Morimoto Mini Hid Projectors For Retrofit, Which Type Of Bulb?

03SilverSilverado · April 24, 2011

Hey guys, I've read alot of threads recently about retrofits, im certain this is the way I want to go to add HID's to my Sierra.

I've seen the TRS website for Morimoto Mini Projectors, but I have questions about what type of setup to get.... here's what I'd like some help on...

1. 35w and 50w, is more really better? The price difference is negligible, so im inclined to go with the 50w.

2. Bulb type, H1 or D2S? Is the advantage that the D2S is a more frequently used base for HID projector bulbs? Will this impact how the kit mates with my factory harness? (will I need to wire anything up myself if I go with the D2S?)

3. I noticed that you have your choice of harnesses with the kit. Which one should I go with??

So these projectors are Bi-Xenon, renduring our halogen high beams pretty much useless? Anyone thought about using the high beam bulbs for the DRLs?

old-chevy-dude · April 24, 2011

Hey guys, I've read alot of threads recently about retrofits, im certain this is the way I want to go to add HID's to my Sierra.

I've seen the TRS website for Morimoto Mini Projectors, but I have questions about what type of setup to get.... here's what I'd like some help on...

1. 35w and 50w, is more really better? The price difference is negligible, so im inclined to go with the 50w.

2. Bulb type, H1 or D2S? Is the advantage that the D2S is a more frequently used base for HID projector bulbs? Will this impact how the kit mates with my factory harness? (will I need to wire anything up myself if I go with the D2S?)

3. I noticed that you have your choice of harnesses with the kit. Which one should I go with??

So these projectors are Bi-Xenon, renduring our halogen high beams pretty much useless? Anyone thought about using the high beam bulbs for the DRLs?

I got the H1. Also the 50watt as you are less likely to run into flicker issues with the higher wattage.

As for the bixenon you don't have to hook up the shutter. The high beam feature on the Morimoto is a shutter that opens to allow more light. I'm tying it into the highs so I get both the open shutter and high beam functionality.

iminaquagmire · April 25, 2011

1) I see just fine with the 35w but I'd like to try the 50w. I wish it was available when I did my retro.

2) I think the H1 has a nicer cutoff, but the D2S allows you to use more OEM bulbs. However with the rebased H1 Phillips bulbs, I think the cutoff more than makes up for the difference. Plus you'll be in for more cutting using the D2S.

3) Order the relay harness that matches your stock harness. I didn't install mine and I haven't had any issues, but you'll want one if you use the 50w ballasts.

03SilverSilverado · April 25, 2011

1) I see just fine with the 35w but I'd like to try the 50w. I wish it was available when I did my retro.

2) I think the H1 has a nicer cutoff, but the D2S allows you to use more OEM bulbs. However with the rebased H1 Phillips bulbs, I think the cutoff more than makes up for the difference. Plus you'll be in for more cutting using the D2S.

3) Order the relay harness that matches your stock harness. I didn't install mine and I haven't had any issues, but you'll want one if you use the 50w ballasts.

So the D2S is larger and requires more cutting?

I think I'll definitely be going with the 50w. And if I can get rebased H1's then that's the best of both worlds it would seem.... Thanks for the info quagmire!

iminaquagmire · April 25, 2011

Its not as long as the H1 version, but the mounting part of the reflector bowl is wider due to the dimensions of a D2S bulb. You would have to cut out more of the stock reflector to fit the D2S bowl. If you retrofitted an aftermarket projector headlight housing like I did, then it would not be an issue.

FYI, the bulbs TRS was selling as rebased Phillips bulbs are now being sold as Morimoto XB35 bulbs and they say they have no affiliation with Phillips Germany. Regardless, I think they are the best option for an H1 bulb.

03SilverSilverado · April 25, 2011

Its not as long as the H1 version, but the mounting part of the reflector bowl is wider due to the dimensions of a D2S bulb. You would have to cut out more of the stock reflector to fit the D2S bowl. If you retrofitted an aftermarket projector headlight housing like I did, then it would not be an issue.

FYI, the bulbs TRS was selling as rebased Phillips bulbs are now being sold as Morimoto XB35 bulbs and they say they have no affiliation with Phillips Germany. Regardless, I think they are the best option for an H1 bulb.

Ah, gotcha! Im going to retrofitting my stock lamps (or maybe crappy OE knockoffs) so the smaller the better... H1 it is!

Thanks for the help! So what harness should I get for my truck? 9005/HB4?

iminaquagmire · April 25, 2011

Yeah, 9005. I can't say for sure, but the OEM knockoffs like on eBay might just have the bake-able sealant in them. If so, it would save you from having to cut open your stockers. Plus if you got those, you could retro them at your leisure and then sell off your stockers when you're done.