I just recently finished a set of projector retrofits for my truck.
Purchased my projectors off of
www.theretrofitsource.com
Used a set of FXR 3.0's with 55w 6k D2S bulbs in a universal "diamond cut" 7 in. H4 conversion headlight.
It took a solid amount of work to make that giant projector fit. Had to move both battery trays back approx 2-2.5" to accommodate the projectors.
I haven't driven my truck since they were installed, but they look fantastic from the driveway.
Would definitely go with a smaller set of projectors if I was to do it again, such as the Mini H1 or the Mini D2S projectors.
I have done some searching but the threads I saw were old and didnt answer my questions.
I have done sealed beam conversions with HID's before...
But has anyone used or know anyone that has used the projector lamps? Im just wondering about light output. Does it have a cutoff, like legal/factory HID's? Does it change the light output?
Just as most reflector headlights, each projector design will vary in its characteristics of focus and how the cutoff appears.
Projectors are designed to maximize the use of the light output from a given bulb by having a reflector that is focused with a convex lens. The lens gives a very even output across the entire lit area as well as giving a much wider beam.
If you get a set of Bi-Xenon projectors, all this means is the cutoff shield can be actuated with a built in solenoid to allow for both low and high beam usage. With this setup, you only have a single bulb that never turns off between the lows and highs. Instead, the cutoff shield is either raised or lowered to allow the full use of the HID bulb or limits it to prevent them from blinding oncoming traffic.
Technically speaking, projector retrofits are not DOT approved. Even the LED kits are sold as "offroad-only" meaning that they are also not DOT approved. The chances of you being cited for having non-factory/non-DOT approved equipment is very low. Projectors are widely considered a massive improvement over reflector headlights and lightyears beyond the old style sealed beam headlights.
Light output is dramatically increased as well as beam pattern is greatly changed. Biggest thing that most people take a bit to get used to is the fact that there is virtually zero light output above the cutoff. Meaning that if you were driving in the middle of nowhere with only your lows on, you would see virtually nothing beyond the cutoff of the light. Some factory projectors include a "squirrel finder" this is for a small amount of light to be above the main cutoff to allow for a driver to be able to see any animals that may be beyond the projector cutoff.
Link to the post in my build thread that shows the retrofit headlights mounted on my truck:
TBC's K10
