Halogen Bulb Setup

[agilles]

So I'm looking to replace the ugly yellow halogen low beams, fog lights, and DRLs and curious what the best setup is to match the stock LEDs. I'd like the DRLs and low beams to match the LEDs and go with a yellow option for the fogs. If anyone has had luck and knows the size and/or place to purchase reccommended bulbs, I would be forever in debt to you!

TIA!!!

 

[agilles]

Bump Bump

 

[FastDEW1]

I was looking at doing these for the high beam (which is also the DRL - just running on lower power) Silverstar But I do not know if on the lower power setting will they still be "white" or will they be yellowish..... As for the fogs, I would likely use similar bulb. My reason for not doing this already is it seems a LOT of work to change the bulbs out, so I haven't gotten up the motivation to do it yet. If at all. I think you have to take a lot of parts off to gain access.

 

[Buford T Justice]

Any type of halogen bulb is going to look yellow next to the LED accent lights.
I replaced my low beams with Silverstar Ultras, it looked exactly the same as the stock bulbs. From the drivers perspective the lights were a bit brighter but not any whiter, and to oncoming traffic they'll still look like regular bulbs.

I also put Sylvania ZXE bulbs in the bright/drl. They do look a little more white at night when brights are on, and as DRLs (doesn't matter sense DRLs aren't on at night). But during the day, as DRLs, they look like regular halogens. And compared to the LED accent lights, they still look yellow.

I then took the Silverstar Ultras out of the low beams and replaced them with 5500k HIDs from The Retrofit Source. the 5500k means they're a "pure white" color and even they don't match the LED accent lights. The accent lights appear almost purple next to the HIDs, but it is pretty close and you couldn't tell from driving by. Unless you get out of your car and stare at the headlights, they'll look the same.

You don't need to go with yellow fogs if you have HID or LED headlights, the halogens will look yellow enough. If you have HIDs aaand yellow fogs there will be a ton of contrast and it will look ridiculous. (All the cars I've seen with white HIDs and very yellow fogs look silly but it's your car, your style, and your choice.)


At the end of the day you'll want HIDs or LEDs to get close/match the accent lights. Halogens will look yellowish no matter what.

 

[leadfoot rspec13]

Guys, I have to throw my $.02 in on this topic.

My R spec came with factory HID lamps that I felt were far too yellow at 4300K. The logical choice was to trade them out for the true white 5000K to 6000K replacements that could be had anywhere. I went with the 6000K offerings from my trusted lamp supplier, I JDM Toy.

Next item was to figure out how to perform this replacement. The thought of yanking off the front bumper to remove the housings scared the hell out of me as the front end is full of sensors and wiring due to the adaptive cruise control and the park assist.

Jumping ahead, I also wanted to find a DRL/high beam bulb that would be closer to the true white of the replacement HID bulbs. After trying relatively expensive CREE LED bulbs with an unsatisfactory result, I found 5000K H7 halogen bulbs by Phillips which have a decidedly whiter look as DRLs however are a little too blue as high beams. At night however, they are awesome when you need to flip a couple flash-to-pass blips on a slower car ahead as the blue MAY appear to be those of the local constable. (Just sayin....)

Installing the high beams couldn't be easier. Take off the plastic core support cover and remove the air box and there they are. Hmm, I also found the backside of the low beams as well. (Rule of thumb, just cause you can see it, doesn't mean you can get to it.) After wiggling my hand up into the fender cavity, I managed to get the cover screwed off and could actually see the bulb. What the hell, I went for it. First thing you have to remember is that these bulbs will swivel around due to the self-leveling and cornering features. Also, the bulbs are held in place by a thin metal bracket with a Phillips screw on each side. You will need a stubby ratcheting screw driver with a magnetic tip. You'll be in for a world of hurt if a screw falls into the lamp assembly. (See bumper removal instructions.) Also, have a BRIGHT led worklight that will get in close. You only have to remove one screw and loosen the other to move bracket out of the way. Sounds easy? It ain't. But sure beats taking off the bumper, though. Remember to keep small children out of earshot as you will let out several expletives in the process. Bring a large bag of patience and walk away when it gets nutty. It can be done.

As for the fog lamps, yellow is better. It cuts through fog better than white. To each, his own.

There you have it. That's my take, I could be wrong......