RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

So i swapped out my headlights today. Installed 06 headlights on a 05 Touring, along with other modifications. I thought i'd share my experience, since i am a complete NOOB at things like this and maybe can put some others at ease about removing the front bumper, wiring etc..

Credit for the set-up came from ilbkuup, here's the link for reference https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-and-interior/220661-03-hid-06-hid-swap-problem-please-help-2.html. From what i have seen his was the first to do this. And thanks to Paul350z and ibkuup for responding to my countless pm's about the install.

Installed:

1.) 06 Projector headlights
2.) Dual LED aka. the switchback. These are baddass. because 03-05 headlights are wired a little different, when you retrofit 06+headlghts the difference in wiring cause the signal light to stay lit...but with the switchback when headlights are on they are white, when turn signal activated they change amber!! http://autolumination.com/switchback.html
3.) 2 6ohm equalizers to prevent the "ricer" blinking effect. These were very easy to install. No cutting involved. I can't believe i was so worried about these.

BTW a great location for these is right under the metal bar/brace that the headlights rest on. It sits perfectly behind it, zip tie it and your good. The reason being is because the equalizer get very hot, and it is recommended per manufactures warning that they could cause plastic, wires, paint to be damaged if in contact.

Tips:

-After doing the swap by myself, i HIGHLY RECOMMEND having another person to help. Having to remove and re-install all the screws were a PITA!! If another person would have been there it would take half the time.

-I DID NOT take of the front wheels to remove the bumper. But after today i think it would have been easier. More time consuming, but worth it for less complications.

-Start early in the day so you will have plenty of daylight if you run into complications. I started around 3 pm today thinking it was plenty time, but near the end it was a PITA trying to put back the 3 screws that attatch the bumper to the body even with a flashlight.

total time of install: 3hrs...included some breaks where i sweared for a few minutes because of frustration.

finally the pics.....

all lights on...thinking about going with 6000k bulbs to match the lights a little better.

turn signal activated

full lights on

front view of full headlights on..pics give them no justice.


and just with parking lights on.






overall the swap was easy. Don't be afraid to remove the front bumper. I know there are some members, including me who are terrified of the thought. But really it was really easy. I have never done anything this extensive to my Z before and i found it easy. I took a lot more pics for DIY im working on, but i just wanted to show the basics.

live2themaxuk

iTrader: (2)

good work mate

hopefully i am going to be installing some 06 headlights real soon.


So just let me know, when the healight switch is turned to the 'off' position completely. What do the headlights look like? at they still running the white part of that dual bulb?

thx

J

Pokémon

iTrader: (28)

They look great! I wouldn't mind doing something like this in the near future.

Did you order the 3157? 20 or 30 LED?

Nic@CiNcity

iTrader: (93)

Good work man! Glad to see you're happy with the out come. Get some day light shots posted!

Oh, and let me know when you're ready to upgrade those 06's Nice work though. Honestly.

hatchboi

iTrader: (9)

how long did it take them to ship you the bulbs?

Robert_K

iTrader: (25)

Have a feeling these look 100 times better in person. Good work none-the-less!

wldkatz03

iTrader: (20)

Looks awesome! Now you just need to change that lower light and those 4 little ones on the side and it'll look even better! I've been wanting to do this for a long time! Good Job!

Changvi

iTrader: (66)

Looks good, but just be careful of the popos, as they look for mods like that. I had mine swapped out as well, but i opted to use the white bulbs instead of the blue led ones.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

No, the headlights will be completely off when in the off position.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

yes i ordered the 3157 wedge bulb. i think 20, but i will verify for you.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

about 5 days.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

thanks, actually i bought LEDs go in lower corner, but one wont light so i had to use the oem one. i dunno i kinda like 4 little lights as amber, it complements the headights better.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

sent pm..

dgkn86

iTrader: (5)

that looks sick ,bro!
is it going to work on 05 headlight?

Pokémon

iTrader: (28)

Thanks. If you can get on that equalizer too that'd be awesome!

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

for the equalizer if your only changing either the front or rear only, then get the 6 ohm equalizer. so order two 1 for each side. oh and i got the 20.

jeff91ta

iTrader: (1)

RanFerr....

The replacement bulb is white/amber but in the photos it definitely has a blue hue to it. Can you explain or am I missing something?

Thanks

SirZaLot

iTrader: (1)

Why not get the 30 LED? Does it fit?

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

it's white bro, the pics make it look blue. I wish i could take better pics, but i promise they are white.

RanFerr_350z

iTrader: (13)

i dont think it will. The reason is when you retrofit 06 headlights on a 03-05 Z. The signal light stays constantly lit because of the slight difference in wiring. Some members choose to cut the blue wire on a 06 headlight to prevent this. But you can take advantage of this buy doing the mod shown.