LED bulbs, HID, big lumens

NYSpeed Automotive
1

Ok guys, has anyone done any real bulb research?

I’m looking to replace my fog lights with something mega bright. I realize I can just swap in some HIDs but I also want to look into LEDs. I won’t be using these on the road, but out on work sites, the woods, shining into your girlfriends room ect.

How are the LED bulbs? Some advertise 900 lums! I think most HIDs are about 1000 lums. Any one ever use any?

This is a flow chart, from least powerful to most powerful halogen drop-in replacements. Heat rating (H) is on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being coolest and 5 being hottest.

9140- (40W @ 900 lu/H1.5) H10 not a good upgrade bulb, and OEM for some fog lamps. Next step: 9145
9145- (45W @ 1100 lu/H2) H10 bulb. Can be used as an upgrade from 9140 for slightly more light output without risking melting. Next step: 9155
9155- (55W @ 1350 lu/H3.5) H10, great upgrade (if you can handle the heat) from 9145. Next step: 9005
9005- (65W @ 1700 lu/H5) This is a great upgrade for those with metal/glass fog lamps or large housings. Next step: 9011
9011- (65W @ 2350 lu/H5) This is the ["]HIR1](http://rd.bizrate.com/rd?t=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.searchmarketing.com%2Fclick.asp%3Faid%3D333346721%26szredirectid%3DSZ_REDIRECT_ID&mid=83489&cat_id=315&prod_id=5391103066&pos=0&rf=af1&b_id=17&bamt=fa76788ddc15af09&ppr=b90b6a008559a763&oid=5391103066&country_code=US&atom=316&bid_type=1&af_assettype_id=12&af_placement_id=1&af_creative_id=8&af_id=[PUBLISHER_ID). Can be swapped in place of the 9005 with minimal cutting. No heat increase (in comparison of 9005).

9006- (55W @ 1000 lu/H4) This would be used in the stock 1997 & 1998 F-150 fog lights. You can swap to the higher-output HIR2 9012 bulbs or use a different brand 9006 for more power. Next step: 9012
9012- (55W @ 1870 lu/H4) HIR2 bulb. Can be swapped in place of the 9006 with minimal cutting. 55W @ 1870 lumens. No heat increase (in comparison of 9006).

H3- (55W @ 1450 luH3) 55W transverse bulb. You can upgrade to 100W H3, but caution for heat. Next step: H3C HID.

H1- (55W @ 1550 lu/H3) 55W axial filament bulb. Can be upgraded to 100W H1, but caution for heat. Next step: H1 HID

2

What type of bulb are you looking to replace?

3

Well specifically a 9140. I know I can swap in a 9145 and be ok, but with a plastic housing I don’t want to go hotter. That is why I was thinking of a LED style bulb. Some state 900+ lumens but I know that LED output can seem different then conventional lighting.

I can always just stab some cheap HIDs in and call it a day but I was looking for something new and uber bright.

4

any sort of LED that can match HID is going to be exponentially more expensive. All the ebay stuff is garbage (you’ll notice they normally advertise for use as DRL).

I’ve been using VVME 35 and 55 watt kits and finding them to work better/brighter than DDM or xentec.

5

Check this thread. They claim these $10 LEDs are as bright as 35w HIDs.

I was going to try them as reverse in the Jeep but hadn’t got around to it yet.

6

I’m very skeptical. They like look like the ebay ones being sold for more $$$.

7

If you’re looking for a good HID system check out this link:

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=3953

Also lists the lumens for each bulb kelvin further down the page, which is significantly more than what you’re looking at:

4300K
Warm White (3100 lu)
5000K
Pure White (3000 lu)
6000K
Cool White (2850 lu)

8

retrofit source is $$$$$$

9

Yeah I cheaper out and got three sets from ddm. They’ve always done good in my book.guess Hids are still the best bang for the buck.