STi-R Clear Lens Comparison Photos + Updated Headlight Services
 

Hey guys, been a minute since we updated you with some new info. We just revised and updated the headlight service thread with all options we offer for the the 370z headlights... check it out: http://www.the370z.com/body-interior...ring-11-a.html

As most know we're very meticulous to cosmetic modifications, specifically to headlights. Last several months I've started to mess around with projector retrofits, projector modifications, and did a whole ton of research on OEM and aftermarket HID bulbs and kits. I was familiar with the topic for several years already, but being so busy, I never got to study the actual science of it till now.

First things first, a few discussions came up a couple of months ago about upgrading the factory projector lens for a brighter light output, and sharper cut off. Here's a quick summary behind it.

The factory projectors use fresnel lenses. These lenses have tiny little ridges that prevent light from being fully projected, causing the beam and light cut off to get distorted. Replacing the lens with a clear one gives you maximum performance, and cleans up the light beam providing you with a brighter output, at the same time giving off a whiter output, and mostly illuminating the yellow hue. Another option is to remove a piece of the shield inside the projector for sharpest cutoff, and at the same time adding a little bit of color to the cut off line.

Check out the difference (STOCK 4300K Bulb):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...clear_lens.jpg


Swapping the lens and modifying the shield is a better alternative to swapping your factory 4300K bulbs for less brighter 6000K bulbs at the same time providing you with a brighter and sharper light output.

You can pick up a pair of clear projector lenses from TheRetrofitSource for $50 + shipping, but you will need to create your own spacer to properly space out the lens for the sharpest cut off.

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We're also working on figuring out the issue with the flickering aftermarket bulb issue which is occurring on all new Nissans and Infinitis with aftermarket HID bulbs. So far we know that it's a combination of the new ballast and ignitor, when installing the older generation ballasts onto the headlights, the issue does not occur. We'll keep you guys updated as we continue the research.

Thanks,
Igor

That is a huge improvement, not to mention an amazing deal you have to offer. How hard of an install would it be for a DIY'er?

wow that cut off line is really nice and sharp. amazing work guys

It's pretty straight forward, probably a several hour job if this is your first time doing headlight.

You can check out the DIY on G35Driver, the G35/7 sedans use the same projectors as 370z

DIY: STi-R clear lens swap/ - G35Driver

Repped, thanks Igor. I need to read through that thread now.

Now that's the TSX style line I've been looking for.

We can also modify the cut off line to specification, either add more blue, or get rid of the blue all together.

This is happening to me, I hate it! Please figure it out :D

FINALLY! After my friend's TL lens swap, I've been wanting something like this! PM price for projector core swap, please!

I know this is an old thread, but the DIY link on g37 is gone now.

To get the projector out, do you have to open up the headlights or can you get at them from the back and pull them out?

You must open up the headlights, you cannot take the projector out any other way

any news on the aftermarket HIDs issue on newer Nissans/Infinitis?

Any good DIY guide on this? My previous car was a TSX and I miss the nice blue cutoff that it had...was quite disappointed with the 370Z since the Maxima has good cutoff as well.

its pretty simple if you dont mind taking apart the headlight. you can buy the sti-r lens from theretrofitsource.com and it comes with a free spacer. you'd just need to take the lens off the headlight, remove the lens and put the spacer in along with the new lens, put it back together

Any possibility I could mess up the projector aim? Spacer tuning kit recommended?

Thanks mate!

The STI-R lens is a must when doing the headlight. I don't regret it one bit when I moded mine. Looks so sick with 6K HID bulbs.

Now, when you guys say "STI-R lens" are you talking about the turn signal lens like in this picture?

http://www.the370z.com/members/nut_n...right-side.jpg

No. Replacing the factory projector lens with a clear one.

Ah! Ok, the main light.

We don't offer or recommend this mod in the photo any longer. Notice the reflection off the lens hitting the housing underneath it? Well over time it'll leave a nice burn mark in the paint and bubble up! Simply from being parked in the sunlight

How do I tell how many spacers to use? My Sti-r lens came with 6 paper spacers and 2 metal rings.

whered you buy it from? mine only came with one metal spacer. you can experiment though. put the spacer on, put lens on, put in the bulb and connect it to the ballast

I bought it from theretrofitsource, but also opted for the tuning kit...which I assume are those thin paper spacers.

Did you just use the metal ring only? It is pretty thick and pushes out the lens quite a bit more than factory.

Well my cutoff ended up quite ugly. I just used the metal spacer since that was what originally came with the lens. I posted pictures up on hidplanet and they said something about having to cut a tab on the shield and re-aim....wtf...I thought it was pretty much a complete drop in.

After a bit of researching and tips from members on hidplanet I found out that although the sti-r is direct drop in, it will require a bit of tuning.

First off, there is a metal tab on the cutoff shield that will need to be cut off and/or bent down in order to get a clean straight cutoff. Next, the included metal spacer from TRS is typically too thick and it is better to use paper spacers.

I am going to wait until the weather warms up before opening up my headlights to do that.

Mine was straight drop in and the cutoff line was perfect. I did not order the tuning kit with the lens either.

The pic I attached is with the STI lens and 6000k Morimoto HID bulbs from theretrofitsource.

Mine ended up like this:

http://i.imgur.com/Di5YBsF.jpg

Should be able to get it to this:

http://i.imgur.com/lIxG8lu.jpg

I know the thread is old but there isn't much else out there so here goes!
I finally got my STI lenses today but I just can't get off the oem lenses there is just no way I tried everything drill, screwdriver and I put it in the oven to heat up the screws but they won't come loose so right now I am at the point of ditching the lens swap and send them back or sell em
I have a hard time to believe that I have the only pair of headlight where the screws are that tight so how did u guys get them loose??? This is my last resort here guys

I remember it being pretty tight but I was able to get it off with just a philip head...just had to make sure it fit perfectly or it would've stripped.

Maybe try using an electric impact drill?

Yeah that's what I want to try just put the oven on again but have a hard time finding the right drill bit
Edit: I managed to get 1 loose but the other one is already a lil striped so i dont know what to now

Alright got the first headlight done gonna replace the one screw tho no biggie! Pretty happy now
I hope I get the second one now!
One more question tho regarding cutoff and spacer equalme what did u use for spacer I just got one metal ring with the shipment but I also did buy the spacer kit!
Any advice on that part?!

Also did u ever manage to fix ur cutoff I've read the thread on hidplanet
How much off the black tap did u cut?

Check out my thread here:
370z - Installed STi-R lens / Funky cutoff - Page 3

I still haven't got the chance to fix my cutoff yet. But from what I was told, make sure to trim the black tab so you won't have the black void along the cutoff. Do not use the metal ring since apparently it is too thick (I used the metal ring and well look at my cutoff lol). I saw somebody mention using 1 to 3 paper spacers is good...but you'll pretty much have to test it out yourself.

Ok now that I managed to get all the screws loose and I also had a look at the tab and I wonder how would one even begin to cut that since there is another piece of metall right behind it and u can't get in there from the back!
So wich tool did u guys use to cut that tab

Does the black tab stick up higher than the cutoff shield? If so, I don't think it serves any other purpose so I remember reading a long time ago people just bent it down. Might want to research into it though before you do so lol

Ya man I see what u r saying cuz I been looking like crazy and I also found a couple ppl saying its a direct drop in so I am really stuck here! Should I screw around with that tap or not
I may try open up a fresh topic maybe so get a few more opinions here and and go from there!

Any new developments appart from the STI clear lenses for our application. I would really like to see a cut off like this..

Something similar to whats on this page. With a blue and purple band.

Know It All - Clear Lenses