RacerX

ok...I know that they say 97-98 but I was wondering if the 97-98 j-spec headlights will fit a 95 ???? Also is there any other place to get them besides corksport????

davens

Do you want them becaust they're "cool" or because you want better lighting?
I don't know about these particular lights, but most JDM lights have a beam pattern designed for driving on the left side of the road. Where USDM lights have a more shallow driver side light and longer casting passenger light, the JDM ones are reversed. You'll be blinding oncoming traffic and seeing less of the side of the road.
So they look cool but don't work as well...at least in most JDM models.

A good alternative to investigate would be the european headlights...specifically from a country that drives on the right(Germany?). Typically euro lights cast better light...no bassackward DOT regs to follow.

Or get some driving lights...My PIAA 1100x platinums will give you a sunburn in 2 minutes flat.

RacerX

well basically I was just getting them because they look better. Now that you pointed out to me that they give a wack beam then I might hold off on them!!! Also you said something about looking for euro kind!!! Well do they even have this car over there and how would I go about looking for some???? I have no idea on how??!!!!

Also what is these driving lights!!! Are they fog lights!!!! Cause I have hyper blue lense lights that are in my bumper!!!

davens

Fog lights are designed to be used in fog/inclement weather. They cast a shallow, wide beam that won't reflect back into your face if used in dense fog.
Driving lights look like fog lights but they are designed to shoot as straight and far down the road as possible to augment your regular headlights.
I've had the PIAA 1100x for a couple years. They're still widely available but I believe PIAA has discontinued production in favor of newer models that are designed for the same niche. They are hyper white/near HID look.
They are more expensive that Toucan, Roadboy or *insert generic cheap light name here* but the difference in performance justifies the price.

As far as EDM models, I don't know how compatible switching headlights is. I just know that generally speaking, they're headlights are way better than the US models.

Pulled straight from the FAQ:
2nd generation (BH chassis):
4 door sedan: Protegé (North America), Familia (Japan and some other Asian countries), 323 (Europe, rest of Asia, Oceania, Latin America)
3 door hatchback: 323 (Europe, Asia/Pacific), Familia Neo (Japan)
3 door fastback and 5-door hatchback: 323F (Europe, Asia/Pacific), Astina (UK, Oceania), Lantis (Japan), *323 (Canada)
* 1995 model year only; not sold in the U.S.A.

Something else that works pretty well...upgrade the stock wiring harness and run higher wattage headlight bulbs. You can just plug higher wattage bulbs into your stock setup but you run the risk of frequent burnouts(expensive after a couple sets), melting the wiring harness or possibly even the headlight housing.

turbonium959

I do not know about the power or the looks, I personally like 95-96 style better without that big turning signal in the bumper. But if you were to put 97-98 headlights in, you would need to get 97-98 front grille, headlights, turning signals, and front fenders. If it was not for the fenders, then it would not have been such a bitch.

Also, there is a guy here, by the way its his blue protege headlight car, from Oregon, and I have asked if this light is any clearer or brighter, and he said that the differece is marginal.

Here is a pic of my 97:

K Dawg ONE

Yeah, the guys name is Patrick....his handle is "PINOY...somthin somthin"....

pollito14

OK I know that the FAQ is quite specific but I for a fact that the 4 door 2nd gen proteges are also known as Lantis in Barbados and Trinidad. That's isn't mentioned in the FAQ I think.

bugtbalin96 1.5

i dont think you have to replace the fenders. if you look at the 95-96 w/ out the trim under the lights it looks like the 97-98 shape. do you know you have to change the fenders for a fact.

turbonium959

The corner light on 95-96 is a lot smaller then 97-98. Even the headlight is different on the two models. You might get away with putting 97-98 fenders on 95-96 model, but you will have gaps left. Here is a pic I made for you guys to clear it up a bit.

RacerX

thanks that helped me out a lot...cause until you posted that pic...I never noticed the difference between the two!!! Well I guess I won't be getting the j-spec lights for the 97!!! Also if this is true of the headlights for the different years is this all the same with the taillights????

pollito14

Tailights are the same from 95-98 the only difference is the color. The 97-98 doesn't have any amber on the center piece (trunk) 95-96 DO have amber(orange) where the reverse lights are. But as the fitting, size, installation they are all the same. But you can do something to the 95-96 center piece that the 97-98 won't be able to. Add extra lighting. Please don't ask right now 'cause the only way I can explain it is by showing pics and I don't have any currently.

RacerX

I was going to do that tomorrow...so...The only question I have about that is.... What kind of light did you use and is it worth the trouble to put the extra lighting????

pollito14

It truly gives it a little more life and customizing. You have to go to someplace like pepbpys or something and take your time looking at the sockets. The whole thing about the mod is the socket. As I said, as soon as I receive my digi cam in the mail I will post pics of it.

ProtegeExtreme1

I wouldn't worry about replacing the headlights. I replaced my bulbs this weekend with the new Sylvania bulbs. The bulbs are much much whiter than the stock bulbs, and they look awesome.

RacerX

I didn't go to pepboys...what I did was take the socket from the front side markers that are in the the front factory bumper. I took and cut them off and then I bondo them to the hole that I made in the back. They work perfect. The only thing that I have a question about it how to get water out of your center tail lense?????