ATTENTION: Blacking out ur SSS headlights? You need these
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Evolving Member
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From: Darwin, Australia
ATTENTION: Blacking out ur SSS headlights? You need these
For those of you that are thinking of blacking out your SSS headlights here's another reason to go full steam ahead.
These projectors just released:
EvoX-R
Pix here:
EvoX-R Pic 1
EvoX-R Pic 2
These puppies ^^ are a direct replacement for the OEM SSS projector. Just unscrew the old unit via 4 x screws then bolt in the new unit (same mounting points)... Done!!
Background info:
Evo X BiXenon projectors are made by a company called HELLA, who also make the same projector for certain models of:
* Audi's
* Lambo's
* Range Rovers
* BMW's
* Merc's
There were 2 versions used in CZ4A JDM, ADM & USDM projector headlights.
* original version:
(will insert pix)
The chrome finish on this reflector bowl looks some what "tarnished"... Not much of a mirror like finish. Also came with a "fresnel" lens (tiny indents on the surface to soften/blur the light output for oncoming traffic). All the USDM SSS HLs that I've opened have had the original version projectors. I'm not sure if USDM SSS HLs were ever optioned with the newer (better) version.
* updated version:
(willl insert pix)
This version of the Hella BiXenon has a much better chrome finish on the reflector bowl. Mirror finish like they should be. As a result they give off a brighter output. These also use a crappy fresnel lens. The JDM & ADM MR HLs that I've opened have had both versions of the Hella projector but I can't confirm what model had what projector. Maybe 2008's had the original version and later models had the newer version??? Dunno??
The EvoX-R (R = Replica) is a remodeled Hella BiXenon projector based on the newer version. It is said to be a much better performing unit than the newer version.
In the words of Matt @ TRS:
Email:
Better in every way, a bit wider, much better color band (look at the pic, that's the real deal) and razor sharp. Even better than the FX-R in my opinion.
HID forum:
Well of course it's all relative, but since we're comparing to the OEM E55:
- not too much wider, but the light from side to side is so much more intense you get a lot more usable intensity off to the sides giving the illusion that it's consderably more width.
- uniformity for the low beam is among one of the best projectors I've ever seen, with a nice gradient of intensity dropping off towards the foreground.
- hot spot only really shows up in the table top high beam, where it is fairly prominent. But...it's a high beam - so let it be as hot as possible!
- Cutoff is as sharp as they come, with an attractive color band
- Foreground light is a plenty, but properly dimmed relative to the rest of the beam.
Previously, to get an upgraded light output from a SSS / MR HL you had to go with an FX-R BiXenon projector which meant that you had to dremel a good % of the housing to make it fit. This is what I've been doing in the passed with MR / SSS HLs. There's even a thread on how to fit FX-Rs into SSS HLs. This could all very well change things in the future for me.
I have not yet compared the FX-R and EvoX-R outputs to see which is better. Once I get my hands on a set of EvoX-Rs I will update this thread.
To sum up what I've said ^^..... If you're going to black out your SSS HLs then you'd be silly not to buy a pair of EvoX-Rs to improve your light output. Especially when they're PnP...
These projectors just released:
EvoX-R
Pix here:
EvoX-R Pic 1
EvoX-R Pic 2
These puppies ^^ are a direct replacement for the OEM SSS projector. Just unscrew the old unit via 4 x screws then bolt in the new unit (same mounting points)... Done!!
Background info:
Evo X BiXenon projectors are made by a company called HELLA, who also make the same projector for certain models of:
* Audi's
* Lambo's
* Range Rovers
* BMW's
* Merc's
There were 2 versions used in CZ4A JDM, ADM & USDM projector headlights.
* original version:
(will insert pix)
The chrome finish on this reflector bowl looks some what "tarnished"... Not much of a mirror like finish. Also came with a "fresnel" lens (tiny indents on the surface to soften/blur the light output for oncoming traffic). All the USDM SSS HLs that I've opened have had the original version projectors. I'm not sure if USDM SSS HLs were ever optioned with the newer (better) version.
* updated version:
(willl insert pix)
This version of the Hella BiXenon has a much better chrome finish on the reflector bowl. Mirror finish like they should be. As a result they give off a brighter output. These also use a crappy fresnel lens. The JDM & ADM MR HLs that I've opened have had both versions of the Hella projector but I can't confirm what model had what projector. Maybe 2008's had the original version and later models had the newer version??? Dunno??
The EvoX-R (R = Replica) is a remodeled Hella BiXenon projector based on the newer version. It is said to be a much better performing unit than the newer version.
In the words of Matt @ TRS:
Email:
Ooooo, finally the better Hellas 
How do they compare to OEM good version Hellas?
In terms of:
* width
* color band
* sharpness???
