pao regarding the stage 1 and stage 2 and even stage 3 set ups. Learned that stage 1 he uses mini H1 and then stage 2 uses koito q5. Nag-research lang ako sa youtube regarding outputs and decided to go on stage 2 set up. Didnt bother for stage 3 since Pao said liit lang 'daw' difference sa output eh.

As of today, still rocking the same projectors and bulb set up (all his). Wala naman reklamo masyado sa output. Like any retrofitting jobs, may back jobs obviously. Moisture mainly. But I couldnt fault Pao's men for that because my headlights are not 100% to begin with, so thats kind of okay with me. And binabalikan naman ng mga tao nya yung headlights ko to clean it and reseal it better.

So yeah, sorry kung mahaba. Hehe planning to buy brand new original headlights uli then papalipat ko doon ung set ko. Also I bought Osram CBI xenarc bulbs kasi sabi ni Pao, night and day ang difference with the stock NHK hid bulbs.

Nga pala, dahil satisfied ako sa gawa ni Pao, ung other car ko naka stage 2 din.

[mousemouse]

Hi Zechs,

Baka pwede ka mag post ng photos? anong naging problem sa sealing? TY!

Share ko lang sa akin.

I had my headlights retrofitted way way back in 2006 (i think) way before anyone started here. Just a couple of guys who wanted more sa output ng headlights nila. I started with bmw e46 projectors and osram xenarc bulbs. Nga lang ang pangit sa e46 projectors ay single beam lang. Output is good but not the best dahil may mas marami pang better projectors at that time like TL projectors and FXR's. Laki ng gastos din nun dati. Isipin mo HID kits costs 10K plus pa dati with the projectors and labor, umabot ata ako 25K then.

Fast forward to last year, decided to have the headlights retrofitted again. initially I wanted GaryQ to work on my headlights but I simply couldnt afford his prices anymore. Siguro nga maganda talaga gawa nila but IMO prices could have been more lower. I think they or he tout himself as one of the 'pioneers' in the retrofitting business kaya it warrants those prices. But thats just my opinion.

Stumbled upon xenon concepts work and decided to try them out. Talked to Pao regarding the stage 1 and stage 2 and even stage 3 set ups. Learned that stage 1 he uses mini H1 and then stage 2 uses koito q5. Nag-research lang ako sa youtube regarding outputs and decided to go on stage 2 set up. Didnt bother for stage 3 since Pao said liit lang 'daw' difference sa output eh.

As of today, still rocking the same projectors and bulb set up (all his). Wala naman reklamo masyado sa output. Like any retrofitting jobs, may back jobs obviously. Moisture mainly. But I couldnt fault Pao's men for that because my headlights are not 100% to begin with, so thats kind of okay with me. And binabalikan naman ng mga tao nya yung headlights ko to clean it and reseal it better.

So yeah, sorry kung mahaba. Hehe planning to buy brand new original headlights uli then papalipat ko doon ung set ko. Also I bought Osram CBI xenarc bulbs kasi sabi ni Pao, night and day ang difference with the stock NHK hid bulbs.

Nga pala, dahil satisfied ako sa gawa ni Pao, ung other car ko naka stage 2 din.

[Orv20]

That's right jtiro.
Iba naman din ang plug'n play na sinasabi ni Orv20. Plug and play is just using an HID bulb on the stock halogen/projector without opening the headlight housing.
bolt on din naman stage1 ni gary.

kung may mali sa cutoff with xenon, contact mo lang sya ang have it fixed. It is imperative na pantay ang car when aligning the output.

ganyan din experience ko kila gary, may loose sa wiring, sometimes it fires up, sometimes it doesnt. kaya hindi na ako nagpagawa sa kanila

Sir hindi na pwede maadjust. Normal na daw sa projectors e. Mejo worried ako nung una at baka nakakasilaw sakasalubong at mejo angat sa left side. Pero parang hindi naman. So pinapabayaan ko nalang ngayon.

[zechs]

Di ako makapagpost ng pictures dito eh! Haha. So far, it works for me although itching to upgrade na. May lumabas na LED projectors from morimoto eh.

