Though I noticed it uses a 6300K CRI 70 “HML-3 7545” LED array that outputs 2200lm @ 20w (10v 2000mA).
Having seen plenty of CRI 95+ led’s that match the lumen/watts, and given my preference for ~4300K CCT for vehicle headlights, I wonder if a DIY option is feasible?
There are two main components:
• the electrical & emitters
• the optics
To start the discussion, let’s start by assuming I’d use the assembly/optics for the Morimoto linked above.
Would it be out of the question to create a module to replace their HML-3 array with high-CRI 3500-4000K emitters?
For example, a row of 8x 2835 4000K E21A Nichia would be about the same # of lumens at the same wattage, but with Ra 98 R9 98 with great tint.
I’d imagine if it was that ‘simple’, more people would do it, so what am I missing?
Thanks all,
Evan
EDIT: So in looking closer at the Morimoto emitter, it looks like 3x 7545’s mounted horizontally in a row, so an emitting surface of roughly 22.5mm wide, 4.5mm high. So theoretically should it work similarly within the Morimoto optics if you create an emitting surface with the same dimensions?
Probably, but it might hurt the performance. The drivers in those are designed to run a certain type of led. You need to be careful when doing led retrofits because you get way better performance from properly designed ones. Morimoto makes good ones. Just make sure the emitters are arranged in a way that mimics the halogen bulb filament and its position inside the housing or you’ll get crappy beam pattern and focusing and irritate other drivers from glare.
There is the issue with LED headlight replacement. They all claim to be OEM replacement but, none of them ever are. As Sirstinky pointed out, the position of the emitter/emitters inside of the reflector, as it is in flashlights, means everything. I haven’t found a kit yet that works as advertised.
I think this is the reason 15000 lumens is needed in a really blue tinted replacement. If you can’t kill them with quality, kill them with brightness.
I just stick with Halogen replacements and a hidden light bar when needed. Even in a small car or SUV, it’s quite easy for someone to almost hide a light bar out of sight. You don’t have to mount them on the roof to be effective.
All due respect @toddcshoe and @Sirstinky, I know what you're talking about, but you must not have looked at the product I linked to in the op. Check this out:
you are right, i did not, but i did now, wow those are complete units with optics made specifically for leds, very different than just a led inside halogen housing. aka led kits. yea those are much better, but they require a lot more work than just swapping a bulb. like remove the lights, bake opent the unit, swap projectors, seal it back up, not something that majority of people looking for upgrade are willing to do. but still very interesting product, thanks for showing it.
Yeah, you’re right about that. It’s involved enough that I might go with the much more plug-and-play RX350 projector swap for my Camry. I really like the group buy idea, but for the reasons you mentioned I question if there’d be sufficient interest.
They make well designed drop in led replacements for stock housings. Some are better in projectors some in reflector housings. No modding mecessary for those. I guess it takes away the DYI deal though. The trick is getting a bulb design that closely mimics the halogen lamp and its position in the housing. There are some that are really good and some that are junk amd terrible.