Retrofitted headlamps - Long term reviews?

[mikey's2010SR5]

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.

When I had Caesar do my lights I asked about the TL projector and if I remember correctly he said that they are a large projector and with the solenoid they are too big for out housings. That is why I ended up with the FX-45 OEM. Cesar and his gang do great work. (LightWerkz<---z not an s)

 

[kaloman]

When I had Cesar do my lights I asked about the TL projector and if I remember correctly he said that they are a large projector and with the solenoid they are too big for out housings. That is why I ended up with the FX-45 OEM. Cesar and his gang do great work. (LightWerkz<---z not an s)

Oh yeah, forgot about the "z", and by the way, it's Caesar, not Cesar. :thumb:

Well that answers my question about the TLs. Kind of bitter sweet because I'm loving the LS projectors and don't really want another option. haha

 

[kaloman]

Well, just an update. I'm currently waiting for TRS to acquire a set of LS430s and I'll be ready to ship my headlights to LightWerkz. Here is my setup so far:

-LS430 projectors with clear lens
-Denso slim ballasts
-Phillips 85122+ D2s bulbs

I'm excited to have these built. Yes it's going to cost a pretty penny, but from all the research here and on HID Planet, they look to be worth it. I'll take output shots and post them here once complete.

For those that have them installed, where/how did you mount the ballasts? I saw where Philsey mounted his, and how did others do it? Main concern is mounting integrity and staying away from moisture.

Thanks!

 

[terra4r]

Well, just an update. I'm currently waiting for TRS to acquire a set of LS430s and I'll be ready to ship my headlights to LightWerkz. Here is my setup so far:

-LS430 projectors with clear lens
-Denso slim ballasts
-Phillips 85122+ D2s bulbs

I'm excited to have these built. Yes it's going to cost a pretty penny, but from all the research here and on HID Planet, they look to be worth it. I'll take output shots and post them here once complete.

For those that have them installed, where/how did you mount the ballasts? I saw where Philsey mounted his, and how did others do it? Main concern is mounting integrity and staying away from moisture.

Thanks!

I dont have 4r experience, but I've used denso slims in a tC for a long time in all weather, never had a problem with moisture intrusion. Mounting wise, a combination of thick 2-sided tape on flat areas and zip ties for extra peace-of-mind worked well for me... but really they aren't going anywhere as long as they're locked in to the bulb, lol

 

[CookieRoe]

i went with Caesar and lightwerkz a couple of years ago and I have to say I would do the retro again, but with LIGHTMODZ. The owner used to work with Lightwerkz and his boys. I am no longer a lightwerkz customer due to the poor components they sent me (website said they used highest quality components). I had my 2007 civic retros with RX projectors. I ended up changing to Denso ballast and a more robust wire harness. One of the HID bulbs is already out. I plan on going with Morimotos or Philips. Also, when they installed the projectors, they didn't take the hi beam alignment into consideration. When I turn my HIs on, the beam partially goes in the air. Extremely annoying. I noted this, contacted them and basically got an "oh, sorry about that" answer. Urrghhh. When I got my 4th gen Retros done (with TL bixenons), they were ok. After an installation accident (I burned out my engine and main wire harness..........long story), I had them "redone" with Lightmodz. Lightwerkz went overboard with the buytl sealer and the ballasts were not working. AGAIN, I changed them to Denso ballasts, got morimotos bulbs and a new, beefier wire harness (more expensive).

I honestly felt my retros were thrown together at lightwerkz. Jay at lightmodz is a truly nice guy and extremely knowledgable. Shot him an email, you won't be disappointed. Last I checked, he was cheaper than Caesar.

My 2 cents.

