Depo Retrofitted with ctr LHD ... Very disappointing ... what to do now?

[dohcep3]

Well, I have an 02 ep3, and my stock headlights are cracked so i decided to do a retrofit. Well first, i was originally planed on buying the TSX clear lens projectors for 200$. However, i found a guy selling a ctr LHD projectors for 130. So being a cheap ass i said COOL ill go for that one since i thought they should be as good as the TSX projectors. I then bought the DEPO ctr replica headlights for 230 shipped. Then i bought the DIGITAL 55w hid kit d2s for it also.
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P031810011-1.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P031810010.jpg

Heres the CTR LHD projectors
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P031910001.jpg

Now here was the cool thing, the depo ctr rep is designed the SAME way as the real ctr.... they LITERALLY swap into place WITHOUT any mods!!
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032310001.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032310002.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032310004.jpg

Ok, after i swapped everything in, no modding anything, glue it back together and put it on the car. The light output IS NOT GOOD... It doesnt do the HID kit justice.
The cutoff is decent..... heres how it looked maybe 5 - 6 feet away.
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032810001.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032810002.jpg
(it looked bright there but its cause my garage is white so it looks brighter...

Heres how it looked in a no light maybe 20 feet away... (roughly..)
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/P032910003.jpg ( only this one is taken by my phone)

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/DSC08409.jpg
VERY dim... theres like dark spot on the ground too....

Here's my gf tsx...
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/DSC08408.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa7/typrdohc/DSC08407.jpg

Its nothing compared to the tsx stock projectors.

Now question...
1. Should i take out the projector len and use the DEPO one BUT use the ctr projector body AND cutoff shield? Cause when i looked at the lens of the DEPO one, its very clear... so im thinking it will increase output? Just want to see opinions before i tear apart the headlights again.

2. Any input of opinion on the ctr projectors is appreciated. I couldnt find anything on the ctr lhd projectors, everyone is either doing the tsx, of other kind of projectors.
thanks

[Civicvtec1ps]

You bought RHD halogen CTR projectors. At least looks to be.
Trash those.
Open up headlights again, swap in TSX projectors.
Use OEM TSX HID ballsts, ignitors.

Should look something like this.
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1102/hid20uv.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6830/53621917hm5.jpg

[Kerby]

DUDE!!!!

you have got to give me all the part numbers! PLEASE!!!!!!!
I promise to be your BFF. :hug:

[oneglory]

those are RHD halogen projectors dude.

[dohcep3]

Damn, i know.... I should have do the tsx projectors into the depo instead of buying the CTR LHD projectors.... I already swapped it in... lol damn its gonna cost me more money and time to redo it with a tsx projectors ... Oo wells. I swear i thought the ctr lhd projectors are the same as the tsx... thats why i bought it instead of the tsx ones.

[oneglory]

i don't think they are exactly the same but close. go with the tsx projectors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ACURA-TSX-2004-2005-OEM-HID-PROJECTORS-CLEAR-LENS_W0QQitemZ300410528591QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item45f1dce34f

google ZKW-R

[oneglory]

also,

I've dealt with these guys, they are pretty good:

http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=125&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2

[usedep3]

Damn, i know.... I should have do the tsx projectors into the depo instead of buying the CTR LHD projectors.... I already swapped it in... lol damn its gonna cost me more money and time to redo it with a tsx projectors ... Oo wells. I swear i thought the ctr lhd projectors are the same as the tsx... thats why i bought it instead of the tsx ones.

the CTR LHD HID projector headlights use the same projectors as the TSX projector

[bmyers4321]

also,

I've dealt with these guys, they are pretty good:

http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=125&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2
Would this kit work for my 04 si with depo headlights?

http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=64&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2

[MOOGEN]

If you are using d2s then they are rhd hid ctr projectors. They are the same design as the tsx but with the exception that the cutoff is reversed. Another thing that I noticed was that the rotation is way off so if you didn't have any problem while retrofitting then it could mean that depo did a shit job with this batch of headlights mounting screws.

[thehulme]

You could just use the projectors from the CTR (or Depos, they are still pretty damn good) and mod the cutoff shields from the Depos by sanding the passenger side shield down a bit. People on here have done this and it looks good if you don't want to spend more money.

