ES3

Anyone know if any way to convert a '97 ES3 light housing to the '96's style? Or to any other style? I've seen some companies, but not had much luck for Lexus vehicles...

squarehat

I noticed from another thread that you want to upgrade to HID. Rather than try to drop in the 1996 projectors, which look cool but have somewhat dated optics compared to modern projectors designed purposely for HID light sources, you could try finding the 00-01 HID light housings. The housings designed for HID have two distinctly separate reflector bowls for the low and high beams (I can dig up an old thread if you want, I've posted comparisons between the 97-01 halogen and the 00-01 HID before).

Pros:
Using the HID housings will yield a clean, even beam pattern and cutoff. Despite the lack of autolevelling compared to an 00-01 that came with stock HID, having the proper optics will yield much better results than dropping rebased D2S to H7's in the halogen optics.
Using the HID housings will allow you to use OEM size D2R bulbs that won't be affected by the upcoming NHTSA crackdown on bulbs rebased to 9006, H7, etc.

Cons:
Cost (if bought new at the parts counter, the housings will probably run $1400 a pair, and then you'd have to pay another $450 for bulbs and ballasts, which can be bought elsewhere)
Patience (if looking for the housings at salvage yards or online). I'll see a 00-01 HID housing about once a month on eBay, but usually it will be only one side at a time.

ES3

Great information, you obviously know your equipement. Thanks. Please post the link to the archive that discusses comparisions about the various ES3 housings. Meanwhile do you feel the '96 and older housings would be that ineffective with an hid kit? Afterall, isn't that housing similiar to what Audi/BMW still use?