OP: I had my retros now for about 2 years. No regrets (except for who did them)

 

[kaloman]

i went with Caesar and lightwerkz a couple of years ago and I have to say I would do the retro again, but with LIGHTMODZ. The owner used to work with Lightwerkz and his boys. I am no longer a lightwerkz customer due to the poor components they sent me (website said they used highest quality components). I had my 2007 civic retros with RX projectors. I ended up changing to Denso ballast and a more robust wire harness. One of the HID bulbs is already out. I plan on going with Morimotos or Philips. Also, when they installed the projectors, they didn't take the hi beam alignment into consideration. When I turn my HIs on, the beam partially goes in the air. Extremely annoying. I noted this, contacted them and basically got an "oh, sorry about that" answer. Urrghhh. When I got my 4th gen Retros done (with TL bixenons), they were ok. After an installation accident (I burned out my engine and main wire harness..........long story), I had them "redone" with Lightmodz. Lightwerkz went overboard with the buytl sealer and the ballasts were not working. AGAIN, I changed them to Denso ballasts, got morimotos bulbs and a new, beefier wire harness (more expensive).

I honestly felt my retros were thrown together at lightwerkz. Jay at lightmodz is a truly nice guy and extremely knowledgable. Shot him an email, you won't be disappointed. Last I checked, he was cheaper than Caesar.

My 2 cents.

OP: I had my retros now for about 2 years. No regrets (except for who did them)

Thanks for mentioning this. I think this is good feedback and will definitely allow me to keep my options open. I'll shoot Lightmodz a request for quote. It's too bad that I'm not able to visit their shops to get a feel for their quality of work. Sucks being 5000 miles away, so the only thing to go on are comments and reviews from those that have experienced their work.

 

[CookieRoe]

Thanks for mentioning this. I think this is good feedback and will definitely allow me to keep my options open. I'll shoot Lightmodz a request for quote. It's too bad that I'm not able to visit their shops to get a feel for their quality of work. Sucks being 5000 miles away, so the only thing to go on are comments and reviews from those that have experienced their work.

The guys at Lightwerkz are great guys, I met them. Caesar is cool, but a very blunt person. Jay at Lightmodz, whom I've also met is very cool, knowledgeable and explains things so you understand. He was the "tweeker" at lightwerkz ( couple of years ago) until he decided to go it alone. Anyway, Jay has his shop practically across town from where Caesar is. It's (shop) very nice and his customers drive expensive cars. Even if you decide to go with lightwerkz, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Many customers from lightwerkz here on the forum and love them. Doing retros is a pain and time consuming. I think they just didn't want to redo them after they screwed up and the fact that they are very busy and knew I wasn't going to pay a thing to have them "righted". Retros are great way to go HID. Jay (lightmodz) really loves what he does. We spent almost an hour talking about HIDs and related stuff (shooting the sh*t). Anyway, with lightwerkz I was just frustrated with the details (misalignment of my high beams and the matter is was dealt with........ or lack there of) and shoddy accessories I was sold. Maybe they've changed, who knows. Regardless of who you choose, I recommend you get/ask for Morimoto or Philips bulbs, Denso ballast (what is better than OEM, really?) and ask for a robust wire harness. Install everything right/carefully (use zip ties where appropriate, use dialetic grease for the connections, use electric tape as well for the connectors) so you'll have years of reliable service from your cool lights! :thumb3:

 

[kaloman]

Update - Found everything I needed and parts are on the way to LightModz. They're backed up until April, so the long wait begins. Until then, here's a teaser.

 

[harper7]

I recommend you get/ask for Morimoto or Philips bulbs, Denso ballast (what is better than OEM, really?) and ask for a robust wire harness. Install everything right/carefully (use zip ties where appropriate, use dialetic grease for the connections, use electric tape as well for the connectors) so you'll have years of reliable service from your cool lights! :thumb3:

Very good point in getting the Denso ballast as I ran into a problem just last week during my once a year state inspection. I couldn't figure out what this 18 year old geek inspector was digging under my hood for and he rattled off some state law in Texas that requires the ballast to be DOT approved and have a sticker on them saying so. My Morimoto ballast are not DOT approved and he wanted me to get DOT approved ballast or put my stock headlights back on to pass the inspection . I went to the same place for years as that's all they do there and they never said anything about it before but he was new there.

