DRL (High Beams) LEDS
 

Let's say I want to install some bright LEDs to use as my high beams but don't want them to be blinding as DRLs. So if I disable the DRL feature via Techstream for example will I still be able to use them as high beams or does it disable both?

I'd suggest staying away from them, since most of them don't emit enough light. They do appear to be bright, but most of them don't have the range to be useful. If you do decide to buy some, you can disable your DRL by unplugging the relay behind the passenger side front bumper.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=7435&page=10

Any alternative to LEDs?

HIDs?>...or will they just scatter light around?

Retrofit the stock lense to an HD kit so you have high and low beams. Then put the LEDs in if you just want them for looks.

There are 360 Degree LED lights out there and emulate an incandescent/halogen throw pattern in the lens. Haven't seen any in use but they are supposed to look and throw light like a glass bulb

Disabling DRL via Carista for Android will let you retain high beam. TechStream should give you the same option.

LED - as mentioned, most don't have enough range. Maybe the new stuff coming out from Diode Dynamics (SL1 LED) will change that, but that remains to be seen.

Ideally, you would crack open the stock housing, do some type of bi-xenon retro fit (i.e. the retro-quick system for the FRS from Retrofit Source/Morimoto) for HID highs and optional reflector high beams.
@Hyperion Did up a nice example recently:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112629

You could also just disable DRL, toss a PnP HID kit in the high beam reflector, and run just the highs like that when no other cars are on the road. You would lose the ability to flash other people with the highs (not good for the HID system,) and would also have to plan for a bit of warm up time on the HID when enabling high beams. For these reasons, this method is far from ideal but probably ok if you regularly travel long stretches of back roads with zero traffic.

The mini h1 high beam is more than enough for 99% of all people who aren't wrc rally drivers. Any pnp led bulbs will probably help you out less than the halogen did.
Whiter is not brighter, just more apparent to your eyes.