Bane's Retro Projector Thread

[Zephbane]

So, it's that time. Projectors are to begotten. But damn if it isnt a hard decision. You all have some wonderful retros. I've been looking at a lot of different setups. And now I need to make a decision (Cesar is probably getting tired of me asking questions lol). If I'm gonna throw down cash for a nice set of retro's. I want them done right, and look amazing. I hate buyers remorse!.

Here's my tentitive setup. (06 Si, NHBP, Full Body Kit, Fogs, etc)
-Headlight Housing Blacked Out.
-Amber Turn Signals - Partially Blacked (Refer to Dual Projector Pic Below)
-Honda S2000 Projectors
-BMW E46 Chrome Shrouds
-Philips D2S 85122+ bulbs
-Denso Ballasts
-PnP Wire Harness

I'm wanting Dual Projectors as seen here.
So now ensues a slew of questions.

1) What functionality will the Hi-Beam projectors have? Do they also serve as DRLS, and if so, isnt that harmful to the bulbs and such from constantly being on during the day time.

2) If I were to go with a similar setup, what ballasts would be recommended. 35w for lows and 55w for highs?

3) Same question for bulbs. Philips D2S 85122+ bulbs x4?

4) This would require 2 wiring harnesses correct? 2 projectors per harness.

5) What kind of strain would this setup put on the electrical system? Would a bigger battery or even a bigger alternator be recommended?

Suggestions, comments and critiques are welcome.

[Xenin]

you'd be like the Benz that has 4 projectors for each headlight, lol.

[Zephbane]

Lol - Thats overkill! :) But seriously. I like the look for the dual projectors. Wonder if the E46's would fit in the Hi-Beam area.

[Xenin]

Originally Posted by Zephbane

Lol - Thats overkill! :) But seriously. I like the look for the dual projectors. Wonder if the E46's would fit in the Hi-Beam area.

depending on which E46 shroud you get maybe, but the outter part of the shroud would have to be cut to fit in there. better off getting an MDX or S2K shroud unless you want both to match.

[Zephbane]

Originally Posted by Xenin

depending on which E46 shroud you get maybe, but the outter part of the shroud would have to be cut to fit in there. better off getting an MDX or S2K shroud unless you want both to match.

I would want them both to match. And I really like the E46's. Although the others do look nice, the ones in the pic above are MDX's, if I'm not mistaken, and those look pretty good. Just a little to steep of a cone angle.

[SiConvert887]

Something Bjorn from customlightz mentioned once in a thread was that he could retro a halogen projector into the high beam area, so you still have they projector look + the projector functionality (which would be less than an HID projector high beam but how often do you use your highs?). The benefits would also include not having a second wiring harness, you can just plug in your old high beam bulb and your good to go. Plus you can retain DRL's as well and those DRL's would likely look bad ass coming from a projector. Its what i've been considering if I can save enough over summer for a retrofit, its next on my list after a reflash!

Its something to think about, I think its a great idea and if you do it please please post up some pics so I can see how it looks!

[Tim]

I wouldn't recommend a dual projector, as it's redundant. I'd go with a nice bi-xenon projector. Keep your halogen reflector for a separate high beam/DRL. That's how the vast majority of the OEM manufacturers have done it. If you really want to go nuts, use a dedicated halogen projector for the highs as he said.

[striker_1818]

Originally Posted by Tim

I wouldn't recommend a dual projector, as it's redundant. I'd go with a nice bi-xenon projector. Keep your halogen reflector for a separate high beam/DRL. That's how the vast majority of the OEM manufacturers have done it. If you really want to go nuts, use a dedicated halogen projector for the highs as he said.

you crazy tim
bixenin on the low beam portion and single xenon on the high beam portion. All 4 running on low beam mode and when you need your hi-beams, the shutter on the bixenon projector on the low beam area would be activated along with your singlexenon projectors.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by striker_1818

you crazy tim
bixenin on the low beam portion and single xenon on the high beam portion. All 4 running on low beam mode and when you need your hi-beams, the shutter on the bixenon projector on the low beam area would be activated along with your singlexenon projectors.

No. THAT'S crazy.

I don't see how that would improve visibility proportionate to the cost or effort. AND you lose your DRL, which actually decreases your visibility to others.

[striker_1818]

Originally Posted by Tim

No. THAT'S crazy.

I don't see how that would improve visibility proportionate to the cost or effort. AND you lose your DRL, which actually decreases your visibility to others.

samething as most cars not having drl's which during rainy conditions, by law, your headlights are supposed to be on.

[Zephbane]

Originally Posted by Tim

I wouldn't recommend a dual projector, as it's redundant. I'd go with a nice bi-xenon projector. Keep your halogen reflector for a separate high beam/DRL. That's how the vast majority of the OEM manufacturers have done it. If you really want to go nuts, use a dedicated halogen projector for the highs as he said.

And really, what I'm ultimately going for is style and looks, while maintaining functionality. I like the look of dual projectors.

So S2K Lows and a Halogen Projector for highs? This maintains DRLS, Highbeams for when they're needed, and gives it the look of dual projectors.

Since I've owned my Si (May of 06), I've used the high beams a whopping ZERO times. :) Highs dont serve much of a purpose in the city.

[Tim]

If that's what you want, then yes. That's the way to go. Halogen high beam projectors are cheap and readily available.

[SiConvert887]

Originally Posted by Zephbane

And really, what I'm ultimately going for is style and looks, while maintaining functionality. I like the look of dual projectors.

So S2K Lows and a Halogen Projector for highs? This maintains DRLS, Highbeams for when they're needed, and gives it the look of dual projectors.

Since I've owned my Si (May of 06), I've used the high beams a whopping ZERO times. :) Highs dont serve much of a purpose in the city.

Exactly, i've never used my high beams either, they are only useful in back-country roads where there are no street lamps but even then your retrofit is going to give you plenty of visibility over stock already.

Def post pics if/when you get your retrofit done. I've been thinking of using something like Nokya Yellows or Halo Platinum Whites with a halogen projector for DRLs, I think either of those combos would look pure sex.

[trickyazn]

lol he posted up pictues of my quad retros..

[Zephbane]

Originally Posted by trickyazn

lol he posted up pictues of my quad retros..

They're hot looking.

Would you mind PM'ing me with your setup please? I'd be very interested in what you've done.