s2000 projectors vs tsx

[strider hiryu]

I was wondering if anyone knew how good the lighting is with the tsx projectors compared to the s2000? I have been searching for a while but all I ever find on any of the forums is that s2000 is the way to go when retrofitting a kouki. I would like to do the s2000 retro but tsx are easier to find and the only thing Ive found on ebay is the drivers side s2k headlight, and its $400. Hidplanet hasnt had any lately either. So are the tsx any good or should i just be patient and wait for some s2k projectors?

[SimpleS14]

Slightly OT....but IMO...your fine with the TSX projectors. I'm rocking Bosch projectors (from a BMW) and they are just fine.

The S2K projectors are nice, but really not worth it given the lens structure of the kouki headlights.

[strider hiryu]

sorry I wasnt exactly sure if this should go in tech talk or what and i figured that tech talk should be for more important problems, so I just put it in chat. is it gonna be basically the same to install the tsx projectors as the s2k? Do the tsx have to be a certain year to fit in the kouki?

[98koukile]

I don't like how small the s2k projectors are... Go with something bigger, I've heard the new Maxima projectors are a perfect fit but who knows

[bruinbear714]

S2k projectors have the best cutoff. (http://www.frsport.com/S14-HID-Headlight-Projector-Retrofit--with-S2000-projectors-_t_27.html)
I was wondering if anyone knew how good the lighting is with the tsx projectors compared to the s2000? I have been searching for a while but all I ever find on any of the forums is that s2000 is the way to go when retrofitting a kouki. I would like to do the s2000 retro but tsx are easier to find and the only thing Ive found on ebay is the drivers side s2k headlight, and its $400. Hidplanet hasnt had any lately either. So are the tsx any good or should i just be patient and wait for some s2k projectors?

[strider hiryu]

well Im still looking for the s2k projectors but I cant find any, other than the drivers side, and those cost 4 bills on ebay... that too much for one headlight.. well thats usually the normal price I see but unless the cutoff is so much better that it makes the others look like crap then i cant really see spending almost $1000 for the s2k headlights. Ive been checking hidplanet alot lately tho. How do those Bosch projector cutoff look like?

[fueled by hate]

tsx are the best bang for the buck these days. Honda fan boys and hid freaks drive the price of the s2k's too high.

[Tops*]

I just completed my TSX retro in my car a few days ago. I'll take some pictures tonight if I remember.

TSX projectors
TL ballasts/ignitors
Philips 85122+ bulbs

I did a little bit of modifying to make everything work. I had to drill new holes in the aluminum frame for the new projector holes. Then had to take a dremel to the bottom of the headlight assemblies since my ignitors were getting in the way of aiming my headlights.

Anto and ixfxi (Mike from clearcorners.com) here on Zilvia should be able to answer any questions pertaining to HID's. You've probably run into nrg and greenkouki on HIDPlanet already. I can help you out if you have any problems with the install. :bigok:

I'm very happy with my retro. Just don't do the washer mod. I learned the hard way...

[Tops*]

Anto helped me out a lot. One of his PM replies concerning projectors:

Let me tell you, that the s2000 projector is probably one of the the most expensive projectors on the market. The width, intensity and color of the beam are bar none, DEFINITELY topping TSX in terms of width & intensity. If I were to give a numbered rating system to projectors, the s2k would rack up at 10 while the TSX would hit at about six and a half.

It's possible to mod any projector for more color, however many people are starting to realize that colormodding has the potential to decrease width & intensity very much so, and isn't worth it. The s2k has a very nice colorband in it's stock form already.


On the topic of color temperature, always always 4300k. As HID bulbs age, they go through a phase called colorshift. This is when, as more hours are accumulated on the bulb, the output begins to raise in color temperature (gets whiter), but starts to lose light output. Philips makes a colormatched bulb, 85122+ (make sure there is a plus designation) that is "rated" at 5000k, but in reality it's more of a ~4500k bulb that resists colorshift very well.


As far as any companies with a lifetime warranty, you probably won't get it (and can't). Much of the hardware is taken off other cars, and you can't really get a warranty for that. HOWEVER, in the case of OEM hardware, you probably won't need one. Anything OEM (ballasts, bulbs, projectors) are manufactured to a MUCH higher tolerance than Made in China stuff (kits). There are countless users on forums who've had their ballasts for years upon years without burning out. I've personally run a set of ballasts (that weren't even properly mounted OR weatherproofed) since 2004, and i've been good the ENTIRE time.
Just make sure you get a clean set when you make the purchase, and go for Japanese ballasts if you can (Denso, Matsushita, etc.). They offer a few advantages over German ballasts (Bosch, Hella, etc.) for the money.

