R33 headlight removal and HID reinstall

[jza80]

Just finished swapping out my S1 GTR original halogen headlights with late S3 HID projector units.

It was easier than I thought to remove the headlamp assemblies. The most difficult attachment, as noted in other posts is the bolt located inside the inner fender. This was actually very easy to access once I removed the turnsignal lens/facia - once this is out I was able to reach up inside the fender assy and easliy remove the hidden bolt. I think this is a much simpler approach to removing the fender liner - there is only one screw holding the t/s in, and plenty of room to work with once removed. It's really only about a 5 minute job.

To fit the S3 HID's, I had to retrofit the existing plug from my S1 lamps - Nissan changed the plug ever so slightly and the S1 body harness plug will not fit. However, this is easily rectified with a soldering gun and some heat shrink tubing. Also, the side marker sockets are different, but the old ones fit right in.

This mod really updates the look of the R33! Headlights really work well too, of course the cutoff is on the wrong side for my reigon...

[r33gtsman]

Originally Posted by jza80

This mod really updates the look of the R33! Headlights really work well too, of course the cutoff is on the wrong side for my reigon...

Hi mate,

If you ever manage to correct the cutoff on the projector HID's I'd be very interested to know about it as I need to do the exact same mod on my car when I move to Sweden as I am bringing the GT-R with me and this is one conversion I need to get done !

Cheers

Shaun.

[jza80]

The only way to do it would be to reverse the cutoff plate inside the projector assy. It is possible, I guess but would likely be very difficult. In your case, it may be easier to procure similar-sized projector units from some other brand - that is already LHS. Maybe Audi? Then swap them in place of the GTR units.

[VA-R33]

do you have actuall projector headlights? do you have any pics of them? where you get them, i cant find them anywere.

[jza80]

Yes, here are some pics. I bought mine from a dealer in Japan, however the do come up on ebay from time to time.









Well I uploaded a couple, but they don't appear for some reason...

[Bolle]

Looking good

[jza80]

Thanks for the repost, the images don't show on my own post (on my PC) for some reason!

[Jags]

Dont suppose you took any pics on how to remove the headlights did you? I'd like to remove mine to take the front lens off so I can polish it up on the inside as it's looking a bit yellow.

[matt j]

Originally Posted by jza80

The only way to do it would be to reverse the cutoff plate inside the projector assy. It is possible, I guess but would likely be very difficult. In your case, it may be easier to procure similar-sized projector units from some other brand - that is already LHS. Maybe Audi? Then swap them in place of the GTR units.

The cutoff shield is quite a substancial block in the Xenons, it is possible to reverse the unit but it wouldn't work as it'd be in the wrong place - you'd have to either file a new profile and then adjust the aim or manufacture new cutoffs.
As for replacing the whole projector unit, this is something I'm currently doing and upgrading to BMW Bi-Xenons with LHD/RHD capability inbuilt.
It's quite a big job but the results should be worth it.

[jza80]

Dont suppose you took any pics on how to remove the headlights did you? I'd like to remove mine to take the front lens off so I can polish it up on the inside as it's looking a bit yellow.

No photos, sorry but its straightforward. 3 fasteners in the underhood area (you can see them), the electrical plugs, and one bolt one hidden underneath that you can access via the turnsignal assy that needs to be removed (a couple of phillips head screws, a plug). It is pointed up towards the bottom of the headlamp housing, if you remove the 3 upper fasteners the headlamp housing will be a bit loose and you can flex the housing (carefully!) and this will tell you about where the remaining bolt is and then you can find it with your hand. All are 6mm thread/10mm spanner/socket size.

As for replacing the whole projector unit, this is something I'm currently doing and upgrading to BMW Bi-Xenons with LHD/RHD capability inbuilt.
It's quite a big job but the results should be worth it.

Cool. Please post pics and info when you finish! I'd really like to reverse the beam cutoff since its on the wrong side here.

[hyrev]

OT, why do you have side indicators in the bumper? Is it for legal purposes?

[jza80]

Unfortunately, it is required for USA safety regs. My car was one of the few that actually had them installed by motorex...