Retrofitted headlamps - Long term reviews?

[kaloman]

First off, Happy New Year! I hope that everyone's 2013 is going well so far.

As the new year slowly unfolds, I'm convincing myself this is the year to retrofit my headlamps with a new set of HID projectors. But before jumping into this expensive modification, I want to learn as much as I can about my options and experiences from the folks that have done the retrofit. I've done a lot of searching and reading on this forum and HID Planet, but have not come across answers to these questions:

1) How are the retrofits holding up in our 5th generation 4Runners? Especially for those that do off-roading, drive on rough roads, or experience wet environments. I would like to know how the retrofits handle vibrations that are associated with various driving conditions. Here in Hawaii (specifically Oahu), we have a lot of bad roads, which are ridden with potholes, cracks, imperfections.

2) For those that have had them for at least a year, has the performance gone down at all? Any problems with light output, reliability of components, etc.?

3) Would you do it again and if so, would your direction be different?

If I had missed some thread which addressed these question, please let me know.

Right now, based on what I've seen, I'm leaning towards either an LS 430 or LS 460 based retro. I know those projectors are on the expensive side, but I'm willing to save up for them. My goal is a simple, but ultra reliable system that would last for the life of my Runner.

Thanks!!

 

[Jesse1983]

I've been off-road a few times since my retro, no problems. My projectors are screwed in and i have anchoring adhesive on the back. they aren't going anywhere.

I've had min in since April and I haven't noticed any change in performance, they are great. I would definitely do it again, I love the light output. Here is a link to my work. Good luck

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/60125-jesse1983-10.html#post1028711

 

[philsey]

1) How are the retrofits holding up in our 5th generation 4Runners? Especially for those that do off-roading, drive on rough roads, or experience wet environments. I would like to know how the retrofits handle vibrations that are associated with various driving conditions. Here in Hawaii (specifically Oahu), we have a lot of bad roads, which are ridden with potholes, cracks, imperfections.
No issues, but all I do is go to the mall.

2) For those that have had them for at least a year, has the performance gone down at all? Any problems with light output, reliability of components, etc.?
No, and no. HID bulbs will deteriorate over time, however it's a few thousand hrs. I have already replaced mine, but it was strictly experimentation with color, going from 4300K to 5000K.
3) Would you do it again and if so, would your direction be different?
Yes, without hesitation. Different? Only that I'd get the baddest-azz HID available, which seems to be the 460. I picked the FX-R because I was the first 5G to do this, and my retrofitter was skeptical if the 460 would fit. It has since been proven to fit our headlights by a Forum member. (The FX-R is a great light tho).

If I had missed some thread which addressed these question, please let me know.
A Google search in the 5G forum for \\\"HID\\\" and/or \\\"retrofit\\\" should find you lots of stuff.

Right now, based on what I've seen, I'm leaning towards either an LS 430 or LS 460 based retro.
IMO, do the 460, the 430 is single Xenon, and why not have Bi-Xenon?

I know those projectors are on the expensive side, but I'm willing to save up for them. My goal is a simple, but ultra reliable system that would last for the life of my Runner.
Don't scrimp on ANY of the components. At the cost of this entire project, quality componentry should be used. The Retrofit Source is the best I know of.
Thanks!!

Info on my retrofit here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/76226-5th-gen-hid-projector-retrofit-installation-pics.html

Advice: Don't go above 5000-5300K.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

1. Not a single problem with mine.

2. No drop in performance or light.

3. Would definitely do it again. Its the way the 4Runner should have come. Would go with the same setup too.

Agree with not going above 5K kelvin and would probably stay around 4300 to 4600 for best output (according to what I have read on HID planet and seen on cars).

 

[T4RsRGR8]

First off, Happy New Year! I hope that everyone's 2013 is going well so far.

As the new year slowly unfolds, I'm convincing myself this is the year to retrofit my headlamps with a new set of HID projectors. But before jumping into this expensive modification, I want to learn as much as I can about my options and experiences from the folks that have done the retrofit. I've done a lot of searching and reading on this forum and HID Planet, but have not come across answers to these questions:

1) How are the retrofits holding up in our 5th generation 4Runners? Especially for those that do off-roading, drive on rough roads, or experience wet environments. I would like to know how the retrofits handle vibrations that are associated with various driving conditions. Here in Hawaii (specifically Oahu), we have a lot of bad roads, which are ridden with potholes, cracks, imperfections.
No issues here. I hit the occassional pothole and I don't do any off-roading.

2) For those that have had them for at least a year, has the performance gone down at all? Any problems with light output, reliability of components, etc.?
I have only had mine since end of July 2012. I have not had any issues with light output or components.

3) Would you do it again and if so, would your direction be different?
Yes, without hesitation.

