Guys, I would like to point out a few things. The are different types of LED's, Those include 1w,2w,3w Diodes. Also there are different manufacturers. Cree is one of the best diode manufacturer. The ONLY good ones from china are EPISTAR LED DIODES . I suggest you guys order CREE 1W diodes and use those instead. It will be twice as bright, and will last FOREVER. 1w diodes will not heat up. GOOD LUCK
Thanks for the input, is there links to places online where CREE LED strips can be purchased suitable for this task? I bought some cheap ebay ones here in the UK today, will let you know how I get on with them..
Hej! EPISTAR is the only good Chinese Led Manufacturer. Cree is the one of the best in the world, from the U.S. How many watts are your diodes? For example If you have a TRUE 1w diode it should only be run at .8 watts, or else it will get too hot and burn out very soon. Chines L.E.D are over rated, meaning they rate a 1w at 2w and run it 1w, resulting in the heat problems and burnout. Hope this helps. So getting a good quality Diode is very important Ferrari can lean a thing or 2 from you TACK!
Thanks very much for the additional info. I agree that 1W led may hold up much better but then we have another problem: draining too much current. Imagine 50 X 1 W led strip = 4,2 Amp * 2 = 8,4 Amp...that already more than the stock light bulbs and then the position light fuse won't hold. My goal of this mod was to reduce considerably the drained current compared to the light bulbs so that I can use the P switch when parked for hours without draining too much current from the battery. Those I installed now do not drain any current at all, only 128mA/1.5W per each strip. Being of more classic LED technology (no operating heating at all) compared to the SMD5050, they should hold up forever. Will see with the time
You would not need the many LED'S if you use the 1 watt Diodes. I would say 5 for every side. I would also color match the LED color to the Exterior color. That might turn out to be afail. I think on a RED or BLUE 430, it would be great.
i just read all 13 pages of posts. Has anyone put together a kit for sale? Anyone know where to get the strips in the US?
There is no kit. It is very simple. It is just a LED strip. They sell them in Ikea or you order online.
Just type into ebay.com "48 LED White strip" and you will find nearly 1,300 results - find the whitest nicest looking ones you can and buy them, 2 sets about $5 cost! This one is on auction for $0.99p and ends in 18 hours if you want to be super cheap... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-x-48cm-48-LED-Headlight-Strips-Light-4-Audi-R8-White-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19c6500f0dQQitemZ110701317901QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories Then you need 2 bulb holders and some soldering experience, or someone to do that bit for you.
If a strip cost 5$ dollars, I warn you, They are probably not LED diodes, just three small bulbs made to look like a LED diode, maybe Halogen Metal Halide. Don't say I did not warn you. A real LED will cost you money. Usually a atleast dollar a Diode, anything less, You should start asking questions.
That's what I've paid and they are real LEDss. LEDs as separated componants are very cheap and cost only a couple of cents.
I just checked your light and realized you are running 1.5w per side. I was under the impression you guys were using much more. So I was way off in my last post. Considering the wattage, you can definitely run them for that price. I have used LED's for a different application, and I build a light using 200 1 watt diodes. It cost me about 700$ for the LED's $700/$200 = $3.5 per watt at 3 watts(based on the Power you are using) it would be $10.5 dollars. So, I was definitely wrong in advising against it. Although, I do beleive you can get a brighter longer lasting diode through a better company. Apologize for steering you guys in the wrong direction. I think this modification is amazing and am considering doing this to my Continental GT.
Thanks for correcting. You started seriously worring the guys here ! Although, I don't understand your calculation logic between money and watts...weird.
Definitely thanks for correcting. When spending $10 on a mod for a $130,000 car I definitely like to know I am doing it right
I did a very rough test rig just now and here is the result in UK daylight... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for posting your pictures. They are 100% simular to mine. Except if one is looking for the Audi style LED's (which is definitely NOT my case), these LED's are just bright enough at daylight and very good at night. I have been driving now a good 3000 km - 1800 miles with them and they are just perfect, no issues, no heating, drain no current and I can leave them on when parked at night on a busy road without worrying about the battery (but then I advise you to do also the tail light DIY guide )
Hi, On my 360 the interior of the frontlights are fogged and need cleaning or polishing, is the way to extract the same as on the 430 ? Thanks Joachim
Unfortunately I broke one of my LED strings being a bit heavy handed, got in a mood with it and gave up after finishing one of the sides... gone back to bulbs for now. Someone else on another forum also said if you have ANY electrical issues and Ferrari see these in the car then they will probably try and wriggle out of any warranty claims - I have 2 years left on my car so decided not to do the mod.
Sorry to hear that. Maybe one day, you'll give it another try. Just make slow moves without forcing. It should get in the tunnel easily. I'm not sure this mod would affect your warranty but if you have doubts, just leave your car stock and in 2 years you'll enjoy your freedom
Many thanks to lilleprins and all that contributed to this thread. My technician, TAFORZA did the LEDs on my F-430 Spyder three pedal, which I named, Saphira. I am so happy with the results. He also created a metal brace so endure the string of LEDs don't shift or move due to heat expansion. All wires and sockets are in tact in the event that I want to replace the original 1.5 watt, which I doubt I ever will. Here is the pictures I posted on the following FerraiChat Thread: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=140647393#post140647393 All of you are awesome! Thank you!!! Check 6. /s/ Alfonso Faustino
