| HID Conversion - Lit Up
Last time we did a high intensity discharge lighting story, which was in the June '05 issue, we illustrated doing a headlight retrofit for the first time. We don't mean it was a first for Honda Tuning-it was literally the first we'd ever done, period. With one projector install under our belt, we figured it was a good time to retro Project RL.
For those who don't know, the RL is Dr's ongoing VIP project car. The reason the RL is a perfect candidate for this story is every luxury car since the beginning of this decade comes stock with some sort of xenon headlights, but Dru's luxo happens to be from 1996, hence no xenons. The vehicle was an obvious candidate.
| Here is our headlight and our makeshift workstation. Anyone for stovetop mac & cheese?
We intend to keep any tech stories about the RL directly relatable to the more popular Hondas that we're used to. Indeed, the same style of headlights we're using can be found in performance cars as well (think NSX or S2000). The enhanced light output can be an invaluable in any low/zero-light situations. Additionally, the parts we're employing can be used to easily install high intensity discharge projector headlights in a great many applications.
Speaking of parts, we sourced the ones for this article from our friends at The Retrofit Source (theretrofitsource.com). The modifications to the projectors were even done by Matt Kossoff, RS's proprietor. Here's how it went.
Projector Project
by Matt Kossoff
Most people rock just halogens. Some step up with plug-and-play HID bulbs. Others roll harder with an OEM retro. But our boy Matt Kossoff from The Retrofit Source is taking it to the next level. Follow as he shows us how to create a projector that a Maybach owner would be jealous of.
The Retrofit Source Parts List
Ballasts
New Denso Gen 2 (used on all new Lexus vehicles)
Bulbs
Philips 85122 D2S 4100K 3200 lumens, 2500 hours lifetime
Projectors
Infiniti FX Bi-Xenon, Clear lens swap, cutoff shield mod
Wire harness
H4 - Bi-xenon plug-n-play