Headlamps - I need opinions

[Slammed0]

I am getting ready to update the nose of my 96 Eclipse. I want the 97 style headlamps, but it looks to me like it would be cheaper to buy a pair of aftermarket lamps then the stock replacements. I don't know much about what is out there? Any suggestions? Links?

Whats up with these "Halo" lights I see around? Are they cool? Light up the road well? Have cheap replacement bulbs?

Any and all info/opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I know everybody has their own style, but I would like some heads up on some things.

 

[TrystanGST]

I think the general consensus here is that aftermarker projectors are less able to light the road than stock pieces. Although there are ways to improve the situation (different bulbs, different projectors, etc). I have aftermarket headlights to go with my 97 conversion, check my gallery if you want pics.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

Just for general knowledge, you can make your own halo lights. ive done it before a few times. The concensus is what he said above, they arent s good. Paint your stock headlights, do somethign to them. but keep them please. They are brighter, thus safer.

 

[Slammed0]

I don't mind the looks of them. How does your light the road?

Anybody have a link to get stock replacements for cheap?

 

[ClevSilverEclip]

BTW, just in case.....

Not sure if you knew or not, and definitely don't mean it as an insult if you knew....... The actual "halos" are not used to light the road - they're decorative only.

Just wanted to be sure.

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That aside:

Typically, CCFL setups for the halos will render them visible during even daytime or with use of HIDs. These are often refered to as "Daytime Demon Eyes" or DDE for short. These are typically more expensive, but do appear more aesthetically pleasing.

With the LED setups, as long as the tube "catches" (i.e. refracts) light well enough, you'll get a very even appearance, but no matter how bright the LED(s), it typically won't be daytime visible, and all but the best setups will not net visibility of the halo effect if used in conjunction with HIDs. Usually referred to as "angel eyes," these units are pretty inexpensive both as self-construction projects as well as buying either just the parts aftermarket as a kit or even as a complete headlight unit.

For the latter two of the LED setups - as an aftermarket kit or as a complete headlight unit - something to look for is the integration of a resistor into the LED wiring. Without, your car's 12V input will more than likely very quickly burn out even the best LED.

-A

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[azdave]

If it helps...

A quick review of some 2Gb projectors I just got from ebay.

Review on my website.


Review on az2gnt

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[Slammed0]

No, I actually didn't know the Halos were just for looks. Thanks for the input though. I am very new at the whole import scene. All I ever did until now was build minitrucks.

Well, i dunno. After reading your site, I like the looks of them but I had no clue you had to cut the stock lamp harness. I dont know that I want to mess with all that. ????

 

[DSMhelex]

do you have an actual HID system in there with ballasts and all or are those just HID Look-alike bulbs?

 

[ClevSilverEclip]

Slammed0,

NP. We've all gotta start somewhere, right? Welcome to the scene, and I do hope you stay a while and enjoy yourself.

But yes, the "halos" do not give off enough light to drive by - not by a long shot, and not even the CCFL tubes (cold-cathode fluorescent), which are "HID-compatible" and are used in DDEs, in the sense that they can be visualized (when looking AT the car from the outside, i.e. "cosmetically") when the HIDs are turned on or even during daytime, are still not nearly bright enough to drive with.

These halos, be they for "angel eyes" or for DDE, are purely cosmetic.

---

One thing I forgot to address is that you asked whether or not the replacement bulbs for the halo rings themselves would be cheap. With CCFLs, it won't be cheap if it's damaged or somehow burned out (unlikely). With LEDs, the bare LEDs themselves are quite cheap and are easily available, but you'll need basic tools and solder skills to replace them. Overall, with LEDs, it's a "beginner" doable job, easily.

Keep in mind, though, that the actual light bulb - what's used in lighting up the road - for the headlight itself will be typical automotive headlight bulbs. This is SEPARATE from the halo ring's lighting. Common applications are 9006, 9005, HB1 and HB2. These are typically just as easy and always just as affordable to replace as with your OEM unit's headlight bulb.

Hope this helps!

-A

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[FireyIce01]

There's a writeup on here about putting HID projectors in those aftermarket projector housings... that's what I would do if you're willing to do a little work, they're brightest lights I've seen, but you need to do the full conversion, ballasts, projectors, etc...

 

[azdave]

do you have an actual HID system in there with ballasts and all or are those just HID Look-alike bulbs?

Yes, I have a true HID system installed with ballasts, starters, etc.

This is the best I have found. I've owned thee systems in various vehicles and the McCulloch is the best for doing conversions in my opinion. Longer cords and separate ballast and ignitors make the installation much easier in tight spots.

HID on Ebay

Small starter mounted just behind headlamp.

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Ballast mounted on frame rail behind bumper with plenty of cord to reach there.

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[TrystanGST]

Like azdave said, HID is certainly an excellent option if you want lots of light. You just have to be willing to put in the work to do the conversion, and most importantly do it properly. Poorly done conversions are the reason HID kits are currently illegal. So if you decide to go that route, do your homework, ask questions, take your time, and do it right.

 

[Slammed0]

Thank You everybody for your input.

 

[pu12en12g]

Yes, I have a true HID system installed with ballasts, starters, etc.

Are you running the Hella H9 or H7 ?

 

[DSMhelex]

azdave
by looking at the pictures on your website, it doesnt look like you retrofitted new projectors into those... Did you? Is it needed for these projectors even though it has the proper cut off and stuff?

 

[azdave]

A lot changes in a week. I was running the aftermarket projectors with a McCulloch HID H1 bulbed kit. Now I'm running a pair of E-55 Bi-Xenon projectors from an Audi. The cut off line on the aftermarket projectors was not bad but nothing like a name brand set of projectors will give you. I realized I could just squeeze in the E-55's that I have owned for over a year but was never able to fit into a stock headlight housing. A good solid weekend of work fixed that.
Now I have a good looking light that has an excellent beam pattern. I gave up the halos to fit the larger projectors but that's fine with me.
Here's what they look like now.

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[ClevSilverEclip]

Love that cut-off.

Ayup - there's nothing like a set of well-designed OEMs.

One of the reasons I bought rjdavis21's TSi from him is because he did his retrofit the right way. Being a flashlight nut (yes, there are others like me out there!), this is one heck of an important thing for me.

BTW, love your car's overall aesthetics - and even more so the details that you've put into lighting and overall night-time presentation. Awesome work!

-A
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PS: I've been thinking about going the CCFL or even "neon string" route (the latter for space-savings and ease of install) but decided against either due to the fact that my front-end is already Ricey enough. Maybe this will be a good thing for you to do now as you've ditched the LEDs anyway!