Camaro headlights question and options to fix low output

[Archer428]

2010 Camero SS with the RS package
HID headlights

I have been reading some post on this subject and really just wanted confirmation on the process to correct the low output from the headlights.

So far from what I have been reading

Option 1 is to replace the HID blubs and hope this makes a difference.
For the ones that have had success with just bulb replacement what bulb did you use and where did you buy them, what was the cost for them?


Option 2 If changing the bulbs did not improve, check the ballast to see if they are working correctly


Option 3 Install Daytime running light modification for temporary help.
other than morimoto, what are other options.


Option 4 There was a post of using DS1 LED bulbs by bullvision 6000k.
How has this worked for the ones that have tried them?

Option 5 when all else fails spend the money and buy either aftermarket TYC headlights
or OEM headlights

Are there any other aftermarket options other than TYC

[thef4ng]

Honestly I I tore apart the headlight and needed up installing some led projectors from the retrofit source. They’re bright as hell and have been working flawless for over 2 years. Can provide pics if you want.

[Archer428]

Pictures
Yes please

Also can you provide a link and part numbers that you used to make this work

[thef4ng]

I used the Mled 2.0 from the retrofit source. I also replaced the halos with color changing ones. It’s not an easy swap. The hardest thing is mounting the projector to the stock bracket. It’s doable. But if you cut too much your gonna need a new bracket. Because there barely any room for error. Wiring the projector to the stock harness makes it work like factory.

[Lacpac]

I'm glad the retrofit worked for you. Looks super complicated. I bought the Bullvision LED DS1 but havent got it out of storage to try on the road yet. I've been running 8000 lumen per pair LED in the DRL's but they blind people since they are not focused. Just switched to 4000 lumen per pair. I see at Aliexpress.com they sell fouced DRL that look like that RS headlights with halo's for about $135 a pair. Might be the next step if the change I made over the Winter doesn't please.

[Tommi]

I just replaced the projectors in my camaro. It was quite easy and straightforward job, besides opening the clear headlamp cover / lens. That requires heating the unit in a oven to soften the factory glue. But still very doable in carage conditions. And the result is very good lights.

I used kit from retrofit labs, toughest part is that the kit is made for Ford mondeo MK4... they used the same projector as camaro so the kit works. No cutting and fitting required, just bolt on.















If you want more info, just ask.

And if you want to tell me I should have just bought new lamps, thanks for the info but these work better and also over 1000$ cheaper than new lamps shipped to Finland.

[camguynj]

How long did you have them in the oven and at what temp?

[KenKat]

There are a lot of knockoffs out there unfortunately. I replaced my stock HID bulbs (mine are D3S since it’s a 2014) with what were supposedly Sylvania OSRAMs but based on the pricing ($50 for the pair), they were probably fakes. They were ok brightness wise but only last 2 years and I don’t drive all that much at night.

I replaced those with ones from Diode Dynamics as they are well regarded here and I have been happy with the LED fog lights I installed from them in place of the weak halogen bulbs that were OEM. It looks like they have the D1S available in several color temperatures (I went with 5000k).

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by camguynj

How long did you have them in the oven and at what temp?

This is copy paste from retrofitlab.com instructions, I used method 2.

https://retrofitlab.com/en-fi/apps/h...ght-to-open-it

"At what temperature do I heat my headlight to open it?

In general, 2 methods are used, with both methods, be careful and patient.


Method 1 is using a regular oven. Preheat the oven at 200 degrees Celsius. When ready, switch off the oven and place the headlight inside. Make sure that the headlight is not touching any metal of the oven by placing a cloth over the grid, for example. Leave the headlight in the oven for 10-15 minutes before opening it. If the headlight kit is not yet soft enough, put the headlight in the oven for a bit more time.


Method 2 is suitable for larger headlights that do not fit in a regular oven, or if your lovely wife absolutely does not allow car parts to be baked in her kitchen. A large cardboard box is used where hot air is blown through a heatgun. Make sure that the hot air of the heatgun does not blow directly to the headlight, place the headlight on small elevations so that the air can circulate properly through the box. We use a setting of 300 Degrees Celsius for 12-18 minutes / 1st lowest setting, depending on the size of the headlight."

My cardboardbox oven from summitracing!


Today I got to test the lights in snowy and dark roads for 60 miles and the lights made it much safer because finally i was able to see.

[camguynj]

Thanks for that info

[Tuex]

Made the same conversion and the result is great, see:

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/album.php?albumid=22837


Thx to https://www.camaro5.com/forums/member.php?u=175162

[AlisoBob]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Today I got to test the lights in snowy and dark roads for 60 miles and the lights made it much safer because finally i was able to see.

SUCH...... a awesome photo.

[NZZL1]

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616186