Significant Headlight Modification Feedback

[Aero STI]

I've never been a huge fan of the headlight design with the new 818 nose. Since I had nothing to lose with my destroyed front quarter panel I figured I would do some experimentation. So, I set out to find an alternative light that was sealed and easily adjustable. Aggressive headlights from a car would probably be too recognizable. Lots of searching, trial, and I think I have decent candidate. The headlights out of a 2007-2008 Yamaha R1.

I will refine and blend things really nicely, just like I did with my hood vents. The plan is to make the lower duct area functional for brake ducts. I tried a few different configurations of lights and made a pretty big opening in the junk fender. However, the R1 headlight actually requires very minimal material removal compared to the opening that accommodates the kit headlight bucket.

What do you guys think? Too radical?

https://i.imgur.com/5jRxDUsh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zBVpdAdh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uRjLjC9h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4S4KOZ6h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Cri6R8Th.jpg

[Aero STI]

The Mclaren 720s headlight with integrated ducting provided some inspiration.

https://i.imgur.com/3TLNiEOh.jpg

[Aero STI]

Here's some rough photoshop work that a friend of mine did.

https://i.imgur.com/CLPjDFph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5drdJgZh.jpg

[aquillen]

I think that is down right fun. I had looked at my Hayabusa's front and wondered what it might look like on my 818. Now I kinda' know. I've not tackled putting the front together - still away out. But if it is not to my liking - you're giving me ideas. eBay and you have the used parts for not bad $$.

[flynntuna]

I have to agree with you that the new headlights on the new front end could use some help. I'm glad I have the old front end.
Kinda like the direction your going, though those headlights might be to small for that front end. If you like the "slanted" look in the headlights ya might consider Honda S2000 lights. Personally I think a more vertical light like from Porsche or even CTS might work.

[Mechie3]

I like the new lights (at least better than the old camry ones). They do look a little flat though compared to other supercar headlights.

[Ipassgas]

I like it!

[STiPWRD]

The R1 headlights look a bit small but actually are about the same size as the Mclaren. If you follow what Mclaren did and add some CF trim to give the illusion of a bigger head light, it will look much better IMO. I personally love the look of the new front end but this is a cool idea.

[Mitch Wright]

Like it, I think more so because you are making the car your statement. Which is what these projects are all about.

[Kurk818]

I like where youre going with this. The angles of the lenses are going to need some serious adjustments tho to make them light up the road.

[Taz Rules]

I like it. A lot.
Cool and outside the box.

[07FIREBLADE]

Mad props... did you already split the r1 nose fairing down the middle? How are the headlights mounted to the r1 nose?

[Aero STI]

I appreciate the feedback and overall support. I'm confident enough that I can make it work that I'll do a second revision on the basically unmolested passenger side fender. I bought another full nose retrofit to repair the accident damage. I have two new fenders coming my way. I don't really have anything to lose by making this fit. It's likely that I'll have the acrylic lenses, buckets, and hella projectors for sale if anyone needs them.

Fireblade, yes, I cut the nose fairing in half and removed a lot of excess. There are plastic screw tabs on the inside of the fairing for mounting. It should make mounting and future shimming for aligning once installed in the fenders straight forward.

[07FIREBLADE]

Please continue to update us. I'm very excited to see your progress. I'm sure this will work. You did excellent work with your hood...

[STiPWRD]

Interested in the acrylic lenses when they arrive, let me know what you want for them.

[Frank818]

I am also interested in the acrylic lenses! But I was second to write it so I lost. :(


On the headlights, they do look great! Would they be powerful enough on a car? Motorcycles' headlamps are marked DOT-SAE M where cars' are DOT-SAE H (HH, HR and other variants). They don't light up the same way. For example on a bike the lamps sit much higher than a car so they aren't aimed the same way, maybe on a car they will aim way too low, even after been adjusted. They also don't have the same candelas (similar to lumens) specs which means their beam angle differs and the lighting as well.

Now I understand on our cars most States may not care about this and once registered you may be able to do whatever you want too, but remember lights are there for you to see and others to see you. If you can't see well with the R1's lamps, then maybe you won't want them.

I suggest you test them first before you do a huge facial change.

[07FIREBLADE]

Lights can upgraded. Projectors cam be retrofitted into the assembles so beam patterns/lumens can all be changed. As long as you can get the lights level I don't see the issue.

[Aero STI]

I appreciate the concern with the brightness of the headlights. I will definitely be testing the beam pattern as is, but figured I could retrofit the Hella projectors in the kit if needed.

[Frank818]

Lights can upgraded. Projectors cam be retrofitted into the assembles so beam patterns/lumens can all be changed. As long as you can get the lights level I don't see the issue.

Yeah I didn't think about that, very good idea! I hope it'll work and we'll see the car on the road soon.

[lance corsi]

Andrew, sorry to hear about your run-in. Looks like you're on to something here.

[07FIREBLADE]

Andrew, have you made any progress on this modification? The wait is killing me... I'm sure your elbow deep in fiberglass dust at this point.

[Aero STI]

I haven't made any real progress. I've been busy installing an EFR7163 in my V9 Spec C Type RA swapped Saabaru. Work on the 818 begins after that is done.

https://i.imgur.com/jV6sHk5h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R3tJuqkh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OBkpPG4h.jpg

[07FIREBLADE]

Oh very nice. That looks like a lot of fun.

[07FIREBLADE]

So it's been 3 months... any update on this mod?

[Aero STI]

I was toying with another headlight design. You can see some other images in my build thread. The fiberglass work is wrapping up. Soon I'll switch to filler.

https://i.imgur.com/gIgps3Wh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BTYteaGh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/S4M7VKgh.jpg

[lsfourwheeler]

Looks good! So you decided on the R1 headlights after all?

[07FIREBLADE]

Interesting look. Are you going to do anything about the stock ducting from the R1? How did you mount the light in the fender? Threaded studs...?