I want to install LED bulbs in my tail/stop lights. Based on what I am reading it is a bad idea in that no one makes a bright enough LED Bulb.
Just ordered Switchbacks from Corvette Mods for the corners and it appears they are very bright.
If the switchbacks were available in White/White IE: run and signal in white would they work???
Any thoughts?

I really do not like the look of the LED halos and given no other choice will just keep stock bulbs.

 

Halos or none IMO. The plug n play bulbs provide nothing really for the price you will pay for them.

 

After a lot of research I found bulbs from several companies. One would even send me four bulbs and hold the charge on my credit card. If they are not brighter that OEM they will pay return shipping no questions.
In addition I found these

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1997-2011.html

I am going to try out several and post pictures and results of my findings. Will know in a week or two. I have no disrespect to anyone other than I personnaly do not like the full LED Halo type and would like to find an alternative if it's out there. Maybe others would like bulb replacement only also?

 

 

 

One slight advantage is that the LED's will come one a little quicker with power applied. Apparently, it's enough to avoid being rear-ended in certain panic stop situations.

 

I've thought about getting LED bulbs instead of Halos. Obviously the aftermarket LED taillights would look better, but they're also fairly expensive.

You really just have to be careful, some LED bulbs are junk, some are actually pretty bright.

They key for the rear is to get ones that are very directional backwards IMO. The rear taillight bulbs are 3057 bulbs. So just search for 3057 LED bulbs.

I would either get these new 5W "projector" LED bulbs. 5W LEDs are bright as hell, so I think these would work well. Just make sure its specified that they're 5 watt LEDs



Or I think this style would work well in our housings. They're commonly called "spider" style bulbs.

 

Good information on those bulbs. Thanks.

 

Thank you. Where do you buy them? Not the spyder type.

 

The problem with the projector only bulb is that you'll get a spot on the lens and nothing else as there is no radial light to illuminate the reflector housing.

The spiders open to 3 inches from what I understand, although the tail light assemblies are large, the bulbs are a bit offset from center from what I can judge. Wonder if anyone has tried them.

 

Just don't go retardedly bright because you can. I've come up behind a couple of transports lately with add-on lights so bright they hurt the eyes and at that point the lights start to become a hazard.

 

There are some online auction sites which carry them....

Remember you get what you pay for. High power LEDs are expensive, I wouldn't spend less than $10 per bulb.

You can also try autolumination.com They're not the cheapest, but awesome selection, quality, and service.

I don't think any of the forum venders offer high powered LEDs for the taillights, but I might be wrong.

 

UPDATE

so far have tried six different bulbs including the spider type. The spider worked the best in RED. white led was not so good. The one spider I used was 24 LED high power. Did not cost me anything yet because the three companies want to know what works best and will consider advertiseing on this forum once and if we have a solid go.
The spider used was EXCELLENT. The running light was slightly brighter than the stock bulb. The stop/turn was at least 10% to 15% brighter but far from blinding. You cannot see the bulbs at all in that the lense is red and the bulbs emit red. So far this seems the bulb I/we might go with. Company I am dealing with says they can probably do these (special) as a four pack with 2 year replacement for around $45 to $50. They will get back to me in a week or so looking into a built in resister for hyperflash. "POSSIBLY" that way it would be completely plug and play.
I will have definite specs and complete info in about 4 to 6 weeks. Until then I am playing with the one spider to see how it hold up etc.

 

 

That sounds good. Having the running lights about the same brightness with the brake/turn much brighter is excellent. I personally just think it's bad to have the running as bright or brighter than the typical brake/turn lights.

 

Well done!

I was reading this thread and thinking to myself, I'll just buy one of each, give them a try and let everyone know which one I like the best.

I haven't seen any halos in person, but the pics don't really light me up for some reason.

 

Read this before you order from Autolumination.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...post1583160376

 

Awesome! Thanks for the testing.

White LEDs are about 3x more expensive than red or amber ones, so you have to pay a premium if you want good, bright white LED bulbs for your car.

I was skeptical on the "spyder" style bulbs myself. I think i'm going for a total replacement, but $50 for 4 bulbs that are brighter than stock is pretty enticing.

 

02/22/13 UPDATE
My brother inlaw goes to china and japan frequently. He is an engineer with a company in CA. On his last trip he took with him the rear lamp and housing assembly and would talk to the guys (after meeting) that provide LED lighting for the equipment on all the machine controls who would be at this meeting for their machines anyway. He informed me that a round type reflector with LED bulbs would be best option. ( something like a dish) the problem would be removal of the lens from the housing. Put the bulb in with plug from the back then reinstall the lens. One of the guys there is going to put one together that they already use on some equipment lighting (warning type) with the proper male plug dual circuit. When complete they will send me the bulb to try. If it works they would (his cost) be about $7.00 a bulb so they would probably sell for around $50.00 for a four bulb set Plus shipping. They will provide a written liftime guarantee for the bulbs since these are already designed fo heavy equipment use.
Waiting for it to come. When it does I will do the setup and then take pictures of the actual product. I can't wait.