[s-cars] Time to revisit headlights?

[Bill Mahoney]

Hey Tom,
Headache maker I am.  Just ask my wife;)
The etiology of this question is that for some time now I have tried to
figure out ways to improve the dismal urS headlights.  More than one
passenger has asked if the dang things are indeed on.  I have always
believed that the cool white xenons would be the way to go but years back
they were very, very pricey.  
Now however since the prices seem within reach, I need to get edumacated
about these and I confess that I only venture into the urS archives when in
desperation, have an hour to spare and a shot of jack nearby.
I've seen the lltek system and am sure they work pretty swell, but US$488
(IIRC) still seems too high a price.  I would sure like to see something for
$200 to $300 range and be the latest technology (D2S w/Hella gen4?) 
Based on what I have heard so far, it looks like a TT retrofit may be the
way to go.  
That said; is running them via a relay the preferred professional way to
install these and would there be any other special wiring required?
Somewhere down the line when I run out of mods I'll get to the HID high beam
issue, but maybe the halogens mit euro glass will be fine.
Thanks to all for the input.
Bill Headachemaker



Bill,  wheare would this list be without you ?  You've given me a  
Headache tossing so much stuff out rapid-fire.

You saw the link to the URS-4 archives, didn't you ?   There's a  
lengthy section on headlights there written by several authors over a few
years time.  You need to digest all that for cleaning the DOT lamps.

For perspective, you can buy new DOT headlights from Shokan's ebay  
store for $245 each.

Be careful with the headlights and especially the tender reflector or  
you will be needing them.

I see someone sent you the Llitek web link.  That could be a good  
choice for using your OEM setup with a cleaning and new glass.  Lots of
listers have successfully used this mod.
The downside is having to use the bulbs with remanufactured bases,  
i.e., D2S with a 9006 base.  A replacement might take a few days to obtain.
These bulbs run cooler than halogen. They will not fry the reflector like a
100W euro bulb.

I know a A6 zenon or bi-zenon projector will fit right in with the  
assurance it was engineered for the zenon and you use stock bulbs.  The bi
projector simply uses a solenoid activated by the high beam switch to remove
the cutoff shield, so it's not really complicated.  Chances are
the TT or A4 projector could replace the stock S6 projector with  
little trouble.  Then, all you have to do is figure out the wiring, and
decide if relays are required.  Practically, though, high beam halogens are
pretty good when you can use them.

Complicated is obtaining and wiring up the motorized euro adjuster.   
I don't think auto-adjuster is in the picture.  Neither is a necessity
unless you change the level of the vehicle, i.e., heavy
loads in the back of the avant.

I say Light 'em up.  None of the proposed is very far out or difficult.