Anyone interested in projector retrofits?

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by simonsocm, Oct 17, 2019.

  1. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    I’m in the process of retrofitting EVOX Morimoto Bixenon projectors in my 2015 670 and wanted to see if anyone was interested in the brackets to bolt in the projectors into the factory location?

    I’ve spec’d out everything needed and you could do this between $350-$500 depending on exactly what you want out of your headlights. I can make up wiring diagrams for them if anyone wants. I’ll list below what is all possible.

    Bixenon projector handling both high and low beams
    -won’t need relays but will need a diode wired into an extension harness.
    - 2nd cheapest way of doing it
    -will need warning on dash disabled unless you add two resistors

    Projector for low beam only, leaving factory halogen for high beam.
    -no wiring needed
    -will still need a resistor set or alarms disabled for low beam only
    -cheapest

    Bixenon projector with halogen high beam and projector high beam
    -diode still needed
    -one set of resistors or alarm disabled for dash still needed.
    -can do this without harness but I wouldn’t recommend it.
    -Cost is on the higher end depending on bulbs, ballasts and if you are using relays or not.
    -highest light output possible



    As for brackets to bolt the projectors in, I’m not selling them but can link to an STL file for 3D printed ones (use PETG or Nylon only) or a dxf file for them to be laser cut out.

    As far as parts go here’s what I’d suggest to get. Note: I’ll be designing a bracket set for morimoto D2S 5.0 and morimoto H1 7.0 projectors.

    -50w-55w ballasts (morimoto is a good brand. 35w ballast can be cut send too, they will last longer but will not be as bright.)
    -EVOX Morimoto projectors ( two holes will need to be slotted with a Dremel)
    -2 diodes capable of handling 14+ volts (if needed)
    -relay harness if needed (buy a couple small spools of 12ga wire, weatherproof butt connectors, convoluted tubing and ring terminals to extend the relay harness to your batteries)
    -extension harnesses or hi beam splitters depending on which setup you go with.
    -HID Bulbs
    -Phillips extreme vision gen 2 for the brightest bulbs (4800k color temp which is white with a very very slight yellow tint, OEM bmw and Mercedes color)
    -Morimoto 35w or 55w in whatever color temp you want (3rd place for brightness, almost exactly the same brightness as the Osram CBI bulbs)
    -Osram CBI 6000k (will be white with a slight blue tint, think factory truck LED headlight color. Second brightest just behind the Phillips)





    I’ll be updating this with files and wire diagrams when I stop for the day.
     
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  3. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Why don't you just buy the Deep Space Lighting setup? The quality is excellent and the price is good. I did mine recently and am loving it.
     
  4. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    I wanted a brighter setup and a relay harness while also being able to keep halogen high beams.

    I don’t like the fact that the deep space lighting guys use inferior bulbs and projectors and also don’t use relays. The same setup would cost me $300 total. Where as I can have a better setup for roughly the same price that they want for their kit.

    Don’t get me wrong though, if I didn’t have electrical and CAD experience then I’d use their kit in a heartbeat. I just want to give people other options.
     
  5. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Gotcha. I could make their kit as well but don't have the time and the kit is very well done IMO.

    I'm not sure what you mean about inferior bulbs and projectors. Mine came with Morimoto ballasts and bulbs. Also, if it was any brighter everyone would hate me. I am aimed properly and still get bright lights flashed at me on occasion, mostly on 2 lane backroads. These suckers are 100x better than OEM.
     
  6. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    I stand corrected then as far as bulbs and ballasts then. I do know that the EVOX Morimoto projectors outperform the NHK projectors they use however.

    Glad you’ve had good luck with them!
     
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  7. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I'm happy with what I got but definitely interested in what you do. Keep us posted.
     
  8. 05vnl670

    05vnl670 Light Load Member

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    Just get the replicas oem led lights from ebay, i think they around 650$. No retrofit can beat the light output. I had this setup and it was good but led oem style led are the best. I know they are not original but i know couple people had them for over year and no problems.
     
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  9. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Just yesterday I was agree with both of you. Today morning was surprised with Open circuit left low beam.
    What now? Another $1000 for the light.
    Think I will go back to incandescent.
     
  10. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    Hit a bit of a snag on the adapter brackets. My guy that laser cut the new design didn’t let me know they were done before I went out again. Also this last week I had to swap an injector and do cups. Thatt was a fun experience. As soon as I’m back home I’ll start up on this again.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2019
  11. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    Well I’m finally done designing the projector brackets! They can be laser cut, waterjetted or 3d printed. Current ones in my truck are printed.

    I went away from the relay setup but still think it’s the best way to go. I also decided not to do the halogen high beams in addition to the high beam on the projector but I’m going to test it to see if it works or not as well. Just gotta add in a resistor in the patch harness to make it work.

    I decided on running just the Bixenon projector for both high and low and holy #### it’s a night and day difference. 55w HIDs blow 35w out of the water. I honestly don’t think I’ll need the halogen high beams but I’m gonna try to make them work anyways just because.

    In the next couple days I’ll write up a bit more including wiring diagrams and I’ll post up a DXF file for laser/waterjet and an STL file for 3D printed brackets.
     
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