SC300/400 Replaced Headlights and Blue Cut-off line
05-15-06, 09:55 PM
#121
Lexus Champion
Thank you!
Many thanks to fellow CL member James N., who helped me throughout the installation process, I've finally installed new 97+ headlights. I still don't have the time to upload the pictures yet. However, I thought I could share some obvious observations for those who are still considering this upgrade.
With "old" headlights:
1. Visual defects: Ugly moisture marks and fading headlight covers.
2. Lighting defects: Compromised lighting (even with HIDs) and no sharp, clear cut-off lines
3. Ego defects: Even with HIDs, the old projectors made the lighting seemed as if I were using off the shelf, blue colored bulbs. Even some cars with halogen bulbs gave brighter lighting outputs at times.
With "new" headlights:
1. Visual wow factors: Beautiful new headlights put shame to my old headlights even though I did Scratch X the hell out of them.
2. 100Xs better lighting output: Even before sun sets, I can now see the blue/purple hues being reflected from road signs hundreds of yards away.
3. Beautiful multi-colored cut off lines: I can now see a very clear, defined rainbow-like cut off line just above the surface that's been hit by the light.
Verdict:
Even with the new headlights and McCulloch 6000k HIDs, the overall lighting output is still not as bright as my Bimmer's projectors w/ Philips 6000k HIDs. However, it's bright enough to satisfy my needs, maintain that "newer car" look for my SC4, and ensure the safety of others and myself while I drive at night.
Is this upgrade worth $650? I sure think it is.
Jon
Many thanks to fellow CL member James N., who helped me throughout the installation process, I've finally installed new 97+ headlights. I still don't have the time to upload the pictures yet. However, I thought I could share some obvious observations for those who are still considering this upgrade.
With "old" headlights:
1. Visual defects: Ugly moisture marks and fading headlight covers.
2. Lighting defects: Compromised lighting (even with HIDs) and no sharp, clear cut-off lines
3. Ego defects: Even with HIDs, the old projectors made the lighting seemed as if I were using off the shelf, blue colored bulbs. Even some cars with halogen bulbs gave brighter lighting outputs at times.
With "new" headlights:
1. Visual wow factors: Beautiful new headlights put shame to my old headlights even though I did Scratch X the hell out of them.
2. 100Xs better lighting output: Even before sun sets, I can now see the blue/purple hues being reflected from road signs hundreds of yards away.
3. Beautiful multi-colored cut off lines: I can now see a very clear, defined rainbow-like cut off line just above the surface that's been hit by the light.
Verdict:
Even with the new headlights and McCulloch 6000k HIDs, the overall lighting output is still not as bright as my Bimmer's projectors w/ Philips 6000k HIDs. However, it's bright enough to satisfy my needs, maintain that "newer car" look for my SC4, and ensure the safety of others and myself while I drive at night.
Is this upgrade worth $650? I sure think it is.
Jon
Originally Posted by IronCobra
Go right ahead.. Mi Casa Su Casa
05-21-06, 08:15 AM
#123
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by tttp5
does anyone know if i order a set of 97+ SC headlights, will they be able to fit on a 92 SC? I know they have different part numbers for the different years
05-21-06, 08:18 AM
#124
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Baby ///M3
Thank you!
Many thanks to fellow CL member James N., who helped me throughout the installation process, I've finally installed new 97+ headlights. I still don't have the time to upload the pictures yet. However, I thought I could share some obvious observations for those who are still considering this upgrade.
With "old" headlights:
1. Visual defects: Ugly moisture marks and fading headlight covers.
2. Lighting defects: Compromised lighting (even with HIDs) and no sharp, clear cut-off lines
3. Ego defects: Even with HIDs, the old projectors made the lighting seemed as if I were using off the shelf, blue colored bulbs. Even some cars with halogen bulbs gave brighter lighting outputs at times.
With "new" headlights:
1. Visual wow factors: Beautiful new headlights put shame to my old headlights even though I did Scratch X the hell out of them.
2. 100Xs better lighting output: Even before sun sets, I can now see the blue/purple hues being reflected from road signs hundreds of yards away.
3. Beautiful multi-colored cut off lines: I can now see a very clear, defined rainbow-like cut off line just above the surface that's been hit by the light.
Verdict:
Even with the new headlights and McCulloch 6000k HIDs, the overall lighting output is still not as bright as my Bimmer's projectors w/ Philips 6000k HIDs. However, it's bright enough to satisfy my needs, maintain that "newer car" look for my SC4, and ensure the safety of others and myself while I drive at night.