Sana nga pwede trade in lumang projectors doon sa installer para makapagupgrade hehe

[D3nb3r]

if you already have projectors and just need a bit more light try raybrig bulbs first. the original raybrig gives almost hid level light, much better than philips or other +30%-50% bulb brands. my sta fe before had raybrig 4300K bulbs, almost as good as hids plus it had a far light throw than the oem halogens. YUN LANG DAMING FAKE. anything less than P2000 ang price for a pair of raybrig will be fake.

i had my pick up retrofitted at redline before. they do great work and i reccomend them.

no offense sir but unless may proof ng test and raybrig bulbs in real world or kahit sa controlled area with lux meter at 25ft from a wall for hot spots measuring, I dont think it is better than philips or osram. Also light throw is not an effect of bulbs only. you have to consider also kung anong projector and lens ang gamit for optics.

[hypnos]

Di ako makapagpost ng pictures dito eh! Haha. So far, it works for me although itching to upgrade na. May lumabas na LED projectors from morimoto eh.

Sana nga pwede trade in lumang projectors doon sa installer para makapagupgrade hehe

The mled is too expensive, and not worth if for the price. Too much hotspot aimed very low killing the distance. Uneven light distribution just like those aftermarket led bulbs. I wonder why they price it at almost 20k. For that price you can already get an Fxr retrofit service including labor charges.

[confused shoes]

no offense sir but unless may proof ng test and raybrig bulbs in real world or kahit sa controlled area with lux meter at 25ft from a wall for hot spots measuring, I dont think it is better than philips or osram. Also light throw is not an effect of bulbs only. you have to consider also kung anong projector and lens ang gamit for optics.

Agree, the projector is the big factor.

[zechs]

The mled is too expensive, and not worth if for the price. Too much hotspot aimed very low killing the distance. Uneven light distribution just like those aftermarket led bulbs. I wonder why they price it at almost 20k. For that price you can already get an Fxr retrofit service including labor charges.

Actually ive set my sights lower. Planning to get the G5-R from Lightwerks or siguro stretch the budget to get the D2S 4.0

[zechs]

Actually napansin ko today sa carwash, lumaki ung lamat nung lens ng headlight ko. Siguro dahil doon kaya mas lalong pinapasukan ng moisture ung headlights ko.

Planning to:
A) buy a new set of headlights sa casa 5400php each
B) change the NHK D2S bulbs to Osram D2S CBI
C) change the ballasts to OEM 35w (if may difference lang; kung wala stick with the same na lang)

Lastly, kung nahihinaan pa rin ako sa buga nya:
D) change front tint to lightest shade (vkool oem35)

[mousemouse]

nagparetrofit din ako sa wakas. pinagisipan ko din yung LED projectors, pero sa HID din ako bumagsak. Advantage lang ng LED projector is instant on pero as of now, for the same price mas malakas ang HID retrofits. For me ang main issue is longevity. Sa HID bubuksan lang ulit yung headlight if may leak or nasira ang solenoid. If mapundi ang bulb or masira ang ballast palit lang siya since nakalabas. Sa LED if may masira required na buksan ulit ang headlight kasi lahat nakapasok sa projector. Okay na din sana output niya even if mas mahina siya ng konti sa top of the line na HID retrofits, pero parang masyadong malaking chance for me na may mangyari so ayun, so ultimately nag decide ako na mag HID instead of LED.

[hypnos]

*zechs if the output is no longer as bright as newly installed, then a change in ballast would definitely improve your system. An upgrade from nhk to CBI is night and day difference. Go for it.

*mouse who offers led projector retrofit? Leds should give you longer service(more than the lifetime of the vehicle) that is why you should not be worrying on opening your headlamp assembly again provided its a reputable led brand. This is the same case for audis, mercs, murano, corolla, civic even the prius. HIDs tend to be very hot, and expensive to maintain. And yes the warm up time is annoying. You cant flash multiple times during daytime. Though they are king on widest beam pattern, led uses less power and gives better output than halogen.

[D3nb3r]

The mled is too expensive, and not worth if for the price. Too much hotspot aimed very low killing the distance. Uneven light distribution just like those aftermarket led bulbs. I wonder why they price it at almost 20k. For that price you can already get an Fxr retrofit service including labor charges.

