I'm wondering whether LED headlights can be installed as replacements for the low beam bi-xenon bulbs (in ACA projector housings) I presently have. Also wondering if LED high beams can be installed (as replacements for stock high beam bulbs) in these ACA housings. Here are specific questions:

1. I've read that LEDs run hotter than halogen or bi-xenon bulbs. Would hotter burning LEDs (for high beams) possibly damage the ACA housings.

2. Would LED bulbs be plug-and-play direct replacements for the halogen high beams? If yes, what LED bulbs should I use?

3. Would LED bulbs provide the same level of enhanced lighting that my (low beam) bi-xenon bulbs currently provide? If yes, what LED bulbs should I use?

4. Would hotter burning LEDs (for low beams) possibly damage the ACA housings.

My preliminary research says LEDs do not require the special wiring harnesses and ballasts that my bi-xenon bulbs require. That is attractive to me.

My research of the Forum doesn't directly address any of the above questions.

Thanks in advance for your feedback. I would appreciate any links to Forum and non-Forum sites that provide information on my questions. The research I've done so far yields only vendor sales pitches and similar crap.

The Lizzard

 

You're on C5 Tech... go over to "C5 General" and there is a thread titled
"the best <$50.00 LED low beam". They cover most/all of your questions.

I use LED's as ...low beams, high beams and fogs.

 

The new LED lights with fans on them are pretty good and should work well as high beams.

I run them as my low and fogs which both work great

 

2 words
Radio Flyer

I think he can work with you to upgrade what you got to high quality innards.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-leds-wow.html

Heres a recent one

 

Thanks Jumpmanmb87...good find. Gave me links to many useful sites, plus interesting perspectives by Forum members (scattered amongst some insulting, argumentative comments).

I'm upgrading my high beams to 9011s, a solution that is compatible with the ACA high beam reflectors' design limitations. While I may in the future consider changing to LEDs for the high beams, I'll most likely wait until I'm unhappy about something...pioneers get the land, but also get the arrows.

My HID low beams are much more than adequate for my around-town driving. But occasionally, when on the highway with no oncoming traffic, I'd like to see what incremental visibility I'd get from LED high beams. I have a high-4 harness (from Radioflyer) so I am able to switch on the high beams without turning off the low beam HIDs - the perfect solution to my highway driving needs.

My curiosity was about LEDs as a substitute for the HID lights now installed as low beams in my ACA projector housings. Occasionally I have "issues" with the HIDs, most of which I suspect revolve around the special harness/ballast requirements for HIDs. I'll not change anything now, but I might if my "issues" re-emerge. Suffice it to say my aftermarket HID install isn't confidence inspiring.

Also, an aftermarket HID set-up isn't going to be kind to my car's resale value (although I'm not currently inclined to sell my C5 - my Blackhawk helicopter pilot son says he wants it should I decide to dispose of it). So having a lighting solution that is as close to stock as possible - one not based on the HID's unique wiring/power requirements - is for me a better configuration.
In any event, your response provided me with great G-2.

The Lizzard

 

Not sure why so many have problems with using HIDs.
I have been running HID low beams for over a decade, First in an original set of ACAs with Phillips HID ballasts and Phillips HID bulbs as well as HIDs in my stock fogs. When I moved to my 03 I bought a set of Sun Guns that use Hella projectors and the same HID setup in my fogs.
I have never had the issues many mention with their HIDs like headlights not closing or HIDs being very slow to warm up. Not sure why but I believe that along with using quality components I always use aftermarket battery based relay wiring harnesses for all my HIDs. These provide larger gauge wires and only use the stock wiring as the switch control.

 

I installed my ACAs (with HIDs) in 2010. Replaced the bulbs twice - in both cases I think wobble loosened the bulbs and they ultimately burned out. Most recently, one of my HIDs just quit...I replaced the bulb (nope, not the problem), then the relay (not that either), checked for ground issues (nope) and finally replaced all of the fuses...none of these actions resolved the problem. Gave up and installed a new ACA/HID set and now all is OK. But I'm now no longer confident that this set-up will be reliable over the longer term. That's why I've been considering LEDs as an alternative for the HIDs.

Time will tell.

The Lizzard

 

To be clear, which ACAs do you have, the originals (D1S bulb type), halogen projectors (H9, typically what JWM sells), or Radioflyer (H1)?

The longevity of the bulbs, ballasts, and igniters are directly connected to the quality you buy. Radioflyer supplies Acme, which aren't exactly high quality, more mid-range. Morimoto appears to be one of the best quality aftermarket HID ballasts, and suppliers in general. Anything designed for halogen projectors is almost certainly low quality.

Morimoto sells new H1 mounting mechanisms which can be retrofitted to older projectors. It makes changing the bulbs easier and also aligns the bulb more precisely.

This is what happens when you stick LEDs into projectors (reflectors have a similar result as well).