PFF - Pennock's Fiero Forum, PDA Edition

Early One wire Early Headlight Motor Gen 2 Conversion. (Page 1/1)

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 20, 11:13 PM

I just noticed that headlight motor conversion kits are available for the early Corvettes that originally used vacuum motors to raise the headlights. The mechanism uses the common headlight Gen II motors used on the 87-88 Fieros and Firebirds of the same period but with a very different lift mechanism. . While the Corvette upgrade mechanical mechanism is very different from that used on the Fiero, the electrical control of the motors on this system is done with only one relay and one wire. If it works on Corvettes this kit should be capable of controlling the same headlight Gen II headlight motors on a Fiero. Then in theory the one relay one wire system should work on the Fiero. More research is needed on this but if we can crack the wiring we should be able to use the same electrical hookup to install Gen 2 motors to work in the 84-86 Fieros. Hopefully some of the tech minds on this forum can chime in with their opinion..

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 11-20-2024).]

Patrick

NOV 21, 02:22 AM

quote

Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

More research is needed on this but if we can crack the wiring we should be able to use the same electrical hookup to install Gen 2 motors to work in the 84-86 Fieros.

Very interesting!

Dukesterpro

NOV 21, 03:15 PM

Ive been selfishly hogging my own custom headlight controller. Both my 86 and 84 have it now. I will look into the corvette one. Get you guys some answers

Dukesterpro

NOV 21, 03:17 PM

Limit switches as far as I can tell. They use a reversing relay that has its ground switched by limit switches in the gear box of the headlight motor assembly. This would only work if the gear box worked with our cars. Id be more interested in faster headlights, similar to the miatas

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 21, 03:54 PM

quote

Originally posted by Dukesterpro:

Limit switches as far as I can tell. They use a reversing relay that has its ground switched by limit switches in the gear box of the headlight motor assembly. This would only work if the gear box worked with our cars. Id be more interested in faster headlights, similar to the miatas

I would assume that the attached gearbox uses limit switches, but a current sensing circuit might also be used to shut down the motors off at the end of travel. We would need to see the physical unit to see exactly how motor function is accomplished and measure the motion control.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 21, 04:57 PM

quote

AFAIK, the Corvette conversion motors are exactly the same as the GEN II motors but I do see a need for a limit switch or a current sensing circuit to shut the motors off the end of travel. If there is a gear box attached to each motor (likely) then the travel of the mechanism must be altered to the travel length of the Fiero headlight units.

Dukesterpro

NOV 21, 06:27 PM

Well hang on Dennis, GEN II motors do in fact use a inline current sensor to operate. Its how they are able to detect obstructions. Thats how my box works aswell. The problem is, this doesnt offer anything to fix the actual problem of shortage of control boxes

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 22, 03:08 PM

quote

Originally posted by Dukesterpro:

Well hang on Dennis, GEN II motors do in fact use a inline current sensor to operate. Its how they are able to detect obstructions. Thats how my box works as well. The problem is, this doesnt offer anything to fix the actual problem of shortage of control boxes

If you are talking about the Corvette headlight motor conversion I do not see that it uses the GM headlight motor control module. From appearance all I can see is one relay and the "side box" on the motors that probably contains limit switches. Isn't the Gen II control just determined by polarity or reversing it? Obstruction protection can just be applied with a fuse. We've really need to see this system for further details.

olejoedad

NOV 22, 03:32 PM

As there are no limit switches incorporated into the Gen 2 headlight motors, is the "side box" you reference mounted to the mechanism or the linkage?

Mike in Sydney

NOV 23, 02:34 AM

quote

Originally posted by Dukesterpro:

Well hang on Dennis, GEN II motors do in fact use a inline current sensor to operate. Its how they are able to detect obstructions. Thats how my box works aswell. The problem is, this doesnt offer anything to fix the actual problem of shortage of control boxes

Hey, Duke. When you say shortage of control boxes, are you talking about the headlight control module on the ‘87 & ‘88 models? If so, I’m using an after-market headlight module for a C4 Corvette. Works perfectly on my ‘86 SE that’s been retrofitted with a Gen 2 headlight system. Also using it on my ‘86 GT that’s also been retrofitted with the same Gen 2 system.