Bago kasi sir. Yung unit ko nga ngayun naka stock HID projector na but philips 25w lang so gusto ko ng 35w ang problema is d5s ang size ng bulb ko which is integrated ang ballast. meron ng ganyan size and specs ang NHK pero di ako convince sa performance nya. last week nag labas ang morimoto ng d5s 35w. You wont believe the price. 350usd for a pair of bulbs alone. So I opted to buy na lang a morimoto md2s 4.0, morimoto xb5 ballast and philips xv c1 d2s bulbs. actually hindi magkaloyo ang price ng mga parts na nabanggit ko if compare mo sa if bili ako nag morimoto d5s 35w bulbs at 350usd" STIR lens + spacers at 45usd. bagong product lang kasi kaya mahal. baba din presyo nyan. having said that. wala pa talagang LED maka tapat sa performance ng HID in all aspects.

*zechs if the output is no longer as bright as newly installed, then a change in ballast would definitely improve your system. An upgrade from nhk to CBI is night and day difference. Go for it.

*mouse who offers led projector retrofit? Leds should give you longer service(more than the lifetime of the vehicle) that is why you should not be worrying on opening your headlamp assembly again provided its a reputable led brand. This is the same case for audis, mercs, murano, corolla, civic even the prius. HIDs tend to be very hot, and expensive to maintain. And yes the warm up time is annoying. You cant flash multiple times during daytime. Though they are king on widest beam pattern, led uses less power and gives better output than halogen.

haba nang dicussion about HID vs LED kahapon sa HID headlight junkies fb group. May nag claim kasi a isang may ari ng company that LED is better than HID kaya binigyan cya ng challenge ng mga batikan na mga retrofitter sa US kasama na si andrew na taga TRS na unless may ma ipakit siyang output pics compare ng HID vs LED then everything is just marketing. Ans wala talag siyang ma ipakita pero sa mga HID guys dami proof. hehehe pwede ko screen shot mga comments nila if anybody wants a proof din

[mousemouse]

*hypnos- Both HIDretrofit and Redline offer LED projectors now. On the LEDs, yes it is true that its lifetime should last the life of the car but I am worried about all the other parts which are attached to the LED to make it run. Almost everything is sealed in the assembly. I am also into collecting nice flashlights and usually for LED flashlights, circuits get broken rather than the LED itself. For cars these will be even more beat up. LEDs are also affected by heat, even if it theoretically produces less than HIDs (look at the big cooling fins behind current LED projectors). I would be okay with stock LED headlights (example: current 2.0V corolla or civic) since the manufacturer spent the time and money to test these to failure. However, for a retrofit involving aftermarket projectors being installed in a new, untested environment (my headlights), too many things can go wrong. For me, long term ease of maintenance outweighs my need for the instant on.


QUOTE=hypnos;2865610]*zechs if the output is no longer as bright as newly installed, then a change in ballast would definitely improve your system. An upgrade from nhk to CBI is night and day difference. Go for it.

*mouse who offers led projector retrofit? Leds should give you longer service(more than the lifetime of the vehicle) that is why you should not be worrying on opening your headlamp assembly again provided its a reputable led brand. This is the same case for audis, mercs, murano, corolla, civic even the prius. HIDs tend to be very hot, and expensive to maintain. And yes the warm up time is annoying. You cant flash multiple times during daytime. Though they are king on widest beam pattern, led uses less power and gives better output than halogen.[/QUOTE]

[D3nb3r]

*hypnos- Both HIDretrofit and Redline offer LED projectors now. On the LEDs, yes it is true that its lifetime should last the life of the car but I am worried about all the other parts which are attached to the LED to make it run. Almost everything is sealed in the assembly. I am also into collecting nice flashlights and usually for LED flashlights, circuits get broken rather than the LED itself. For cars these will be even more beat up. LEDs are also affected by heat, even if it theoretically produces less than HIDs (look at the big cooling fins behind current LED projectors). I would be okay with stock LED headlights (example: current 2.0V corolla or civic) since the manufacturer spent the time and money to test these to failure. However, for a retrofit involving aftermarket projectors being installed in a new, untested environment (my headlights), too many things can go wrong. For me, long term ease of maintenance outweighs my need for the instant on.


QUOTE=hypnos;2865610]*zechs if the output is no longer as bright as newly installed, then a change in ballast would definitely improve your system. An upgrade from nhk to CBI is night and day difference. Go for it.

*mouse who offers led projector retrofit? Leds should give you longer service(more than the lifetime of the vehicle) that is why you should not be worrying on opening your headlamp assembly again provided its a reputable led brand. This is the same case for audis, mercs, murano, corolla, civic even the prius. HIDs tend to be very hot, and expensive to maintain. And yes the warm up time is annoying. You cant flash multiple times during daytime. Though they are king on widest beam pattern, led uses less power and gives better output than halogen.

