You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

[Mark E.]

I'm at the age when I don't get excited about much, but I'm excited about these replacement 1157/2057/2357 LED bulbs!

The brand is JDM ASTAR and I purchased them from Amazon. They offer red, yellow, or "switchback" which is white in normal "on" mode and yellow in "flash" (turn signal/4-way) mode. They also come in different "chip sets" with different brightness levels. I chose the white/yellow switchback with the brightest "3030" chipset.

In the photos, the LED light is on the passenger side, and a conventional amber 2357 bulb is on the driver's side.

- First photo shows the parking light. The switchback is in white mode, which is brighter than the driving/fog lamps in most modern cars. It's certainly brighter than the driving lights were on my '87 and '90 C4s.

- Second and third photos show the 4-way flasher captured on, then off. The LED is tremendously brighter and note that it turns completely off (vs. dim single filament mode) between flashes.

It fit perfectly in the original socket but note that it's about 1/2" longer overall. That wasn't an issue in my '70s front turn signal housing, but I haven't checked for clearance in the taillight housings.

The flash rate for the turn signal and 4-way didn't change. But that's with just a single bulb replaced.

It's cool to see the bulb switch from white to flashing yellow when the turn signal is activated.

The specs say 1500 lumens and 6 watts per bulb. I don't know off hand how that compares to a conventional bulb, but the power draw is less. No significant heat felt after a few minutes of use.

In summary, this is a cool addition that adds visibility. My only hesitation is how much glare is created, especially since they are on whenever the headlights are on. It may be worthwhile (and cheaper) to try one of their less bright chipset bulbs.

I'll order the red taillight/brake light bulbs once I determine the housing can accommodate the extra 1/2".

Photos below of: JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright 3030 Chipsets White/Yellow 1157 2057 2357 7528 Switchback LED Bulbs with Projector For Turn Signal Lights

1157 Park LED vs 2357.jpg4 way flash.jpg4 way flash off.jpg1157 bulbs side.JPG1157 bulbs front.JPG1157 bulbs back.JPG

[Michael J.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

I have those on my '64 now for driving since it is retired from judging, great bulbs, I think they are plasma types.

[Joe L.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

I'm at the age when I don't get excited about much, but I'm excited about these replacement 1157/2057/2357 LED bulbs!

The brand is JDM ASTAR and I purchased them from Amazon. They offer red, yellow, or "switchback" which is white in normal "on" mode and yellow in "flash" (turn signal/4-way) mode. They also come in different "chip sets" with different brightness levels. I chose the white/yellow switchback with the brightest "3030" chipset.

In the photos, the LED light is on the passenger side, and a conventional amber 2357 bulb is on the driver's side.

- First photo shows the parking light. The switchback is in white mode, which is brighter than the driving/fog lamps in most modern cars. It's certainly brighter than the driving lights were on my '87 and '90 C4s.

- Second and third photos show the 4-way flasher captured on, then off. The LED is tremendously brighter and note that it turns completely off (vs. dim single filament mode) between flashes.

It fit perfectly in the original socket but note that it's about 1/2" longer overall. That wasn't an issue in my '70s front turn signal housing, but I haven't checked for clearance in the taillight housings.

The flash rate for the turn signal and 4-way didn't change. But that's with just a single bulb replaced.

It's cool to see the bulb switch from white to flashing yellow when the turn signal is activated.

The specs say 1500 lumens and 6 watts per bulb. I don't know off hand how that compares to a conventional bulb, but the power draw is less. No significant heat felt after a few minutes of use.

In summary, this is a cool addition that adds visibility. My only hesitation is how much glare is created, especially since they are on whenever the headlights are on. It may be worthwhile (and cheaper) to try one of their less bright chipset bulbs.

I'll order the red taillight/brake light bulbs once I determine the housing can accommodate the extra 1/2".

Photos below of: JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright 3030 Chipsets White/Yellow 1157 2057 2357 7528 Switchback LED Bulbs with Projector For Turn Signal Lights

[ATTACH=CONFIG]69915[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]69916[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]69917[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]69918[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]69919[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]69920[/ATTACH]

Mark------


Are these bulbs DOT-approved? If so, it should say so on the package.

[Ed S.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

LEDs are going to change auto design and manufacturing. They use very little power which means the wiring harness for illumination can be much lighter gauge wire, demand for electric power generation is also reduced, as is requirements for storage (battery) - bottom line is a significant savings in weight which equates to higher efficiency or fuel mileage. Same thing for buildings & homes - instead of a 15 amp circuit with 14 gauge wire, a lower rated (an less expensive) circuit can be installed and the amazing thing is you get more light (lumens). I think they call this progress.

