Hello!

OK, so it has been awhile since I've modded my car, namely because I don't like messing wit them while still under warranty. BUT just recently my 2009 Nissan Maxima (with 56K miles) went out of warranty and I heard a video clip of a stillen exhaust + K&N Typhoon CAI... and that caused those old feelings to surface. So what did I do? Order the K&N Typhoon, 20" Niche Form Wheels, Eibach lowering springs, and waiting for Stillen to put that rear exhaust on sale.

However, my wife has challenged me to "keep it mature". I'm not 25 anymore and I don't want to drive around looking like it. I'm now 40 so I want my max to still look classy (hence the 20" Niche Form Gunmetal rims). The one thing I'm not sure on yet is my headlights. I have the projector halogen headlights. What can I do with them? Not sure about the HID conversion (because there would be no leveling of the lights, I don't think?). What about LED replacement bulbs? Will that upgrade the look? I don't mind the halo mods, although not sure I want to mess with that (although http://flashtechusa.com sells a complete assembly.) Any suggestions, or just leave them as-is? I don't want to draw *too much* attention, just want to make the max look upscale/mature for a 40 year old.

Appreciate it!!

 

I just added a HID kit to my 2012 Maxima that came with the crappy Halogen bulbs in it from the factory. Went with a 5000K set up from Lightwerkz.net for $150 and have had them for 3 years without a problem. I am 49 so I know what you mean about the modding. Good luck and hope this helps. I would put a Stillen rear sway bar if you want to change the way the ride feels also.

 

+1 for the mature 40+ crowd!

Thanks for the info! Only $150? Nice. Do others drivers flash you at all? I'm guessing not since you've had it for 3 years. Did you do anything with the fog lights? Checking it out now.

Update: You wouldn't happen to have the SKU from your order, would you?

As for the rear sway bar, what is the most notable difference?

Thanks!!

 

After the sway bat install it does not float like a boat at highway speeds when going over bumps. It really makes a difference. With the HID kit I do not leave the headlights on AUTO, I just turn them on when I need them. The fog lights I just bought a yellow overlay from Headlight Armour for $15 and they have not faded yet. Plasti dipped the front grill to change it up a bit too! PM me you phone number and I will send you a picture of the front of my car to give you an idea what it looks like.

 

http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...id-system.html
This is the system I put in mine but it has the ground on the under side of the bulb which cast a slight shadow.
The Retrofit Source is a great company to order from also.

 

Here is every bulb and number on your car.
https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/appli...l=1388&make=68

 

Much appreciated dmcmahan! just sent u a PM

 

No problem and happy modding!!!

 

+1 on the 40 crowd. I'm not sure what a mature mod is since taste is subjective but there are some guys on here that do headlight retros that may suite your needs if you decide to go that route. my housing was painted gloss black/black chrome and I have the switch back halos. The projector lense was also upgraded to the black series. If interested pm me and I can pass on the info for who did mine. Also imo, the rear sway bar in addition to my springs was definitely worth it.

 

Here is his Face Book page and he does outstanding work!!!
https://www.facebook.com/ghoztlighting/?fref=ts

 

Did you ever decide what you are going to do?

 

I ordered a HID kit to replace the terrible H11 halogen bulbs stock on my SV. After an 03 with HIDs was disappointed Nissan sold out to make HIDs a premium option on the Max, I thought they would be included in the higher trim and HATE them. Ive had the kit for a while but cant get to the headlights, was able to get the engine plastic off and there is just no way to replace from engine compartment. Need a tire removal or bumper removal? Looks like a PITA and I do most of the work on my cars myself.

 

The easy way to do it is to remove both front wheels and fender liners. Once those are out you have easy access to the rear of the headlight assembly. it almost takes longer to remove the stuff to get to the headlights then it is to install the HID kit.

 

I tried contacting him about customizing my lights. From what he mentioned, they no longer do headlights. Just a heads up for anyone else looking.

 

If you go on Facebook and search RIHIDs.com then you will see that their work speaks for itself. Don't take my word for it, look for yourself and check out his ratings. He has people throughout the continental U.S. ship him their headlights and he builds what they're looking for. It's been a year and a half for me since he's done my headlights, no issues, moisture, etc. whatsoever.

I couldn't be happier with mine and have no problem recommending Dan as I know how meticulous and how much of a perfectionist he is at his craft.

 

H9 bulb upgrade is great. Pretty cheap and easy to do too.

 

Did the HID kit. Correctly wired and having problems when only one side lights up at a time and the other will flash and go out. Turning the HL switch on and off rapidly about 10 times will cause the out bulb to come on (happens on both sides depending on which decides to come on first), have the proper relays and such. I know its considered a bad idea to drop HIDs in halogen projectors but the cutoff is very clean as far as I can tell, this must be the same lens as HID model (have an SV, non premium package) with just a different back piece for the factory HID bulb to stick in vs my H11. Thoughts?