My closing words will consist of me telling you to go s2k. s2k s2k s2k all the way, If money is of no object.
TSX will be alright as a replacement, but if you're serious about your lighting (and you probably are, seeing as how you're smart enough to think about retrofitting), then go s2k. Average price for a set is $300, compared to the TSX which you can get for up to $130ish. It's a big jump, but the increased EVERYTHING over TSX will be worth it.

S2k.
85122+ Bulbs.
Any Japanese ballast that will fit your mounting spot.

That's the formula for success.

Also, hold on to your stock kouki lenses when you retrofit. They can probably fetch around $50 and up on the hidplanet forums.
(www.hidplanet.com (http://www.hidplanet.com/))

[hustlervibes]

Yeah I think the s2k projectors are nice and all, but too small. Go up on s2ki and post up that you wtb some s2k projectors. I went there a couple months ago for my friend and someone PMed me 2 days later for $300 shipped.

On a side note what projectors does mike (clearcorners) use in his HID conversions?

[Aoshi112]

how about us s13 pop up guys? I think i read somewhere you can try to fit the TSX projectors but its a bit big and you will be forced to have your lights popped up all the time?

[strider hiryu]

I just completed my TSX retro in my car a few days ago. I'll take some pictures tonight if I remember.

TSX projectors
TL ballasts/ignitors
Philips 85122+ bulbs

I did a little bit of modifying to make everything work. I had to drill new holes in the aluminum frame for the new projector holes. Then had to take a dremel to the bottom of the headlight assemblies since my ignitors were getting in the way of aiming my headlights.

Anto and ixfxi (Mike from clearcorners.com) here on Zilvia should be able to answer any questions pertaining to HID's. You've probably run into nrg and greenkouki on HIDPlanet already. I can help you out if you have any problems with the install. :bigok:

I'm very happy with my retro. Just don't do the washer mod. I learned the hard way...

Did you ever get the chance to take pix of your car Tops? also thanks for the quote from anto.. I kinda figured that s2k is going to be better but I want to see the output and cutoff from a tsx retro before I make my decision, although I am sure Anto is right.. but still.

[Slidin240Wayz]

Just go TSX.

S2K is expensive.

[Tops*]

Did you ever get the chance to take pix of your car Tops? also thanks for the quote from anto.. I kinda figured that s2k is going to be better but I want to see the output and cutoff from a tsx retro before I make my decision, although I am sure Anto is right.. but still.

I haven't had a chance to go take pics yet. I'll go out in a few hours when it gets dark. From looking around at other retro's on HIDPlanet, S2K projectors were definitely better, but is it really going to matter that much to you? I say spend the extra $170 or so difference on other things. No one's going to know the difference unless you're side-by-side an S2K.

[GSXRJJordan]

In regard to popups, yes the HID retrofit stuff is so deep, that it's difficult for it all to fit in the popup housing, so most likely you wont be able to get it to move up/down like it should. I looked into doing all of this so that I could "perma-sleepy" them, but the depth is a big issue.

Check out one of my posts about Hella 90mm and 50mm projector housings - they make an HID version also, and if you're paying $300+ for S2k housings, the Hella HID's might be worth your while.

[strider hiryu]

I haven't had a chance to go take pics yet. I'll go out in a few hours when it gets dark. From looking around at other retro's on HIDPlanet, S2K projectors were definitely better, but is it really going to matter that much to you? I say spend the extra $170 or so difference on other things. No one's going to know the difference unless you're side-by-side an S2K.

yea i can see your point, either way its gonna be way better than my lights now but if I can find some s2ks for cheap Im not gonna turn that offer down. Im just sick of the street lights overtaking mine.

[Anto]

If you're just looking for a good upgrade and not the best, TSX projectors will work fine. Projectors run roughly $150, ballasts & bulbs $200 at most, and add $50 for misc. things such as a wiring harness and supplies.
So say $400 for supplies.

The jump from halogen to HID is a big one, but as far as retrofitting yourself goes, the hardest part is going to make the rotational adjustment fit well so just make sure you take your time and don't cut corners.

On the topic of Clearcorners, the product Mike offers is built to a much higher standard than a DIY retrofitter would build it to. No backyard garage stuff - retrofitting in your garage on your spare time is one thing, doing it for a living with full DOT compliance is another thing. The only project that is a true retrofit is the s13, which utilizes Hella 90mm's.

[Tops*]

I suck at taking pictures. :cry: Once my photography major friend comes home for break, I'll have him take pictures.

[fueled by hate]

In regard to popups, yes the HID retrofit stuff is so deep, that it's difficult for it all to fit in the popup housing, so most likely you wont be able to get it to move up/down like it should. I looked into doing all of this so that I could "perma-sleepy" them, but the depth is a big issue.



