I'm planning on going with the D2S projector too. I know the mini H1s would be easier, but I like how the D2S fills the gap more. And now that I know that bit of info, I will like it even more! Just to clarify though, you're talking about a store that you have nearby that you can pick up the HID bulbs from? I honestly don't know if we have any of those around here, but I might just end up ordering a separate set to keep on hand.
Another P5 on a College Budget....Meet Ozzie
- Thread starter esnave09
- Start date
Alright guys, I need some semi-professional advice. I was browsing Amazon and came across this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)! I'm a little hesitant to snatch it up, but there was a guy with a P5 who reviewed it saying all he had to do was dremel out some of the H4 bulb adapter ring so the bulbs would fit (look at the first review). Any thoughts? It's a steal, but I'm not sure if I wanna risk it, especially considering the one guy's bad review of their customer service.
I too have always wondered about picking up a projector set off of amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
They carry D2S bulbs at most auto parts stores. They're crazy pricey there, but if you're on the road and need a set...
As far as the cheap projectors go, I'm not big on cheaping out on the projector. As much work as goes in to getting them in, it just seems penny wise pound foolish to not put something decent in there. Especially considering this is the only part you can't easily change out for something else.
31N007
31N007
- :
- Mazda Protege5
As much as I'd like to argue about that, it's true. You get what ya pay for... I have a friend who I'm helping him retro some MH1s into subaru headlights and it'll come out to around $90. $45 for the bargain projectors and $35 for ballasts, bulbs. I don't have as much faith in the DDM ballasts and bulbs though. Just my personal opinion. Plus the wait time for shipping from China stinks...
If I could do it again, I might go for the FXRs but I didn't plan on putting much money into my car to begin with. We all know how that goes though!
I've gotten used to popping the lights apart, BUT, I have a small leak and I am too lazy to fix it... I just let it go away on its own, which I know will take away from the light output while there is condensation on the inside...
If I could do it again, I might go for the FXRs but I didn't plan on putting much money into my car to begin with. We all know how that goes though!
I've gotten used to popping the lights apart, BUT, I have a small leak and I am too lazy to fix it... I just let it go away on its own, which I know will take away from the light output while there is condensation on the inside...
Agreed on the FX-R's. Going again I probably would've put those in instead of the Morimoto minis since it wouldn't have been that much more work. At some point I may build a different set with either FX-Rs or a lexus low beam. The minis are fine for now though.
I'll have to look at the FX-R's again. I didn't think they'd fit the P5 headlights, but I guess some people did it. I'll have to save it for another bitterly cold day (like tomorrow; -60 with wind chill!) and start retroing them. But I decided to back off of the $40 projectors for sure. I don't trust it as much a day later. I'll probably go with something from TRS or maybe HIDplanet if I can find something.
Yeah true true about the cutting. Idk if I wanna mess around with cutting the assembly. I'll be getting a second headlight assembly for the retro, but I still don't know if I wanna get into cutting. I'm gonna wait until TRS opens their new site tomorrow before I make any decisions. Maybe I'll pay a WTB ad for this stuff.
EDIT: Scratch the not cutting part. Looking at other threads, I will probably end up cutting out part of my reflector anyways. I just need to make sure it ends up being the right sized hole. So I'll really need to get comfortable with my cutting skills now.
EDIT: Scratch the not cutting part. Looking at other threads, I will probably end up cutting out part of my reflector anyways. I just need to make sure it ends up being the right sized hole. So I'll really need to get comfortable with my cutting skills now.
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Well this weekend was eventful. I had a scare on Friday that Ozzie was on fire! I could smell something burning when I was going down a huge hill on the way to give a friend a jump, and then when I opened the hood I saw a bit of smoke coming from the middle front of the engine bay. It went away after a few seconds (followed by a whole day of deliveries and me freaking out at every weird smell), but I think I might be starting to burn a little bit of oil. On top of that, my vibration has gotten worse (I think it's my motor mounts giving out) and my brakes are once again acting up (check out the thread I zombified). I'm going to the shop tomorrow to have them inspect those things, as well as tighten up my struts since the nuts on top can't get any tighter without an air gun. Sadly, until I find out what's going on with those issues my mods have been put on hold.