[/QUOTE]

The MLEDs and Bi-LEDs for morimoto have cooling fans. Now that is another thing to worry about since kalalabas pa lang ng product nila so mga mag lalabasan ang mga feedbacks nyan after a year or two. So for peace of mind and HID is still a good option. Will the LED be able to match the HID in light throw, width, longevity, etc.? only time will tell. Pero as what the experts in Headlight junkies group said "HID is still the king"

[jut703]

The MLEDs and Bi-LEDs for morimoto have cooling fans. Now that is another thing to worry about since kalalabas pa lang ng product nila so mga mag lalabasan ang mga feedbacks nyan after a year or two. So for peace of mind and HID is still a good option. Will the LED be able to match the HID in light throw, width, longevity, etc.? only time will tell. Pero as what the experts in Headlight junkies group said "HID is still the king"

This is between HID retrofit and LED retrofit right?

Kasi kung OEM LED, mas malakas yung OEM LED ng Civic ko vs HID retrofit ko in my Mazda 3. Same with Altis 2.0V and Fortuner 2.4V vs Mazda 3 HID.

Stage 2.5 retrofit done by Redline with Q5 projectors and NHK bulbs.

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[D3nb3r]

This is between HID retrofit and LED retrofit right?

Kasi kung OEM LED, mas malakas yung OEM LED ng Civic ko vs HID retrofit ko in my Mazda 3. Same with Altis 2.0V and Fortuner 2.4V vs Mazda 3 HID.

Stage 2.5 retrofit done by Redline with Q5 projectors and NHK bulbs.

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When we say malakas, at what distance? Kaya nga yung iba nag claim na malakas daw ang LED or HID. But all those numbers and stories is nothing without proof using lux meter at least 25ft away with photo or video comparing each bulb or projector with the same camera exposure. Di kasali dyan ang pics na kuha ng phone lalo naka auto settings. Yung iba sa HIDplanet forum gumagamit ng low light exposure para ma compare ang hotspots ng bulb o projector na kinukomapara.

My previous rig was also retrofitted by redline. Pero when it comes to intensity IMO no oem LED can match a 3" FXR 2.0 + philips 85122 35w d2s bulb kahit that time NHK lang ballast ko. But then again its all hearsay kung wala ako proof. So sa plan ko sa DIY retrofit ngayun, I will use Morimoto md2s 4.0, Morimoto xb35 ballast and Philips XV C1, all of this items purchased from TRS. So If ever I would compare this parts meron akong back-up na datas. Both avalible sa lightwerkz and TRS site.

I'm not familiar with civics but yes I agree na ang led bulbs on fort and monty at the moment is way below on performance kahit di na gumamit ng measuring tools if compare mo sa properly retrofitted HID. Kaya dami nag papalit na mga naka stock led HL. But then again some folks are happy with it. But not me

edit: The phrase "HID is still the king" is from a thread kung saan yung LED guy is claiming that led bulbs are better than HID kahit na ginamit nya ang hid bulb sa halogen reflector housing. At may mga test din siyang ginawa mali nga lang according to the hid guys.

[jut703]

When we say malakas, at what distance? Kaya nga yung iba nag claim na malakas daw ang LED or HID. But all those numbers and stories is nothing without proof using lux meter at least 25ft away with photo or video comparing each bulb or projector with the same camera exposure. Di kasali dyan ang pics na kuha ng phone lalo naka auto settings. Yung iba sa HIDplanet forum gumagamit ng low light exposure para ma compare ang hotspots ng bulb o projector na kinukomapara.

My previous rig was also retrofitted by redline. Pero when it comes to intensity IMO no oem LED can match a 3" FXR 2.0 + philips 85122 35w d2s bulb kahit that time NHK lang ballast ko. But then again its all hearsay kung wala ako proof. So sa plan ko sa DIY retrofit ngayun, I will use Morimoto md2s 4.0, Morimoto xb35 ballast and Philips XV C1, all of this items purchased from TRS. So If ever I would compare this parts meron akong back-up na datas. Both avalible sa lightwerkz and TRS site.