I did a tsx retro on my popups and had no problems with them fully retracting. I now have tl's and still have no problems with them retracting fully. TSX's fit pretty much with no problems when done right. The TL's on the other hand are beasts and just barely fit. Here's a pic for size comparison.

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL653/3530448/17459925/271556316.jpg

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL653/3530448/17459925/271556372.jpg

[Aoshi112]

I did a tsx retro on my popups and had no problems with them fully retracting. I now have tl's and still have no problems with them retracting fully. TSX's fit pretty much with no problems when done right. The TL's on the other hand are beasts and just barely fit. Here's a pic for size comparison.

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL653/3530448/17459925/271556316.jpg

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL653/3530448/17459925/271556372.jpg

can you give anymore insight or possibly a short write up of how you did it on the s13 pop ups for the TSX projectors? i really want HIDs in my car.

[punxva]

do you have pics of your setup for the tsx's?

[240trooper]

what about using s15 projecters?

[fcukven1]

mmm what about a 350z pro $68 and you get this
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/oemxenonparts8/DSC09751.jpg

[nrg]

S2k projectors have the best cutoff. (http://www.frsport.com/S14-HID-Headlight-Projector-Retrofit--with-S2000-projectors-_t_27.html)

haha FRsports for plagiarizing my tutorial.
the original writeup for that is on hidplanet.com under "nrg" and a web link on phihoang.com

240sxtrooper and fcukven1. what are you guys asking? the Op asked which projector is better for his retrofit.

it's too hard to tell if certain projectors work unless you have the actual unit in hand. Or get measurements?

[fcukven1]

i was saying maybe the projectors from the Z could be used, not that ive seen them in action but they cant be that bad, i totally agree the best ones out there are the TSX even i want a set, the cutoff on those is gorgeus.......i guess what im trying to say is i hate Honda and if there other choices why not explore them instead

[Tops*]

nrg, on your S2K retro, you mounted your projectors on the front of the bracket. I mounted my TSX projectors on the back. Would there be any negative effects caused by my lenses being positioned a little farther back? What could cause the light above my cutoff in my pic below?

My TSX retro:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n245/Yuta_I/DSCF1489.jpg

[fueled by hate]

here's a write up on popup retrofits
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=253742

There's really nothing to it if you have the right tools.

[!Zar!]

This thread is worthless without input from Mamos.

[xkamikazestormx]

what about using s15 projecters?

why would you want to use s15 projectors? they utilize a RHD cutoff.

mmm what about a 350z pro $68 and you get this
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/oemxenonparts8/DSC09751.jpg

the older 350z uses a projector/reflector setup so those would be junk.
even the new ones are junk. blury cutoff with weak color and output.


i personally love the tsx over the s2000. the s2000s have a sharper cutoff and the output is insane! but the tsx can be color modded to have crazy color.

s2000:
http://i9.tinypic.com/8aa011v.jpg

tsx with color mod:
http://www.haknslash.com/pictures/HID/fritenitesretro/aligned/P1010004.JPG

credit: haknslash


i personally used bosch xenon projectors and i am perfectly happy with it. good to see that a lot of forum members are now retrofitting instead of just using HID kits.

this is the bosch projectors (not as good but im happy with it. it was cheap lol)
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e282/kamikazestorm420/P1010423.jpg

i am most likely going to be selling this retro and redoing it with tsx's

[strider hiryu]

alright I decided I am going to go with the tsx. how hard was it to get them to fit? what part did you have to trim on the projectors?

[xkamikazestormx]

ive personally never done them so im not exactly sure. but i heard the tsx's has mountings points already and the s2000s dont. so it should be easier to retro too. if you do use tsx's, color mod them lol. it looks nice as hell.

btw mine was on a s13 front end not on a kouki

[Tops*]

^ I say don't. I gave the washer mod a shot, but ended up taking them out. Try it out and see if you like it. Sharper cutoff > color IMO.

The TSX projectors do come with mounting points, but they don't line up with the kouki bracket. You'll have to drill new holes in the bracket. If you use the kouki projector mounting points (if it's even possible), the rotational is going to be WAY off.

I had to dremel the bottom of the headlight housing so I could aim my lights. The TL ignitors were too big and didn't leave any room for adjustment. It all depends on the shape and size of the ignitor.

[xkamikazestormx]

for me .. color >sharpness haha. its personal preference (sp)

if i wanted sharpness i would go with the s2000s. if you want color go with the tsx's.

