CHANGE NB8A Headlights with NB8B

[KAOS KARL]

just a question
will NB8B Headlights Fit
straight into an NB8A ?

[timk]

No, they have spike things under them to hold the bumper in place, so you need to change the front bumper too. There's a few things under the bumper that are different too.

In saying that I've swapped all the bits over on mine and it worked well:





Cheers

[KAOS KARL]

No, they have spike things under them to hold the bumper in place, so you need to change the front bumper too. There's a few things under the bumper that are different too.

In saying that I've swapped all the bits over on mine and it worked well:





Cheers

you have a very nice clean MX-5 right there, Congratulations and thanks
for the comment. was hoping it would be a straight swap over.

[marty085]

Karl there's an NB8B bumper on the eBay at the mo.

[marty085]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251556725392

[Okibi]

I paid about that much for a brand new one from Mazda (and new are much easier to paint apparently).

[lightyear]

I did it too. You need to change the wiring on the headlights. Totally different. The bumper is different. And the inner plastic liners in the wheel well are different. I wouldn't buy an NB8A, for a little extra the NB8B is so much better. Just sell the car and upgrade.

[Mr Morlock]

I don't quite get it either- expensive to do the job- i.e. easy to spend $1000 and whats wrong with a NB series 1. The light performance may be a little better but I don't think most drivers either notice or care. Just by changing the front lights / bumper you turn a series 1 into in an in-between neither a ser 1 or a 2. In a circle of older car friends I don't think I can recall anyone mentioning headlamp performance- probably most don't drive much at night!. Car testers who not mention lighting in terms of performance one test in one hundred. Interestingly- how many people buying a car ask to drive it at night before making a decision?

[Boyracer]

I used the SE lights on my...plus garage vary lip.

[Okibi]

...In a circle of older car friends I don't think I can recall anyone mentioning headlamp performance..

Lemme guess mileage, tyre wear rating and ability to tow caravans?

[Mr Morlock]

no you would fail on that guess Okibi well of the beam I am afraid.

[KAOS KARL]

you are absolutely right Mr.Mortlock
I didn't test drive in the dark as you said, Not many people purchase
a car at night,lol
I'm of senior age and finding night driving
straining my eyesight. our other car a BMW E46 330i
which has Projector lighting is excellent compared to normal
H4 Bulbs. I expected this but wasn't aware of how weak they really were.
I purchased a set of HID's had them installed /was flashed the first night I drove it so took
them back out. I believe from what I've read, NB8B lights are not a straight fit out with my NB8A. Now am running OSRAM NIGHTBREAKER H4's marginally better but not a lot better.
any suggestions greatly appreciated. Dann Jolly has done quite a bit of work on my 8A
and its going really well for what it is, option to sell but doubt I would re coup money I've spent up grading so far !!!!! Might just bit the Bullet and sell anyway and purchase an 8B onwards with Projector Lights.
Do you have any suggestions Please Mr.Mortllock ?
Are these Halo Projector on ebay sold from Sydney any good ? and will they fit an 8A ?

[greenMachine]

Have you cleaned the lenses to get the faded/yellowing from them? That makes a big difference.

[Mr Morlock]

Kaos- I fully appreciate your situation. Eye sight deteriorates and many drivers become wary about night driving or simply do not do it. Your comments about the bulbs is correct- whilst bulbs like the Osram Nightbreaker are a little better they will not make a big difference despite the advertising which is somewhat misleading. Insofar as the 8A is concerned GM is right- if the lenses are not clear that also detracts from light performance and is easily fixed. Presumably the reflectors are in good condition- though these are not serviceable . Its worth checking to see if the lights are getting 12V to them i.e. no voltage drop- I would think a auto elect might check that out for maybe no charge.

I don't know about the performance of the 8A lights compared to 8B but I would think the former should be acceptable- others can give an opinion.An H4 in itself is not a problem but the size of a reflector does make a difference.

Of course one of the biggest factors is ones own eyes. Some drivers refuse to wear specs despite not being legal and not being able to see properly. I wear glasses and the difference at night is really noticeable.

I don't know anything about the ebay lights. The 8B has obviously an OEM headlamp designed to mount a low beam projector and high beam reflector. An 8A headlamp is a reflector lamp for both hight and low. I don't see how you can retrofit a projector into a headlamp not designed for it.

[KevGoat]

Yeah, I can sympathise. My vision's been declining the last few years and night time does become more difficult.

My NB8A has some Philips bulbs fitted that are excellent. Very penetrating white light. The bulbs look bluish in the assembly when off, but they're white when on. Looking on the Philips website, I think they may be the Crystal Vision lamps, but not 100% sure (they were already fitted when I bought the car). I've been using them for over a year now and no one's ever flashed me, so can't be too bright for oncoming traffic. Haven't been pulled over for them as yet either ... touches wood ...