Diy Ballast OEM-to-Aftermarket conversion
#41
eh
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 355
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I did the install tonight - it went very smoothly - thanks again for the write up!
CL6 - this kit gives you two ballasts and two bulbs for $179 ... way less than OEM. This is my second bad ballast so I thought it was worth it to swap out both. And since I haven't replaced either bulb before tonight I'm happy to have new ones in there.
A couple of comments on the install:
It took me about 3 1/2 hours from start to finish (cleanup included)
I don't think you need 25 Amp fuses with this kit, the instructions suggest 15A (but I noticed afterwards so I've got 25A currently installed).
I used the blue 16 gauge butt connectors and they worked great ... I think most of the wires are 18 guage.
And finally, I ordered the 4300k bulbs and I'm pretty sure they're a bit whiter than the OEM bulbs ... which I'd personally prefer anyways.
I took pictures if anyone wants to see anything from the install but I think PSCANLON99 has all of the key points covered.
CL6 - this kit gives you two ballasts and two bulbs for $179 ... way less than OEM. This is my second bad ballast so I thought it was worth it to swap out both. And since I haven't replaced either bulb before tonight I'm happy to have new ones in there.
A couple of comments on the install:
It took me about 3 1/2 hours from start to finish (cleanup included)
I don't think you need 25 Amp fuses with this kit, the instructions suggest 15A (but I noticed afterwards so I've got 25A currently installed).
I used the blue 16 gauge butt connectors and they worked great ... I think most of the wires are 18 guage.
And finally, I ordered the 4300k bulbs and I'm pretty sure they're a bit whiter than the OEM bulbs ... which I'd personally prefer anyways.
I took pictures if anyone wants to see anything from the install but I think PSCANLON99 has all of the key points covered.
#42
03CLS6spd-NBP/B
Thread Starter
Hey Implicit,
Glad everything worked out for you! I agree with going down to a lower K rating on my headlights. From what I know, 4300 is OEM and closest to "daylight"=white. My 10k's are a little too blue for my liking, 6,000 to me would be best. I only switched the fuse because the instructions told me to, I think it wasn't really needed, but just wanted to follow directions...for once! And yeah, post some pictures up and let me see how it looks! Thanks for the compliment on the right up and peace!
Glad everything worked out for you! I agree with going down to a lower K rating on my headlights. From what I know, 4300 is OEM and closest to "daylight"=white. My 10k's are a little too blue for my liking, 6,000 to me would be best. I only switched the fuse because the instructions told me to, I think it wasn't really needed, but just wanted to follow directions...for once! And yeah, post some pictures up and let me see how it looks! Thanks for the compliment on the right up and peace!
#45
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
http://www.lightwerkz.net/prod_honda.htm
Scroll down. Theyre pricey, but they work.
Or here:
http://www.retrosolutionsllc.com/ser...its/Categories
Scroll down. Theyre pricey, but they work.
Or here:
http://www.retrosolutionsllc.com/ser...its/Categories
#47
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
I dont have any experience with the HID vendors.
#50
What the heck is HID Conversion anyway
I have a 2003 acura tl, and one of my headlights has turned pink. I called the dealership and they told me the bulb alone (just one bulb) would be $200 - just for the part. I am beside myself that it might cost that, plus labor, and even more if they tell me my ballast is bad, blah blah blah. I mean, it's an acura, not a rolls royce. When did headlights get so friggin' expensive?
I'm a single girl. I'm ok with a drill around the house, but I haven't done too much home auto repair. Actually none, but I'm getting pretty mad about this situation and I'm thinkin' I would like to try to fix this myself.
I don't really understand the whole HID conversion kit thing. Please confirm for me that using an aftermarket HID conversion kit, doesn't really convert anything in our already HID equipt cars, but instead just replaces OEM parts with aftermarket? Right, or am I missing something?
I'm debating getting a kit or just trying to replace the bulbs. I might get a kit and just give it to my mechanic and see if he'll install it for me. (girl power, not so much).
Thank you!
PS - I bought a torx screwdriver to see if I could switch the bulbs to test the bad one, then lost my nerve.
I'm a single girl. I'm ok with a drill around the house, but I haven't done too much home auto repair. Actually none, but I'm getting pretty mad about this situation and I'm thinkin' I would like to try to fix this myself.
I don't really understand the whole HID conversion kit thing. Please confirm for me that using an aftermarket HID conversion kit, doesn't really convert anything in our already HID equipt cars, but instead just replaces OEM parts with aftermarket? Right, or am I missing something?
I'm debating getting a kit or just trying to replace the bulbs. I might get a kit and just give it to my mechanic and see if he'll install it for me. (girl power, not so much).
Thank you!
PS - I bought a torx screwdriver to see if I could switch the bulbs to test the bad one, then lost my nerve.
#51
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
If your ballast still works, theres no need to get the aftermarket kit.
Just search around for D2R bulbs. As a matter of fact, Ive got two OEM bulbs that I pulled right before I put in my projectors. I dont know how many hours are on them, but they were still shining white when I pulled them. If you want the pair let me know. You are new here though, so you cant send private messages.
Just search around for D2R bulbs. As a matter of fact, Ive got two OEM bulbs that I pulled right before I put in my projectors. I dont know how many hours are on them, but they were still shining white when I pulled them. If you want the pair let me know. You are new here though, so you cant send private messages.
