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Ive never seen or heard of an LED low or high beam bulb that plugs into an OEM headlamp AND works correctly. In a C5 or any other car for that matter. I would comfortably hazard a guess that its because they don't exist. Your headlamps are designed (terribly, thanks GM) to reflect light out onto the world from a point (ish) source inside a halogen bulb. The light from LED sources is nothing like this and therefore the reflector can't hope to reflect it properly.
The proper solution is to replace the headlamps with a purpose built system like the Radioflyer ACA (they changed the name now, I can't remember it) which has an HID low beam projector lamp and an LED high beam. I've had them myself for almost 6 years and they're still the BEST lights I've ever driven behind in any car OEM or aftermarket bar none. they're not cheap because they're engineered to work and therefore work well and are worth the cost. The OEM lights on our cars are downright dangerous over 60mph in my opinion.
I installed these from Headlight experts on my 98 coupe and they made a HUGE difference. I installed both high and low beam LEDs. The only minor issue I've had is the headlights need to be turned off before you turn off the car or the pop ups will stay up. The documentation says it is because of the reduced power draw.
I'm running LED high beams for all four bulbs AND, ALSO, using the "high four" harness...and have not been flashed yet. I think I've had them for over five years now. And they are MostPlus. (brand)
Last edited by runner140*; Dec 13, 2020 at 08:41 AM.
Reason: add brand
I have some switchback LED's in both DRL's, and LED's in my headlights. Had to get some anti flicker capacitors for the headlights, but everything is plug and play and everything works great.
Don't use led bulbs for the lowbeams, the beam pattern is trash, (I installed some LED bulbs myself and it is absolutely terrible for lowbeams) however using led highbeam bulbs can be a good upgrade for light in the stock housings
Don't use led bulbs for the lowbeams, the beam pattern is trash, (I installed some LED bulbs myself and it is absolutely terrible for lowbeams) however using led highbeam bulbs can be a good upgrade for light in the stock housings
don't use led bulbs for the lowbeams, the beam pattern is trash, (i installed some led bulbs myself and it is absolutely terrible for lowbeams) however using led highbeam bulbs can be a good upgrade for light in the stock housings
Loungefrog11 what exactly do you have? I don't do a lot of night driving and don't want to spend $600 for a complete upgrade. I did the fog lamp upgrade to LED and was looking at the running (amber) lamps /lens to change. also the headlights.
Thanks.
Loungefrog11 what exactly do you have? I don't do a lot of night driving and don't want to spend $600 for a complete upgrade. I did the fog lamp upgrade to LED and was looking at the running (amber) lamps /lens to change. also the headlights.
Thanks.
For now I run HID 5000K 35 WAT Marimotos Ballest.
I used HID because I have projectors .A more direct clean line. My brites "hi beam" are hologen but LED would work well. It's a reflector and if you look at a hologen beam pattern it reflects into the mirror looking housing.Same as LED.
So your light pattern is spread hi beam tens to light up everything and blind everyone. At sunset with blackout was defeating the purpose. See the reflection inside. Hologen and an LED bulb will work fine Removed the black out and returned to clear.
I can't afford a $600 solution to the poor factory headlight design but low and high beam LED's worked great, cost less that $70, and I have yet to have anyone flash me for blinding them. I have also had my wife drive the car while I come in the opposite direction in another of our vehicles and the lights didn't appear any worse than any other vehicles.
The car does have to be running if the lights are on low beam for them to lower or if not running all I have to do is put them on high beam to lower them. I call that plug and play.
I can't afford a $600 solution to the poor factory headlight design but low and high beam LED's worked great, cost less that $70, and I have yet to have anyone flash me for blinding them. I have also had my wife drive the car while I come in the opposite direction in another of our vehicles and the lights didn't appear any worse than any other vehicles.
The car does have to be running if the lights are on low beam for them to lower or if not running all I have to do is put them on high beam to lower them. I call that plug and play.
I'll pm you some information.
But if your willing and want to upgrade your lights. Ill send you a link. a starting point. Check you led if they are H11 compatible . You won't need to buy new ones
Housing is 170.00
I'll pm you some information.
But if your willing and want to upgrade your lights. Ill send you a link. a starting point. Check you led if they are H11 compatible . You won't need to buy new ones
Housing is 170.00
I researched and finally went with super bright leds.com. Their low beams are wonderful so I ordered the highbeams. If you order the better ones, They have a lifetime warranty, which is very rare for led headlights.
QUOTE=Heyspike;1602848597]Loungefrog11 what exactly do you have? I don't do a lot of night driving and don't want to spend $600 for a complete upgrade. I did the fog lamp upgrade to LED and was looking at the running (amber) lamps /lens to change. also the headlights.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
i got all headlights high & low fog lights & the drl ..on my 2003 50th ann. with no issue at all ... note : select the one over 35w+ in order for the headlight door to function correctly