[oneglory]

Would this kit work for my 04 si with depo headlights?

http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=64&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2

they should, but you don't need the shrouds..call up and ask if they'll give you a price without the shrouds.

[dohcep3]

If you are using d2s then they are rhd hid ctr projectors. They are the same design as the tsx but with the exception that the cutoff is reversed. Another thing that I noticed was that the rotation is way off so if you didn't have any problem while retrofitting then it could mean that depo did a shit job with this batch of headlights mounting screws.

Hmmm really? I thought all oem hid projectors use d2s base. Well Im taking off the headlights this weekend and opening them up again, ill make sure to take detail pictures to show you guys.

What do you mean by rotation?

I didnt have any screw problem. I litterally bolt it right up, then aligned with ease.

[dohcep3]

You could just use the projectors from the CTR (or Depos, they are still pretty damn good) and mod the cutoff shields from the Depos by sanding the passenger side shield down a bit. People on here have done this and it looks good if you don't want to spend more money.

See, im pretty happy with the cutoff of the projectors (I didnt modify it at all, it looks exactly like the TSX shield except that its painted blue...) Im just not happy with the lighting output... It seems dimmer than the tsx projectors. Maybe the pictures cant really show what im talking about, but imagine this

tsx lighting output = 100%
my ctr output = 70%

YES 70%!! I also have a 55w DIGITAL hid kit, and i tell you, it does not do the kit justice. My gf TSX is what only 35w stock right?

I was actually thinking about swapping in JUST the depo lens but use the ctr shield and the back part and see how it performs. Like i said, ill take more pictures this weekend.

[oneglory]

light output sucks because you probably have halogen projectors.

[oneglory]

I'm sorry to say this, but you can't really cheap out on this if you want quality stuff and good output. Swapping in halogen lenses with a RHD cutoff shield is going to be a waste of time. Purchase the proper parts for the result you want and don't waste your time with the stuff you have already.

Then you bought these "CTR" projectors, where did you get them from? did the guy tell you they were LHD hid projectors?

[Kerby]

how is the ballast connected to the oem headlight wiring?
Does it require one to cut the current 9005 connector and splice it/connect it to the ballast?
Or does the 9005 connect connect to the ballast as plug and play?
also, does the ballast need a dedicated ground?

[bmyers4321]

they should, but you don't need the shrouds..call up and ask if they'll give you a price without the shrouds.
TSX low beams
New/Used Denso Slim bulbs
Morimoto 4300K
9006 harness(I already a 9006 harness that came with my depo's/HID. Not D2s HID's though, its an H1 kit. Would i be able to use it with the new ballast or no?)
TSX-R clear lens (optioinal)

would this be all i need cause i found a custom kit section.
link: http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=156&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2

[oneglory]

TSX low beams
New/Used Denso Slim bulbs
Morimoto 4300K
9006 harness(I already a 9006 harness that came with my depo's/HID. Not D2s HID's though, its an H1 kit. Would i be able to use it with the new ballast or no?)
TSX-R clear lens (optioinal)

would this be all i need cause i found a custom kit section.
link: http://store.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=156&osCsid=d5984870dd48292d7757d63f18acbab2


If I was buying for me I'd buy:
TSX low beams
New Matsushita Gen 3
Morimoto 4300k
no shrouds (i already have them on my retro)
an H4 Harness (for my 02' even though I made a 9006 harness, i'd junk it and just use the H4 oem socket)
ZKW-R upgrade (cause its baller, if you have the money) + I'd color mod the shit out of it.

[dohcep3]

I'm sorry to say this, but you can't really cheap out on this if you want quality stuff and good output. Swapping in halogen lenses with a RHD cutoff shield is going to be a waste of time. Purchase the proper parts for the result you want and don't waste your time with the stuff you have already.

Then you bought these "CTR" projectors, where did you get them from? did the guy tell you they were LHD hid projectors?