Idk if I mentioned it before, but before these issues came up I had ordered a shorty antenna, carbon fiber wrap, and a cheap intake. All but the intake have arrived, but I need to dremel down the adapter screw for the antenna and find a hair dryer to use for the carbon fiber wrap. Not completely sure what I'll be wrapping, but it'll be subtle touches. Nothing crazy like the Subaru in the next building over from mine with CF wrapped doors. ha
Idk if I mentioned it before, but before these issues came up I had ordered a shorty antenna, carbon fiber wrap, and a cheap intake. All but the intake have arrived, but I need to dremel down the adapter screw for the antenna and find a hair dryer to use for the carbon fiber wrap. Not completely sure what I'll be wrapping, but it'll be subtle touches. Nothing crazy like the Subaru in the next building over from mine with CF wrapped doors. ha
Well, I guess now I have to buy am HID kit. After just two months one of my low beams is burned out again. I'm gonna go with DDM, but hopefully it doesn't take long for them to get here. I've heard of them taking forever since it's from China, but we'll just have to wait and see. I'm still undecided at this point as to whether or not I want to do projectors at this point though....
As for the 2 months bit, has anyone else's headlights burned out that quick?
As for the 2 months bit, has anyone else's headlights burned out that quick?
Well, I've got some news...
Wow, it's been forever since I've updated this. And there's a lot going on. I had a 900 mile weekend after making a trip to Madison WI for a concert and to the Twin Cities for a casino run (walked out with $20! Woo freakin hoo).
First, the mods. I got my stubby antenna installed, but when I tried to dremel down the nut I managed to strip the threads at the top. Thus, I have a gap between the base and the bottom of the antenna that looks like crap. I gotta find a ring of plastic or something to fill that in, but it shouldn't be too hard. Just haven't gotten around to it. Second mod I accomplished is LED installs on the inside and plate lights. They look great, and if you get them from DDM they're a whole lot cheaper than the Corksport kit (plus you won't have an extra bulb laying around). I also have 6000k HIDs to be installed, but I forgot the H7 adapters. They came, but I haven't had a chance to do it since one of my headlight clips came out and it's bitterly cold.
Second, problems (besides my own stupidity). My motor mounts are all shot, from the sounds I hear going over bumps (my exhaust is bumpy, if you wanna call it that). I can also notice my shifter bouncing around a little bit too. Along with the shifter, a few nights ago I noticed that when I shifted that there was a slight squeak like my shifter bushing was going bad. However, it was just that one night. Finally the big one. I have a rhythmic squeaking coming from a) the front of my car if I'm braking, and b) from the front left of my car if I'm turning left. I haven't noticed if it changes at all if applying gas when turning or not, but it is driving me nuts, especially for another unfortunate reason.
Finally, the big news. I've decided (regretfully) to sell Ozzie. While doing my taxes I totalled up the repairs I've done and found out I've invested over $2500 just in big bills (nothing under $20), and seeing that there's more to do still (like deal with my terrible rust), I've decided to sell it and get something more reliable and in better condition. I'm going to make sure to get whatever it is inspected, but I've basically narrowed down what I want to a Subaru (hopefully an Impreza), a newer Mazda (3 or 6), or what I'm looking at right now, a Scion tC. I will still pop in here every now and then if I get bored, and Mazdas will always hold a special place in my heart, but the tC had stolen my heart since the day it came out, and now I have the chance to finally own one. My tax return is double what it was last year (which was already a lot) so getting it shouldn't be bea pronlem, it's just a matter of when my tax return gets here and when Ozzie gets sold.
This is also why I want to get the squeaking figured out, and since Tires Plus didn't say anything when I was last there (ended up replacing a strut because because of stripped threads $320 later) I figured I'd turn to you guys first and see if you had any insight.
Wow, it's been forever since I've updated this. And there's a lot going on. I had a 900 mile weekend after making a trip to Madison WI for a concert and to the Twin Cities for a casino run (walked out with $20! Woo freakin hoo).
