Can the high-voltage wire between the Philips LVQ212 ballast and the HID capsule be disconnected from the ballast? (It appears to be crimped on or something) I'm doing a retrofit, so if I can disconnect this first I can do a much clear installation by using a grommet to seal off the wire in the headlight housing. (The ballast will be intalled outside) Otherwise I'll need to cut a bigger hole (for the capsule connector to slide through) and seal it off with maybe epoxy.

I have another question: what's the best tool to cut a straight line in a metal projector shield? I have DOT S4 projectors and I'm thinking of modifying the shield to get more of a upward angle to illuminate the road signs better. I want to make sure I can cut it STRAIGHT (all I have is a Dremel).

Thanks!

You shouldn't cut the shield more to raise your beam on pass side, because you will really bother the people who are sitting at intersections to your right as you drive by. It's already bad enough now without cutting it. You must keep your consideration for others on the road as you ponder any lighting modification to your car. I realize we live in a self-centered world nowdays that only teaches us to think of #1, but we need to remember, not thinking of others will just lead to PO'd people, more sore feelings, and pretty soon, more laws. Just what we want, right?

Josch,

Your point is well taken. Lots of people here seem to run Ecode projectors so do they all modify the projector shields to REMOVE that upward swing?

Believe me I'm not an inconsiderate person. I'm just wondering if I can get a little more road sign illumination without making it an annoyance to others.

Lots of people here seem to run Ecode projectors so do they all modify the projector shields to REMOVE that upward swing?

Yes, ecode projectors has a powerful righ upward swing, but it does not get badly glaring before u stick an HID bulb in there.

The high voltage wire can be soldered off from the ballast side, but its one heck of a tideous maticouls job.
Drilling holes in rear of headlight is a better option. Many OEM ballasts (Audi A6 Healla at least) has a 2inches squared piece preassembled onto high voltage wire. This square should be relatively easy to retro into your own headlamp:



You probably alreasy have ballasts, so its probabaly not an option....

Thanks for the response on the ballast. I'm an electrical engineer so I know how to solder, but I guess I'll just make a bigger hole in the headlight housing to pass through the capsule connector and seal it off afterwards. I bought brand new ballasts and capsules from suvlights.com for the retrofit project. (Didn't want to deal with potential questionable performance of used parts)