3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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H.I.D. kit with retrofit projectors installation help...2001 Toyota Camry
Hello,
I have a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and I am considering installing an HID kit with projectors. So I have a few questions as how to get started...
Here is some information about my car...
It currently is equipped with SilverStar Ultra halogen low and high beam bulbs. The lighting is still very dissapointing...visibility ahead, above, below and side to side is NOT what I expected. My current lenses are still hazy and scratched AFTER cleaning them myself with a lens cleaning system...where can I purchase high quality lenses at a decent price???
My low beams are 9006 and my high beams are 9005. They are seperate bulbs, so there is NO "hi/lo" setting to where I would need a "bi-xenon" kit. I do, however have automatic head-on/off lights as well as daytime running lights, which are my HIGH BEAMS only, at a low power state.
After much consideration, I have decided to switch to HIDs but first I need a few questions to be answered...I have decided upon 4500-5000K brightness for maximum visibility and I really prefer 55 watt over 35 watt......I also will be having projectors installed, to avoid blinding motorists and police.
1.) Can this conversion be done successfully on my particular vehicle without damaging important electrical components such as wiring and the housing...?
2.) What can I do to ensure that I install my projectors properly without damaging anything? Are there projectors with lenses equipped for sale online?
3.) Which projectors are the best quality, without a crazy price tag? I don't mind spending money, but nothing too drastic.
4.) Is DDM tuning a quality-based, reliable company??? Are their HID kits of good quality and brightness? What about Retro Solutions?...
5.) Will 55 watt HID bulbs overheat in my patricular housing? Is there a certain type of housing I can acquire to prevent this situation from happening?
6.) Will I need special harnessing and a relay system for my Toyota Camry to ensure maximum efficiency and operation?
7.) Where may I purchase new lenses with the correct size housing installed with it that will support my HIDs? Are Amazon and eBay valid websites to search for them?
8.) Should I have HIDs and projectors installed for my high beams?
Also, which projectors are best for a retro fit? I keep seeing Lexus, S2000, and BMW projectors being mentioned as "excellent quality", but I'm not sure if they would work in my car. If anyone could make me a list of the kits and where to find them cheaper, such as on Amazon, eBay, etc...it would be most appreciative. Thank you to everyone for your help!
Any other advice, comments, tips, hints and experience is most appreciative. Thank you very much for your time!
I have a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and I am considering installing an HID kit with projectors. So I have a few questions as how to get started...
Here is some information about my car...
It currently is equipped with SilverStar Ultra halogen low and high beam bulbs. The lighting is still very dissapointing...visibility ahead, above, below and side to side is NOT what I expected. My current lenses are still hazy and scratched AFTER cleaning them myself with a lens cleaning system...where can I purchase high quality lenses at a decent price???
My low beams are 9006 and my high beams are 9005. They are seperate bulbs, so there is NO "hi/lo" setting to where I would need a "bi-xenon" kit. I do, however have automatic head-on/off lights as well as daytime running lights, which are my HIGH BEAMS only, at a low power state.
After much consideration, I have decided to switch to HIDs but first I need a few questions to be answered...I have decided upon 4500-5000K brightness for maximum visibility and I really prefer 55 watt over 35 watt......I also will be having projectors installed, to avoid blinding motorists and police.
1.) Can this conversion be done successfully on my particular vehicle without damaging important electrical components such as wiring and the housing...?
2.) What can I do to ensure that I install my projectors properly without damaging anything? Are there projectors with lenses equipped for sale online?
3.) Which projectors are the best quality, without a crazy price tag? I don't mind spending money, but nothing too drastic.
4.) Is DDM tuning a quality-based, reliable company??? Are their HID kits of good quality and brightness? What about Retro Solutions?...
5.) Will 55 watt HID bulbs overheat in my patricular housing? Is there a certain type of housing I can acquire to prevent this situation from happening?
6.) Will I need special harnessing and a relay system for my Toyota Camry to ensure maximum efficiency and operation?
7.) Where may I purchase new lenses with the correct size housing installed with it that will support my HIDs? Are Amazon and eBay valid websites to search for them?
8.) Should I have HIDs and projectors installed for my high beams?
