Sealed beam LED headlights for Testarossa | FerrariChat
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Sealed beam LED headlights for Testarossa

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Tifoso1, Mar 31, 2014.

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  1. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 18, 2003
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    Anthony C.
    #1 Tifoso1, Mar 31, 2014
    I have been searching for OEM alternative headlights for the Testarossa for a long time now. I had replaced the OEM lamps with H4 setup but then I removed it about 6 months ago, out of fear that my car will become a feature film on YouTube of how an exotic burns. I went back to OEM sealed beam Sylvania Xtravision but what I really wanted to do is to find a shop that can do the HID conversion for me here locally, but that has not been successful.

    Today, I came across this site : 5" Round Sealed Beam to LED Conversion |HID Kit Pros. They are not too far away from me and I plan on stopping by later this week and meet the people and check out the shop. These LED lamps appears to be plug and play which even I can handle, as oppose to HIDs. While the lamps may not be the most attractive, since we have pop up lights and will be hidden until activated, I think I can live with function over form.

    I will like to know my fellow owners here think of these, all advices are more than welcome and most of all, do you think they will be safe to use on the car ?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    sebastiangmz likes this.
  2. Renato

    Renato Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2013
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    New York
    #2 Renato, Mar 31, 2014
  3. chabch

    chabch Formula 3

    Aug 15, 2010
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    Christophe
    #3 chabch, Mar 31, 2014
    If you're afraid of the extra amps required by the 55/60W H4, put a 35/35W H4 in and you will have the exact same wattage as the original sealed beams (35W low beams and 55W for the high beams although it's 50W for the sealed beam but 5W isn't going to make much of a difference). You won't get more wattage but a stronger light than the sealed ones.

    You'll find the H4 35/35W everywhere online for less than $10.
     
  4. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    David A.
    #4 ago car nut, Mar 31, 2014
    You could also run a relay in front for the H4s. Take a heavy gauge positive wire from the battery to a new relay in front near the lights. Then have your stalk switch trip the relay. That way you will get full battery current to the headlights and low current thru your original wiring. Make sure you use an in-line fuse on the wire from the battery. This would be easily reversed also if you want to go back to original.



    Ago
     
  5. samsaprunoff

    samsaprunoff F1 Rookie
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    Sam Saprunoff
    #5 samsaprunoff, Mar 31, 2014
    Good day Anthony,

    Ensure you check to see that these lights are DOT approved, otherwise it could be unlawful to use them. The problem with non-DOT primary headlights is that this could void your insurance policy in the event of an accident, but also their design may "blind" oncoming drivers which may contribute to an accident (HID headlamps have a gimble mechanism to keep the beam angle relatively constant).

    As for the LED lighting technology... it would also be important to question them on their design, as there are a number of design elements needed to ensure quality and reliability of the light fixture. The questions I would start with are what temperatures (i.e. heat not light) do the LEDs operate at? LEDs generate heat and it is important for the manufacturer to deal with it. Reducing the LED temperature will extend its lifetime substantially and vice versa. Secondly, do they manufacture the LED drivers and if so can they show you one and point out their design features? LEDs are very sensitive to voltage transients and so a suitable driver will have design features that deal with these events. If they do not develop and/or manufacture their drivers, ask them who makes them? This is important, as there are a lot of overseas drivers that are so-so at best and so their overall reliability is questionable.

    Cheers,

    Sam
     
  6. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    #6 ago car nut, Mar 31, 2014
    as there are a lot of overseas drivers that are so-so at best and so their overall reliability is questionable.

    So true, many off brand lights are not known for quality.


    Ago
     
  7. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

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    Anthony C.
    #7 Tifoso1, Mar 31, 2014
    I will be sure to ask these questions when I stop by the store. Thank you.
     
  8. Melvok

    Melvok F1 World Champ
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    Jul 25, 2008
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    Mel
    #8 Melvok, Apr 3, 2014
    YES David !!!

    In one of my many threads I described how I took all wiring of the front lamps out of the fusebox.

    Even built in Xenons, an absolute MUST, a joy to drive the BxxxH now during the evenings.

    Remember that the TR was ONLY in USA equipped with these (stupid) sealed beams ... so do not install them ... NO NEED for that at all ...

    Read it all please and have a go: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/boxers-tr-m/377219-xenon-front-lamps.html
     

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