Cheers,
Stevo
How do they compare to OEM good version Hellas?
In terms of:
* width
* color band
* sharpness???
Cheers,
Stevo
HID forum:
- not too much wider, but the light from side to side is so much more intense you get a lot more usable intensity off to the sides giving the illusion that it's consderably more width.
- uniformity for the low beam is among one of the best projectors I've ever seen, with a nice gradient of intensity dropping off towards the foreground.
- hot spot only really shows up in the table top high beam, where it is fairly prominent. But...it's a high beam - so let it be as hot as possible!
- Cutoff is as sharp as they come, with an attractive color band
- Foreground light is a plenty, but properly dimmed relative to the rest of the beam.
Previously, to get an upgraded light output from a SSS / MR HL you had to go with an FX-R BiXenon projector which meant that you had to dremel a good % of the housing to make it fit. This is what I've been doing in the passed with MR / SSS HLs. There's even a thread on how to fit FX-Rs into SSS HLs. This could all very well change things in the future for me.
I have not yet compared the FX-R and EvoX-R outputs to see which is better. Once I get my hands on a set of EvoX-Rs I will update this thread.
To sum up what I've said ^^..... If you're going to black out your SSS HLs then you'd be silly not to buy a pair of EvoX-Rs to improve your light output. Especially when they're PnP...
Last edited by iEvoVII; Oct 21, 2011 at 09:50 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 101
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From: Lakewood
I want to do this, but I'm scared about water getting inside the headlights. Out of curiosity, have you ever had water or condensation inside your headlights or any headlights that you've done after pulling them apart? And if not, for how long did you have the headlights modded?
Last edited by evokerfes; Oct 21, 2011 at 07:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
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From: Darwin, Australia
I havent done my own HLs yet.. How ironic for someone thatod HLs. However, no one's ever come back to me and said they've had condensation issues.. I've made it a habit to inspect the HL housing and clear lens before I seal them back up. Where it's needed, I push the sealant back into the middle (housing) or push the sealant back to the tip (front lens) using a flat head screwdriver. There much less chance of my later HLs being affected with condensation due to:
* grown experience
* aquiring metal clamps to squeeze HLs together (total of 20 clamps now)
My 1st CZ4A project was back when this thread was started to give you an idea how long it's been:
1st JDM MR set
But I was doing CT9A HLs before this...
* grown experience
* aquiring metal clamps to squeeze HLs together (total of 20 clamps now)
My 1st CZ4A project was back when this thread was started to give you an idea how long it's been:
1st JDM MR set
But I was doing CT9A HLs before this...
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Thread Starter
Evolving Member
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 137
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From: Darwin, Australia
Whew! Thank god I thought I just wasted the man hours to do this retro. Lol. It was really fun though and I learned alot. FYI, the new version requires trimming on the projector housing. Alot of trimming ! I will post pics for you on what area needs to be trimmed. Give me some time due to work. Thanks again for your help as always !
i dont know why in the world you would black out your headlights but i guess we need ricers to look like ricers so we can look better, this is awesome tho and even tho i would never do something as stupid as blacking my lights out i definitely will purchase these. thanks for the info.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
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From: Darwin, Australia
OUTPUT SHOTS:
Specs:
* iPhone 4 crappy shots
* Morimoto 3Five D2S bulbs (4300K)
* CT9A ballast
* All projectors roughly 10m from wall
Im Sorry I didnt have a SSS projector OEM lens to add to the comparison pix... This is the real comparison you USDM folk wanna see....
SSS Projector with ZKW-R clear lens vs EvoX-R projector:
* EvoX-R does appear sharper along the edge/cutoff line
* EvoX-R is more intense in the center
* EvoX-R does project more side light giving the illusion of a wider beam pattern
* EvoX-R does have a thicker blue color band (great for producing the "Color Flicker" effect)
* EvoX-R does have a more attractive looking cutoff "step". I find that steeper incline looks better..
End of the Day:
EvoX-R is better all round than a SSS projector with a ZKW-R clear lense.. This will go double for a SSS projector with the crappy OEM lens...
EvoX-R is worth the $150US price tag for you US folk....
ADM MR projector with ZKW-R clear lens vs EvoX-R:
imo, the output is very very similar. Not enough improvement to warrant an EvoX-R.... The only thing ADM MR HLs need is a ZKW-R and thats it.....
I was expecting the EvoX-R to be significantly better than a ADM MR projector with a ZKW-R clear lens... Sadly im dissapointed...
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
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From: Darwin, Australia
I'm not 100% sure..... I'll take a guess and say a ZKW-R clear lena. Regardless of what is, it comes standard with it so you're already on the front foot..
Installing EvoX-Rs has nothing to do with or interferes with the headlight leveling
Installing EvoX-Rs has nothing to do with or interferes with the headlight leveling