[Snowbelt]

I was looking to improve the light output of the standard bulbs, and noticed there were bulb type 9012 replacement kits out there. This is the one I found:

http://www.xenondepot.com/9012-LED-headlight-kit-p/9012-led-hl.htm

Anybody have any experience with these?

 

[EmeryZ28]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

A few of us have upgraded to the Putco bulbs but I havent seen anyone go LED. I wish someone would try and post a review.

My guess is that the headlights would appear to be very bright and white but they wouldn't really project that far.

 

[Billm0066]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Led headlight bulbs are not as good as HID. Cadillac projectors are one of the worst performing on the market (both hid and halogen). Your best bet is to use a good quality HID kit and go with that. I'm a big fan of TRS personally.

 

[john223]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Led headlight bulbs are not as good as HID. Cadillac projectors are one of the worst performing on the market (both hid and halogen). Your best bet is to use a good quality HID kit and go with that. I'm a big fan of TRS personally.

Second Bill's comments. See my post regarding my HID research and install. One other person tried LED's and I believe the base projected past the cover.

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

It says its 9012 bulb specific, I would think that it would work fine. A standard 9012 HIR2 Halogen only projects about 1850-1980 Lumens upon research, the 9012 LED shows 2800 Lumens and shows a pretty clean projected cutoff. Shoot, someone test dummy it and find out. I think your biggest concern would be the copper heat sink if anything......It seems decently priced though.

 

[Billm0066]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

These led bulbs have been covered extensively on hidplanet. The general consensus is they do not perform even close to hid. Lumen output is generally fluffed in regards to anything led.

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

These led bulbs have been covered extensively on hidplanet. The general consensus is they do not perform even close to hid. Lumen output is generally fluffed in regards to anything led.

I think it may be to each their own opinion...covered extensively or not. I have had Halogen, HID, and LED in my Cobra, by far the LED performed the best and generated the best amount of light output.

 

[Billm0066]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

I think it may be to each their own opinion...covered extensively or not. I have had Halogen, HID, and LED in my Cobra, by far the LED performed the best and generated the best amount of light output.

Did your cobra have reflector housings?

 

[EmeryZ28]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

I replaced the stock Halogens with some Putro Nitro Blue 4400K and I am very happy with the projector light output, almost as good as the HID's on my Camaro

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Did your cobra have reflector housings?

Yes, it did have reflective housings. I did look the TRS kit you recommended. It does seem like the safer bet for the ATS, it would still be interesting to see how the led version would work out.

 

[Billm0066]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Yes, it did have reflective housings. I did look the TRS kit you recommended. It does seem like the safer bet for the ATS, it would still be interesting to see how the led version would work out.

Reflectors are projectors are completely different. Your reflectors were designed for the focal point of a halogen bulb, and HID is completely different. The led bulbs might have been a better match for your specific lights. Or maybe you used a bad hid kit.

Right now in the present time HID will outperform led. Even in the higher end luxury cars that come with full led headlights that have several diodes per light (Acura is the most common ones right now). They are good, but do not compare to a good hid projector. Give it a couple years and led will surpass hid, and hopefully some better retrofit options will be out.

I used to retrofit headlights for all my cars, and I still follow this area pretty well. Retrofit as in gutting lights and installing projector systems, not just pnp kits.

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Is the TRS 9012 HID set a good set?

 

[Billm0066]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Is the TRS 9012 HID set a good set?

Morimoto is one of the best aftermarket lighting systems, and TRS customer service is amazing. If you are not happy they will do whatever they can to correct the problem. I've been dealing with them for years. If you want the most light output, stick with 4,500k. The higher the kelvin rating the lower the lumens. The cutoff line from the projectors will give your lights that blueish/purple look.

 

[john223]

Is the TRS 9012 HID set a good set?

Strongly agree. I installed this set.

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Can you please tell me what kit options you chose to make your 9012 TRS Morimoto kit successful. I am going to give these a go and see how they do. Thanks!

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Also, can you please tell me what kit options you chose to make your 9012 TRS Morimoto kit successful as well. Thanks!

 

[john223]

See my post

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-ats-picture-appearance-forum/674721-moromoto-xb-9012-hid-kit-installtion.html

Also read the post in the sticky tabs by Stevo supremo for good install info

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Just got off the phone with "the retrofit source" recommended these for HID install. He put these items in my shopping cart. Does this seem right?

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

Why would he Frankenstein a kit together for our car? I asked if I needed the canbus adapter and he told me no. Why would I need HD resistors???

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Someone post the previous order so I can see what you were given.

 

[john223]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

TRS had told me I needed the canbus adapters(which also have a capacitor for anti-flicker), ballasts, and bulbs. Using the canbus allows direct power from the headlight plug without using a harness. Myself and others on this site have used this morimoto setup successfully. Order the 9012 kit with canbus adapters. I'd suggest 35w ballasts to avoid any possible DRL issues.

 

[sav03cobra]

Re: Anybody upgrade their std headlights with the LED bulb kits avaialble?

So this one? Will this kit work on a Base 2.0T? Remember I am upgrading from Halogens to HIDs.