Inexspensive Projector Retrofit

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If you are going to do it, do it right. That is what I am saying with this build, no cheap routes.

I am going to go to a local guy when I am ready, S2K lows and stock highs is what I am probably going to do.
 
^^^ What he said.

That stuff looks kinda junky imo. There is no such thing as an inexpensive projector retrofit, not if done properly.

Spend some time on this site: HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum

And perhaps this one HID Projector Headlight Retrofit for Subaru, Honda, BMW, Scion and More | LightWerkz.net

Member Harper7 did this retrofit himself, using quality components, but he's a skilled wrencher. I had mine done by Lightwerkz.

There is nothing like proper HID projectors, I tell you true.
 
I say give it a shot. I've been buying cheap HIDs of eBay for years and haven't had an issue. I had one faulty ballast in all that time.
 
Actually product quality is the only reason I even thought about using these. I have used VLED's in the past on my Tundra as well as my Tc. I believe other members have used there stuff as well. I may get them just to see, and if they are cheap send em back. I think the biggest issue would be getting it to mount solid in the housing (that is if the product itself is quality). I realize 1k to do it right probly isnt that much more than you would have spent on a factory option...but if you can do it for less? why not.
 
neversummer said:
Actually product quality is the only reason I even thought about using these. I have used VLED's in the past on my Tundra as well as my Tc. I believe other members have used there stuff as well. I may get them just to see, and if they are cheap send em back. I think the biggest issue would be getting it to mount solid in the housing (that is if the product itself is quality). I realize 1k to do it right probly isnt that much more than you would have spent on a factory option...but if you can do it for less? why not.
Click to expand...

You can still do it for much less the a grand with quality projectors for only $120 more then the V-HID.......if you can do the work yourself.
You would be better off getting name brand projectors from Lexus,Infiniti,Acura or Honda that have known and tried and true light patterns with good optics from an OEM. V-HID doesn't even tell you if they are using D2S HID bulbs or who makes them. You can get known good quality kits for only a little more then the no name brand you linked to here......Complete Retrofit Kits from The Retrofit Source Inc
Even cheaper if you do the research and piece them together like I did. I found s2k projectors, which are known for some of the best patterns and output, on ebay for $250.

Have you ever done a retrofit? Out of that $1000+ that Phil mentioned,the majority is labor as NO retrofit is just plug and play. Cutting and correctly aiming is the most critical and time consuming part . Plenty of good info on HID Planet forum and where I learned but it still took me a good 2 days for my first time. Here's a link to show what was involved in the retrofit.....not hard work,just time consuming HID Retrofit

You can't tell the real quality until you put them in and turn them on.I couldn't imagine going thru all that work with unknown Chinese projectors and then having a bad light patterns and output to save a $120 over known quality FX-R's or TSX's.They would be very hard to take back out since you already cut the holes to fit them and you would probably end up buying new headlights.

Just my 2 cents
 
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harper,

Great writeup. Never have done a retro, but after lookin at your pics, as noted, seems more time consuming than difficult. Having a step by step writeup with pics may boost my confidence as well haha. Time to find some S2K's!
 
neversummer said:
harper,

Great writeup. Never have done a retro, but after lookin at your pics, as noted, seems more time consuming than difficult. Having a step by step writeup with pics may boost my confidence as well haha. Time to find some S2K's!
Click to expand...

Best thing you can do is join the HID Planet forum HiDplanet : The Official Automotive Lighting Forum - The Buzz and read and ask questions and then read some more.I was on there learning a good 2-3 weeks before I did mine. That's what I did and no 2 vehicles are the same but the basics are and Phil having his done first inspired me to just go for it.

S2K projectors are getting pretty rare as they quit making s2k's a few years ago and they are a favorite for retrofitters. I wish I would have bought a second set off the guy now, as he had 2 sets, as I don't see any on ebay at all now.Ask on the hid forum as somebody might have a lead on some.
 
As an FYI, Harper chose a single low beam projector, and uses his oem halogen high beams.

I decided for the FX-R projector which is bi-xenon. His low beam is considered by experts as somewhat better, but I decided I wanted xenon high beam along with halogen high beam. Trade-off, but my high beams rock!

Here's the pics from the retrofitter FWIW. Phil’s 4 Runner – TFX Conversion | HID Projector Headlight Retrofit for Subaru, Honda, BMW, Scion and More | LightWerkz.net

As Harper suggested, spend some time on the HiD forum, informative guys.
 
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