So I think I found a package that will work for me:
1) HousingI'm going with the SolarForce L2P ($23)
http://www.lighthound.com/Solar-Force-L2-Flashlight-Host-for-18650--L2-Host-HA-III-Natural-Finish_p_3506.html Special edition of L2 in Mil-spec type III hard anodized natural finish
Flashlight host (head assembly + battery tube + tail switch assembly) without built/drop-in
Made of aluminum alloy
Can use either a LED (Cree/ IR/ UV)-reflector or an incandescent (Xenon) bulb-reflector module
Up to 275 lumens of current-regulated output (Cree LED module)
Different functions depending on the Cree LED module being used: single or multiple output levels
Uses both primary (CR123A) lithium or rechargeable li-ion (16340 or 18650) batteries (not included)
Input voltage (LED module): 0.8-4.2V, 4.2-8.4V, 3-18V
Input voltage (Xenon bulb module): 3.7V, 6V, 7.4V, 9V, 12V or 14V
Tail clicky switch
97 grams (without batteries)
Length x diameter (head and battery tube, mm): 140 x 32 x 25
2) Battery: SONY 18650 3000mAh 3.7V Protected Li-ion Battery ($8.99 from H.K. - month wait for delivery)
From what I understand, Lithium Ion bats are very sensitive to under and overcharging. Batteries considered "protected" have built-in circuits that keep them alive and regulated longer. My buddy also mentioned that there is lots of junk out there so try to go with name brands (LG, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, AW, Redilast). Do not get temped to buy cheaper brands like Ultrafire, Solarforce, Angelfire, etc.. He also mentioned that older (even seemingly dead) Lenovo laptop batteries can be disassembled to retrieve the type-18650 batteries out. Cool.
3) Light Module: CREE XM-L T6 3 mode LED ($18)http://www.solarforcestore.com/servlet/the-1933/MCE/Detail#itemaddedI wanted to go with the 3-mode which would give me 3 intensities. The brightest however is a whopping 900 lumens. Whoa. With a single 18650 battery rated at 3000mAh (or 3 amp-hours), I should get about 2.5 hours at maximum brightness! Not bad tradeoffs.
900 Lumen CREE XM-L T6 3 Mode LED
Module consists of CREE XM-L T6 LED and a smooth reflector
Use one 3.7v 18650 or 17670 (Surefire) rechargeable battery
Input Voltage: 3.7-4.2V
Led lifetime up to 100,000 hrs
3 Outputs: High, Low, Strobe with memory function
Up to 900 Lumen
Diameter: 26.5mm
Compatible with:Ultrafire 501B 502 503 504 L2 C1, Spiderfire X03, Angelfire A1, G&P T6, Surefire 6P G2 C2 M2 D2 Z2
QUESTION: Will it drop into my 8NX? TBA
4) Charger: Pila IBC ($47)Based on a recommendation, this one is the best. Not the cheapest but one of the smarter ones out there for charging accurately.
http://www.lighthound.com/Pila-IBC-Charger-for-14500-17500-18500-18650-37-volt-Lithium-Battery-Charger_p_3680.htmlPlacing the orders, will update later once the parts come in.