First, the mods. I got my stubby antenna installed, but when I tried to dremel down the nut I managed to strip the threads at the top. Thus, I have a gap between the base and the bottom of the antenna that looks like crap. I gotta find a ring of plastic or something to fill that in, but it shouldn't be too hard. Just haven't gotten around to it. Second mod I accomplished is LED installs on the inside and plate lights. They look great, and if you get them from DDM they're a whole lot cheaper than the Corksport kit (plus you won't have an extra bulb laying around). I also have 6000k HIDs to be installed, but I forgot the H7 adapters. They came, but I haven't had a chance to do it since one of my headlight clips came out and it's bitterly cold.
Second, problems (besides my own stupidity). My motor mounts are all shot, from the sounds I hear going over bumps (my exhaust is bumpy, if you wanna call it that). I can also notice my shifter bouncing around a little bit too. Along with the shifter, a few nights ago I noticed that when I shifted that there was a slight squeak like my shifter bushing was going bad. However, it was just that one night. Finally the big one. I have a rhythmic squeaking coming from a) the front of my car if I'm braking, and b) from the front left of my car if I'm turning left. I haven't noticed if it changes at all if applying gas when turning or not, but it is driving me nuts, especially for another unfortunate reason.
Finally, the big news. I've decided (regretfully) to sell Ozzie. While doing my taxes I totalled up the repairs I've done and found out I've invested over $2500 just in big bills (nothing under $20), and seeing that there's more to do still (like deal with my terrible rust), I've decided to sell it and get something more reliable and in better condition. I'm going to make sure to get whatever it is inspected, but I've basically narrowed down what I want to a Subaru (hopefully an Impreza), a newer Mazda (3 or 6), or what I'm looking at right now, a Scion tC. I will still pop in here every now and then if I get bored, and Mazdas will always hold a special place in my heart, but the tC had stolen my heart since the day it came out, and now I have the chance to finally own one. My tax return is double what it was last year (which was already a lot) so getting it shouldn't be bea pronlem, it's just a matter of when my tax return gets here and when Ozzie gets sold.
This is also why I want to get the squeaking figured out, and since Tires Plus didn't say anything when I was last there (ended up replacing a strut because because of stripped threads $320 later) I figured I'd turn to you guys first and see if you had any insight.
31N007
31N007
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- Mazda Protege5
You butthead.
It is what it is. I can understand that costs are too high. It's a shame, and I'll hold you to coming and posting on here still.
If you're going to sell, I'd leave the HIDs off as it'll probably be more appealing to the general public.
People might not notice the mounts on test drives unless they romp on the car. I know I didn't. As long as the inside and outside are clean, there shouldn't be any worries. I know that for me, I'd have a lot of explaining to do with regards to the headlights and fog overlays. Highlight all the good things, yadda yadda. (I go off on tangents sometimes, not sure if you noticed. Lol)
I wish I could help with the squeak. My first guess would be something to do with brakes, but I've been wrong more than once. Sure it's an easy fix though.
I've always liked the Impreza wagons; I'd have gotten one of them if I found one in my price range. Probably wouldn't have modded it though. Which, depending on outlook, could be a good thing.
Keep us in the loop. Pics and perhaps a thread on progress when you pick up a new ride!
It is what it is. I can understand that costs are too high. It's a shame, and I'll hold you to coming and posting on here still.
If you're going to sell, I'd leave the HIDs off as it'll probably be more appealing to the general public.
People might not notice the mounts on test drives unless they romp on the car. I know I didn't. As long as the inside and outside are clean, there shouldn't be any worries. I know that for me, I'd have a lot of explaining to do with regards to the headlights and fog overlays. Highlight all the good things, yadda yadda. (I go off on tangents sometimes, not sure if you noticed. Lol)
I wish I could help with the squeak. My first guess would be something to do with brakes, but I've been wrong more than once. Sure it's an easy fix though.
I've always liked the Impreza wagons; I'd have gotten one of them if I found one in my price range. Probably wouldn't have modded it though. Which, depending on outlook, could be a good thing.
Keep us in the loop. Pics and perhaps a thread on progress when you pick up a new ride!
Definitely go with the Impreza. After owning one for a few years I wouldn't have anything else for a daily. Mod the motor very carefully if you do end up with one though. They are really sensitive to engine changes without a proper tune (I've seen cai's cause a huge amount of problems). Parts can be pricey, but I think it's worth it. The non turbo variants would be more reliable and cheaper to maintain.
