Headlight upgrades...

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01-14-2007, 11:47 PM
trickyrix

Headlight upgrades...

After poking around on the net for hours on end looking for parts and generally wasting lots of time, I've started thinking about headlight conversions...:

Numero Uno - the "low-profile" pop-up...

http://www.mmmiata.com/images/products/MM177-RO.jpg

...Numero Dos - the "glassed in" fixed lights... imagine if the pop-ups above were frenched in behind glass - johnwag has a set, I believe

...y Numero Tres - replacing the stock sealed beams with Euro-spec halogen bulbs and reflectors - I go back and forth on whether or not I want to keep the stock look up front... and this would at least provide a lot better lighting (my lights SUCK right now)

So... questions...

What might either of the first two setups set me back? I've seen anywhere from $200-1,000++ (seriously), but if I decide to pull the trigger on something like that, I'd want something that would last. Besides that, how is the night vision with AAC fixed light conversion?

If I decide to upgrade the lights in the stock pop-up, does anyone have any recommendations? Since this is likely the cheapest upgrade, I may try to do something before my Big Road Trip next week - I'll probably be doing a decent amount of night driving in the middle of BFE, so it'd be nice to at least put a face with with the name of the deer I might centerpunch at 70mph...

Anyhow... I'm open to any/all suggestions here.

Thanks!
01-15-2007, 12:33 AM
black roadster

There have been many options available in the past. This is a list of items readily available.

Option Numero Uno

Moss Dual Headlamp System (Also known as lo-pros)
$490 + S&H

As far as cosmetic changes, this system is considered to be the best performing system out there. I know of know complaints regarding light output. They are a copy of the original KG Works Dual Headlamp System
which is very pricey because it is a JDM product.

Option Numero Dos

AAC Flush Mount headlights
$590 + S&H

This system looks great. The carbon fiber buckets are beautiful and it uses the same lamps as the Moss kit. A lot of research was put into making this a high quality kit as previous kits were sub par. The light output is not as good as the pop-ups because the lights, being tucked in, do not illuminate to the side.

Option Numero Tres

E-Codes

The fancy ones are available from Hella and Cibie
Expect to spend about $80.00 + S&H

This is the most common upgrade as it's the least expensive and comparable to the high output of the Moss kit. However you still have the large barn doors.

Come out to a Wednesday night meet and there are all three kits usually available for you to check out. Titus has the Moss, John Wagliardo has the AAC, and I have some e-codes.

If you are willing to wait a few weeks, I'm replacing my e-codes and I'll be selling them. My e-codes are a generic lens but just as good IMHO as the Hellas, Cibies I've seen.
01-15-2007, 12:57 AM
icepenguin66

The E-codes are much better than stock and the flush mount kit, but I don't think they would illuminate better than the Moss low-pro kit due to the wonderful projector housings and bulbs.

If you go with the dual headlamp low-pro kit, the Moss is the best deal. The "original" KG Works kit is overpriced and the other kits near the Moss price are inferior. Probably the best mod I've done to my car...until I go FI one day!;)

The flush mount kit that JohnWag has is very nice but, like blackroadster mentioned, doesn't illuminate to the side very well. I'm sure you'll see at the Wed meet but having the Moss kit makes the illumination on my car as well as any new high end vehicle without HID's, in which you can install into the Hella projectors in the Moss kit or flush mount kit btw.::Banana::
01-15-2007, 02:55 AM
Mouglie

i've been wanting to buy this ones for low beams... http://www.autoanything.com/lights/69A1333A0A0.aspx and make something similar to the aac...
I've heard of someone using projector fog lamps for highbeams... must be nice if i could make them but right now i'm focusing on power...
01-15-2007, 04:26 AM
MadMonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

If you are willing to wait a few weeks, I'm replacing my e-codes and I'll be selling them. My e-codes are a generic lens but just as good IMHO as the Hellas, Cibies I've seen.

If he don't want 'em I may be interested, snoogywoogums :D
01-15-2007, 06:38 AM
driftdevil

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

If he don't want 'em I may be interested, snoogywoogums :D

:confused::D
01-15-2007, 07:36 AM
MadMonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftdevil

:confused::D

::BaHump::
01-15-2007, 07:40 AM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Come out to a Wednesday night meet and there are all three kits usually available for you to check out. Titus has the Moss, John Wagliardo has the AAC, and I have some e-codes.

Cool! I'll try and make it out this week... sounds like the Moss and AAC kits are cost-prohibitive for me right now. I'd be inclined to go with option 3 for now, and upgrade to something else on down the road... gotta save up for that blower!

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

If you are willing to wait a few weeks, I'm replacing my e-codes and I'll be selling them. My e-codes are a generic lens but just as good IMHO as the Hellas, Cibies I've seen.

Might just do that. I leave a week from today on my big trip, so I can adjust the lights and throw in a couple of new sealed beams in the meantime. So, besides your E-Codes, is any of this stuff available locally?
01-15-2007, 09:54 AM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

If he don't want 'em I may be interested, snoogywoogums :D

I am not sitting next to you on Wednesday. ::Fruity::::Daisy::::Curls::::Paul::
01-15-2007, 09:54 AM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Cool! I'll try and make it out this week... sounds like the Moss and AAC kits are cost-prohibitive for me right now. I'd be inclined to go with option 3 for now, and upgrade to something else on down the road... gotta save up for that blower!

Might just do that. I leave a week from today on my big trip, so I can adjust the lights and throw in a couple of new sealed beams in the meantime. So, besides your E-Codes, is any of this stuff available locally?