Also, which projectors are best for a retro fit? I keep seeing Lexus, S2000, and BMW projectors being mentioned as "excellent quality", but I'm not sure if they would work in my car. If anyone could make me a list of the kits and where to find them cheaper, such as on Amazon, eBay, etc...it would be most appreciative. Thank you to everyone for your help!
Any other advice, comments, tips, hints and experience is most appreciative. Thank you very much for your time!
If Silverstar Ultra looks disappointing to you, yeah, you want to go HID.
Go to theretrofitsource.com (TRFS) and do some homework first. Also sign up on hidplanet.com and read up. One thing to remember - do NOT mention TRFS there - it blocks all mentions and you might get banned. They compete with each other. Once you decide what to get, TRFS can source most of them, if not everything. You probably only need to go on ebay for the actual housing to do retrofit on. When shopping headlights, remember that clear lens is a must.
Done retrofits that you can just buy - would still be a custom job that can run you up to $700.
Retrofits on Camry has been done. To ensure success, do the retrofit off the car, in the comfort of your basement. Measure twice, cut once, build in adjustment mechanisms. Bench test the electrical wiring before installation. Plan on spending months doing it.
I went with a FX bi-xenon (before TRFS came out with their clone) for my retrofit and left the high bulb as is for future placement of a LED bulb for DRL. Quad projectors retrofit has been done before but I don't see much benefit.
I stayed with a Philips 35w ballast and bulb. I don't think 55w will net much benefit - 35w HID is already brighter than all halogens out there.
Instead of relatively high steady current draw of halogen bulbs, HIDs has extremely high current draw (13A+) during the first few seconds of lighting up, then settles down to 4A afterwards. You need to beef up the wiring if it cannot handle this inrush current. Check the fuse covering the headlights. If it isn't 15A or more, plan for a relay and harness that feed right off the battery.
Here is my retro parts list:
headlight housing off ebay
FX bixenon projectors off a bike forum
Philips 35w ballast off probably ebay
Ocular shroud, 4300k 85122+ bulbs off TRFS
You can also do
Morimoto mini
Morimoto 35 ballast and bulbs
Shroud of your choice
This should run you $300, add $100 for the housing off ebay. These ebay stuff are easier to open up than OEM.
and a parting shot
Getting late, good luck
__________________
Little Pig - 1999 Corolla LE - Manual Swap - 2001 front end - #138 @ CASC-OR Autoslalom 2012
Big Pig - 1997 Camry LE - need new tires, rear struts and alignment
Skinny Pig - 2010 devinci St-Tropez
Thank you so much! Nobody would answer any of my questions or said I was stupid for trying to convert to HIDs. Your Corolla looks amazing by the way!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buurin
If Silverstar Ultra looks disappointing to you, yeah, you want to go HID.
Go to theretrofitsource.com (TRFS) and do some homework first. Also sign up on hidplanet.com and read up. One thing to remember - do NOT mention TRFS there - it blocks all mentions and you might get banned. They compete with each other. Once you decide what to get, TRFS can source most of them, if not everything. You probably only need to go on ebay for the actual housing to do retrofit on. When shopping headlights, remember that clear lens is a must.
Done retrofits that you can just buy - would still be a custom job that can run you up to $700.
Retrofits on Camry has been done. To ensure success, do the retrofit off the car, in the comfort of your basement. Measure twice, cut once, build in adjustment mechanisms. Bench test the electrical wiring before installation. Plan on spending months doing it.
I went with a FX bi-xenon (before TRFS came out with their clone) for my retrofit and left the high bulb as is for future placement of a LED bulb for DRL. Quad projectors retrofit has been done before but I don't see much benefit.
I stayed with a Philips 35w ballast and bulb. I don't think 55w will net much benefit - 35w HID is already brighter than all halogens out there.
Instead of relatively high steady current draw of halogen bulbs, HIDs has extremely high current draw (13A+) during the first few seconds of lighting up, then settles down to 4A afterwards. You need to beef up the wiring if it cannot handle this inrush current. Check the fuse covering the headlights. If it isn't 15A or more, plan for a relay and harness that feed right off the battery.
Here is my retro parts list:
headlight housing off ebay
FX bixenon projectors off a bike forum
Philips 35w ballast off probably ebay
Ocular shroud, 4300k 85122+ bulbs off TRFS
You can also do
Morimoto mini
Morimoto 35 ballast and bulbs
Shroud of your choice
This should run you $300, add $100 for the housing off ebay. These ebay stuff are easier to open up than OEM.