If I had missed some thread which addressed these question, please let me know.

Right now, based on what I've seen, I'm leaning towards either an LS 430 or LS 460 based retro. I know those projectors are on the expensive side, but I'm willing to save up for them. My goal is a simple, but ultra reliable system that would last for the life of my Runner.
I have the single xenon LS 460 retro, love it.

Thanks!!

Here is a link to my post

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/120846-lexus-ls460-hid-projectors-installed.html

 

[kaloman]

Thanks for all the input!! From the looks of it, you are all totally happy with your retrofits and would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm comfortable moving forward with the retrofit, but now onto what to use as a projector.

As I was reading your replies, I started to research the LS460 projectors more and found that unless you read the fine print, you'll have to pay attention to the fact that people have installed both the single and bi-xenon versions. I overlooked that and assumed they were all bi-xenon. However, the bi-xenons are actually larger (taller) if I'm not mistaken, due to their solenoid that operates the shield? I wonder if our housings are large enough for the bi-xenon 460s? If they can fit, then I'm thinkinkg it's a no brainer.

For T4RsRGR8, is this the reason you chose the single xenon LS460 and did you ever consider the LS430 instead?

I'm going to contact Lightwerkz also to get some installer feedback.

Thanks again and I'll keep everyone posted on the progress.

 

[kaloman]

Info on my retrofit here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...hid-projector-retrofit-installation-pics.html

Advice: Don't go above 5000-5300K.

Hey Philsey, thanks for documenting your bumper removal. This will probably be the most nerve racking part of my retrofit process. When the time comes, PMs might be headed your way!

For sure about the bulbs. I'm going to stick with the standard 4300K, however not sure if it's worth the upgrade to the newer OSRAM bulbs or just stick with the Philips.

 

[thejuice]

I retrofitted my fogs and high beams. One of my fog light ballasts died after about 5 months. I'm an EE - the infant mortality of high voltage power supplies is usually higher than an average commercial grade electronic gadget. BUT, if they outlive the first year or so, you should be set for a while.

TRS replaced the ballast under warranty, and the only pain was digging around under the hood to replace the ballast without taking my bumper off.

My only other minor complaint is that I wish I had installed the projectors with a way of adjusting roll, because my passenger side headlight isn't perfectly horizontal. Nobody notices but me.. but you know how it is

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Hey Philsey, thanks for documenting your bumper removal. This will probably be the most nerve racking part of my retrofit process. When the time comes, PMs might be headed your way!

For sure about the bulbs. I'm going to stick with the standard 4300K, however not sure if it's worth the upgrade to the newer OSRAM bulbs or just stick with the Philips.

There was a post on removing headlights without removing the bumper. Might want to search for it.

 

[kaloman]

I retrofitted my fogs and high beams. One of my fog light ballasts died after about 5 months. I'm an EE - the infant mortality of high voltage power supplies is usually higher than an average commercial grade electronic gadget. BUT, if they outlive the first year or so, you should be set for a while.

TRS replaced the ballast under warranty, and the only pain was digging around under the hood to replace the ballast without taking my bumper off.

My only other minor complaint is that I wish I had installed the projectors with a way of adjusting roll, because my passenger side headlight isn't perfectly horizontal. Nobody notices but me.. but you know how it is

Whoa, never thought about the possibility of misalignment in that regard. So your passenger side beam pattern must be a little off. Thanks for the heads up on the ballasts.

 

[kaloman]

There was a post on removing headlights without removing the bumper. Might want to search for it.

How's it my bruddah! It was the last post in Philsey's thread. I'll continue to expand on this and hope to find that someone else did it as well.

 

[T4RsRGR8]

Thanks for all the input!! From the looks of it, you are all totally happy with your retrofits and would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm comfortable moving forward with the retrofit, but now onto what to use as a projector.

As I was reading your replies, I started to research the LS460 projectors more and found that unless you read the fine print, you'll have to pay attention to the fact that people have installed both the single and bi-xenon versions. I overlooked that and assumed they were all bi-xenon. However, the bi-xenons are actually larger (taller) if I'm not mistaken, due to their solenoid that operates the shield? I wonder if our housings are large enough for the bi-xenon 460s? If they can fit, then I'm thinkinkg it's a no brainer.

For T4RsRGR8, is this the reason you chose the single xenon LS460 and did you ever consider the LS430 instead?

I'm going to contact Lightwerkz also to get some installer feedback.

Thanks again and I'll keep everyone posted on the progress.

The only reason I chose the single xenon LS460 retro is because of this post http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/111502-ls460-projectors-installed.html#post1021021, after reading how much Jaker liked the look of the LS460 retro, I decided to go with the same setup. I never did consider the LS430 or do any research because I had already made my mind up that I wanted the LS460. I would definately talk to Caesar over at Lightwerkz. You can also get some ideas browsing Caesar's project blogs on the Lightwerkz website.

