LED Bolbs

[cmcfaul]

Does switching to LED bulbs solve the issue of the turn signal Hi / low beam switch constantly burning out? Do they use less watts (which I believe is the issue).

Thanks,

Chris
89 Carrera

[ccallana]

Best way to avoid the stalk switch from burning out is to put relays in line instead of allowing the full voltage/current to run through the stalk...
Sure LED will take less juice, but it is still all going through the switch - putting relays in place separates the 2...


https://www.jwestengineering.com/911-Headlight-Relay-Kit-74-89_p_14.html

[darrin]

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

Does switching to LED bulbs solve the issue of the turn signal Hi / low beam switch constantly burning out? Do they use less watts (which I believe is the issue).

Thanks,

Chris
89 Carrera

Chris, yes -- LEDs use less watts than their incandescent equivalent and switching to LED bulbs can help with the high/low contact burning out. That said, installing a headlight relay (e.g. https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/JWST911HLPR.htm?pn=JWST-911-HLPR&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_tz53PtfzRInEag-DuUKdNroksG&gclid=CjwKCAiAzvC9BhADEiwAEhtlN997uokyYODhhOztenOh 4f8S05j89IfKXd-UpZYwu4bBagIhlaY31RoCznEQAvD_BwE#relatedProductAnc) will comprehensively resolve this situation by diverting all bulb current away from the turn signal's high/low beam switch and will avoid the beam cutoff issues generally caused by using led bulbs in housings designed for incandescent bulbs.

[cmcfaul]

Are LED bulbs a worthwhile upgrade? Are the brighter than stock? Any other reason to switch?

[Lyle O]

I switched out every bulb I could in my 911 to LED, including headlights, tail lights, interior/dome lights, turn indicators, gauges, etc. Besides using a lot less energy, I find they light-up much faster (e.g. turn signals), are typically brighter, and the interior color tone is whiter and more conducive to seeing stuff. For the gauges, I went with more vintage color tone, and the result is a significant visual enhancement, in terms of brightness, while retaining a "period" feel. By the way, I made most of these changes years ago, and would never go back...plus, the options available today are even better for you.

[Mr. Merk]

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

Are LED bulbs a worthwhile upgrade? Are the brighter than stock? Any other reason to switch?

No, in fact they are a serious downgrade.

There are better headlamp options depending on what year/model you are starting with.

Like others have said, the relay is an easy to install upgrade and precautionary measure. The switch will still wear out and need replacement at some point, but I bet it'll last at least another 30 years like the first one.

[ccallana]

I highly recommend Daniel Stern Lighting - I upgraded all my external bulbs to his non-LED lights... headlights are so much better than original sealed beam - without the harshness of LED, others like blinkers, brakes, running lights, etc all nice and bright with no issues.

[kd126500]

If anyone is interested, I have a full set of LED bulbs for a 71 911. I was going this route with a build but ended up not using them.

[3rd_gear_Ted]

The 911R look LED retrofit kit from Rennline is in the process of going on my G-body car.
A replacement "flasher" relay is provided.

[Mr. Merk]

Originally Posted by ccallana

I highly recommend Daniel Stern Lighting - I upgraded all my external bulbs to his non-LED lights... headlights are so much better than original sealed beam - without the harshness of LED, others like blinkers, brakes, running lights, etc all nice and bright with no issues.

Same here! Highly recommend Daniel Stern for lighting advice and products. I've been using him for many years and occasionally check back in with him on cars I've had a while as technology advances, so do his recommendations.

[dedyplay]

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

Are LED bulbs a worthwhile upgrade? Are the brighter than stock? Any other reason to switch?

nope