Which HID Projector To Use: HELLA 90MM or E46

[badazzta00]

I am doing a custom HID conversion on my 2000 Trans Am. I've already got a set of Ballast and Bulbs(D2S) out of an Acura. Which projector (housing only) should I use: a Hella 90mm or a Bosch E46, and where can I find a housing for the setup or does anyone know of someone thats makea them. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[VIP1]

Since you started a thread on this, I'll copy-and-paste my PM responses here:

Originally Posted by badazzta00

Which housings would be the best to use for low beams: Hella 90mm or Bosch E46? I've already got mitsubishi 2910 ballast and D2R bulbs. Are these any good? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

D2R bulbs are intended for an OEM HID Reflector (rare). You need D2S for HID Projectors.

The Hella 90mm projectors I have use a H9 bulb which means that you'd have to modify them to use a D2S (which from what I've read isn't that hard) or use a re-based H9 HID kit (which is what I did). Hella does make a D2S version of the 90mm projector and I think it comes with ballasts and bulbs but it costs a lot more than just about any other setup.

The Bosch E46 is a better projector, but its quite "open" and you'll have to seal it up in some way for use in a Firebird's popups.

The FX projector is a little smaller and easier to work with than the Bosche E46 and some say it has better output. It also has bi-xenon capability, but you don't have to wire that up. There are "clear" lensed FX projectors and "frosted" lens FX projectors. The clear lens gives a sharper cut-off with less light over the cut-off. The frosted lens gives a slightly blurry cut-off with a little more light over the cut-off. The frosted lens can light up signs better and that is the one I prefer. Some people are nuts over having a super-sharp cut off and insist on clear lenses, but I'd rather see better. The FX should be a bit easier to seal up, but you should still encase it in a housing of some sort or at least seal it from the elements.

Check out the Lighting FAQ (on here): Lighting FAQ
And check out HID Planet: http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/
(I'm on there too with the same screen name)
For more info on those projectors (and others) and installations.

The Lighting FAQ has an installation using a FX projector on a late-4th-gen Firebird.
Trans Am/Firebird Lexan Projector adapters..No 56K
Its a fairly nice-looking install, but I still think the projector needed better sealing. (and maybe a front projective lens.... but that would be much more work)
Like this: 93-97 Firebird Bi-Xenon FX Projector Retro-fit ***UPDATED W/ WRITE-UP***
(although the holes in the back and top should be sealed (with maybe a small vent near the lower back so the lens doesn't fog up).

There are also some other projector options (TSX, S2K, LS430). Prices, projector size, availability, and mounting options vary widely amongst them.

If you are looking for an easier install, I'd recommend the Hella 90mm.

If you are looking for a better projector that is easier to install than some others, I'd recommend the FX or TSX.

If you are looking for the best projector, I'd recommend the S2K or LS430 (good luck with price and fitment though... the LS430 is huge and S2K are hard-to-find and expensive).

When you do the install, please take pics and start a thread. I'll add it to the Lighting FAQ.

Originally Posted by badazzta00

What do you consider some of the better projectors that would work on the firebirds and Trans Ams. In one of your post on hidplanet.com, http://hidplanet.com/forums/viewtopi...firebird+trans, you say that there are better projectors than the Hella 90mm. Im looking for a set that would worlk on my mitsubishi ballast and D2R bulbs(out of an acura CL i believe). Sorry about all the questions. But I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

The Hella 90mm projector isn't bad. Its just that there are projectors with better output available. It is the easiest to get and install though. I have them and I'm happy. Although, if I were doing it again, I'd take a second look at the FX and TSX projectors.

[2002_Z28_Six_Speed]

I am thinking about going for the Hella DE's. They are really easy to find and self enclosed!

Definetly post pics of your project though.

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by 2002_Z28_Six_Speed

I am thinking about going for the Hella DE's. They are really easy to find and self enclosed!

Definetly post pics of your project though.

Those are fog lights and produce a fog light beam pattern. You'll sacrifice distance for width.

[badazzta00]

Originally Posted by VIP1

Those are fog lights and produce a fog light beam pattern. You'll sacrifice distance for width.

Thats what I thought. I am looking for some low beams and possibly some high beams. Would it be possible to use OE Projectors (Mercerdes, Acura's, BMW's, etc) for an HID conversion on my Trans Am? Thanks

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by badazzta00

Thats what I thought. I am looking for some low beams and possibly some high beams. Would it be possible to use OE Projectors (Mercerdes, Acura's, BMW's, etc) for an HID conversion on my Trans Am? Thanks

That is exactly what I am talking about in my previous posts
Bosch E46 = BMW 3 or 5 series (I forget which)
FX = Infinit FX35/45
TSX = Acura TSX
LS430 = Lexus LS430
S2K = Honda S2000
They are designed to be encapsulated inside a housing though, so you'll have to figure out a way to seal them op or encapsulate them.

[SlvrFormula]

Originally Posted by VIP1

Bosch E46 = BMW 3 or 5 series (I forget which)

3 series, would be cool to see some HID firebirds though.

[badazzta00]

Oh ok, I've only recently started looking up HID's for the TA. I've seen some for like $350, but I was told that they're probably not true HID's and they don't compare to a good custom setup. Anyone who has a similar set-up on a Trans Am or Firebird please feel free to chime in or if you can either post some pics of send them to badazzta@hotmail.com. Thanks

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by badazzta00

Anyone who has a similar set-up on a Trans Am or Firebird please feel free to chime in or if you can either post some pics of send them to badazzta@hotmail.com. Thanks

Check out the Lighting FAQ for some installs.
Lighting FAQ

This topic specifically:
"Projectors - Firebird"
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showpo...88&postcount=5

[badazzta00]

Anyone that has does this or a similar conversion please post or send to badazzta@hotmail.com. Thanks.

[DirtyBird222]

i had both (in the garage) and decided to go with the 90mm just because it would have such a pain in the ass to get the E46s to work. I used an Hella 90mm H7. Bought H7 to D2S adapters and made a custom bulb holder (the spring clip for the H7 bulb wouldn't work like it should have.

[VIP1]

Originally Posted by badazzta00

Anyone that has does this or a similar conversion please post or send to badazzta@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Have you looked at the Lighting FAQ?

[VIP1]

badazzta00, Did you do the upgrade?

[badazzta00]

not yet, I'm still trying to find the right projector set-up. I'm think I'm going to go with something like DirtyBird's set-up. It looks like it fits pretty good.

[VIP1]

I also have the Hella 90mm projectors:



Although I used the H9 version instead of the H7 version because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go HID right away and the H9 bulb has a higher output than the H7 bulb. If you intend to go HID, the H7 version that DirtyBird00 got, may be better because you can install a OEM D2S HID setup in it using an adapter available on ebay. To put HID in the H9 version, you'd need a H9 HID Kit (like I did) or modify the back of the projector to accept a D2S bulb (which some have done).

Check out the Lighting FAQ for more info on my install.
Lighting FAQ

[badazzta00]

thanks for everyone's help

[DirtyBird222]

no prob man. if you need any help just shoot an im or pm