If you don't want to spend a crazy amount of money, but want to make sure everything is done right, I can do em for you. I've done a gen 4 camry retrofit before (three actually) and have experience in it. Like buurin said, custom jobs run starting around $700. I charge way less at price of parts + ~$10/hr, and I usually get a retrofit done within a day or two. PM me if you're interested.
NOW:
If you wanna do it yourself, and its your first time, just go with Morimoto Mini H1 projectors. Anything else (if you don't plan on spending weeks doing it) you will mess up one way or another. Even with MH1 projectors you'll reap rewards without having too much room for error. This means that your retrofit, even if you half-ass it, will come out decent.
Suggestion, don't go for "name brand" HIDs like DDM. And stick with 35w HIDs, the professionals use it.. people who use 55w are honda ricers.
And here's my parting shot with an output showing my infamous straight cutoff mod:
I have a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and I am considering installing an HID kit with projectors. So I have a few questions as how to get started...
Here is some information about my car...
It currently is equipped with SilverStar Ultra halogen low and high beam bulbs. The lighting is still very dissapointing...visibility ahead, above, below and side to side is NOT what I expected. My current lenses are still hazy and scratched AFTER cleaning them myself with a lens cleaning system...where can I purchase high quality lenses at a decent price???
My low beams are 9006 and my high beams are 9005. They are seperate bulbs, so there is NO "hi/lo" setting to where I would need a "bi-xenon" kit. I do, however have automatic head-on/off lights as well as daytime running lights, which are my HIGH BEAMS only, at a low power state.
After much consideration, I have decided to switch to HIDs but first I need a few questions to be answered...I have decided upon 4500-5000K brightness for maximum visibility and I really prefer 55 watt over 35 watt......I also will be having projectors installed, to avoid blinding motorists and police.
1.) Can this conversion be done successfully on my particular vehicle without damaging important electrical components such as wiring and the housing...? Yes, you have to open up the headlights lens and put in thee projectors. Here is the parts you need to buy,They are Plug N' Play: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...dm4lo2t9q8ljf3
2.) What can I do to ensure that I install my projectors properly without damaging anything? Are there projectors with lenses equipped for sale online? Go Here: http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/forum.php
3.) Which projectors are the best quality, without a crazy price tag? I don't mind spending money, but nothing too drastic. look @ #1
4.) Is DDM tuning a quality-based, reliable company??? Are their HID kits of good quality and brightness? What about Retro Solutions?... I heard they are but not 100% sure. Good quality are these: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=160
5.) Will 55 watt HID bulbs overheat in my patricular housing? Is there a certain type of housing I can acquire to prevent this situation from happening? Some chinese/knockoff will run hotter than high quality HID which will make the halogen chrome reflector burn(not on fire)/crack. thats what happened to make mine i need to retrofit mine also, but $ the problem right now.
6.) Will I need special harnessing and a relay system for my Toyota Camry to ensure maximum efficiency and operation? Buy 9006 HID relay harness.
7.) Where may I purchase new lenses with the correct size housing installed with it that will support my HIDs? Are Amazon and eBay valid websites to search for them? no need to buy lenses(i dont think they even sell them) if you do retrofit.
8.) Should I have HIDs and projectors installed for my high beams? IMO, No. unless you live in area where there are no lights or you use you highbeams daily.
Also, which projectors are best for a retro fit? Morimoto Mini H1 (see #1) I keep seeing Lexus, S2000, and BMW projectors being mentioned as "excellent quality", but I'm not sure if they would work in my car. If anyone could make me a list of the kits and where to find them cheaper, such as on Amazon, eBay, etc...it would be most appreciative. Thank you to everyone for your help!
Any other advice, comments, tips, hints and experience is most appreciative. Check this out: Thank you very much for your time!
Thank you for your advice! That's a very generous offer but I live far away and don't feel too comfortable yet with someone I do not know(no offense).
However, if it's no trouble, you could help me out with DIY tips and parts to buy, etc. I really appreciate your help
Quote:
Originally Posted by iovaykind
If you don't want to spend a crazy amount of money, but want to make sure everything is done right, I can do em for you. I've done a gen 4 camry retrofit before (three actually) and have experience in it. Like buurin said, custom jobs run starting around $700. I charge way less at price of parts + ~$10/hr, and I usually get a retrofit done within a day or two. PM me if you're interested.
