Retrofit #2: Better and more expensive

Zero-Defect · May 13, 2009

You can either read and feel the flow of beginning to end, or just click here and see all the pics.

Well, I've been leavin hints here and there for about 2 months now that I've had a new retrofit in the works. Most of you know me because of my first retro with S2k's and the ion lenses (nudge nudge bdeitemeyer lol). Now I'll have probably the most unique (at least till I'm outdone) one on here. You can give a thumbs up or thumbs down on any part u like/dislike, just let your opinions flow cus that's what 6GA is all about. So, without further ado, here is the list of parts (and a few teaser pics) to keep you in suspense till I pick them up and install them Friday.

Labor 325
E46 shrouds 125
S2000 projectors 375
TSX lenses 70
Blue CCFL angel eyes 75
OEM color match housing 80
Type 2 dual color 60 M-SMT LED 1157 bulbs 54.99
LED flasher blinker fix 16.59
Custom 4-chip white superflux LED strip 275 (speak to Rich at HID Illusionz for this part)
Clear headlights 92

Total: 1488.58

Keep in mind, that list is technically not complete because the LED strip will be controlled by a fog light switch from an aftermarket pair of headlights that I'm using temporarily, and the harness from the ebay fogs I had. To control the angel eyes, I'll be using a rocker switch from Oznium. So, those of you coming this Saturday to either the Mercer Park meet, or to HIN will get to see them in person. If any of you are coming to the meet at Orchard Beach on Sunday will see them too. Now for a visual taste

These are pics I took when I was testing out the LED strips

I brought them down to Caesar (Lightwerkz) and we put them in the new headlight lenses... just one of them lit up the entire basement. That's all for now, when I pick them up, the photographic obsession will truly begin. So, let the opinions begin

*Update*
Well I picked up the headlights today and spent like an hour and a half down there. I was taking pictures, hanging out while they were finished, etc. Haven't installed them yet, but hopefully I will either this weekend or latest Monday. Anyways, you can say what you want about the way they look, I'll take the good and the bad, whatever input you've got. So, let the photos begin!

They're installed and aimed now

Still have some wiring to do but you can at least appreciate some good ole' cutoff pics

finch13 · May 13, 2009

I like everything except for the angel eyes, but I won't judge until I see the finished project.

One thing I don't understand is, what good is it having S2k projectors with TSX-R lenses? Isn't the lens what defines the light pattern? Why no just swap the R lenses into color modded TSX projectors? I'm assuming the S2k projectors have a sharper cutoff? Fill me in, I'm curious.

Big :thumbup:

from me!

Zero-Defect · May 13, 2009

TSX are nice in terms of sharpness and color, but the S2K is god as far as most are concerned. So the S2K's with the TSX-R lens swap means you get the width, and the sharper cutoff. I'll be taking plenty of cutoff pics once I get them in, and since my first retro had the S2K's w/o the swap, comparison pics will be shown too.

CG6Lemon · May 13, 2009

o crap. i think u got the sickest headlight set up now... :hide:

finch13 · May 13, 2009

Most expensive mod to get destroyed in an accident first award goes to.... you! :goyou:

I get what you're saying about the projectors though. Not to try and go too far off topic, but what's the big debate with smooth lenses over fresnel lenses?

Zero-Defect · May 13, 2009

As sick as it will be, I gotta say the best part are the strips. They def make the headlights what they are. And I'm the first with them. Yeah someone on here has an amber strip from Rich, but those have the 2 chip LEDs. I specifically ordered the 4 chip and him and the guy Mike who works with him were both completely blown away by their brightness lol. Audi better watch out :hide:

Raymond · May 13, 2009

$1500 for headlights? No thanks.

Should look interesting though.

Zero-Defect · May 13, 2009

finch13 said:
Most expensive mod to get destroyed in an accident first award goes to.... you!

I get what you're saying about the projectors though. Not to try and go too far off topic, but what's the big debate with smooth lenses over fresnel lenses?

Well I already got into an accident with my first pair, thus why the new pair lol. And clear lenses vs fresnel is as simple as this, go smudge a pair of glasses and see if it's as easy to see through lol. Clear lenses mean sharper output and all-around better lighting.

00AccordGuy · May 14, 2009

Im also wondering how the angel eyes are going to work. That is a lot of money to dump into a retro but im sure in the end it will be worth it :boink:

Zero-Defect · May 14, 2009

They're gonna be "for show", like if I'm bored n feel like staring into some "blue eyes" lmao nah I'm just kiddin lol. The fact is, the insurance is actually payin for 800 of it, and I'm re-using the S2K projector and E46 shroud from my first retro, so I'm almost not payin anything for it (almost).