JDM Headlight wiring

[legacyB4RSK]

Does anyone know if the wiring from JDM headlights is straightforward to connect to a USDM BE Legacy or do you have to start crossing wires. I don't want to try the trial and error approach and risk blowing out the HID bulb. I am getting early rev headlights for my BE and just want to be prepared.



Thanks

[rougeben83]

Do you have a GT or L? The headlight harnesses are different on either model.

The GT will have a higher chance of working, but worse comes to worst, you can just put some spade ends on the ballast wires and use that to connect to your harness.

Oh yeah, make sure your headlights come with the ballasts. :wink:

[legacyB4RSK]

I have a 2001 GT, why should the headlights come with the ballasts, and by the way what are they. I am not too familiar with those terms, also what would a spade end look like , is that the shape of the connector from the JDM headlight ballast.


Thanks

[rougeben83]

The only real advantage of getting a JDM headlight is because of the factory HID...which requires a ballast. HID's need the ballast to ignite the gas inside the HID bulb and thats what makes the bright light.

Otherwise, the GT and the earlier Rev JDM headlights are the same (the dual bulb ones with the dark trim) IIRC except for the clear lenses, and use the same dual bulb setup. The only different one in design is the Rev D and that is shaped a little differently and doesn't really line up with the inside edges of the hood ( from 3 feet away it's not noticeable, but it is there).

http://www.bestjapancar.com/OTHERMAKE/b4FL.JPG

http://www.idealcarsandtrucks.com/newideal/2006_0714_110650.JPG

Rev. D
http://www.kinki-company.co.jp/stock_img/1770144_1.jpg

[legacyB4RSK]

I'm a bit confused. basically, how would one know if the headlight is HID or not? Would the parts inside the headlights look different? These are the ones that I should be getting. They seem to have the exact same internal parts as my Legacy GT headlights and I'm only really talking about the main headlight, not the corner (signal lights). Actually I don't really care if they're HID or not , as long as they fit and work. I can't stand that amber plastic piece on the headlight corners, it's not enough that the signal bulbs are amber as well.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9272/headlight1vp1.jpghttp://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6443/headlight001bf5.jpg



Thanks

[rougeben83]

The HID is basically the bulb and ballast. They use the same headlight for the regular halogen and the HID IIRC...

Anyway, I saw your other thread, you have an L with the 9007 single bulb, yes? You'll need to splice your plug to make the bulbs that will fit these work with your electrical system. I was talking about the little spades that you can get at radioshack...slip one in each of the three slots in the 9007 plug and just run your wires from there to your new headlight plug.


I think Silentracer has done the L --> GT headlight swap before, so maybe he'll chime in about it.

Keep in mind, if you got these from Japan, it's RHD beam pattern. You'll be putting too much light towards incoming traffic because you're driving on the left side. You'll need to either live with it, or convert the beam pattern - involves getting into the housing and changing the reflectors IIRC. Andivic's done it to his.

[legacyB4RSK]

I appreciate the info, thanks. BTW , I have a GT. One last question, if by chance the ballast is missing can I use my existing non-HID from my GT headlights and transplant it into the JDM set and just go non HID.




Cheers

[legacyB4RSK]

Man.... I'm full of questions, does anyone know if the JDM BE early version headlights function the same as USDM. There is a pic of a B4 RSK that I noticed when the lights are on, the bottom signal light that is lit is white whereas the top one which if off has an amber bulb. The USDM version, both signal lights corners are amber with one always on when driving and both blinking when signaling. Does this mean that the top signal light blinks with the JDM headlights and the bottom does not, cuz it would look silly having both amber and white lights blinking when signalling. I just like being prepared so when I receive my lights I'll know what I'm facing.



http://www.lumine.net/subaru/legacyb4/photos/galleries/legacyb4/31.jpg

Cheers

[Huffer]

In Japan, Australia & NZ, the ambers only turn on when indicating.

If all its about is you hating the amber reflector, then just open the headlight and pull the amber reflector out, and get a Phillips Silvervision turn signal bulb.

[legacyB4RSK]

Thanks for the tip on the bulbs, that's sounds good. I take it these bulbs are a UK product as all searches on it return UK sites. Tried the Phillips Canadian and US site and they do not list silvervision bulbs. They don't even list Subaru as a choice. I guess I would just get them from the UK.


Cheers

[legacyB4RSK]

A few more questions, if I decide to chicken out installing the HID could I just swap lenses from the JDM ones to my stock headlight housing? To address the beam pattern, I was thinking of perhaps just swapping out the reflectors from my stock headlights (would that work?). I know it would be a waste of money not using the HID but at least the signal light lenses are different. I've been reading other forums and the installation is spooking me. Unless someone out there has done the exact thing and could provide me with detailed instructions.





Cheers

[SilentRacer]

Ok let me clear up as much of this as I can.

1) JDM Headlights come with ballasts inside the headlight, they don't come seperate.

2) The blue picture above is NOT JDM headlights, this is, they have a silver corner light cover.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

3) JDM headlights are $800-$1200 which is why if you don't care about HID take out the reflector in yours and change to clear bulbs. If you mess up you can buy new oens for under $100.

4) I am more JDM than you :cool:

[Airgne]

Ok let me clear up as much of this as I can.

1) JDM Headlights come with ballasts inside the headlight, they don't come seperate.

2) The blue picture above is NOT JDM headlights, this is, they have a silver corner light cover.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

3) JDM headlights are $800-$1200 which is why if you don't care about HID take out the reflector in yours and change to clear bulbs. If you mess up you can buy new oens for under $100.

4) I am more JDM than you :cool:

incorrect the pic of the blue car are JDM HID's. they had diff styles. i have the ones that are the same as the ones on the blue car.

[legacyB4RSK]

That's right, and he thinks he's more JDM than me, have you seen my car compared to his? No contest.