Need help: HID Headlights Conversion kit for PIP questions.

1) No, they have "Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-off feature" - Toyota Prius Plug-in Interior, Exterior & Safety Features

2) It is not legal to sell HID conversion kits in the USA for cars not originally equipped with HIDs, this will make anyone selling them unreliable as they get shut down by the NHSTA. (Any number of fly by night companies do sell them, until caught) Oddly running HIDs is regulated by the states, so it may be legal to drive with lights it is not legal to sell you. As an example Section 25950 of the California Vehicle Code states: “Unless provided otherwise, the color of lamps and reflectors upon a vehicle shall be white or yellow for those visible from in front of a vehicle.” so you need a HID kit without a blue tint to be legal.

3) the upscale PIP has LED headlights, I have not heard that they are any brighter. May I recommend driving lights?

Amazon.com: Optilux H71010321 Model 2020 12V Black Dual Beam Halogen Fog/Driving Lamp Kit: Automotive

 

No. They have regular halogen bulbs.

I generally use the Morimoto kits and have not had any quality issues. The warranty from TheRetroFit Source is excellent too. This is where most professional retrofitters get their gear. H11: Morimoto Elite HID System - HID Systems from The Retrofit Source Inc

Alternatively, you can buy a cheap ballast from DDM or similar sources but use the Morimoto bulbs. Quality bulbs are very important! Double check your bulb size before ordering and stick with 4300K-5000K. Anything higher looks too blue and won't be as bright.

 

Jimbo,

Not to disagree with you, my friend, but I just want to add to your post.

2) Companies like TheRetrofitSource are not in danger of going out of business because they cater to a specific market segment that could be considered off-road use only. *shrug* They moved into a larger building last year and seem to be doing well.

3) The LED headlights on the PIPA are much better than the halogens on the Base model. I feel they are better than an HID kit in the halogen housing as well, however, they are not as good as a quality set of OEM HID projectors like the Honda S2000 or Lexus RX350.

In general I agree with your usual assessment that this is technically illegal. Because the Prius has decent projectors with a cutoff line I don't have a problem with the upgrade. You are not blinding other drivers in general like you would if you stuck and HID kit in a set of reflector-based housing. Grrr those people make me mad.

 

The Retrofit Source has very good pricing and EXCELLENT products.!!

 

And then there are guys who put huge tractor-type tires on their pickups which puts their headlights up to around 6 feet. Until I pass them, I think that they are being carried on a flatbed, but no, they are really that high. I don't understand how those can be street legal, but I see them all the time. Of course, this is the only state where lane splitting by motorcycles has been decreed to be safe and legal, so why not?

 

Toyota makes LED headlight Assemblys specifically for a Prius PHV, you can buy them at the Parts Department of the Dealership

 

No. A good HID kit is MUCH MUCH less expensive than buying the LED headlight assemblies and wiring from Toyota. It's a lot let work too.

 

My XenonSupply HID's have been great. Many others here have used them as well. I really recommend the 4300K model.
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