JDM Headlights w/ HID's - Horrible Light Output

[cobiker]

OP, I also had new aftermarket clear headlights installed after I broke the OEMs in a crash. I installed HIDs and the output was terrible. As I also just spent a ton on repairs, new wheels and suspension, I also never wanted to spend a lot on the headlights and tried to finagle with the bulb, etc. to try to get a decent beam. No go. This is how it looks like (with the drop in HID bulbs).

The glare is bad. I was flashed lots of times by other cars. I tried changing back to ordinary halogens but that just resulted in a weaker beam - less flashes but also harder to see the road.

After a few more nights, I decided the lights were dangerous (to me... and oncoming traffic).

I had a retrofitter put in projector HIDs for around $450 and have never been happier since.

They look cool too.

Bottom line ... the HID retrofit is truly worth it.
I think it could go for a lot less if you DIY it.

 

[awpsome]

i remember when i had my hids in those JDM housings as well.
light patter/output/everything was crap.. although they did look much better in the day then the 96-98 frosted crap.

but yes i recommend projectors as well, day and night difference.
or even a OEM set of 99-02 housings would be perfect. and much cheaper and less time comsuming haha

 

[JWaldz]

I'm not quite ready for a projector retrofit. No time for it and money going elsewhere. I'll put my stock ones in for now and sell these JDM's. I'll probably just end up buying some real OEMs on eBay. The output I was getting on my OEM '99 housings were great, not much glare, and I never got flashed. I know they were bright though. On open highway at night I could see a mile down the road with highs on it seemed. I should have done my research before I went with the JDMs.

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I'm not quite ready for a projector retrofit. No time for it and money going elsewhere. I'll put my stock ones in for now and sell these JDM's. I'll probably just end up buying some real OEMs on eBay. The output I was getting on my OEM '99 housings were great, not much glare, and I never got flashed. I know they were bright though. On open highway at night I could see a mile down the road with highs on it seemed. I should have done my research before I went with the JDMs.

Thanks for the replies guys.

ARKRWLR,

I might be interested in buying your aftermarket headlights. I'm looking for a CHEAP pair to use for a few weeks, while doing the projector retrofit in my OEM lights. That way at least I won't be without any headlights for a few weeks.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

I'm not quite ready for a projector retrofit. No time for it and money going elsewhere. I'll put my stock ones in for now and sell these JDM's. I'll probably just end up buying some real OEMs on eBay. The output I was getting on my OEM '99 housings were great, not much glare, and I never got flashed. I know they were bright though. On open highway at night I could see a mile down the road with highs on it seemed. I should have done my research before I went with the JDMs.

Thanks for the replies guys.

yeah understandable. prepare yourself mentally too if you ever end up doing it. on a side note, your lucky you get good results from your OEMS and not get flashed. Like i posted in my pics above those are the ones that came with the truck as far as i know they are the orgininals. i couldn't see a thing past 25 feet. it really sucked on dark roads, i almost hit some deer, i don't even see them until i was right up to them. but cool man good luck with whatever you do

 

[JWaldz]

Bandit.. I'll send you a pm about the headlights

GBTRD here's what they looked like with my OEM housings.

All I have is with the lows and the picture does it no justice, they seriously are bright w/ minimal glare for a OEM housing I think.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

wow yeah those look pretty clean for no projectors! i know mine are stock cause they say toyota on them. thats too crazy!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Those black "JDM" lights aren't JDM at all and Toyota never had these on any 3rd gens and if they are glass they are just regular OEM headlamps that have been taken apart and painted and reglued together thus compromising beam patterns so ebay lights are hit and miss. I would just stick with stock for best results or do it yourself.

 

[JWaldz]

Those black "JDM" lights aren't JDM at all and Toyota never had these on any 3rd gens and if they are glass they are just regular OEM headlamps that have been taken apart and painted and reglued together thus compromising beam patterns so ebay lights are hit and miss. I would just stick with stock for best results or do it yourself.

this is true.. I plan to keep it OEM for my next pair.