I've been meaning to update my OEM lightbulbs for awhile and I came across twentyocho recent update that spurred me to pull the trigger and replace the full set of bulbs: driving lights (H1) , high beams (9005), and fogs (H3).
Note that the bulb types are specific to an '06 LX470. Some earlier year LX's may use different types and the LC100's definitely uses different types.
After an exhausted search, looking for the best balance of value, light output, and longevity, I settled on the Philips Vision Plus bulbs. These promised 60% more light output along with a wider beam pattern. There is the Philips x-treme version that promised a bit more light output, but at a longevity compromise so I settled on these. An easy $60 later all said and done on Amazon...
Onto the comparo. A picture says a thousand words, so here's two:
Low beam w/ fogs
High beams w/ driving lights
These pics were taken with the camera in complete manual mode (fixed shutter/aperature/ISO/WB/etc.) so the relative outputs and color temperature are fair comparisons. What I wanted was more light output, not a cooler/bluer light that a lot of aftermarket bulbs do instead. The histograms tell the tale with the Philips bulbs pumping out a good amount more light across the spectrum as promised.
Driving impressions reflect this. The light quality is both whiter and brighter, with a wider coverage area. I've always believed and wanted for the LX to have HIDs. This upgrade doesn't have me longing for that anymore and I am satisfied.
Now I just need to mod it so I can run the all 3 light pairs at once, instead of the high beams shutting down the fogs - https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/707276-finally-did-pin-17-mod.html I might be satisfied enough that I don't need aftermarket auxillary lights after this.
Note that the bulb types are specific to an '06 LX470. Some earlier year LX's may use different types and the LC100's definitely uses different types.
After an exhausted search, looking for the best balance of value, light output, and longevity, I settled on the Philips Vision Plus bulbs. These promised 60% more light output along with a wider beam pattern. There is the Philips x-treme version that promised a bit more light output, but at a longevity compromise so I settled on these. An easy $60 later all said and done on Amazon...
Onto the comparo. A picture says a thousand words, so here's two:
Low beam w/ fogs
High beams w/ driving lights
These pics were taken with the camera in complete manual mode (fixed shutter/aperature/ISO/WB/etc.) so the relative outputs and color temperature are fair comparisons. What I wanted was more light output, not a cooler/bluer light that a lot of aftermarket bulbs do instead. The histograms tell the tale with the Philips bulbs pumping out a good amount more light across the spectrum as promised.
Driving impressions reflect this. The light quality is both whiter and brighter, with a wider coverage area. I've always believed and wanted for the LX to have HIDs. This upgrade doesn't have me longing for that anymore and I am satisfied.
Now I just need to mod it so I can run the all 3 light pairs at once, instead of the high beams shutting down the fogs - https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/707276-finally-did-pin-17-mod.html I might be satisfied enough that I don't need aftermarket auxillary lights after this.
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