Ok heres how it started. I bought it from a private seller and he "saids" its LHD ctr . Now i did alot of research on ep3 oem projectors and unfortunately, there isnt alot of info for it... Every info i come across for projectors on ep3 is about someone retrofitting it with "tsx" projectors but NOTHING about the STOCK projectors of the ctr ones.. Therefore, i based all my info on this one thread found on h-t
http://ht-archive.net/showthread.php?t=1160103

So, before i bought it, i looked at:
1. the shield, its straight across, -------> therefore its for HID (halogen shield dip down.... )
2. shield is blue so its not from the tsx,
3. I checked the beam patern and its not the RHD (check the above link and see what i mean)

So yeah, i based on those three things and made my purchase. I read somewhere that stated the CTR LHD projectors are the same as the tSX and i found these for pretty cheap so thats why i decided to buy it. Its a mistake so yeh...

[vicx52o]

I think you're gonna have to replace your HID kit with an OEM one...

[oneglory]

if its ebay I'd send that shit back. They lied.

[dohcep3]

Actually, i bought the HID kit from retro-solution, I think they are pretty reputable..... unless i missed something ... But yeh, i got the 55w d2s setup (189 =/ ) so that better not be the problem LOL.

[MOOGEN]

Ok now it makes sense... Before you stated that you bought d2s type of bulbs but now you cleared it up and said that they are h1. Your problem has alot to do with your bulb not being properly focused henced hid in halogen housing. Toss the h1 projectors, get oem d2s(tsx) and buy the right bulbs with the d2s adapter and you will be fine.

[bmyers4321]

If I was buying for me I'd buy:
TSX low beams
New Matsushita Gen 3
Morimoto 4300k
no shrouds (i already have them on my retro)
an H4 Harness (for my 02' even though I made a 9006 harness, i'd junk it and just use the H4 oem socket)
ZKW-R upgrade (cause its baller, if you have the money) + I'd color mod the shit out of it.
But since my car is an 04 i still need to get the 9006 harness correct?

[oneglory]

But since my car is an 04 i still need to get the 9006 harness correct?

yes.

mine technically has both.

H4--->9006---->HID ballast connector

I did this so i didn't have to delete the OEM H4 connector and can go back to stock if I want.

[Civicvtec1ps]

Ok heres how it started. I bought it from a private seller and he "saids" its LHD ctr . Now i did alot of research on ep3 oem projectors and unfortunately, there isnt alot of info for it... Every info i come across for projectors on ep3 is about someone retrofitting it with "tsx" projectors but NOTHING about the STOCK projectors of the ctr ones.. Therefore, i based all my info on this one thread found on h-t
http://ht-archive.net/showthread.php?t=1160103

So, before i bought it, i looked at:
1. the shield, its straight across, -------> therefore its for HID (halogen shield dip down.... )
2. shield is blue so its not from the tsx,
3. I checked the beam patern and its not the RHD (check the above link and see what i mean)

So yeah, i based on those three things and made my purchase. I read somewhere that stated the CTR LHD projectors are the same as the tSX and i found these for pretty cheap so thats why i decided to buy it. Its a mistake so yeh...

If they are LHD, you need to align them again. Lower the driver side.
From look of projector bowls, you do have halogen set, but cant tell clearly.

This is LHD halogen shield.
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3599/mg7911kn6.jpg
Output with LHD halogen shield, TSX HID bowl, color modded.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6436/tsxbx9.jpg
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7306/tsx1nk6.jpg

And before, EDM LHD HID Headlights.
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1102/hid20uv.jpg

For people who is planning to retrofit using DEPO lights.
Don't cheap out and get OEM tsx/s2000 OEM ballasts/ignitors and mount them under headlights, you just need self-tapping screws to mount them.
Other HID kits arent that much cheaper anyways.

[bmyers4321]

yes.

mine technically has both.

H4--->9006---->HID ballast connector

I did this so i didn't have to delete the OEM H4 connector and can go back to stock if I want.
ok so revamped list

TSX low beams
New Matsushita Gen 3
Morimoto 4300k
9006 Harness
clear lens(optional)

sorry im asking so many time i just dont want to drop that much money and it be wrong.

[oneglory]

this is my retro with BMW e45 projectors (hella).

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/oneglory/retrofit/CIMG4165Medium.jpg

I adjusted them recently...I'm going to take another night shot tonight.