[Anto]

TSX's have plenty of color stock. You can see it after 50 feet or so.
Washer mods give color at a close range, but once you get out to 50+ feet it gets REALLY nasty.
Washer mods also reduce output a bit.


Your call, function or form?

[nrg]

nrg, on your S2K retro, you mounted your projectors on the front of the bracket. I mounted my TSX projectors on the back. Would there be any negative effects caused by my lenses being positioned a little farther back? What could cause the light above my cutoff in my pic below?

My TSX retro:

[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n245/Yuta_I/DSCF1489.jpg[IMG]

I believe the light is reflecting off the chrome housing on your headlight. I dont have any bleeding problems with mine. the only problem i have is that the passenger side isn't as sharp as the driver side. Must be the glass housing. i've tried everything to fix it.

[Tops*]

I believe the light is reflecting off the chrome housing on your headlight. I dont have any bleeding problems with mine. the only problem i have is that the passenger side isn't as sharp as the driver side. Must be the glass housing. i've tried everything to fix it.

That's what I was guessing. Oh well. I'll fix it next spring when I put my aero on. Thanks for the input.

My passenger side isn't as sharp as the driver side either.

[onesicklambo]

sharpness- s2k
color- tsx.(or with color mod)

Best of BOTH WORLDS? BMW ZKW projector :D

I am running FX35 with TSX lense
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/mesojdm/DSC09320.jpg

[xkamikazestormx]

oh ya forgot about those ZKW's

[Siizzzoooo]

what are ZKW's?

I'm about to retro some SL500 HID system into my Z32. I believe they are identical to the E55 projector. These are bi-xenon though. I'm going to use the 300ZX clear lens on the E55 projector and hopefully be able to color mod

[Anto]

what are ZKW's?

I'm about to retro some SL500 HID system into my Z32. I believe they are identical to the E55 projector. These are bi-xenon though. I'm going to use the 300ZX clear lens on the E55 projector and hopefully be able to color mod

You can't. z32 is 2.5", e55 is 3". lens won't fit. a few guys on hidplanet might have some clearlens for the e55 laying around, check on there.

[strider hiryu]

I bought some tsx projectors offa hidplanet finally. but for the ballasts, bulbs, mounts, ect. is the package that they have on hidplanet good? or should I try to buy those things separate for cheaper?

[fcukven1]

i think that im going to go with this
http://forums2.freshalloy.com/showthread.php?t=161518&highlight=projector

[Siizzzoooo]

You can't. z32 is 2.5", e55 is 3". lens won't fit. a few guys on hidplanet might have some clearlens for the e55 laying around, check on there.

hmmm you're right, I'm looking at the FX projectors now w/ spacer mod, they apparently have the same lens diameter.

the question now is if the projector itself will fit alright in the 300ZX housings

[fueled by hate]

i think that im going to go with this
http://forums2.freshalloy.com/showthread.php?t=161518&highlight=projector

You do realize that those projectors use halogen bulbs. You're better off using tsx projectors and philips bulbs.

[S14DB]

I have Bosch Projectors the only problem is that I have no shrouds. What should I do?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/S14DB/240sx/HID/Projector1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/S14DB/240sx/HID/ProjectorLeak1.jpg

[xkamikazestormx]

on my headlights, there was a chrome bezel that covered the sides. i heard ppl use aluminum tape to cover the sides of valeo projectors so i think it should work fine on bosch projectors

[Tops*]

S14DB, are they going in an S14? If so, why would you need shrouds? Do you have to cover the sides on the projectors?

Shrouds are so expensive, it makes me sick. My friend spent $100 on a pair of E46 shrouds. Two pieces of plastic. :loco:

[SimpleS14]

S14DB....

This is what I did with my Bosch projectors:

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/SimpleS14/S14/writeup/HID/projector.jpg

I took some thin aluminum duct, cut it into a small strip and JB welded it around the projector. It's been like this for awhile with no issues.

BTW SS14.net was my old site

[S14DB]

I don't have bezels ether and they are like $40 each. I have tons of alum tape, but will the glue melt under heat?

[SimpleS14]

I don't have bezels ether and they are like $40 each. I have tons of alum tape, but will the glue melt under heat?

I got the bezels from HIDplanet...they are $48.99 a pair.


I don't see the glue melting, but rather becoming crusty over time and loosing its adhesion properties.

[fueled by hate]

I heard a guy say he goes to lowes or osh and buys thier cheap outdoor lights, pops the glass out and uses the reflector as a shroud. You might have to trim the opening of the reflector a bit but its easier than trying to make one out of fiberglass. You can also look in the bathroom section and they sell circular metal shrouds that you can get with different size openings. I think they're used for showers or something like that and the biggest one they sell has like a 2 or 2.5 inch opening.