I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac Some of you heard about this a couple months ago when I started gathering knowledge and parts to get this project done. Today I finally got off my lazy *** and put it all together. The trim plates are still sitting in the sheetmetal shop and I'm not exactly sure how I want to use those yet.
For those interested: Total parts cost is about $450. I used a "custom" DOT-compliant 90mm projector unit and modified the backplate for an H7 HID rebase. I can get these projectors in a high-lumen halogen version for under $150/pair, but I'm afraid there may be some clearance issues with the bulb base as the headlight unit rotates into position. Using the electronics I selected, there are no clearance problems and the system is almost completely stealth from under the hood.
Right now I am not offering this system for sale until the demand for these picks up. I also don't want to release any info about the vendors I used, but I am more than willing to help someone along with the install. The retrofit doesn't require much technical skill (aside from basic 12V electronics knowledge) but there is some cutting and drilling involved. If removed, the modifications allow you to return to stock without any visible evidence that the headlight bucket was tampered with.
Before I write up any install documentation, I'd like to "practice" the install and take more pictures of the process. If someone local to me (D/FW, TX) wants these headlights, please E-mail or PM me and we can work something out so I can photograph the process.
Pics of the projectors
For those interested: Total parts cost is about $450. I used a "custom" DOT-compliant 90mm projector unit and modified the backplate for an H7 HID rebase. I can get these projectors in a high-lumen halogen version for under $150/pair, but I'm afraid there may be some clearance issues with the bulb base as the headlight unit rotates into position. Using the electronics I selected, there are no clearance problems and the system is almost completely stealth from under the hood.
Right now I am not offering this system for sale until the demand for these picks up. I also don't want to release any info about the vendors I used, but I am more than willing to help someone along with the install. The retrofit doesn't require much technical skill (aside from basic 12V electronics knowledge) but there is some cutting and drilling involved. If removed, the modifications allow you to return to stock without any visible evidence that the headlight bucket was tampered with.
Before I write up any install documentation, I'd like to "practice" the install and take more pictures of the process. If someone local to me (D/FW, TX) wants these headlights, please E-mail or PM me and we can work something out so I can photograph the process.
Pics of the projectors
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, CA
Re: I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac Those are some nice lights bro, i give you alot of credit for all the custom work! Good job! I too am considering doing this, however, since i work for lexus, i can simply steal a set of ballasts and bulbs off a wrecked car like many of the other guys at my work have done.. i just havent gotten my chance yet. I will be doing the same conversion, accept on my SS, should be easier keeping the same headlight assembly. Only issue will be getting the bulbs to mount into the old bulb mounts. Ill probably end up doing something stupid and rigging it in there... hope it looks alright... hehe....
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
Re: I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac Lucky you... you can simply pop a 9006 rebase in your headlight assemblies. Problem with the Camaro is the beam pattern--you're using a different burner in an optic designed for halogen. To get the beam pattern correct, you MUST make sure the HID capsule fits in the same position as the filament would with the 9006 bulb. Even if this is done, you'll still have poor beam cutoff, a possible glare problem, and the beam pattern will not be any better than stock... just more lumens at a higher color temp.
Try to get some export headlights- ECE units have great beam patterns and lend to HID use better than DOT halogen optics. If you do fit the D2S burner from the Lexus, you will have to glue the base in or find some way to get it to fit securely. You'll probably also have a color problem, as the seldom-seen bottom half of the HID capsule contains salts which produce a greenish/yellow light. It's this part which the glare shield blocks off in OEM HID optics, making the light appear blue/violet. Let me know if you have any questions.
Try to get some export headlights- ECE units have great beam patterns and lend to HID use better than DOT halogen optics. If you do fit the D2S burner from the Lexus, you will have to glue the base in or find some way to get it to fit securely. You'll probably also have a color problem, as the seldom-seen bottom half of the HID capsule contains salts which produce a greenish/yellow light. It's this part which the glare shield blocks off in OEM HID optics, making the light appear blue/violet. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
Re: I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac Those projectors probably would NOT fit in the foglight holes of the Camaro without having to create some custom brackets for them... even so, they would be a waste to use in the fog light location, given the mounting height of the foglight. These projectors are the same unit the BMW X5 uses and are intended for HID low-beam use only. The stock Camaro foglights are pretty decent projector units and overwatt/colored bulbs could be used in the Camaro fog light if desired. I changed the fog lights in my TA out for some metal/glass Blazertech 3300 driving lights with an H3 bulb.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Plano, TX
Re: I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac Good question; I don't know where to find the export stuff for the Camaro. The factory DOT-spec optics aren't really bad, but complex reflector-based optics generally don't perform well with an HID kit. Experiment!
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Re: I finished my HID projector conversion for the Pontiac like the idea... i was always into doing the HID conversion its just that I never found a conversion for less that $1000 which is too much.
Also do you think that the HID system will work with stock or similar lenses? I keep noticing that people with HIDs on their TA keep doing it with circle lenses.. is that just for show or is it only duable with circle lenses?
Also do you think that the HID system will work with stock or similar lenses? I keep noticing that people with HIDs on their TA keep doing it with circle lenses.. is that just for show or is it only duable with circle lenses?
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Probably the same place I got mine: Rally Lights
BTW, thanks for finding this thread. Its now added to the Lighting FAQ. For more info on projectors and HID, check out the Lighting FAQ. There are other projectors with better output (ex: Morimoto Mini & FX), but they aren't as easy to install in an exposed location like the Firebird (you'll have to make a housing to contain them, like the BLS kit has).
BTW, thanks for finding this thread. Its now added to the Lighting FAQ. For more info on projectors and HID, check out the Lighting FAQ. There are other projectors with better output (ex: Morimoto Mini & FX), but they aren't as easy to install in an exposed location like the Firebird (you'll have to make a housing to contain them, like the BLS kit has).
Last edited by VIP1; Apr 14, 2011 at 11:48 AM.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Shows the Search function works. Its better to continue an old thread than to start a new thread which may not contain as much information or be as helpful.
These projectors are still available.
These projectors are still available.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 516
Likes: 1
Does anyone know where I can get smoked lights that will fit a 7Hx6W opening. I want to replace the amber/clear ones in the car and i cant find anything. I dont care if I have to make a custom bracket as I am leaning towards that. The lights can be 7x3 or I can mod to fit. Thanks
