Headlight Projector Mod vs. Buying OEM 2006+ Headlight Assembly
 

I want to get both the 4300K HIDs and projectors for my 2005 Limited with DRL. After doing a lot of reading on here, it seems many of you have done a projector mod from a TSX or some other headlight. <b>Is there any reason to do this over just buying the 2006+ OEM replacement headlights?</b> Is it cost? Is the late model headlight assembly not a plug-and-play in the 2005?

I'd like to keep this mod as simple as possible...even if it may cost a bit more initially.

Thanks in advance...

for about same money you can buy everything you need for a nice retro or buy 06+ headlights and trim pieces. TSX, TL, FX or better yet S2000 will kill stock 06+ headlights on a spot performance wise.

Thanks. OK....so the mod is basically what? Removing just the projector assembly from the Acura headlight, mounting it in the existing 4Runner housing and trimming, etc to make it all work? A few wiring adapters here and there?

I'm pretty good in the garage. But don't necessarily have an abundance of tools. I guess I can search for step-by-step directions on how this is done.

Also, I assume you grabbed the Acura projectors from a junk yard or something? Or can you buy them new?

Thanks for the advice...

you buy set of projectors on e-bay or from junk yard. E-bay has tons for sale. I would reccomend LS430, FX35, TL, TSX or if you can find - S2000 nothing even comes close to these, but they expensive at $300-350 for a set. I paid $180 for mine.
Then you either work with your existing headlights or buy new (and sell old ones after you done) and start butcher them. Cut the holes in reflectors to fit projector, fasten it with some bolts, test it and put them back together. Its very easy and you dont need a lot of tools. All I used is a screwdriver, Dremel and may be one wrench, thats it. About 10 hours of work if I would do it again, 20 if you want to get it done right first time. Lots of testing involved and if you want to mod your projectors. I painted cut-off shield red for example. Some people make custom cut-off shield.
HIDplanet.net forum is a good start. Wealth of information, output pictures step by step write ups and great advice from others. I bought my projectors from theretrofitsource.com as well as wiring harness and bulbs. Wiring relay harness plugs in stock wiring and draws current directly from battery. Then get a discent quality HID kit (I would reccomend 50 or 55 watt they have insane output 30-40% improvement over OEM HID) for like $100 or so and you all set :bigok:
06+ headlights have non HID projectors, they are halogen projectors and have poor light output compare to any of well known excellent performers like I listed above. Dont see point of getting them instead of a retro. There is no way you can achieve same results with OEM lights. It turns night into day, literally
http://s61.radikal.ru/i171/0903/64/70db8581bec1.jpg
Retrofitting is actually a lot of fun, in fact so much I want to do a new set already. Anybody wants to buy my Terminator eyes? :D
http://i024.radikal.ru/0903/da/89de02c94c1c.jpg
I was suppose to do a full step by step write up here on my TSX retro last weekend but had too much work, may be I'll do one this weekend. This would encourage you and others and make things easier. I have lots of pictures of entire process

OK, this makes more sense now. so the "big picture" benefit is that the 2006+ projectors aren't made for HID...where the Lexus/Acura ones you listed ARE made for HIDs. so, by using a projector made for HID, I'd get the full benefit of the HID bulbs....right?

If that's the main benefit of doing the mod, then I get it now. Well, looking in the garage right now...my fianc

triguy74,

I have the 2006+ projectors because it came w/ the vehicle, but if I didn't have it, I wouldn't bother getting them.

Because they are expensive, the projection isnt that great & the beam pattern isn't sharp.

I would do a retrofit. I've done a TSX projector retrofit on a Lexus SC300 before.

And I'm sure you want them to look OEM like nothing was done to it...I'm the exact way!!

I included some links for you to check out...

[pictures]...TSX Retrofit On Lexus SC300
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=41938

...there's also pictures of HID Kit, TSX, S2K & LS430 projectors on 4Runners.

paraordnance is correct in every way & I can stand by him in what he says.

2006+ headlights are Halogen projectors...not HID projectors.

triguy74,

Since you have a 2003-2005 style headlight...I would stick LS430 projectors in there!!

LS430 Projectors On IS300
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...2.jpg~original

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...8.jpg~original

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...5.jpg~original

*My friend Lilboi would like to add*

LS430 Retrofit On 2006 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=32679

via 1MZ-V8

TSX Retrofit On 2007 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=30721

TSX Retro Update Pictures
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=31066

S2000 Retrofit On 2007 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=37229

via lawwailok

[pictures]...TSX Retrofit On Lexus SC300
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=41938

via icantsee

you guys rock. alright, looks like a have a project to do. i was wondering why people would go thru the "hassle" of the retrofit if the late model headlights had the projector already. good to know that it's inferior to the Lexus/Acura HID projectors now.

thanks for all the resources...i'll spend this weekend reading them all.

What all would you need to make a COMPLETE 2006+ headlight conversion?

modification of your headlight housing voids it's DOT certification and thus could cause you to fail inspection. Just a warning, but I havent heard of people getting failed for this or anything.

A
 

What about aftermarket projection headlamp kits? Ive seen this headlamp assembly online and on ebay etc.

Aftermarket Projection Headlight - smoke

Its available in clear and in smoke. Now I know these are probably designed for Halogens, but with an HID upgrade, would these be better or worse than the OEM 06+ projectors with HID?

Re: A
 

these are low quality aftermarket set. They not design for HID whatever seller says. They much worse than OEM

Re: A
 

headlight housings are qualified with specific bulbs only, therefore running a different bulb model number, and especially retrofitting HID's are not legal. All HID-in-halogen housing retrofits are illegal and could cause a failed inspection.

The only legal way for HID's to get a housing that comes with HID's stock, and not to tamper with it.

Re: Re: A
 

Your chances of being struck by lightning, then getting bitten by a shark, then winning the lotto all in the same day is greater than failing an inspection for HID in a hologen housing. I mean... come on! really?!? :twak: