Msjulie, just went through a very long process of deciding what to do myself re HID...
I agree with what wiztecy stated re projectors for the absolute best results.
However, I just installed Morimoto XB-35W from TRS into my roadster with stock projectors and was extremely pleased with the light output and beam spread. Deer are a significant collision issue here in NJ and the stock halogen side illumination was just dangerous. The HID upgrade made a huge difference.
HID ignition with the Morimoto is very quick also.
This thread has been of enormous help during the process, and a piece of many member's posts have factored into my installation.
Not enough thanks to give to all.
A few comments that you or someone may find useful.
1. I initially thought about high output halogens... looking at the lumens , they still fall far behind and I was worried about the
increase in heat output. If you want a 10-20% quick upgrade, swap out your bulbs if they are over 5 years old (halogens degrade
due to poor quality redeposition of the filament over time). I did initially. It helped a tiny bit, but those deer were still difficult to see..
2. I went with Morimoto. The newer XB 's are really well built, and a great deal for the money. More expensive than most, but
I feel it was worth it. Still a lot cheaper than going with an Osram etc. ballast. I believe (but could be wrong) , that TRS utilized Morimoto's in wiztecy's projector build. 35W was plenty, again worried about heat with 55W (although original bulb was 60W.
3. You need CANBUS adapter. I tried running it without and received low beam bulb error.
4. Someone in this thread (thank you!) had a great idea about tucking the ballast (non Morimoto) under/ to the side of the front fan shroud by the headlight pod. It was a PERFECT spot. I just added a small immobilizer so no mechanical movement and it was easy to find a spot for the ignitor and the CANBUS adapter also. I can post a picture. Not sure if heat will be an issue, I don't believe it will, we'll see.
5. No need to back out adjusting screws due to an oversized o-ring. The bulb fit perfectly.
6. I was about to pull the wheel for the HID install but noticed if you just jack the car from the rear jack location, there is enough front suspension travel to easily perform the entire job without taking the wheel off. The front wheel was still on the ground. Jacking (hockey puck on low profile jack) gave about 3-4 more inches. You should use jack stands for ultimate safety. Of course, always be sure to jack at posted jacking points. Earlier, I replaced the stock hologen low beams without any jack, a little tight but it can be done especially in a tight pinch if you blow a bulb. I'm 6' and was still able to squeeze in there.
7. Watch your connection from the ignitor to the bulb. Match black wire to black. Don't rely on the connector, it is possible to connect and reverse polarity by accident.
Just do the HID upgrade if you drive at night, you will not regret it.
Now if only the brakes were good enough to stop for the deer I can now see...
Apologies, to revive this. Just thought I would do a follow up.
I was extremely happy with my Morimoto upgrade, but my headlight started to peel (ugh) and I had the Tesla HID upgrade installed. Just thought I would post the takeaways.
On a scale of 1-10 towards perfection (where 10 is the best HID system I have driven with adaptive headlights etc);
Stock Tesla halogen: if a candle is 1, then these are 2. DANGEROUS.
Morimoto 35W HID upgrade: 6 awesome improvement. By far a huge improvement for the money. A no-brainer. Just do it.
Tesla HID: I give it an 8
So what is the win with the Tesla HID vs aftermarket upgrade like Morimoto (unless you have projectors changed like Wiztecy:
1. pattern is a little smoother, but I don't really care
2. brightness is not any better, upper cutoff point is about the same
3. slightly faster startup by about 2 seconds. i don't care
4. the most important improvement is the much better projection in the 1-2 o'clock position (forward right quadrant), just where the deer sit. This made it worth the money. Awesome.
5. One nice thing is that the black border on the new headlights really look much better than the previous headlights. Especially against radiant red.
#4 was really the best part. However, the morimoto's was really such a huge change, at least do these or some other HID upgrade that others have posted. It should be your #1 priority if you have a roadster and live outside a well lit city.