However,he didn't charge me and I nicely thanked him for his advice and education on the ballast laws and then drove to a AAMCO tranny place up the street that does state inspections and passed without a word about ballast.They did say if all trannies were built like Toyota's ,they wouldn't have a business !

The moral of the story is get DOT approved ones from the start,like oem Toyota Densos or........don't go to an inspection place that specializes in inspections with geeks working there.

 

[kaloman]

Very good point in getting the Denso ballast as I ran into a problem just last week during my once a year state inspection. I couldn't figure out what this 18 year old geek inspector was digging under my hood for and he rattled off some state law in Texas that requires the ballast to be DOT approved and have a sticker on them saying so. My Morimoto ballast are not DOT approved and he wanted me to get DOT approved ballast or put my stock headlights back on to pass the inspection . I went to the same place for years as that's all they do there and they never said anything about it before but he was new there.

However,he didn't charge me and I nicely thanked him for his advice and education on the ballast laws and then drove to a AAMCO tranny place up the street that does state inspections and passed without a word about ballast.They did say if all trannies were built like Toyota's ,they wouldn't have a business !

The moral of the story is get DOT approved ones from the start,like oem Toyota Densos or........don't go to an inspection place that specializes in inspections with geeks working there.

I hear yah. That's why my setup is entirely OEM. Philips bulbs and potted Denso Slims. Only thing not OEM is the harness.

 

[kaloman]

Well, it's been forever since I started this thread and I'm not planning to leave it hanging in limbo. After months of researching, waiting, and "swiping" of the credit card, my retrofitted lights are in my hands. I plan to install these in the next week or two and post output shots. Until then here are what they look like with the LS430s installed.

Big ups to Jay at LightModz for the sick retrofit. These look completely OEM and I'm excited to see what the output looks like live. Jay also did some extensive tuning work which maximized the output and sharpness. His customer service is top notch and never skipped a beat on responding to my questions and concerns.

Here are some of the photos that Jay uploaded onto the HIDPlanet forum.

 

[mace.]

Holy Crapola!!!! Those look bad-a$$.

 

[Dispense]

Great choice!!

I love my LS430s!!

Wait until you see the light output... =)

 

[kaloman]

Great choice!!

I love my LS430s!!

Wait until you see the light output... =)

I'm aching to put these in, but I'm a little nervous of pulling the bumper. Hoping to not have to pull the entire thing off.

 

[HOJeepster]

Wow. Those are going to be really nice. Jealous.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

I'm aching to put these in, but I'm a little nervous of pulling the bumper. Hoping to not have to pull the entire thing off.

I'm not much help but there are posts on this forum about changing headlights without removing the bumper. And them projectors are bad ass!

 

[kaloman]

I'm not much help but there are posts on this forum about changing headlights without removing the bumper. And them projectors are bad ass!

Yup, I've seen a couple but nothing in great detail. I'm mostly worried about how you pull off the bumper from the wheel well area after removing the 3 fasteners. I have a link to a great writeup by Shogun and with the help of Philsey's thread, hopefully it'll be enough. Although I don't mind at all any more tips!

Thanks!!

 

[philsey]

Nice work. Looking fwd to pics. You're gonna love 'em.

I *think* it was [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] that posted the how-to on the easy bumper removal. It may be in his build thread. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/100058-ducmonsta-s-build-thread-very-pic-heavy.html

 

[CookieRoe]

So you went with jay? You won't regret it! I just potted my Denso ballast for my rig, I'm good to go. Anyway, have fun and enjoy them!

 

[kaloman]

So you went with jay? You won't regret it! I just potted my Denso ballast for my rig, I'm good to go. Anyway, have fun and enjoy them!

Thanks CookieRoe. Yup, went with Jay and would use his company again in a heartbeat. I also got the potted Densos from TRS. I think the extra $ for the potting is well worth the added insurance.