 

[Dispense]

I did the LS430 Retrofit back in the Spring and have NO regrets. Lightwerkz did the retrofit, excellent and quality work.

Performance is amazing, I don't think I could ever use a different projector, the LS430 just outperforms (to me) anything else I've seen and used. I'd guess 6+ lanes well lit, output far exceeds need!

 

[kaloman]

I did the LS430 Retrofit back in the Spring and have NO regrets. Lightwerkz did the retrofit, excellent and quality work.

Performance is amazing, I don't think I could ever use a different projector, the LS430 just outperforms (to me) anything else I've seen and used. I'd guess 6+ lanes well lit, output far exceeds need!

Just looked at your photos of your build and man do they project. I continually read that the LS430s are the widest pattern of all. Would you mind telling me how much they charged you for the installation? Thanks!

 

[Semperfly82]

the only issue i have had with mine is fogging inside the housing, i think when i had them installed the mechs cut the hole too large hereby allowing air and moisture into the housing from the backside.

Along with that, does anyone recommend applying some silicone or some kind of sealant to close it off? Or does that make it difficult to get in there later and replace the bulb? I just don't have time at the moment to remove all the components pull out the old rubber housing and replace with a new one.

 

[thejuice]

Along with that, does anyone recommend applying some silicone or some kind of sealant to close it off? Or does that make it difficult to get in there later and replace the bulb? I just don't have time at the moment to remove all the components pull out the old rubber housing and replace with a new one.

If I recall, there's a rubber seal between the bulb and the projector, so applying sealant wouldn't affect removal/installation of a new bulb. Be careful with which sealant you use as some types of silicone produce an off-gas that will haze the lenses. I would try filling any gaps by pressing warm butyl into the gaps.

 

[Dispense]

Just looked at your photos of your build and man do they project. I continually read that the LS430s are the widest pattern of all. Would you mind telling me how much they charged you for the installation? Thanks!

I've had FX-R and TSX projectors in the past. They don't compare to these LS430s. My next vehicle will need to have large enough headlamp housings to accommodate the LS430 :becky:

I THINK it was 700-800 dollars. Don't quote me on that. It was some time ago..


Best to send an email to Caesar for a quote. Their shop was very professional and timely with all communication.

 

[harper7]

I've had my S2K's S2000 retrofit retrofitted since Nov. of 2010 and they have the same performance as when I did them and I've driven hundreds of miles of offroad.

I changed the outer lens out last year with 2012 lenses as the 10's had the fogged upper lens problems. When I did, I checked the security and they were still exactly the way I RTV'd them in there. I was wondering too as some of the fire roads out west I was on were bumpy as rail road tracks for miles and that would practically knock my fillings loose.

If your going to do it yourself the S2K's and Morimoto's are by far the easiest but S2K's are getting rare since Honda stopped production. As stated ,the LS430's are known to be the widest and S2K's are a close second but are said to have more light intensity and better cutoff color. s2k vs ls430? There's a million comparisons over on the HID planet forum where they live and breath HID's. I think the LS460's with their clear shroud are the best looking, as when they are turned off and just looking at the lights, when I saw Jakers retrofit done by Caesar.

Here's some output shots for comparison from LightWerks' site... Output Pictures -- HID Projector Headlight Retrofit | LightWerkz.net and another comparison over on HID planet.....http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/sho...rison-TSX-S2K-SC430-RX330-LS430-TL-E55-FX-etc
If you've never driven with HID's,it takes getting used to seeing the cutoffs ,like when your going around a curve.

 

[snow&surf]

I've had my retros since Nov 2011, been offroad with no issues, light output is has not decreased. No complaints. I would do it again but would want to try different projectors just to change it up.

 

[kaloman]

I finally got around to contacting Lightwerks and whoever replied to my email, basically said that I can't go wrong with either the 430 or 460 projectors, however they give a slight edge to the 430s in terms of low beam performance. They also do not offer the bi-xenon 460s for our headlamps. Probably because of the solenoid on the bottom.

Harper, thanks for the input. I forgot that you did a retrofit a long time ago. I did check out many of the beam comparison photos and boy does having two monitors help with the side by side comparisons. I agree that as far as looks go, the 460s just look natural in our housings. If I can get the single xenon 460s for substantially less than the 430s, then it's probably worth it. However, I did ask Lightwerks for comments on a TL projector in our headlamps. Still waiting to hear what they have to say about that. I've read that the TLs have one of the best overall performance with regards to bi-xenons. I don't mind a low beam only, but would be cool to have a bi-xenon.

Anyhow, again, thank you all for your comments and contributions. It's really helping to develop the path to take.