LED Your MX-5

[angusis2fast4u]

I have taken to replace all the old lights on the car with LED's for safety, convenience and because they look good I will update this thread as i go with pro's / Con's and pictures install procedure if it takes a bit of working out to do.

I started with my reverse lights as these were my main reason for wanting better lights.

I bought these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130978727995?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649off ebay for $6 each and free (like 20 business day) shipping, but being so cheap i wasn't bothered if they showed up or not, but they did . these lights are the best because they have a focus led on the top which points out for distance vision while also taking advantage of the reflective inside of the taillight.
Installation
To install the lights all you have to do is go into the boot and pull the grey tab off the tail lights case by squeezing the tabs. to take the current bulb out push down on it and twist anti-clockwise and it'll push itself out. VERY simple procedure. (sorry no pics for this, it is self explanatory.) and just reversal to put new bulb in. click the grey tab back in place and it's all done.

Pics

a comparison between Stock and LED (Sorry for quality but you can get the idea)


The difference between the sets of bulbs... Stock

LED


I was already impressed with the look aesthetically but when i got back onto the computer and noticed the difference in light, i was amazed.

This photo was taken by placing my camera (iphone) on the edge of the boot, just to compare how much difference there was in the effectiveness of the lights.
Stock

LED

And also just a photo to show the effectiveness from the drivers seat.

A LOT better than stock

Pro's
Cheap
makes vision at night much easier
makes use of reflective inside of taillight
Looks a lot better (imo)
Con's
Shipping
No photo's of this - But when on the focused light does not fill the full circle of the reverse light, so there is a clear circle of the focused light. like a small circle of light within a larger circle (the clear lens) - Definitely not a deal breaker.

Outcome - Definitely worth it.

[KevGoat]

Decent improvement ...

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[angusis2fast4u]

Next i did the Number plate lights

I purchased these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121181593932?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 which same story as before, had free shipping but roughly takes 20 business days.

Installation

These are a little complicated to install first time. to install, remove the carpet on the back wall of the boot, (closet to back of car[obviously]) by pulling out the middle of the trim pins with your nails and it should come out with a little bit of force, there are 7 of these iirc. next you have to remove the plug from the socket by twisting it anti-clockwise. to remove the light push down and twist. put the LED in and test if it works. if it works continue down to see the pics, but if it doesn't work here is what you'll have to do.
1. You will notice that there is a plug which goes into the socket which the light plugs into, take it out
2. you will need a small jewelers screwdriver (preferably flat head) or a tool to similar effect.
3. there are two wires in the back of the plug which, need to be reversed (as LED's only work in one polarity whereas normal halogen bulbs work in both polarities.
4. but the screwdriver in the front of the plug (the end which goes into the plug [i.e. this end is not visible when plugged in]) and try and push the tab down which holds the wire in the plug. you need to push this down while pulling the wire out the back of the plug, it should be pretty easy to come out if you have it right.
5. do this for both wires and simply swap the slot it is put in.
6. do it for both light sockets and the LED's should now turn on.

Pics

Stock Vs LED

Not too much difference in terms of volume of light but definitely make it look a lot better
Completely Stock..

All new


So better imo better than stock aesthetically and is a little bit brighter

Pro's
1. Aesthetically better
2. Little bit brighter
3. doesn't "over light" the number plate and make it a hazard to other drivers

Cons's
1. Shipping (~ 20 business days)
2. Could cover the plate with light better

Outcome/Verdict - I'm happy with these lights, if i were to do this again i would try and fit a 3 stack LED (as these are only 2) to try to get better plate coverage BUT they may not fit in the current housing as they may be too long. Ideally i would get some LED strip lighting and put around the inside of the frame around the numberplate to make the lighting much more consistent (rather than two sources of light)

[taminga16]

Hi Angus,
Check this outlet. http://dx.com/
Greg.

[maroubra]

Hi, this is a great thread and the comparisons are amazing.

Just wondering if you put new globes in you red brake lights?

James

[angusis2fast4u]

Hi, this is a great thread and the comparisons are amazing.

Just wondering if you put new globes in you red brake lights?

James

Thanks man, that's what i was going for, a nice place to find all you need on LED's. for the brakelights no they are the same ones from stock

[taminga16]

Hi, this is a great thread and the comparisons are amazing.

Just wondering if you put new globes in you red brake lights?

James

Hi James,
See here. viewtopic.php?f=18&t=53999&start=720#p746848
I purchased these locally, but see my link in an earlier post.
Greg.

[emily_mx5]

I put LED festoon bulbs in place of the interior halogen globes in my NA. Such a huge difference, I'll try to find comparison pics.


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[taminga16]

I put LED festoon bulbs in place of the interior halogen globes in my NA. Such a huge difference, I'll try to find comparison pics.
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And they are BRILLIANT, pardon the pun.
Greg.

[Silvia]

I put black paint on no.plate lights where they shine down on the plate (not the rest)
Don't want to help any speed cameras .
Been known to switch off lights momentarily when passing them at night too.......

[maroubra]

Greg...Greg...Greg....

massive demerit points for the Dad joke... so wrong...

ok i admit it was funny and I did laugh!

James

[hks_kansei]

I put black paint on no.plate lights where they shine down on the plate (not the rest)
Don't want to help any speed cameras .
Been known to switch off lights momentarily when passing them at night too.......

You do realise that doing this won't help even in the slightest?

All it does is make it obvious to the police that you've intentionally tried to cover the plates (there's a fine for that)
At least if you used blown bulbs you could argue it was a mistake.



As for the cameras, they use a flash, lights or no lights they will get the plate.
And you don't always see the flash, a lot of cameras now are using infrared flashes so as not to dazzle drivers (your eye can't see the flash, but the camera certainly can)

[Silvia]

So far it's worked a treat.......

[hks_kansei]

You've obviously not been speeding then, or the cameras are turned off for maintenance etc.

[meanmx]

I put black paint on no.plate lights where they shine down on the plate (not the rest)
Don't want to help any speed cameras .
Been known to switch off lights momentarily when passing them at night too.......

This is one of the more unbelievable posts I have ever read