FX-R HID Retrofit

Oh, ya... Even the Chinese aftermarket hasn't started flooding eBay with '12 yet.

That's what I've been told.
I was figuring the minis would be the way to go... cook the housing, BHLM, install the minis, and put it back together, but a few people have said "don't do it, just get the FX-R from the start"

 

I just upgraded my lights to the FX-R 3.0s and I think they are awesome. They have much better output than the mini D2S and a very uniform beam pattern. I do not know alot about the minis but some of the better points about them over the minis are they use an OEM style D2S bulb, there are no issues with the solenoid for high beams, the cut off is very precise and crisp.

the only difference between Stage III and Stage IV is Stage III uses Morimoto (aftermarket) bulbs and ballasts and Stage IV uses OEM Phillips bulbs and either Denso or Matsushita ballasts which tend to be more reliable and better performing parts.

I would suggest the FX-R stage IV with the OSRAM bulbs I have both Phillips and OSRAMS and they do not even compare in quallity. the Phillips were great but the OSRAMS kick ass, the beam is wider and more uniform as well as the hot spot being more intense and wide as well. The extra money to me is well worth the difference.

as far as the install goes the FX-R is not very difficult. Pulling the headlight apart in the first place is the hardest part. Just take your time and be patient. you may want to pick up a dremal and a hole saw, JB weld, GE silicone II, I think #8x2" long bolts with a phillips end instead of hex for the FX-R 3.0 and #10 for the FX-R 1.1.

The pictures above show how i just dremmaled out the hole where the original bulb was and it works but the ballast can be a little tight when attaching it. the second set i did i drilled i think a 2" or 2.5" hole directly over the original bulb area. the hole saw should just go right over the original bulb area and just catch one side and most of the other. this made it a little easier to attache the ballast.

I also recommend getting 75mm housing caps from TRS as opposed to using the originals

 

Gents, this is very good info! Thanks a bunch. Looks like i'll definitely be getting a new set of headlights to perform this mod.

 

Nice job on the retrofit. I am going to do the FX-R also.

Its hard to tell in the pics. Did you paint the headlight trip piece or is it factory tinted?

If it's factory tinted, do you get any stray light reflecting?

 

I used the original OEM black chrome trim. there is not really any stray light i get more from reflection off water on the ground. the second round which i do not have pics up of i painted the reflector bowl black and the amber reflector black and i think it looks way better.

 

Cool thanks for the info. That's great news, I am going to use OEM black chome on mine. I would love to see pics of your second round if you can post them?

 

heres some pictures i took today. There is a little reflection as you can see on the wall in front of me. only able to be seen when parked close to a wall.

 

WOW, that light is intense! I love it. so, installation wise, you lined everything up so it is square to the reflector bowl, yet, you can still adjust/level the lights with the factory adjustment screws if need be?

 

Thanks for the pics, I like the painted inner bowl with the chrome shroud.

 

yes i at first line up everything square to the lines in the bowl already, then install on truck for final adjustment of the projector to the bowl then jb-weld it on and finish it from there.