Hey I got 05 tc and I'd like to go HID but from what I've read it seems like theres 3 options, not sure whats the best one. 1. Throw an HID kit into my reflector housings and kinda halfbutt it. 2. Retro, which is money (~$800?) 3. Buy 08 OEM projectors.

I'd prefer to go with 08 projectors, but they are hard to find and I can understand why no one would really sell theirs. I did finally find some online at trdsparks. That'd be around $450 for a pair of oem projectors. Suggestions??

 

Those are your options. You seem to have an idea of what's involved in each one so I'm not sure what suggestions you want? If you want examples of each possible route there are several threads on this already. One pinned to the top of this forum.

 

You're right, I guess I'd like people's opinions. And I was not sure if I had all the options down. In terms of buying headlights with hids and projectors, people have said the ebay ones are no good but what about umnitzas? Did they cancel the project? And is $450 for oem projectors the best price?

 

A lot of times used OEM projectors pop up on Ebay. Sometimes they're in perfect condition other times a clip is broken, which really isn't a big deal with the way they mount to the car.

For best light output, a retrofit is the way to go. However it's pretty expensive which is why not many people do them when PnP HID kits are going for <$100 now.

The next best thing is to get the OEM projectors and swap those out for proper HID projectors (clear lens/glass, proper bowls)

Alternatively you could just put a PnP HID kit in the OEM projectors. However the light output won't be the same as that of a projector made to use HID.

Lastly, and the most common/cheapest option, is to put a PnP HID kit in reflector housings. Light output is more scattered as it's supposed to be in halogen reflector housings, but this can be a problem for oncoming drivers since some of your light is reflected upward to illuminate road signs and such.

 

just go for #1, unless you're wanting the projector/crisp (luxury look-alike) cutoff look it's fine, that's they way most people go - i did (well a little more ghetto but they were cheap and look pretty good)

 

for opinions SEARCH. There are tons of these threads already. Your questions have been answered 20+times. HIDextra has a good deal going on and ahs a review thread as well.