Thread: Seeing the road

HIDs in a stock housing isn't remotely close to being a taste of a retrofit.

Do it right or don't do it.

The vomit of light and glare on the left is an HID in a stock reflector. Morimoto Mini H1 on the right.

I loved my HIDs in my black crystals. But that being said, doesn't even compare to my retros.

Also that's HIDs in the left and halogens in the right. Those are stock cloudy headlights.

I just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I've had regular halogens in both foggy and clear housings. I've had the projectors. I've had HIDs in stock housings. And I've rode in Josh's car with the retros and I am here to say that nothing compares to those retros.

As of now I have stock housings and halogens, and I'm not even gonna worry with HIDs. No point in putting money into mediocrity.

And as far as the housings, unless you just wanna improve your polishing skills and say that you done it, just pick up some housings here. They're cheap, unlike the tail lights
http://www.amazon.com/Aftermarket-Pa...rix+headlights

Originally Posted by TNTtransam

Ok thanks for all the input guys and gal. For everything, about how much do retros cost?

http://www.grandprixforums.net/showthread.php?t=65476

Or you can do it yourself but unless your willing to either experiment I suggest just having him build you a set. Highly recommended.

Originally Posted by TNTtransam

There are so many factors I am trying to weigh out here. My budget and mechanical knowledge are both very limited. I understand that retros are great but they're expensive, and take time and there is a good chance of me messing something up first time around. It seems like HIDs the better option for me now, but there is a lot of opinions from people saying how they're not worth it and I don't want to be blinding everyone and getting flashed all the time. And lastly, better halogens might be sufficient, but for as expensive as the bulbs are I could get close to good HIDs or pay for a good bit of the stuff for retros. It's all very confusing.

you won't blind people with HIDs as long as you have them aimed like a normal person.. its a step in the right direction at least

You can do it yourself. It does take a leap of faith, and some adjustments to get 100% correct though.

Just follow one of the guides on the forums (my links arent working right now, or I would link you one) and you can't really mess it up. Though Classy Pontiac has it down to an art, so there aren't any of those first time mistakes.

The investment is well, well worth it to get retrofits. Do it once, and you'll never have to worry about it again, or keep dropping money on "super bright halogens" that burn out after a few months.

They're worth every single penny. You do enjoy seeing where you driving right IMO this is a must have upgrade. Hid in stock reflector will glare oncoming drivers yea you can aim them a bit low but there's still going to be glare. I'm sure there's a few douche bags in your area that run just hids and if you ever drive past them notice the glare they produce. It's a bad plague I wish more cops would ticket for it. I use to be that guy that thought I can careless less about other drivers as long as I can see until I've had to experience what I was doing to other drivers. Hell I'm using halogens now until I finish my next retrofit build. If you have time and are willing to take the time to do it yourself but you really can't beat Classys prices. I've build and sold a few of my old sets locally before and it's pretty time consuming to get them right.

Originally Posted by TNTtransam

I did consider this as well but that's pretty expensive for headlights and I am actually very interested in learning how to do it myself, but i m just inexperienced.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/showthread.php?t=75773

Originally Posted by TNTtransam

ok now for another question, there's like 500,000 different HID kits. I looked into ones on the retrofit source, but they are pretty expensive, but it seems like with HIDs you really get what you pay for. So what's the best balance of price and quality?

The ones from TRS are worth it. Amazing quality and amazing customer service and a warranty. You can get a cheap hid kit off eBay or so but it's really a hit or miss. Some guys have great luck with them others will have to warranty then out and wait weeks until they get a new ballast sent out. Trs is the opposite of that.. If you have a issue they're quick at fixing it.

^ That the link I was looking for.

It's your money, your time, and your car, so it's entirely up to you.

My personal experience has been this.
Stock headlights are okay-ish as long as they arent fogged/leaking.
Ebay Projectors are not worth the money. They bounce, break, have terrible light output, but look sorta cool (I've had 2 sets)
HIDs in stock housings are bright as hell, but they don't offer usable light. The light just spreads out everywhere, thus blinding people.
Retrofits are awesome. They cost a lot, but are worth every penny and then some. I would never ever sell my set, or drive at night without them.