I'm not familiar with civics but yes I agree na ang led bulbs on fort and monty at the moment is way below on performance kahit di na gumamit ng measuring tools if compare mo sa properly retrofitted HID. Kaya dami nag papalit na mga naka stock led HL. But then again some folks are happy with it. But not me

edit: The phrase "HID is still the king" is from a thread kung saan yung LED guy is claiming that led bulbs are better than HID kahit na ginamit nya ang hid bulb sa halogen reflector housing. At may mga test din siyang ginawa mali nga lang according to the hid guys.

Retrofit vs OEM LED







Kahit sino tumingin, mas malakas LED ng Civic sa HID retrofit ng Mazda 3.

Those are taken using my SLR at the same exposure settings.

Dati pinaglalaban ko rin na mas malakas talaga retrofit vs OEM. But everytime I pull up my Mazda 3 beside a Fortuner or Altis 2.0V with stock LEDs, mas malakas talaga buga ng ilaw nila. Have never seen anyone with a 2.4V Fort still have their lights retrofitted - laging 2.4G kasi hindi naman LED yun.

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[EQAddict]

I need an HID or LED retrofit for my Kia Carnival. The lighting is too weak and it has tint as well.


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[D3nb3r]

Retrofit vs OEM LED







Kahit sino tumingin, mas malakas LED ng Civic sa HID retrofit ng Mazda 3.

Those are taken using my SLR at the same exposure settings.

Dati pinaglalaban ko rin na mas malakas talaga retrofit vs OEM. But everytime I pull up my Mazda 3 beside a Fortuner or Altis 2.0V with stock LEDs, mas malakas talaga buga ng ilaw nila. Have never seen anyone with a 2.4V Fort still have their lights retrofitted - laging 2.4G kasi hindi naman LED yun.

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Ok since you brought this up. Let me be clear na hindi ako expert just an enthusiast/student trying to learn amd absorb ideas in headlight retrofitting.

Now, you said na mas malakas yung oem civic mo kesa naka retrofit na mazda. Also nakalimutan mo ilagay ano klaseng bulb ang gamit sa mazda.
So having said that na try mo na ba itapat ang oem led ng civic mo sa naka retrofit gamit ang mga projectors like rx350, acura tl, s2000 ot kahit na morimoto mini d2s 4.0 lang. Now what if ang gamit na bulb ng projector na nabangit ko ay osram cbi, osram nb ir philips xv? Wala pang kasama dyan ang option na mga ballast. Nakita nyo na ba ang buga ng naka retrofit na naka 55w ballast?
Also sa retrofitting daming aspects ang kailangan if mag compare ka ng light output. bulbs, projector, ballast, optics etc.

since this like your oem led civiv HL vs a retrofitted car. Here' one pic, redline din may gawa. can your oem led HL do that?


Again HID is still the king at the moment.
edit: this car is using a philips xv bulb.

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[jut703]

Ok since you brought this up. Let me be clear na hindi ako expert just an enthusiast/student trying to learn amd absorb ideas in headlight retrofitting.

Now, you said na mas malakas yung oem civic mo kesa naka retrofit na mazda. Also nakalimutan mo ilagay ano klaseng bulb ang gamit sa mazda.
So having said that na try mo na ba itapat ang oem led ng civic mo sa naka retrofit gamit ang mga projectors like rx350, acura tl, s2000 ot kahit na morimoto mini d2s 4.0 lang. Now what if ang gamit na bulb ng projector na nabangit ko ay osram cbi, osram nb ir philips xv? Wala pang kasama dyan ang option na mga ballast. Nakita nyo na ba ang buga ng naka retrofit na naka 55w ballast?
Also sa retrofitting daming aspects ang kailangan if mag compare ka ng light output. bulbs, projector, ballast, optics etc.

since this like your oem led civiv HL vs a retrofitted car. Here' one pic, civic din to at redline din may gawa. can your oem led HL do that?


Again HID is still the king at the moment.

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Stage 2 nga from Redline, NHK bulbs. Q5 projectors.

I'm not saying there aren't any HID retrofits stronger than LEDs. I'm saying my 20k stage 2 retrofit is not stronger than my stock LEDs. Retrofitters always market that even their stage 1 retrofits are stronger than LEDs. Again, my personal experience proves otherwise.

Hindi lang clear ang cutoff ng LED, but the illumination both low beam and high beam is brighter than my retrofit.

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