Best/easiest way to get better light output?

[YamahaR86]

Originally Posted by churchx

I'd just warn blindly valuating bulbs as to how much "better" they are just by light output power.
Worth remembering that along seeing better yourself there is bit of not blinding oncoming traffic.
Many stock lights are "worse"/"weak" subjectively because they are made to legal requirements/standards by specific light output and beam shape.
Seeing way too often on highways cheap-modded reusing stock reflectors not fit for specific bulb type or too powerful bulbs fitted. Makes me wish to especially blind them in turn with high beams or give scare to themselves of head-on crash by weering to their lane. Good if country specific MOT inspection won't pass such, but in many countries inspection might be too lax.

This used to be a problem but nowadays most cars have a halogen projector, so better than sticking bulbs into reflectors.


At least in the US, the trend is leaning towards big SUVs/Crossovers and with the 86 being as low as it is, it shouldn't be a problem blinding people.

[D4S BRZ]

A good source to use for which bulbs have decent cutoffs and outputs is bulbfacts.com


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[Vracer111]

Originally Posted by churchx

I'd just warn blindly valuating bulbs as to how much "better" they are just by light output power.
Worth remembering that along seeing better yourself there is bit of not blinding oncoming traffic.
Many stock lights are "worse"/"weak" subjectively because they are made to legal requirements/standards by specific light output and beam shape.
Seeing way too often on highways cheap-modded reusing stock reflectors not fit for specific bulb type or too powerful bulbs fitted. Makes me wish to especially blind them in turn with high beams or give scare to themselves of head-on crash by weering to their lane. Good if country specific MOT inspection won't pass such, but in many countries inspection might be too lax.

Nothing is being changed as far as shape and position of the illuminated area from the stock projector housing... Diode dynamics designed the LEDs to mimic the filament envelope of the halogen bulbs so the light source is emminating very much from the same point as the halogen filament. You just get a noticeably brighter and smoother, more filled in area of lighting and white, not an off-yellow tinged color. Stock low beams are pretty much useless at highway speeds... high beams work much better but not good for oncoming traffic.

[tarzan_nojane]

Got a pair of Philips 12361 H9 bulbs as a simple way to get more output for less than $10. H9 has a 65w (nominal) filament optimized for maximum luminance and flux at the expense of shorter lifespan. The H11 has a 55w (nominal) filament optimized for long life at the expense of lower luminance and flux. One of the 3 tabs on the bulb base must be trimmed to allow them to fit. Been running mine for 9 months now, including a half dozen overnight cross-country 400+ mile trips.



Just tried the H11 LED Headlight Bulbs H8 H9 Low Beam Pure White Bright Fog Light Conversion Kit 40W 9800Lm 6000K that were on special at Amazon for $20/pair. Pretty awful, with a dark vertical bar in the center of the beam.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by tarzan_nojane

Just tried the H11 LED Headlight Bulbs H8 H9 Low Beam Pure White Bright Fog Light Conversion Kit 40W 9800Lm 6000K that were on special at Amazon for $20/pair. Pretty awful, with a dark vertical bar in the center of the beam.

Interesting. I've been running these LEDs from Amazon for about 18 months with no issue, pretty happy with them.

I also have the high beams of the same set, but if you run them you'll probably want to turn off the DRLs as they won't run a half power. I haven't done that, but do turn on the headlights earlier than I normally would to prevent blinding folks at night.

Both provide much improved lighting and no lines, or blinding oncoming traffic.

[mrhayes1]

When it comes to stock headlights, no offense but they are crap. IMO, its not worth opening them up, etc., and trying to get fancy. Just buy an HID kit. I bought morimoto ones a few years ago for $150 and they are phenomenal. High end brand and very reliable. Light output is great. I am actually kinda selling them now...I upgraded to actual LED Morimoto headlights which are so nice. If interested, I can sell you my old morimoto HIDs for $70, but you would have to pay shipping of course. They are just sitting in my garage. Completely plug and play. No wiring or splicing. Good HID kits like this come with everything and all you need to do is run the wires and plug things in.

When it comes to lighting, you get what you pay for. There is a reason my morimoto headlights come with a 5 year warranty and many other aftermarket headlights come with a 1-2 year warranty at most. I would recommend staying away from aftermarket bulbs and cheap LEDs as they wont do much in terms of performance and will probably be crap. Amazon and Ebay are generally not your friend when it comes to lighting. Everyone likes to say they bought such and such on Ebay or whatever for cheap...but talk to me after 5 years when the parts are still working and not broken. $20 bulbs on Ebay that you have to replace every 1-2 years gets expensive. I know from experience. Your best bet is to buy an actual HID or LED kit from a reputable seller; both of which will cost you 100-150 new.

*Edit. I see in your post you said morimoto swap is not great light output. Not sure what you are referring to but I can tell you that both the Morimoto HID kits ($150) added to stock headlights and the actual replacement morimoto LED headlights (~$800) have excellent light output.