Only thing to keep in mind with an Impreza (and all Subarus) is the AWD... depending on the year and mileage on the car, so many more things will need replacing. Especially in the back end. So, unless you can afford a newer Impreza, I'd stay away from them if you're selling the P5 because it's falling apart.
All valid points! At this point I'm just looking at what I can afford in my price range. My tax return won't be here until the end of the month, so I still got some time. My aim in putting in HIDs is the fact that it'll remedy the issue (that seems to plague my car) of Proteges literally burning through headlights every few months. Idk if any of you saw my post (or if I even posted it lol) about how one of my low beams is now out after just two months. The HIDs will, from what I've read, last a lot longer than stock and still look great. Even light up better than stock (which I though was pretty good).
As for the Impreza (or any Subie, really), I'm a little more hesitant. Not only because of AWD parts wearing out and their sensitivity to engine changes (which I hadn't exactly thought through, I'll admit), but because their engine configurations are extremely foreign to me (no pun intended). I know almost nothing about the Boxer engines, and I'd feel really more comfortable working on a standard inline (probably not a V6). Additionally, the AWD will destroy my gas mileage, and if even though I don't plan on delivering much longer after this semester it's gonna suck paying for that.
Right now this is the car I have my eye set on.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/4267920676.html
It's at the top of my price range, but easy to work on, and it's a freakin Toyota so it'll last forever (hopefully). I'm not saying that my little Mazda won't, but judging by the rust on my fenders I don't exactly have a good feeling about it. The problem with the tC is that I have nowhere to put my light for delivering. The roof is glass, and the trunklid isn't big enough for it with the wing (which I'm not getting rid of). That and the fact that it's at least 3 hours away.
However, I did find this fun little Mazda:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/4312599859.html
Since it's from Nevada, it shouldn't have any rust, although I wonder how long the seller has been in MN. It's a stick shift too, so that's a huge bonus! However, it's not a hatch like I wanted (not that the tC is much better), so I'm gonna need a rack to get my bike in/on it. I really like that the windows have tint, but like the ad says it's MN illegal, so I'm wondering if I can get away with it being registered in SD.
Anyways, thoughts on either of those? I know you guys will probs be biased towards the Mazda (keepin me in the family?), but which do you guys think will be the better option? But I will start a forum thread, whatever car I end up going with. If nothing else, I'll link it in my sig and post a ton on here.
As for the Impreza (or any Subie, really), I'm a little more hesitant. Not only because of AWD parts wearing out and their sensitivity to engine changes (which I hadn't exactly thought through, I'll admit), but because their engine configurations are extremely foreign to me (no pun intended). I know almost nothing about the Boxer engines, and I'd feel really more comfortable working on a standard inline (probably not a V6). Additionally, the AWD will destroy my gas mileage, and if even though I don't plan on delivering much longer after this semester it's gonna suck paying for that.
Right now this is the car I have my eye set on.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/4267920676.html
It's at the top of my price range, but easy to work on, and it's a freakin Toyota so it'll last forever (hopefully). I'm not saying that my little Mazda won't, but judging by the rust on my fenders I don't exactly have a good feeling about it. The problem with the tC is that I have nowhere to put my light for delivering. The roof is glass, and the trunklid isn't big enough for it with the wing (which I'm not getting rid of). That and the fact that it's at least 3 hours away.
However, I did find this fun little Mazda:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/4312599859.html
Since it's from Nevada, it shouldn't have any rust, although I wonder how long the seller has been in MN. It's a stick shift too, so that's a huge bonus! However, it's not a hatch like I wanted (not that the tC is much better), so I'm gonna need a rack to get my bike in/on it. I really like that the windows have tint, but like the ad says it's MN illegal, so I'm wondering if I can get away with it being registered in SD.
Anyways, thoughts on either of those? I know you guys will probs be biased towards the Mazda (keepin me in the family?), but which do you guys think will be the better option? But I will start a forum thread, whatever car I end up going with. If nothing else, I'll link it in my sig and post a ton on here.