NOW:
If you wanna do it yourself, and its your first time, just go with Morimoto Mini H1 projectors. Anything else (if you don't plan on spending weeks doing it) you will mess up one way or another. Even with MH1 projectors you'll reap rewards without having too much room for error. This means that your retrofit, even if you half-ass it, will come out decent.
Suggestion, don't go for "name brand" HIDs like DDM. And stick with 35w HIDs, the professionals use it.. people who use 55w are honda ricers.
If you don't want to spend a crazy amount of money, but want to make sure everything is done right, I can do em for you. I've done a gen 4 camry retrofit before (three actually) and have experience in it. Like buurin said, custom jobs run starting around $700. I charge way less at price of parts + ~$10/hr, and I usually get a retrofit done within a day or two. PM me if you're interested.
NOW:
If you wanna do it yourself, and its your first time, just go with Morimoto Mini H1 projectors. Anything else (if you don't plan on spending weeks doing it) you will mess up one way or another. Even with MH1 projectors you'll reap rewards without having too much room for error. This means that your retrofit, even if you half-ass it, will come out decent.
Suggestion, don't go for "name brand" HIDs like DDM. And stick with 35w HIDs, the professionals use it.. people who use 55w are honda ricers.
And here's my parting shot with an output showing my infamous straight cutoff mod:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buurin
If Silverstar Ultra looks disappointing to you, yeah, you want to go HID.
Go to theretrofitsource.com (TRFS) and do some homework first. Also sign up on hidplanet.com and read up. One thing to remember - do NOT mention TRFS there - it blocks all mentions and you might get banned. They compete with each other. Once you decide what to get, TRFS can source most of them, if not everything. You probably only need to go on ebay for the actual housing to do retrofit on. When shopping headlights, remember that clear lens is a must.
Done retrofits that you can just buy - would still be a custom job that can run you up to $700.
Retrofits on Camry has been done. To ensure success, do the retrofit off the car, in the comfort of your basement. Measure twice, cut once, build in adjustment mechanisms. Bench test the electrical wiring before installation. Plan on spending months doing it.
I went with a FX bi-xenon (before TRFS came out with their clone) for my retrofit and left the high bulb as is for future placement of a LED bulb for DRL. Quad projectors retrofit has been done before but I don't see much benefit.
I stayed with a Philips 35w ballast and bulb. I don't think 55w will net much benefit - 35w HID is already brighter than all halogens out there.
Instead of relatively high steady current draw of halogen bulbs, HIDs has extremely high current draw (13A+) during the first few seconds of lighting up, then settles down to 4A afterwards. You need to beef up the wiring if it cannot handle this inrush current. Check the fuse covering the headlights. If it isn't 15A or more, plan for a relay and harness that feed right off the battery.
Here is my retro parts list:
headlight housing off ebay
FX bixenon projectors off a bike forum
Philips 35w ballast off probably ebay
Ocular shroud, 4300k 85122+ bulbs off TRFS
You can also do
Morimoto mini
Morimoto 35 ballast and bulbs
Shroud of your choice
This should run you $300, add $100 for the housing off ebay. These ebay stuff are easier to open up than OEM.
and a parting shot
Getting late, good luck
lol you guys beat me to it. it took me 20 mins? to post because i did most of the searching for the OP.
Guys, I know for sure I need new lenses. They have been cleaned twice and are still scratched, hazy and dull. I hear eBay sells great lenses at low prices but not sure of the quality.
I just do not want to spend this large amount of money for me to mess everything up. Thanks again guys!
Guys, I know for sure I need new lenses. They have been cleaned twice and are still scratched, hazy and dull. I hear eBay sells great lenses at low prices but not sure of the quality.
I just do not want to spend this large amount of money for me to mess everything up. Thanks again guys!