Note: driveway slopes slightly upwards and to the side, photo taken with both HIDs lit, in addition, switchback bright LED "running light/turn signal" bulbs and LED foglights likely the culprit for the light blue glare above the cutoff (not the squirrel spotter spots)

 

It is better to put an HID kit in a projector than a non projector housing that way you are not blinding everybody. Are you turning your headlights on in AUTO or turning them ON manually? Looks good and you will like being able to see. I opted not to use the supplied relay kit and have not had a single problem in 3 years. Let us know what you find out.

 

I'm planning on painting mine black and replacing the lows with an hid kit and converting the high beams to 9011 hir bulbs (best high beam performance IMO). If I can find a better lens I might swap it out while I'm in there.

 

Well ever since I did that to get it fire once its worked fine with both coming on. I always start the car then turn the HLs on manually to HL on. Maybe the cars computer got used to the voltage difference and now doesnt shut it off? No flicker or anything atm. Ordered spare bulbs and 35w ballasts to switch out the 55w to raise color temp to correct temp (6500k, was unaware 55w ballasts cause a -1000k drop in color temp and shorter bulb life), will post a new pic when they come in. As for the high beams, swapped them with Silverstar ultras and they're much brighter and can see very far down road. Now to see how long they last... Wish our HL assembly wasnt such a PITA to access.

 

Not yet - I ALMOST hit buy on xtralights.com to get the black JDM style headlights with HID conversion but I'm not confident in online retailers like that. Think I'm going to buy the JDM lights myself and then get the HID conversion kit (that you posted) and do it myself. Think I probably need to go with 35W to make sure I don't melt anything. That is what I'm thinking. Plan on making the purchase this weekend

 

thanks for the suggestion and thank u for the follow-up!

 

I ran the 55w kit in mine for months without issues. The kits from innovited on Amazon are the best IMO. I have installed dozens of HID kits over the years and they are by far the best built and most reliable kits for the money. I ran 2 kits in my Titan for almost two years without issue. Their replacement bulb are very cost effective as well.

 

Update: Got my DEPO JDM Headlights (black) and Morimoto Elite XD HID 35W kit (5500K). Just finished putting a layer of hi-temp silicone around the light enclosures to help combat moisture. Will probably do a spot job tomorrow with the silicone and then tackle this on Saturday or Sunday. Probably the biggest question I have at this point is where to install the respective ballasts. The HID kit came with ballast mounts so I'm hoping I see some areas I can use?

 

If memory serves there is a little shelf of sorts right behind the housings on the Maxima.

 

...aaaaaaand done. I'll take some pics if you care to see.

So I unknowingly made the job exponentially harder (so I thought) because I purchased the black JDM headlights. I didn't realize I had to remove the bumper to remove the old ones and install the new ones. I probably would have not bought them if I knew that. BUT since I removed the bumper (technically the bumper fascia), I did not have to jack up my car, so that was a nice counter. I had already applied another coating of silicone to the JDM headlights so it was really just a matter of removing the OEM headlamps, swapping the bulbs, install he JDM lamps, then running the wires for the HID kit (went with the Elite XD from Morimoto - thanks for the link dmcmahan!!). It didn't take much time at all to get the fascia back on once I understood how it was put together. Actually impressed with how Nissan pieced it together. Anyway, so far, it looks like the projector alignment is very close to the stock projectors (I made markings on my fence and driveway yesterday so I could compare).

Thanks to all for the advice - particularly dmcmahan - helps having someone who has done it before to offer some advice on the side. I'll get the max washed this week and post the pictures (since we all like looking at pictures LOL)

 

update #2 - ran to auto zone and bought a 8mm ratchet to adjust the lights some - thought they were a tad too high. Made sure the driver's side was lower too

 

Any thoughts on how well HID bulbs work in halogen projector lenses? I can't quite get my lights aligned to show the nice, clean step (like what you see here https://www.hidplanet.com/forums/for...oper-alignment). Has anyone been able to replicate that clean of a line after the conversion?

 

You will never get a cutoff that clean with our halogen projectors. Hell, some factory hid cutoffs aren't that clean.

 

Great to hear and thanks for mentioning my name, just trying to help. Liquid is right about the cut off on a halogen projector setup but at least you are not blinding people. Post up some pics when you get a chance man.

 

Yeah, after I posted that note I checked out the cut-off line on my wife's 2015 Durango and it is not that clean either. I have to remember that like anything, there are "purists" who take things to the nth degree.

 

No doubt - I'm going to swing by the car-wash after work today and snap some pics. +1 on not blinding people; don't want to be THAT guy

 

Turned out pretty well for me, 5500k kit and 35w ballasts just installed. Dropped in OE halogen projector housing, switchback LEDs for parking light/turn signal culprit for light glare above cutoff. (On white constantly with lights on or parking light mode, flashes amber when turn signal or 4 ways activated).

 

Mine look really close - I have 5500K as well and the cut off is similar. There appears to be some slight reflection happening off of the high-beam area so that is messing my line up (but it isn't much).

 

Here are some photos. I should have taken one of the cut-off line. It is decent. I had my wife drive my car (as I drove hers) to check and make sure it wasn't blinding anyone. I think I'm good there.

 

Looks good now black out that grill and get some yellow fog lights! Lol

 

Yep, definitely. Wife said the same thing (black grill). Looking at some now