Engine bay lighting
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 16
Engine bay lighting
Got a 23 coupe but doesn’t have the OEM lighting package. Thinking of buying it aftermarket or doing something else. I wanna be able to see the engine better when I unlock the car or maybe as I drive around. Anyone else install this or have one they recommend?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 608
Got a 23 coupe but doesn’t have the OEM lighting package. Thinking of buying it aftermarket or doing something else. I wanna be able to see the engine better when I unlock the car or maybe as I drive around. Anyone else install this or have one they recommend?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 16
really good install on you tube … pretty involved have to pop out alot of interior bits and pull old harness thru hole. At the end of the day it amounts to the two interior style lights shining in the direction of the engine. Not it really impressive as working out some LED’s somehow
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 228
Likes: 221
From: Simi, CA
I installed an OPT 7 led lighting kit and used two 24” LED strips on the hatch in the recessed area outside of the vents. Install requires removing one interior panel so I could run the wire from the inside of the car where the factory harness exits the cab. I used the cigarette/12v outlet power circuit for constant power and a switched ignition circuit to trigger the lights anytime the car is on or in accessory. I have two 12” strips in the footwells and behind the seats. This provide nice ambient lighting anytime the car is in on and an option to activate the lights when the car is off by using the Bluetooth app. Endless color options with several modes including music sync. I did break in clip when I removed the panel but it was only a couple bucks at the dealership. Install took about an hour. I was very impressed with the quality of the OPT 7 kit. I have accidentally left it on overnight but did not have any issue starting the car so you can easily run it for over 12 hours without draining the battery. There are videos on YouTube that show how to remove the roof panel. Don’t be scared it’s actually very easy and will pop right back on just like new. Here is a video of my lights:
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That OPT 7 kit sounds promising, especially if the install is fairly easy.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,106
Likes: 12,446
From: NE South Carolina
Got a 23 coupe but doesn’t have the OEM lighting package. Thinking of buying it aftermarket or doing something else. I wanna be able to see the engine better when I unlock the car or maybe as I drive around. Anyone else install this or have one they recommend?
Here are some Pics. After the novelty wore off seldom used. Would not consider installing on my E-Ray, although I removed them from my 2020 C8 when I sold it and have them! None flash pic with my phone at night.
I used 3M Dual Lock to install. Can easily remove like Velcro but 5X stronger. Checked the surface temp in engine compartment after long drive to be sure they would stay stuck! They did for 4 years!
This is what I bought from Amazon for ~$15. Note they operate with a remote control and can change colors and have several timed sequences if desired. Note I bought ones that could float on a pool to be sure they were "water proof!"
FWIT, just checked Amazon and can still buy 2 of these for <$15. They have an upgraded version that uses rechargeable batteries that last much longer. They are $16 each. They quote 40 hours at bright setting and 140 hours at dim!
Last edited by JerryU; Aug 24, 2024 at 06:35 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 608
nope not yet have other mod priorities like engine bay stuff. My concern would be 12v source. In the video once you pull the interior bits off there is a coupler not used that you tie the new harness to. Hell of a lot of work just to find the 12v. The other concern would be on my C7 just adding under console LED’s or license plate lights would cause engine code or flicker. Want some one else to figure out what works and use what they did.