95-01 Projector headlights, Part 2

[sean99]

The group buy price is good until march 1st.....

 

[celly]

The group buy price is good until march 1st.....

Yes, Henry just extended it yesterday to appease the fence-sitters.

 

[IAmTodd]

Just buy them. They're worth $250, not sure about $350 though.

 

[frickea86]

This decision has been a non-stop battle with me....

Wife says no, lol.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Much easier to ask forgivness than permission.

 

[410Fortune]

Lol

its a family safety issue you need to be able to see at night, clearly and brightly!

 

[storlied]

If the halogen version is purchased, can a typical HID conversion kit be used? What bulb?

 

[celly]

If the halogen version is purchased, can a typical HID conversion kit be used? What bulb?

All your questions will be answered in the "Group Buy" thread as originally referenced so have a look there for anything you can think of about these lights.

There is only one "version" of these lights (halogen). Several of the participants have already put HID kits into their setup. H1. I'm doing the same later this week.

 

[5.0 POWER]

ouch.. that is some serious glare that will just be amplified significantly with hid kits.. i guess that's the only compromise when getting aftermarket projector headlamps..

the 1 piece design is awesome though..

Are these non hid bulbs??? I am really considering this mod, but i am just not understanding this fully. i have a few questions.

1. how does the wiring harness hookup considering there is only one driving light output on the stock headlilghts?
2. when the high beams are on, are both the projector and the other round light working? if not is it possible to wire that up?
3. I would like the HID system, but that would only be used in the projector right? ( i am very picky when it comes to lights matching in color) so is there a difference in the light output when the highs are on? if so would it be possible to get bulbs that would produce the same color light for the high beams & explorer 55 pro comp lights?

Sorry for all the questions but i just want to make sure things wouldn't drive me insane or empty my wallet.

 

[IAmTodd]

Yes that picture is with a halogen bulb in the projector. From what I have read OEM lights have this spot as well in them.

1. The harness connects to the stock plug for the headlight. There are 3 wires on the stock plug; high, low, ground. It splits it off from there.

2. In stock form the projector is on when the low beam is selected, reflector is on when the high beam is selected. There are kits out there to allow the low beam to be lit when the high beam is. Brad can link you to the kit he purchased or instructions can be found online for doing the same with some wire and a relay.

3. HIDs should only go in the projector. It is properly aimed and setup to diffuse the light. Putting an HID in the reflector will cause an extreme amount of light scatter and a slow warm up time which is why halogen is preferred for high beams. I would stick with the HID low and halogen high with a quality bulb. OEM works in this manner. It's up to you if you can deal with a slow start up time with the high beam. I find instant light to be better than matching light. The range for the high beam is superior to anything offered for a gen 2 Explorer and IMO I don't think an HID would benefit you any.

 

[celly]

2. In stock form the projector is on when the low beam is selected, reflector is on when the high beam is selected. There are kits out there to allow the low beam to be lit when the high beam is. Brad can link you to the kit he purchased or instructions can be found online for doing the same with some wire and a relay.

I just got my kit on Monday. Haven't wired it it up yet. Check KC Lites for more info. They've got an instruction pdf on their site.

Here's the kit here.

 

[5.0 POWER]

where do i sign up for the group buy? i am in for a set of clear ones without the HID kit

 

[IAmTodd]

Instructions are here on what to do:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showpost.php?p=2118350&postcount=125

 

[Bill Kemp]

( i am very picky when it comes to lights matching in color)

The difference in color of the low beams and the high beams will only be noticed by the bugs you hit. Who else would see both at the same time?

 

[storlied]

Edit: Thought this was the GB thread.

 

[IAmTodd]

I'm gonna do it! So uh.. coupon code isn't working anymore... thought this was extended to March 1st?

Help!

Get a hold of strightkill. He might have to do a little adjusting for shipping anyways.

 

[celly]

HIDs!

Well, I finally installed HIDs in the projectors tonight. SO much better than those %^$#@! Diamond Cuts and their %$#@! scattered, blotchy light. I've driven a Lexus RX 3 something with HIDs before. The cutoff with a HID kit isn't perfect and isn't as good as a OEM HID setup, but it's so much better than anything I've seen in any second generation Explorer (I've had three). I've used so many different halogens (including Silverstars and Osram Night Breakers). I've used three different HID kits in Diamond Cuts. I've used Silverstars in OEM housings. NOTHING compares to the quality of light I get from this latest combination.

Installation of the H1 HID capsules was straightforward. It really is simple to swap bulbs in and out of these things. I just released the clip holding the bulb in place and gently inserted the HID bulb. At first I didn't think it would fit because it's bulkier than a halogen bulb, but it does. I ran the two AMP connectors from the bulb through the rubber cap. I put a small slit in the rubber caps and simply ran the connectors through. I left that rubber grommet that comes with H1 bulbs in place. I plan to silicone over the slit later as I still have more work to do in coming week or so (quad kit etc).

As it stands now, I don't have the high beams wired but who is going to need them? (of course I want them eventually). I am really impressed how the projector keeps the beam focused in front of you. I simulated oncoming traffic by walking beside the truck and you hardly notice the intensity of the lights in the next lane (unlike Diamonds). My only concern is they may be a bit bright for drivers in front of me. They don't seem to be any higher than the halogens, but of course, they're brighter. A tweak may be in order this weekend.

I'm running 4300K capsules right now and they look pretty much like OEM HIDs you see out there. I have a set of 5000K on their way from the US and may swap them out this weekend for a change. Sorry, no photos. I've never been a big fan of taking photos of lights because it's almost impossible what they look like to the naked eye.

Once again, these projectors are the real deal. I'm surprised how well they work with a HID kit because everyone knows that HIDs can be problematic to focus in halogen reflectors. Sure, a retrofit might work better, but I can't be bothered with the hassle or cost. This is definitely the "poor man's" version of OEM HIDs are far superior to the same setup in any halogen reflector for 2nd generation Explorers.

Just a reminder that Group Buy expires this coming Sunday.

 

[celly]

Edit: Thought this was the GB thread.

That's pretty much the other thread. I started this one in "Performance Lighting" as a more logical place to talk about the lights themselves for now and for years to come.

 

[nascar113117]

Those Look amazing on your explorer. Mine come in on friday and will definitly have to post pictures after i install mine. What HID brand did u purchase and use?

 

[celly]

Those Look amazing on your explorer. Mine come in on friday and will definitly have to post pictures after i install mine. What HID brand did u purchase and use?

Thanks!

I already had a HID kit (GTHid is the brand). I scored it locally. I just needed H1 bulbs to replace the 9007 I already had. I scored those on eBay. The bulbs seems pretty generics. No brand name on them.

You'll like these lights.