Is this upgrade worth $650? I sure think it is.
Jon
Many thanks to fellow CL member James N., who helped me throughout the installation process, I've finally installed new 97+ headlights. I still don't have the time to upload the pictures yet. However, I thought I could share some obvious observations for those who are still considering this upgrade.
With "old" headlights:
1. Visual defects: Ugly moisture marks and fading headlight covers.
2. Lighting defects: Compromised lighting (even with HIDs) and no sharp, clear cut-off lines
3. Ego defects: Even with HIDs, the old projectors made the lighting seemed as if I were using off the shelf, blue colored bulbs. Even some cars with halogen bulbs gave brighter lighting outputs at times.
With "new" headlights:
1. Visual wow factors: Beautiful new headlights put shame to my old headlights even though I did Scratch X the hell out of them.
2. 100Xs better lighting output: Even before sun sets, I can now see the blue/purple hues being reflected from road signs hundreds of yards away.
3. Beautiful multi-colored cut off lines: I can now see a very clear, defined rainbow-like cut off line just above the surface that's been hit by the light.
Verdict:
Even with the new headlights and McCulloch 6000k HIDs, the overall lighting output is still not as bright as my Bimmer's projectors w/ Philips 6000k HIDs. However, it's bright enough to satisfy my needs, maintain that "newer car" look for my SC4, and ensure the safety of others and myself while I drive at night.
Is this upgrade worth $650? I sure think it is.
Jon
Awesome!! Glad it turned out good!
06-19-06, 03:38 PM
#125
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i ordered a set of 97+ in may from a lexus dealership, and i get no nice cut-off. how is this possible.
i get the 2 spots above the beams. is this just a simple alignment problem?
i get the 2 spots above the beams. is this just a simple alignment problem?
11-24-06, 11:50 AM
#126
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8000k
i just ordered an 8000k hid kit, and my passanger headlight is pretty crappy looking, im going to have to take it apart and clean it (1995 SC) it should be here today so ill get some pics.
11-30-06, 06:21 PM
#127
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Thread Starter
11-30-06, 07:13 PM
#128
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Actually, the package did not come yet. I am going to send it back as soon as i get it before i even open the box. I bought it from buyhidkit.com and its an "auto vizion" kit...i did some research and im returning it and buying a Philips kit from xenondepot.com. I plan on just installing the Philips kit right into my car, no retrofitting but maybe cleaning the headlights first. Has anyone had experience with www.buyhidkit.com? I have had crappy customer service so far, they also seem kind of shady...
05-16-07, 05:17 PM
#129
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two spots above drivers side cutoff
Guys what are the two spots above the cutoff line (mainly above the drivers side) in the picture on page 6 from NPSC303 (sorry couldn't figure out how to post the picture). I have the same problem in my newly installed 6500K from XD -- two spots coming from each headlamp but both pointed above the cutoff line on the drivers side only, otherwise my headlights are fine. Is there a way to find out if you have 2002 + remakes of the 97 SC headlights, such as a production number or something. please reply. Right now, my headlights appear pure white with a slight purple around the edges but definitely not like the optical illusion of the BMWs. Also, I don't get the bluish purple at the top of the cutoff line...
Last edited by Rajshnu; 05-16-07 at 05:24 PM. Reason: Clarification
05-16-07, 11:24 PM
#131
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you can't be serious... squirrel spotters.. no really what are they for, is it intentional or is this just bleeding from holes in the projectors... regardless, how do I get them closed up....
05-16-07, 11:42 PM
#132
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Guys what are the two spots above the cutoff line (mainly above the drivers side) in the picture on page 6 from NPSC303 (sorry couldn't figure out how to post the picture). I have the same problem in my newly installed 6500K from XD -- two spots coming from each headlamp but both pointed above the cutoff line on the drivers side only, otherwise my headlights are fine. Is there a way to find out if you have 2002 + remakes of the 97 SC headlights, such as a production number or something. please reply. Right now, my headlights appear pure white with a slight purple around the edges but definitely not like the optical illusion of the BMWs. Also, I don't get the bluish purple at the top of the cutoff line...
05-17-07, 06:21 AM
#135
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
It's actually not a problem. If someone digs up the thread I posted about the SC projectors and me removing the internal tab you will see why this happens.
Lexus actually put holes in the shield in the projector. They are the exact reason they create the two spots. I don't know why they put them there but they are there.
Lexus actually put holes in the shield in the projector. They are the exact reason they create the two spots. I don't know why they put them there but they are there.