I have been searching on the internet for the easiest attempt to do a HID projector conversion on my 96 hatchback.

I have never thought I would come cross at such a detailed writeup(at least to me) from a VW forum.

So here it is, it might take out some of the uncertainties you might have in choosing between TYC projectors and Retrofits.

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=252824

 

At least there doesn't appear to be much glare. If that thread doesn't convince you to do a retrofit, I don't know what will. The stock halogens have better optics than those TYC's.

 

You mention the word optics in attempt to describe the stock headlight bulbs/housings... this is incorrect, optics are lenses, the stock housing had no lenses, it's a chrome reflector housing.
Not a great one at that.

This HID-Fit TYC beam pattern is not only clean and crisp w/minimal glare, but as you can see from the pics, it's been properly aimed. Which oncoming drivers will greatly appreciate.
If you really believe this setup is inferior to stock, you have never seen stock.

I have this setup and its important to remember the cameras can be deceiving as they adjust to compensate for proper exposure, making it very easy to look much less bright than they truly are.
One would need a pro DSLR w/a greater range of latitude and appropriate settings, in order to truly show the look of the lights.

 

optics refers to everything not just the lens.. its how the light is distributed and what not.. the glare on those projectors arent that bad but they arent as good as a real retrofit.. the cutoffs arent great and it looks like the drivers side on that pair was rotated counterclockwise.. the projectors used in the premade headlights are meant for halogens just like your stock healdights which means they wont spread the light out like a real hid projector and will still produce a little bit of glare.. not as much as a reflector though..