93-97 Firebird Bi-Xenon FX Projector Retro-fit ***UPDATED W/ WRITE-UP***

[MOE_TAWS6]

it sucks i used bigger projectors. Now i have to cut away part of the radiator support behind the headlights...

it's never going to end....lol

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by MOE_TAWS6

i used bigger projectors.

Which projectors?

[Blackbirdws6]

Plexiglass/acryllic works much better than lexan if trying to thermoform something. Lexan gets bubbles very easily when heated quickly without curing.

[Nova5]

I think I'm going to go the easy route and put clear headlight covers on. Same thing as the blackouts just clear. I just have to build the blocker plate to hide the stuff behind the light bay.

[MOE_TAWS6]

Originally Posted by VIP1

Which projectors?

E60 Projectors. Out of an 08 5 series bimmer. Im starting a thread now. I'll post the link here when im done.

[MOE_TAWS6]

Bi-xenon projector Retrofit on my 95 TA, with pics

[Jeep_junkie]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

Wiring Harness - Again, I had someone make this for me but here is a good way of making one if you choose. It was made so everything was a plug and play ordeal with the proper ballast, projector and H4 plug.

What's the amperage rating of the diode and how is it wired? I'm assuming the side without the stripe is grounded.

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by Jeep_junkie

What's the amperage rating of the diode and how is it wired? I'm assuming the side without the stripe is grounded.

Looking at the diagram, both sides are positive. In the diagram, Yellow is high beam, blue is low beam. I'm guessing the stripe indicates direction. A diode only allows power to flow in one direction (basically, it prevents back-flow).

In a dual filament bulb system, when high beam is activated, power is cut to the low beam. Therefore, only one filament is lit at any given time. This harness will keep power to both low and high when high is activated because the high and low are bridged with the diode. This diode's orientation only allows the power to flow from high beam to low beam so when the low beams are activated, power can't back flow to the high beam. This keeps the HID system powered regardless of whether the low beam or high beam is active and when the high beam is active the bi-xenon shutter in the projector is moved to allow the projector to produce a high beam pattern.

[Jeep_junkie]

Originally Posted by VIP1

Looking at the diagram, both sides are positive. In the diagram, Yellow is high beam, blue is low beam.

Duh that was obvious! My bad, I'm a bit hungover and not 100% operational today lol!

Any idea what kind of diode was used in this setup?

[VIP1]

I added more to my post while you responded. Check it out and let me know if it makes sense.

[Jeep_junkie]

Originally Posted by VIP1

Looking at the diagram, both sides are positive. In the diagram, Yellow is high beam, blue is low beam. I'm guessing the stripe indicates direction. A diode only allows power to flow in one direction (basically, it prevents back-flow).

In a dual filament bulb system, when high beam is activated, power is cut to the low beam. Therefore, only one filament is lit at any given time. This harness will keep power to both low and high when high is activated because the high and low are bridged with the diode. This diode's orientation only allows the power to flow from high beam to low beam so when the low beams are activated, power can't back flow to the high beam. This keeps the HID system powered regardless of whether the low beam or high beam is active and when the high beam is active the bi-xenon shutter in the projector is moved to allow the projector to produce a high beam pattern.

Oh ok, I get it now - the diode is essentially a one way valve. I now need to figure out what the diode should be rated for E46 projectors with 80w H7 halogen bulbs (too poor to afford HIDs right now, so I'm modding H7 bulbs to fit the D2S projectors). I will use this schematic to build a heavy duty circuit to deliver power to the bulbs directly from the alternator. I know the factory wiring will melt under an 80w load, so it will just provide the trigger signal for the relay.

[VIP1]

80w bulbs will put out a lot of heat. That may damage the projectors which are intended for D2S.

[VIP1]

You can get a cheap D2S HID kit from DDM Tuning for $85. I say "cheap" because they are reproduction bulbs and not OEM bulbs like Phillips or Hella which cost more and are better quality.

[Jeep_junkie]

Originally Posted by VIP1

You can get a cheap D2S HID kit from DDM Tuning for $85. I say "cheap" because they are reproduction bulbs and not OEM bulbs like Phillips or Hella which cost more and are better quality.

Yeah I intend on going for a similar HID kit as soon as I can but I am all tapped out right now. The E46 projectors I have look pretty heavy duty. The reflector bowl is all metal, aluminum probably. I thought HID capsules gave off a lot more heat than halogens

[VIP1]

Standard 35 watt HID capsules put out the same or less than a standard 55 watt Halogen bulb (typically less).

[Nova5]

Also be aware that the E46's are chromed on the inside from what i remember on mine. To much heat will cause flaking.

[VIP1]

Are they real electroplate chrome or the other kind (hydroform I think)? Real electroplate chrome can handle more heat than the other kind. Also, from what I remember, e46 projectors are quite open so its less of an issue, but still something for concern.

[Jeep_junkie]

I plan on using the H7 halogens temporarily only, until I get some moola set aside for a cheap HID kit. I don't do long night drives anyway, no more than 30 minutes at a stretch, so hopefully heat shouldn't be much of an issue. FWIW, I've used 120w H3 halogen bulbs in cheap Chinese driving lights for hours on end in an offroad vehicle and never once had any problems with damage to the reflectors, lenses or wiring. I hope these Bosch projectors are better built :p

[1994formulalt1]

can you message me what bulbs you have in your front turn signals? i know i need to get a clear housing but idk which bulb to get to have that look