#52
Thanks for the offer. My mechanic this morning was unable to diagnose the problem and then wanted to charge me $200 to take it apart and diagnose. He said just to go ahead and buy the bulbs. So, I'm going to do that. I found a vendor on ebay, and I'm going to get new bulbs and let him put them in. Fingers crossed that they work!
Still can't believe the exceptional cost of these parts! It's outrageous.
Still can't believe the exceptional cost of these parts! It's outrageous.
#55
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
It will burn the chrome of the reflector. It does that even with most projectors.
#57
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
How old are your bulbs?
#60
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Thats cuz you need projectors
#63
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Dude, I promise you, you're going to burn the chrome of the reflectors. Its not immediate, give it a few months. You'll see.
The following users liked this post:
squarecircle (12-28-2013)
#65
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
They create alot more heat. If you dont believe me, try them out.
#66
Quarantuning
iTrader: (4)
I'm glad this got bumped up as I'm finally going to fix my ballast issue. With the help of this write-up of course. I was able to hold off for as long as possible with the on/off trick, but now it won't work at all.
Civicdrivr you recommended to me those DDM Tuning kits in your projector thread. So I checked them out and they look legit. Great prices too!
I'm going to get the 35w kit. You guys above ^ are crazy to think nothing bad is going to happen with the 55w kit. I had some chrome on my housing come off by barely rubbing it when putting my lights back together. Good luck with that.You want brighter do a retrofit.
Quick question civic while your in here: Should I go with the Raptor kit, or the slim kit? Price is only $10 difference, I have TSX projectors too. Thanks man.
Edit: I was posting this while watching the new David Blane special. Civic you are hilarious! Didn't see your sig... That's crazy!
Civicdrivr you recommended to me those DDM Tuning kits in your projector thread. So I checked them out and they look legit. Great prices too!
I'm going to get the 35w kit. You guys above ^ are crazy to think nothing bad is going to happen with the 55w kit. I had some chrome on my housing come off by barely rubbing it when putting my lights back together. Good luck with that.You want brighter do a retrofit.
Quick question civic while your in here: Should I go with the Raptor kit, or the slim kit? Price is only $10 difference, I have TSX projectors too. Thanks man.
Edit: I was posting this while watching the new David Blane special. Civic you are hilarious! Didn't see your sig... That's crazy!
Last edited by SlickShiftNall6; 06-20-2010 at 09:58 PM.
#67
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
DDM FTMFW. The lifetime warranty on the ballasts and bulbs is unheard of in the industry. Both kits are good. Its up to you. The Raptor kit really isnt that large to begin with.
And yea, the chrome on the stock reflectors is very fragile. Even most projector reflectors have a hard time handling 55w kits.
BTW, Im starting my next retro
#68
Quarantuning
iTrader: (4)
Yeah I didn't see a real difference in the 2 kits performance wise, more of a size thing. You seem to be really on top of things around here dude
Your car is looking sick btw...
That David Blane thing was just wierd. Was watching his magic show and then looked over at the screen and I did a crazy double-take, then read your sig and lol ensued.
Your car is looking sick btw...
That David Blane thing was just wierd. Was watching his magic show and then looked over at the screen and I did a crazy double-take, then read your sig and lol ensued.
#69
Registered Abuser
iTrader: (1)
I'm glad this got bumped up as I'm finally going to fix my ballast issue. With the help of this write-up of course. I was able to hold off for as long as possible with the on/off trick, but now it won't work at all.
Civicdrivr you recommended to me those DDM Tuning kits in your projector thread. So I checked them out and they look legit. Great prices too!
I'm going to get the 35w kit. You guys above ^ are crazy to think nothing bad is going to happen with the 55w kit. I had some chrome on my housing come off by barely rubbing it when putting my lights back together. Good luck with that.You want brighter do a retrofit.
Quick question civic while your in here: Should I go with the Raptor kit, or the slim kit? Price is only $10 difference, I have TSX projectors too. Thanks man.
Edit: I was posting this while watching the new David Blane special. Civic you are hilarious! Didn't see your sig... That's crazy!
Civicdrivr you recommended to me those DDM Tuning kits in your projector thread. So I checked them out and they look legit. Great prices too!
I'm going to get the 35w kit. You guys above ^ are crazy to think nothing bad is going to happen with the 55w kit. I had some chrome on my housing come off by barely rubbing it when putting my lights back together. Good luck with that.You want brighter do a retrofit.
Quick question civic while your in here: Should I go with the Raptor kit, or the slim kit? Price is only $10 difference, I have TSX projectors too. Thanks man.
Edit: I was posting this while watching the new David Blane special. Civic you are hilarious! Didn't see your sig... That's crazy!
#71
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Thats very odd because when I put low adhesive painters tape on my first set of headlights the chrome peeled off with the tape
#75
Great DIY, super helpful for any conversion. Not to mention I saved a bundle compared to taking it to the stealership.
FYI- make sure you check your clearance of the cord coming out of the housing of the before you drill your holes.
FYI- make sure you check your clearance of the cord coming out of the housing of the before you drill your holes.
#80
Is there any way to upload the pics from this DIY? All I need to know is if I need to cut the old wire going to the old ballast(has a gray adapter at the end) and then splice that into the new wiire running from new ballast? Also where to mount new ballast? Thank you