derbo904
Keeper of Blinky lights
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2016
- Threads
- 18
- Messages
- 610
- Reaction score
- 330
- Location
- Bay Area, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 17 FK7 | 11 E90M3
- Thread starter
- #16
I installed Morimoto 2-stroke LED headlights this past week and here is my little mini-review.
Install:
I zip tied the controllers/drivers onto the headlight support beam and just tucked the wires in. Removed the H11 bulb, and popped the LED bulbs there. Boom. Done. Overall install is significantly easier than say a true HID setup with a proper harness to the battery and using the OEM headlight harness as a source for the relay switch.
Build Impressions:
-Build quality looks great.
-Cree XHP50 LEDs, that have a capable output of 5000lumens per bulb before optic losses.
-I personally like the simplicity of the install. PnP!
-The integrated fan is relatively quiet and only noticeable when the engine is not running. A/C fan does give it a run for the money though.
-Controller/driver is a bit bigger than the heatsink cable fin type LED bulbs but for our hondas, there is plenty of room for the controller. If it was for a LED bulb within an enclosed housing, I would be a little worried about cramming that thing in there.
-3 yr warranty!
Output Impressions:
-As many mentioned, the foreground is very bright. About 4-5 car lengths out, the LED output starts to taper off where HID would still shine.
-Side coverage relatively adequate but not the best.
-The color is spot on with the DRL.
-A cutoff is still present and there is minimal glare to oncoming cars. Okay in my book!
Final Overall Impression:
Great buy for $120. The 3-year warranty is nice, the simplicity of installing them, as well as the output. It definitely has improved since I last attempted to use aftermarket LED bulbs in 2013. Would I do it again? Probably. Will I plan to upgrade in a few years as the LED market matures? Probably again.
Up next,
Research on the Honda LED factory fogs that are available for Civic RS, UK Hatches, Civic Type R. I'll probably buy a set to install if the price isn't absurd.
Install:
I zip tied the controllers/drivers onto the headlight support beam and just tucked the wires in. Removed the H11 bulb, and popped the LED bulbs there. Boom. Done. Overall install is significantly easier than say a true HID setup with a proper harness to the battery and using the OEM headlight harness as a source for the relay switch.
Build Impressions:
-Build quality looks great.
-Cree XHP50 LEDs, that have a capable output of 5000lumens per bulb before optic losses.
-I personally like the simplicity of the install. PnP!
-The integrated fan is relatively quiet and only noticeable when the engine is not running. A/C fan does give it a run for the money though.
-Controller/driver is a bit bigger than the heatsink cable fin type LED bulbs but for our hondas, there is plenty of room for the controller. If it was for a LED bulb within an enclosed housing, I would be a little worried about cramming that thing in there.
-3 yr warranty!
Output Impressions:
-As many mentioned, the foreground is very bright. About 4-5 car lengths out, the LED output starts to taper off where HID would still shine.
-Side coverage relatively adequate but not the best.
-The color is spot on with the DRL.
-A cutoff is still present and there is minimal glare to oncoming cars. Okay in my book!
Final Overall Impression:
Great buy for $120. The 3-year warranty is nice, the simplicity of installing them, as well as the output. It definitely has improved since I last attempted to use aftermarket LED bulbs in 2013. Would I do it again? Probably. Will I plan to upgrade in a few years as the LED market matures? Probably again.
Up next,
Research on the Honda LED factory fogs that are available for Civic RS, UK Hatches, Civic Type R. I'll probably buy a set to install if the price isn't absurd.