I dont think they just sell lenses. i think you have to buy the whole headlight---> $$$
i wouldnt change the lenses because they are higher quality(if they are toyota OEM headlight) than ebay. you just need to spend time and clean the lenses. Im guessing its oxidized(?) Post a pic. but Look in my Signature and click the link. It will be help full to you and save $$
my lenses are not dull/hazy/oxidized anymore. I apply Meguire PlastX once or more twice a month.( i enjoy applying it because after you're done the lenses look brand new)
Yes, mine are Toyota factory lenses. I've had them cleaned twice...once last year at Wal Mart auto shop and the other this year by me using TurtleWax headlight lens restorer...both have been unimpressive and I lost $60.00 in the process
So, I've been very leery about car cleaning products on the market, but you seem like you have had good experience with this particular product, so I will try it
Where can I purchase it and how much will everything in total be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by KoG506
I dont think they just sell lenses. i think you have to buy the whole headlight---> $$$
i wouldnt change the lenses because they are higher quality(if they are toyota OEM headlight) than ebay. you just need to spend time and clean the lenses. Im guessing its oxidized(?) Post a pic. but Look in my Signature and click the link. It will be help full to you and save $$
my lenses are not dull/hazy/oxidized anymore. I apply Meguire PlastX once or more twice a month.( i enjoy applying it because after you're done the lenses look brand new)
Yes, mine are Toyota factory lenses. I've had them cleaned twice...once last year at Wal Mart auto shop and the other this year by me using TurtleWax headlight lens restorer...both have been unimpressive and I lost $60.00 in the process
So, I've been very leery about car cleaning products on the market, but you seem like you have had good experience with this particular product, so I will try it
Where can I purchase it and how much will everything in total be?
It can be purchase at target, walmart, pep boys, auto zone, advanceautoparts, ECT. max should be $15. In my tutorial, skip, the 1000 grit sandpaper.( that only used if your headlight are extremely oxidized.)
Theres is a coupon code online for Advanceautoparts. 20% off no minimum amount required. Code is "P20" w/o quotations. buy products online and pick them up at local shop. save you $$.
I personally, dont like turtle wax. they look cheap/ poor quality, never used them i think. (sorry for my ignorance on that brand) I go for Meguire or Mothers. I dont trust walmart, doing stuff to my car, except tires lol
Awesome! Meguiar's and Mother's seem like quality brands...I will comparison shop for the best price.
Now, on this sandpaper deal...are you sure it will not ruin the headlights even further and eventually wear them down to where small holes will form? I know that sounds ignorant.
Also, I agree with you about Wal Mart, live and learn. I will never trust them with my car again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KoG506
It can be purchase at target, walmart, pep boys, auto zone, advanceautoparts, ECT. max should be $15. In my tutorial, skip, the 1000 grit sandpaper.( that only used if your headlight are extremely oxidized.)
Theres is a coupon code online for Advanceautoparts. 20% off no minimum amount required. Code is "P20" w/o quotations. buy products online and pick them up at local shop. save you $$.
I personally, dont like turtle wax. they look cheap/ poor quality, never used them i think. (sorry for my ignorance on that brand) I go for Meguire or Mothers. I dont trust walmart, doing stuff to my car, except tires lol
My particular Camry model doesn't have a "hi/lo" beam setting...the low beam is a separate bulb from the high beam...so I don't think bi-Xenon will work correctly in my car :\
Awesome! Meguiar's and Mother's seem like quality brands...I will comparison shop for the best price.
Now, on this sandpaper deal...are you sure it will not ruin the headlights even further and eventually wear them down to where small holes will form? I know that sounds ignorant.
Also, I agree with you about Wal Mart, live and learn. I will never trust them with my car again.
I don't understand what you mean by small holes will form. but the sandpaper is really fine/ultra fine to leave any kind of holes. Make sure you get the 1500/2000/2500/3000 Grit sandpaper! not 100,500 ECT
Quote:
Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar
My particular Camry model doesn't have a "hi/lo" beam setting...the low beam is a separate bulb from the high beam...so I don't think bi-Xenon will work correctly in my car :\
Same for my car. When you retrofit the morimoto mini H1 into your low beams, it will stay as low beam light output.(unless you remove the shield inside the projector, dont do that)
Quote:
Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar
TRS looks like a great company. Ok, I need a complete list of everything I need to buy that is compatible with my lights (9006)
I am very new to this, it will be my first time owning HIDs so please don't let me down guys
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H.I.D. kit with retrofit projectors installation help...2001 Toyota Camry
Scamry
i need to retrofit mine also, but $ the problem right now. 
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