9005 Bulb Conversion for Third-Generation Integra Projector Headlights
Introduction
This guide covers modifying a pair of 9005 halogen bulbs so they seat in the 9006 headlight sockets of a projector-equipped Integra, giving a noticeably brighter output than the factory bulbs at a fraction of the cost of an HID retrofit. It applies to the third-generation (94+) Integra, which uses projector housings that keep the beam aimed at the road; on reflector housings the extra output would scatter and dazzle oncoming drivers, so it should not be attempted there. The 9005 and 9006 bulbs share nearly identical bases and differ only in their anti-mismatch keying, so a small amount of trimming lets the higher-output 9005 drop into the 9006 location. Adapted from a community writeup by tony4311 on Team Integra (https://www.team-integra.net/threads/g3-9005-headlight-conversion.342576/).
Reference
Tools Required
- Needle-nose pliers
- Sharp utility or hobby knife
- Dry paper towel (for handling the bulbs)
- Small file or low-wattage soldering iron (optional alternative for removing the locating prong)
Parts Required
-
Pair of 9005 halogen high-beam bulbs
-
The rubber weather seals from the outgoing 9006 bulbs (reused)
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Do not perform this conversion on reflector (non-projector) headlights; the uncontrolled beam will blind oncoming drivers.
- ⚠ Never touch the bulb glass with bare fingers. Oil from skin shortens bulb life; clean any contact with a dry paper towel before fitting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Choose the correct bulbs
Buy a set of 9005 halogen high-beam bulbs. Any reputable halogen set works; the Sylvania Silverstar is a common upgrade but typically runs about $10 more than a plain halogen set. Avoid any bulb made from genuine blue glass rather than a light tint. Blue-glass bulbs are styling parts that emit less usable light, and fitting them can leave the headlights dimmer than stock.
2 Confirm projector housings and observe handling precautions
Verify the car uses projector headlights, as on the 94-and-later Integra, before starting. On a reflector housing the beam will not be controlled and will blind oncoming traffic. Handle each bulb by its base only. Skin oils and dirt on the glass create hot spots that can cause premature failure, so if you touch the glass, wipe it clean with a dry paper towel before installation.
3 Compare the 9005 and 9006 bases
Set a 9005 bulb next to a 9006 bulb and study the keying that prevents cross-installation. The 9006 base carries a single locating notch at the top, while the 9005 base has two. Each bulb also has an alignment tab on the rim, positioned on opposite sides between the two types. These are the only features that must be reworked to let the 9005 seat in the 9006 socket.
4 Remove the extra locating prong from the 9005 base
Grip the surplus prong on the 9005 base with needle-nose pliers and squeeze until it snaps off, then pare away any remaining stub with a sharp knife so the top of the base matches the single-notch 9006 profile. A small file or a low-wattage soldering iron can remove the prong instead, though both are slower than snapping and trimming.
5 Trim the rim alignment tab
Cut the alignment tab across its middle and break off the half that no longer lines up with the 9006 socket. Leave the other half in place; it still bears against the housing and holds the bulb seated. Removing the entire tab would let the bulb sit loose, so stop at the midpoint.
6 Transfer the rubber weather seal
Pull the rubber sealing ring off the original 9006 bulb and fit it onto the modified 9005 bulb. This restores the weather seal that keeps moisture out of the headlight assembly, since the 9005 comes with a seal sized for a different housing.
7 Install the bulbs and check the result
Seat each modified bulb into its 9006 socket, confirm it locks with the retained tab, and reconnect the wiring. Switch the lights on and look down the road; the upgraded bulbs throw more light, most visible on road signs and other reflective surfaces. Recheck aim if the beam pattern looks off.
Pro Tips
- 💡 Keep the rubber seals from the old 9006 bulbs; they are required to reseal the modified bulbs.
- 💡 Snapping the prong with pliers and finishing with a knife is far quicker than filing or melting it off.
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