Head Lights
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 895
From: Republic of Texas
It is a known issue with Corvettes that you have an issue with the buckets opening and closing, That is why they sell a resistor kit for it, Not all do it, But most do, I had a set of 35W Xentec for 2 years without issue till I went to 55W units in my ACA projectors.
Helps supply the 55 watts needed to keep your headlights opening and closing when using HID lights. Works for our kits and most aftermarket HID kits. We can't guarantee they will work with all kits. These are not returnable
Helps supply the 55 watts needed to keep your headlights opening and closing when using HID lights. Works for our kits and most aftermarket HID kits. We can't guarantee they will work with all kits. These are not returnable
The proper solution would be to install an HID system that draws a TRUE 55w. Most 55 HID kits do not draw a constant 55w...some are as low as 42w. The rating is usually based on startup current which is why the headlights usually have no trouble going up, but since running current is much lower, when the headlights are turned off, there is not enough of a power change seen by the headlight control module to trigger the headlights to lower.
For the record, Radioflyer's Bi-xenon ACA headlight kit uses a 70w ballast that stabilizes at 55.4w @ 13.2v. This setup maintains reliable operation of the headlight motors.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 26
From: San Jose California
A little science, please
As an Engineer I have to ask the basic questions- What gauge is the headlight wiring and how many amps do the various light configurations draw? I'd love to juice up my nighttime vision, but I don't want to overload my wiring. Does anyone have any data?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 895
From: Republic of Texas
Low beam: 9006
55w (4.3a) draw
1000 lumens output
High beam 9005
65w (5.08a) draw
1700 lumens output
Both low and high beam wires appear to be ~16awg. Each bulb has a 10 amp fuse in the under hood fuse box.
By comparison, Our Bi-xenon ACA setup has the following specs:
HID light source: 70w ballast
Startup current: 6.5a
Stable current: 4.2a
Lumens output (varies by bulb color, 5000K is ~3000 lumens)
LED dedicated high beam bulb
16-element LED bulb
780 lumens output ~5500K color temp
> 3 amps draw
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
Did the 9012/9011 HIR bulb replacement mod earlier today. Very easy mod and a modest improvement in the light beam for the price (~$75 total). Can't complain on this part.
When I tried to manually raise the driver's side headlight I felt this "click" and now I have a brass gear on order to fix the problem. When I lower the lights the drive motor runs for a few seconds after the lights are closed.
Can I cause any further damage by using the lights like this until the new parts come in - or should I not drive the Vette in the dark until the gear is replaced.
Any insights would be helpful.
Thanks
When I tried to manually raise the driver's side headlight I felt this "click" and now I have a brass gear on order to fix the problem. When I lower the lights the drive motor runs for a few seconds after the lights are closed.
Can I cause any further damage by using the lights like this until the new parts come in - or should I not drive the Vette in the dark until the gear is replaced.
Any insights would be helpful.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Did the 9012/9011 HIR bulb replacement mod earlier today. Very easy mod and a modest improvement in the light beam for the price (~$75 total). Can't complain on this part.
When I tried to manually raise the driver's side headlight I felt this "click" and now I have a brass gear on order to fix the problem. When I lower the lights the drive motor runs for a few seconds after the lights are closed.
Can I cause any further damage by using the lights like this until the new parts come in - or should I not drive the Vette in the dark until the gear is replaced.
Any insights would be helpful.
Thanks
When I tried to manually raise the driver's side headlight I felt this "click" and now I have a brass gear on order to fix the problem. When I lower the lights the drive motor runs for a few seconds after the lights are closed.
Can I cause any further damage by using the lights like this until the new parts come in - or should I not drive the Vette in the dark until the gear is replaced.
Any insights would be helpful.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Correct. HID light sources need projectors.
We off the best performing bolt-on, plug-and-play headlights on the market:
http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-015.htm
Our headlights include Bi-xenon projectors, LED high beam and a 70w HID main light source. This translates to three times the light output covering over 10 times the surface area as the factory lights.
Compare to factory using the same camera settings:
We off the best performing bolt-on, plug-and-play headlights on the market:
http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-015.htm
Our headlights include Bi-xenon projectors, LED high beam and a 70w HID main light source. This translates to three times the light output covering over 10 times the surface area as the factory lights.
Compare to factory using the same camera settings:
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 7
From: Cherry Hill New Jersey
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Just got mine yesterday also, but have to wait, seems I was sent the wrong HID's (3000K instead of 6000K), waiting on to know if I have to pack up the lights and send them back or what before I start the install. I drive mine as long as it doesnt rain or snow, so I'll have you drool after I put mine in and take a picture to entice you
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 895
From: Republic of Texas