Was considering a full retrofit bi-xenon projector from Black Flame Customs but at $1200, I just can't justify it. I'm sure they do some awesome work but it's just too much for me. I'm also worried about my state inspection as MA is very tough and this is technically illegal even though they way BFC would do it would be perfectly safe. So, I was thinking I would try going on the cheap and just swap out my headlight and foglight bulbs with PIAA Extreme White's. Can do all 4 for $130 delivered. Worthwhile or just a gimmick? I know the Silverstar's have been proven to not put out more light and just trick the eye into thinking so by changing the color of the light. Same deal with the PIAA or are they really worth the coin?

 

I have them in my 2005. They are better than stock for sure. Also have 55w instead of 45w in the driving lights. I also have a bright box which allows the driving lights to be on on high beam as well as low. The bright box also lights both low and high filaments in the high beam setting. Brite Box will be another $140 ish. Also, careful installation of the bulbs, Amy oil from skin they will break. I have run this setup for 4 years, no issues. My lights are on a lot in winter it's dark here in the sticks.

 

I was thinking about a brite box but had no clue which brand to run. Also not sure if it would be picked up at my yearly inspection. They are so picky now that you can't even have a license plate frame if any part of it touches any of the letters in the word Massachusetts. They even send in cars to try to trap inspectors so everyone is on their toes all the time...

If I do this, I'll start with the bulbs. It's really the low beam I want to improve so not sure if any more money on a britebox is necessary yet.

 

I haven't tried the PIAA bulbs yet, but the root issue with these lights is the reflector not the bulbs. Silverstar make no noticeable difference. The reflector in the 05-07 lights was far superior and would respond to better bulbs. I would skip the bulbs and go straight for the Brite box. Not that it is going to help you with low beam, but neither will upgrading the bulbs.

 

I guess the inspectors don't like hids??

 

Not if they're not factory...

 

Well, I guess I'll hold off then. I may buy some when my stock ones kick, but no point in doing it now if it isn't an improvement. Again, not going to bother with the box as high beam performance isn't my issue. Thanks for the info...

 

Honestly the most bang for the buck is projector headlights. They should be 50 state legal and will gain you the most. I have been debating the Brite-box, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of the replacement projector lights.

 

Any alterations to stock headlights are illegal in MA...

 

What about the brite box and led fog lights??

 

Well, I'm not concerned with the high beams so the box won't be necessary, but yes, that's a good idea about bumping up the fogs. Never thought of that. They'd be off during inspection and don't get checked anyways. Good thinking!

 

It wouldn't be an alteration to the stock headlights, it would be a DOT legal replacement headlight assembly. Geez, it's starting to sound like they are worse than California!

 

Lol, exactly. My hid fog lights out shined my factory lows, if they don't like hids, maybe you could get away with led fogs

 

Typically what is illegal is fitting HID globes (or LED's) into stock reflector housings, because they diffuse light differently it is likely to blind oncoming traffic.

If you have them fitted with reflector housings designed for the lights, it should be legal.

 

Lol, should be and be are miles apart in MA. Any alterations means ANY. Remember the soup **** on Seinfeld? That's the guy giving stickers.