Headlight Advice Needed

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Sep 23, 2011 | 12:55 PM

jimlikeschevys

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Coatesville PA

Headlight Advice Needed

Yes - I searched first.

So, like alot of other people, I want to get better headlights for my C5.

I am particulary interested in the ACA type headlight replacement option. I've seen several sites selling these for something like $1500. I also see a set on the 'auction site' ,Rhymes with P-J, which are only $230. Are these REAL ACA lights? I've seen some posts call them clones, others say they are the real deal.

Also, in some discussions of ACA lights, people are clearly talking about HID option, because of the discussion about mounting a balast. I am not really interested in HID. It also seems like the ones on the auction site are not HID, which is fine with me. I'm not sure why people are refering to ACA style and talking about both HID and traditional bulbs.

I guess my questions are.
1. For those of you that may have purchased the Auction site headlights, are you happy with them, or do you wish you had done something different?
2. Where is the best set of installation instructions since the ones on the site don't come with instructions. I contacted the seller and he didn't bother to respond.
3. Are there other non-hid options which improve the lighting over stock, but yet still retain a 'close to stock' appearance?

Thanks

Sep 23, 2011 | 01:08 PM

Mr.Bill

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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion

St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14

Here is a great install write-up from member Patches.
Mr.Bill

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...otsa-pics.html

Sep 23, 2011 | 01:20 PM

$$$frumnuttin'

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From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----

I used the Patches writeup when I did mine years ago...only hangup was breaking off the casting ribs on the bracket...it's crude and it's possible to crack a portion off that you don't want to...like I did. Replacement bracket is $70. The ACA design is the best and the only way to go in my opinion. They are a bargain now...just do it, with the HID bulbs...all the new cars are going to HIDs...I don't understand why you wouldn't want to modernize your car. Your only other option is the European lamps, which are better than the Domestic lamps, but still don't match up to the HIDs.

Sep 23, 2011 | 01:42 PM

had2have-it

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Metairie Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Bill

Here is a great install write-up from member Patches.
Mr.Bill

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...otsa-pics.html

Good how2

Sep 26, 2011 | 09:06 AM

jimlikeschevys

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Coatesville PA

Bump. Anyone have experience with these ACA type lights in the non-HID version? The install instructions provided by Mr Bill are great, but looks like they are HID's.

Sep 26, 2011 | 09:54 AM

TheRadioFlyer

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: Republic of Texas

Your best "close to stock" appearance upgrade would be the T84 headlamps used in Exported corvettes. These are a single bulb dual-filament setup with significantly improved optics. I would also advise upgrading to the High-wattage kit.

http://www.pfyc.com/VT1003.html

This installation requires no HID setup, but the high wattage version does use a aftermarket relay harness.