idleprocess
Flashaholic
I'm looking for some advice on upgrading the headlamps on my two vehicles.
2018 Subaru WRX
I have recently obtained a base model Subaru WRX, equipped with the stock halogen projectors. They're functional and subjectively about as good as those on my old 2008 Mazda 3 (which I did appreciate), but not even middling per IIHS ratings (apologies that one can't link to the headlight assessment directly). I seriously considered the Limited trim which came with LED headlamps, but did not fancy the $5000 price differential nor the mandatory inclusion of leather seats, which will tend to brand the occupant in the TX summer.
I've gathered that the OEM LED headlamps can be had for quite the pretty penny and short of needing to take the front bumper off and adjust them, otherwise plug up directly and work without protest. For the 2015-2017 parts, the only functionality that won't work is the auto-levelling; for 2018 parts, there's cornering functionality and LED high beams (seemingly via shutter per my brief test drive with an equipped vehicle). For the 2015-2017 models, I have learned that there are additional wires in the wire harness going to the headlamp pod for the LED vs halogen model (presumably to enable these features). Since stability control is a near-universal feature requiring that the vehicle know the angle that the wheels are pointing (and the center information display also shows this on one of the screens along with forward/rear tilt), it seems quite likely that these functions are already baked into the ECU.
It seems that were an enterprising individual to source both these headlamps and upgrade the wiring harness that one could upgrade to a complaint OEM LED headlamp solution. The main downside would be cost. - The 2015-2017 LED headlamps are already pricey at ~$1500 for the pair; the fancier 2018 LED headlamps will likely run much more with their added functionality. Who knows what matter of unobtanium that the wiring harnesses are made from, nor whether one would need to replace a master harness for a dozen different components in the process. It's not hard to imagine spending $2000 or more on such a project.
2003 Ford Ranger
My secondary ride, equipped with traditional Ford dual-purpose high/low reflectors and their various downsides. Other than the traditional route of better bulbs and relays, what options are there? One of the facebook groups I've been following is fond of elaborate projector mods that are as well-executed and as proper as the dedicated amateur can achieve, but I have my doubts as to my willingness to spend countless hours attempting such a task. I also question the general compliance of such a project. They're quite fond of Morimoto, which has an exhaustive product lineup and slick marketing, but I have my doubts as to their compliance with regard to beam pattern.
Because the vehicle is a long-paid-for truck, I have no objections to supplementary low beams if that's a better means to my end.
2018 Subaru WRX
I have recently obtained a base model Subaru WRX, equipped with the stock halogen projectors. They're functional and subjectively about as good as those on my old 2008 Mazda 3 (which I did appreciate), but not even middling per IIHS ratings (apologies that one can't link to the headlight assessment directly). I seriously considered the Limited trim which came with LED headlamps, but did not fancy the $5000 price differential nor the mandatory inclusion of leather seats, which will tend to brand the occupant in the TX summer.
I've gathered that the OEM LED headlamps can be had for quite the pretty penny and short of needing to take the front bumper off and adjust them, otherwise plug up directly and work without protest. For the 2015-2017 parts, the only functionality that won't work is the auto-levelling; for 2018 parts, there's cornering functionality and LED high beams (seemingly via shutter per my brief test drive with an equipped vehicle). For the 2015-2017 models, I have learned that there are additional wires in the wire harness going to the headlamp pod for the LED vs halogen model (presumably to enable these features). Since stability control is a near-universal feature requiring that the vehicle know the angle that the wheels are pointing (and the center information display also shows this on one of the screens along with forward/rear tilt), it seems quite likely that these functions are already baked into the ECU.
It seems that were an enterprising individual to source both these headlamps and upgrade the wiring harness that one could upgrade to a complaint OEM LED headlamp solution. The main downside would be cost. - The 2015-2017 LED headlamps are already pricey at ~$1500 for the pair; the fancier 2018 LED headlamps will likely run much more with their added functionality. Who knows what matter of unobtanium that the wiring harnesses are made from, nor whether one would need to replace a master harness for a dozen different components in the process. It's not hard to imagine spending $2000 or more on such a project.
2003 Ford Ranger
My secondary ride, equipped with traditional Ford dual-purpose high/low reflectors and their various downsides. Other than the traditional route of better bulbs and relays, what options are there? One of the facebook groups I've been following is fond of elaborate projector mods that are as well-executed and as proper as the dedicated amateur can achieve, but I have my doubts as to my willingness to spend countless hours attempting such a task. I also question the general compliance of such a project. They're quite fond of Morimoto, which has an exhaustive product lineup and slick marketing, but I have my doubts as to their compliance with regard to beam pattern.
Because the vehicle is a long-paid-for truck, I have no objections to supplementary low beams if that's a better means to my end.