Price seems kind of high to me on the Mazda3... they're half that around here. (Probably due to the extreme rust issues.) I'm not particularly fond of Toyota's designed-by-committee body styles and interiors, but I hear they're fairly reliable... the solara's and avalon's seem to be lemon parties. Best of luck whichever way you go.
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I agree with ya on the Toyota styling with the interior. It is SO BORING! But alas, nothing a few stickers and some plastidip can't fix. I'm sadly already thinking of things I can do with the Scion (first thing after necessities, new HID projector/LED headlights and LED tails), and the Mazda isn't too far behind it. Another thing I'm hesitant on is the lack of activity in the MZ3 forum. I posted there looking for advice about things to look for with another 3 I was looking at a few weeks ago and got nothing. After a week I bumped it and still haven't gotten anything. Maybe it's nothing to worry about, but if something comes up I wanna know I can go there for help and get a response quickly. That's one thing that I love about the P5 forums: you guys all responded so quickly (along with others in other situations) and it kept me from having to use the terrible search feature most of the time.
I'm sadly already thinking of things I can do with the Scion (first thing after necessities, new HID projector/LED headlights and LED tails), and the Mazda isn't too far behind it. Another thing I'm hesitant on is the lack of activity in the MZ3 forum. I posted there looking for advice about things to look for with another 3 I was looking at a few weeks ago and got nothing. After a week I bumped it and still haven't gotten anything. Maybe it's nothing to worry about, but if something comes up I wanna know I can go there for help and get a response quickly. That's one thing that I love about the P5 forums: you guys all responded so quickly (along with others in other situations) and it kept me from having to use the terrible search feature most of the time.Well I got my HIDs installed. Passenger side bulb is held in with a lot of duct tape, and hopefully it stays on there. I'll know more after I deliver tonight (7 hour split shift).
Also, since I got my HIDs in, I'm starting to question whether I want to sell my car. It might just be graduation goggles (How I Met Your Mother reference), but I'm really liking Ozzie since I got that done. Also, they are more blue than I thought they would be, and I think they make my fogs look really yellow. Not 3000k yellow though. And I have basically narrowed down my braking noise to warped rotors, I think just up front. The only issues now are the rust and my motor mounts, and I am seriously considering throwing in rubber chunks to help out with that.
However, my state tax return is in, and hopefully my federal return will shortly follow. So now it's just a matter of getting my car sold. If somebody wants it. I feel like the rust and highish miles will be the biggest factors against it....
Also, since I got my HIDs in, I'm starting to question whether I want to sell my car. It might just be graduation goggles (How I Met Your Mother reference), but I'm really liking Ozzie since I got that done. Also, they are more blue than I thought they would be, and I think they make my fogs look really yellow. Not 3000k yellow though. And I have basically narrowed down my braking noise to warped rotors, I think just up front. The only issues now are the rust and my motor mounts, and I am seriously considering throwing in rubber chunks to help out with that.
However, my state tax return is in, and hopefully my federal return will shortly follow. So now it's just a matter of getting my car sold. If somebody wants it. I feel like the rust and highish miles will be the biggest factors against it....
31N007
31N007
- :
- Mazda Protege5
Lol, I felt the same way about mine until I put the RMM in and stuff. It's a love-hate thing with cars. These are a pain in the butt because of the miniscule things, but when they run right, it's always a smile on my face.
Rust is what is stopping me from selling, as well as the title issue. Clean MI title, but it's been written off in the past. I know where the damage is, but will the potential buyer? Plus rust. Hood is cheap to replace if I can source one locally. The rear hatch can be patched easily. That leaves the fender wells. I probably won't bother though as that's more money into it than I'll get out.
I want an MS3, R6, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and to keep my P5. Where is the winning lotto ticket when you need it? Lol
Rust is what is stopping me from selling, as well as the title issue. Clean MI title, but it's been written off in the past. I know where the damage is, but will the potential buyer? Plus rust. Hood is cheap to replace if I can source one locally. The rear hatch can be patched easily. That leaves the fender wells. I probably won't bother though as that's more money into it than I'll get out.
I want an MS3, R6, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and to keep my P5. Where is the winning lotto ticket when you need it? Lol
