Another Noob Retrofit Projector Question

[wahoossi]

I am thinking of retrofitting projectors into my 2003 SR5. I no longer have my original headlights, they were replaced with aftermarket non projectors and frankly the reflectors on the low beams suck. They were pretty cheap so I don't mind trashing them . Would I be better off buying Spec D type projectors or adding Morimoto Projectors, lenses and shrouds (like from the retrofit source)? I only plan on replacing my low beams as my high beam LED's are actually pretty good and I almost never use them in deference to oncoming traffic. I already have a quality Phillips 4200 K HID kit with ballasts I bought for my fog lights which are currently aftermarket Projector with LED's in them. I am decently handy as I replaced the complete JBL stereo system myself with a 2 amp subwoofer integrated system . I don't think I want to go to the expense of buying two LS469 headlights for $300 each to get their projectors. I just want to improve my low beam vision and I already have the HID bulbs and ballasts and with the projectors I could circumvent the crappy reflectors on my aftermarket headlights. Any thoughts would be appreciated .

 

[Erkelbot]

I think you'll need to replace the bulbs anyhow -- and get an adapter to conform to D2S bulbs -- if you want to use those ballasts. The kit bulbs you have are likely 9006s, since they worked with the housings for your fogs.

I might advise getting the adapters for D2S bulbs, and simply getting a shrouds and some additional simple materials from TRS. You could get TL projectors for reasonably cheap (in place of investing in morimotos), and I know a ton of guys have gone that route in the absence of a 06+ headlamp. The beauty of you >05 is that the lamp housings are huge (deep) so you can choose any projector you want and not worry about them not fitting. LSs are expensive, though they are fantastic. S2000s are also good for a retro.

Anyway, this is coming from a dude who never pulled the trigger on the retrofit. I use a halogen projector tuned to work well with 4300K phillips bulbs and a Xenon Depot kit. I like it plenty.

 

[ZiaMan]

Anyway, this is coming from a dude who never pulled the trigger on the retrofit. I use a halogen projector tuned to work well with 4300K phillips bulbs and a Xenon Depot kit. I like it plenty.

Sorry for the threadjack but how did you tune the halogen projector to the Phillips HID bulbs?

 

[Erkelbot]

Typical stuff. Leveraged the halogen projectors in place, fine tuned the "squirrel finders" and twisted the vertical alignment screws a few times to level the beams correctly. I'm up 2.5", as most are here on the forum, so they needed to be addressed either way to keep the light away from lower, oncoming traffic... Especially given the light was now MUCH more intense.

I won't pretend the setup is perfect, but it works pretty damn well for being a halogen projector setup. The cutoff is decently sharp (though not as sharp as a true retro), and the light is nicely distributed.

It's a good substitute for open heart headlight surgery for folks with projector headlamps.

 

[CookieRoe]

SpecD or Morimoto? I would stick with Moritmotos. They are known for their quality hardware especially from the retrofitsource (great customer service). Never heard of SpecD, but a short google search comes up with an aftermarket company that makes headlights. Umm, I dunno about them.

What kind of LED high beam bulb are you using? I wanted to get LED (vLeds), but the LED in a reflective housing issues bothers me. I know I'll be using the HI's sparingly, I'm just afraid of "blotchy" beams.

 

[paraordnance]

Morimoto projectors are extremely easy to retrofit and they cheap while offering good performance. I think they come with the large screw-on nut at the end of projector, all you have to do is to drill/core your reflector bowl to fit projectors and tighten the nut on the back side of your reflector bowl. I seen it done on Tundra headlights and it almost looked too easy for my liking ound: No epoxies or sealants which is a bonus for beginner/noob retro-fitters.

And by the way, you don't have to spend 600+ on Lexus headlights, you can buy bi-xenons 460 from TRS for $400, or TLs for around $200.

 

[av8ter]

I am thinking of retrofitting projectors into my 2003 SR5. I no longer have my original headlights, they were replaced with aftermarket non projectors and frankly the reflectors on the low beams suck. They were pretty cheap so I don't mind trashing them . Would I be better off buying Spec D type projectors or adding Morimoto Projectors, lenses and shrouds (like from the retrofit source)? I only plan on replacing my low beams as my high beam LED's are actually pretty good and I almost never use them in deference to oncoming traffic. I already have a quality Phillips 4200 K HID kit with ballasts I bought for my fog lights which are currently aftermarket Projector with LED's in them. I am decently handy as I replaced the complete JBL stereo system myself with a 2 amp subwoofer integrated system . I don't think I want to go to the expense of buying two LS469 headlights for $300 each to get their projectors. I just want to improve my low beam vision and I already have the HID bulbs and ballasts and with the projectors I could circumvent the crappy reflectors on my aftermarket headlights. Any thoughts would be appreciated .

Where can you get LS460 headlights for $300 a piece?

 

[wahoossi]

I found the $300 dollar LS460 headlights on eBay, used. The LED's I have I bought about a year ago , I believe from Xenon depot . Not sure of brand but they had the highest lumens available. They give off a nice white light but really are meant to be in a projector housing. Thanks for the advice on the projectors I think I will initially go with the Morimotos.