Replacement LED bulbs....

[Jack Valiant]

Just a thought, has anyone replaced their side, tail,brake, reversing bulbs with the LED replacement equivalents ? The bulb fitments are the same but do they fit in the clusters etc?

TIA

Chris

[tvr-280i]

I tried some from ebay and they were garbage, half as bright as old bulbs. went back to filaments.

[Rockettvr]

Not all LED's are created equal - you can get led torches for a £5 but they're crap. My led torch will burn holes in your retina's but it cost £30. Buy good quality stuff and you should be ok ( and in theory you should never have to worry about replacing them ever again ! )

[nwarner]

A friend of mine recently replaced his in his Scimitar and they are far brighter than the originals. I was surprised how good they were. If it helps he got his from http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/

[GV]

I tried the LED jobbies on the rears and didn't think much of them - I have them in my front side lights and they look nice and bright. I was able to wire up the pods to stay down when the side lights came on too which adds to the effect.

[Jack Valiant]

Thanks guys, seems to be a split decision! They need to be as bright or better than the originals and draw less current which was the reason for the post. Might test some good quality stop and tail ones ....

[Rockettvr]

Wattage of LED's can be misleading- it really doesn't equate that higher wattage LEDs are brighter like in normal lamps - it all depends on quality - you should be looking to compare the lumen output when talking LEDs the more lumens the brighter the light output

Edited by Rockettvr on Thursday 29th November 11:54

[pasogrande]

The main advantages of LED over filament are that they are vibration proof making them last longer, and that they give off less heat, which is rarely a problem on cars. Low current usage is a benefit to boaters who anchor overnight with lights on and no motor recharging batteries; I don't see this as an advantage in cars.

The main disadvantages are cost (which is coming down very slowly), and that they tend to shine in one direction only. Also, to dim an LED (as in a brakelight) needs special wiring. Some turn indicator systems need a bit more than just replacing the bulb.

However, logic apart, they are cool and I am looking into it. Philips has come out with its AccentLED Indoor Capsule designed for indoor desk lamps. This is available at Home Depot (in the US) for about $11 and claims 170 lumens, which should be sufficient light for interior lamps. I will also check a local store which specializes in boat lights.

The website mentioned above by Nigel has a good selection.

Just thinking with my fingers on the keyboard!

Wilf.

[JVaughan]

Spent a fortune a few years ago importing LED replacements for the wedge ... they were the real deal, and not an ebay cheapie .. absolute crap !! .. too directional and the old lenses on the car just made the lights look dim.
Sold the lot for a fraction of the price they cost me on ebay.

Back to filaments for me.

[hallsie]

Chris

I think LED is 'old' technology as such.

The CREE SMD type lamps are the newer and allegedly better lamps now, something like this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HIGH-POWER-1156-BA15s-P2...

Ive got headtorches for work that use the CREE lamps and they are awesome... they are also £120 each!!

Im at home for the next 4 weeks if you are around,

Stu

[madbadger]

pasogrande said:

The main advantages of LED over filament are that they are vibration proof making them last longer, and that they give off less heat, which is rarely a problem on cars.

Wilf.

I once had my brake light work loose from the mount and rest against a bag in the boot. Got to Le Mans and found a melted hole through the bag.

Admittedly not something that happens regularly.

[hallsie]

Chris

I think LED is 'old' technology as such.

The CREE SMD type lamps are the newer and allegedly better lamps now, something like this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HIGH-POWER-1156-BA15s-P2...

Ive got headtorches for work that use the CREE lamps and they are awesome... they are also £120 each!!

Im at home for the next 4 weeks if you are around,

Stu

[Jack Valiant]

Thanks all for the comments will do a bit of trying to see what the effect is and let people know. With regards to the current drawn issue, anything that reduces the current on the ageing loom and switch gear has got to be better right!

Stu I am about on Monday if you are free would love to see the new project fella!

Chris

[Bizman928]

I have the new CREE LED bulbs fitted to my Porsche 928 all round, front side, headlight, fog light, internal festoon replacement, rear cluster lights number plate lights the works.
Got them from www.woodypeck.com and they are all very impressive.
http://woodypeck.com/?product=cree-led-single-side...

The reduction on current draw is significant as a 928 has a high demand on the battery & Alternator. My running voltage meter shows a higher voltage now when I drive compared to before with std filaments. Its a no brainer in my view!

[mrzigazaga]

Thanks for the heads up...Ziga