I don't know of any locally.
01-15-2007, 10:12 AM
johnwag

Quote:

Originally Posted by icepenguin66

The flush mount kit that JohnWag has is very nice but, like blackroadster mentioned, doesn't illuminate to the side very well. I'm sure you'll see at the Wed meet but having the Moss kit makes the illumination on my car as well as any new high end vehicle without HID's, in which you can install into the Hella projectors in the Moss kit or flush mount kit btw.::Banana::

This is true. The AAC kit is awesome looking, but the carbon buckets aren't symmetrical from side to side and the driver's side bucket doesn't fit perfect. When you adjust the lights to shine similar to stock barn doors, they run into the carbon buckets. Also, when it rains, it's almost as if they aren't even on.

When I go out on back roads that are poorly lit, the headlights are very bright.
So.....they are really more about show than function.
01-15-2007, 12:03 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwag

This is true. The AAC kit is awesome looking, but the carbon buckets aren't symmetrical from side to side and the driver's side bucket doesn't fit perfect. When you adjust the lights to shine similar to stock barn doors, they run into the carbon buckets. Also, when it rains, it's almost as if they aren't even on.

When I go out on back roads that are poorly lit, the headlights are very bright.
So.....they are really more about show than function.

I see... my #1 goal is better lighting, and cost is an object for right now. Be that as it may, I'll still try and make it out on Wednesday to see what's what in person. Thanks!
01-15-2007, 03:23 PM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

I'll still try and make it out on Wednesday to see what's what in person. Thanks!

Better make sure Titus is planning on being there as he is the only one currently with them. Actually, Gary (Trackdog) has them but his car has BURitus. ::Banana::
01-15-2007, 03:44 PM
driftdevil

:clap:
01-15-2007, 04:04 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Better make sure Titus is planning on being there as he is the only one currently with them. Actually, Gary (Trackdog) has them but his car has BURitus. ::Banana::

I will be there...
And I hear Gary's is home, yellow, and slowly coming back together.
01-15-2007, 04:41 PM
trickyrix

Speaking of "where"...

Where (and when) is the Wednesday night meet? I'm a relative newbie so I'm still catching on here...
01-16-2007, 06:47 PM
icepenguin66

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Better make sure Titus is planning on being there as he is the only one currently with them. Actually, Gary (Trackdog) has them but his car has BURitus. ::Banana::

Where you been man? I've had mine going on 2 yrs! Not like you haven't seen my car either, we've meet up to trade parts a couple times!

*oh yeah, I'm gonna try to make it out tomorrow or next week to the meet.
01-16-2007, 06:52 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by icepenguin66

Where you been man? I've had mine going on 2 yrs! Not like you haven't seen my car either, we've meet up to trade parts a couple times!

I suspect he referred to I am the only one with low pros that consistently comes out on Wednesdays.

Quote:

Originally Posted by icepenguin66

*oh yeah, I'm gonna try to make it out tomorrow or next week to the meet.

Cool... it will be nice to finally meet you!
01-16-2007, 07:19 PM
icepenguin66

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

I suspect he referred to I am the only one with low pros that consistently comes out on Wednesdays.

Cool... it will be nice to finally meet you!

Ah, I see then. Cool, same to you! I've seen your car, beautiful I must say, at Gary's a while back but don't believe I've actually meet you before. Of course Mr. Hockey here must meet people a few times usually before remembering!:punchout:
01-16-2007, 10:57 PM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

I suspect he referred to I am the only one with low pros that consistently comes out on Wednesdays.

What he said. ;)
01-31-2007, 04:37 PM
black roadster

PM Sent to Trickyrix.

Did you get your e-codes yet?
01-31-2007, 10:42 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

PM Sent to Trickyrix.

Did you get your e-codes yet?

Not yet... sent you a PM.
02-03-2007, 01:48 PM
bratfass

square lopro´s

i am working on a conversion, too

i can get these brackets made of nirosta-steel, laser-cut and fitting on the stock mechanism-points (meaning, nothing must be cut or welded at the oem body like by the brainstorm or moss-kits)

first i thought, the round ones have more porn, but now i think, too many miataes have the round ones, so i´ll go the rectangle way (it´s hip to be square - like a fab musician said ;))

and the best, they are not too expensive ;)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/cimg1383.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/cimg1406.jpg
02-03-2007, 02:22 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by bratfass

i am working on a conversion, too

i can get these brackets made of nirosta-steel, laser-cut and fitting on the stock mechanism-points (meaning, nothing must be cut or welded at the oem body like by the brainstorm or moss-kits)

first i thought, the round ones have more porn, but now i think, too many miataes have the round ones, so i´ll go the rectangle way (it´s hip to be square - like a fab musician said ;))

and the best, they are not too expensive ;)

Very nice!

P.S. Anyone who quotes Huey Lewis is OK in my book! :clap:
02-03-2007, 02:25 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

Very nice!

P.S. Anyone who quotes Huey Lewis is OK in my book! :clap:

That and his car is Supercharged! :burnrubr:
02-04-2007, 04:04 AM
icepenguin66

Quote:

Originally Posted by bratfass

i am working on a conversion, too

i can get these brackets made of nirosta-steel, laser-cut and fitting on the stock mechanism-points (meaning, nothing must be cut or welded at the oem body like by the brainstorm or moss-kits)

first i thought, the round ones have more porn, but now i think, too many miataes have the round ones, so i´ll go the rectangle way (it´s hip to be square - like a fab musician said ;))

and the best, they are not too expensive ;)

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/cimg1383.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/cimg1406.jpg

That's pretty cool looking! Definitely post some pics when ya get them finished. What other cool stuff ya have over there that we may not know of or have?!
02-05-2007, 08:41 AM
trickyrix

+1.... definitely post pix when you get 'em done!
02-05-2007, 08:45 AM
Radio-Active

:?: Did'nt they make a kit that used the Chevy truck mini rectangle headlights at one time?