[Patrick H.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Mark------


Are these bulbs DOT-approved? If so, it should say so on the package.

I'd wonder the same as well.

I am not a fan of some of the off-color bulbs that some people run in their cars for headlights. They're not DOT approved but apparently that doesn't stop their sale, and no one ever "makes" them switch the bulbs back to approved ones.
The one set of LEDs I used as reverse lights in my truck "appeared" brighter from behind when compared to stock, just like Mark's photos, but I switched back to conventionals because I actually saw objects less brightly in the rear view mirror.

I'm waiting for DOT-approved lights that don't affect your blinker rate and put out as much or more light than stock.

[Larry E.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Very interesting; would like to try these on my enclosed trailer tail/brake lights. Larry

[Mark E.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Off-color? They're about the same color, but brighter, than the regular 1157/2357.

I'm not even sure if the regular GE 1157 or 2357 bulbs are DOT approved. There's nothing on their packaging about that.

I don't know what to say about looking through a mirror other than they are brighter overall.

As mentioned earlier, they blink at about the same rate as before. Current load can affect a flasher's blink rate, and since LEDS draw much less current, that can be an issue. I purchased an electronic blinker but so far have not needed it.

In practical terms, the biggest question is: Are they too bright with too much glare? There are several types available with less brightness, which may be worthwhile comparing.

[Edward B.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

I'm waiting for DOT-approved lights that don't affect your blinker rate and put out as much or more light than stock.

You had best just keep waiting in the dark - remember how long it took for the US of A to approve anything close to the superior headlight systems that had been used in Europe for ages. DOT is hardly "cutting edge."

[Patrick H.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

You had best just keep waiting in the dark - remember how long it took for the US of A to approve anything close to the superior headlight systems that had been used in Europe for ages. DOT is hardly "cutting edge."

I never said that DOT approved was cutting edge.
The DOT-approved LED bulbs are out there if you want to look, and they're not the cheap ones. You can search and find them if you want. I've just been disappointed the one time I used LEDs in a vehicle after seeing an "It's brighter!" post on a forum and determining that they were less useful in real life than conventional bulbs. The same bulbs would have probably worked great in another application, but as a reverse lamp (which is how they were sold) they were useless.

I have DOT approved LEDs on my boat trailer and they work great. It's the automotive applications that seem to attract products that are poorly designed.

If Mark found some that actually work well, then great!

[Joe L.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Here's a rather succinct synopsis of the situation I found:


The DOT is, obviously, the Department of Transportation. Unlike the SAE, The Federal Department of Transportation is a governmental agency with legislative powers (they can make laws which will result in you getting a ticket when you don’t follow them). In order to legally manufacture and sell automotive accessories for use on public roads a company must have DOT approval and must conspicuously label their products as such. With regard to head and tail lights in particular, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations (FMVSSR for short) contains the following directive:
Standard No. 108- Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment - Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles, Trucks, Buses, Trailers, (except pole trailers and trailer converter dollies), and Motorcycles (Effective 1-1-68 for vehicles 2,032 mrn (80 or more inches) in width and Effective 1-1-69 for all other vehicles) This standard specifies requirements for original and replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. Its purpose is to reduce traffic crashes and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic crashes, by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.
All of which is to say that without meeting these qualifications your Altezza light may not only be unsafe for use but it will surely garner you a ticket from an ornery cop or fail you on inspection. Please note that many sellers will, incorrectly, list their items as being SAE/DOT approved without this actually being the case. Furthermore, many will not even know what SAE or DOT approval is. Before purchasing any aftermarket lighting or performance product it’s important that you ask the manufacturer to provide you with a statement that the product being sold is DOT approved. If they cannot do so at least you know that your purchase will not be street legal (which is fine for most folks) and that it may have been engineered without conforming to the rigorous standards imposed by the SAE.

[Roger G.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

I'll bet those fiberoptic indicators light up with these.

[Joe R.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Then we can start an organization called the SBNCRS for Super Bright National Corvette Restorers Society!

I don't believe you can use bulbs that are not DOT approved on US Highways. Please report back what your local police says after someone is blinded by the SB bulbs!

JR

[Mark E.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Out of the collection of conventional 1157 bulbs I have, only one (a Philips brand) says it's DOT approved. The GE, Sylvania packages don't say.

From Joe's post of the DOT rule: "Its purpose is... providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility."

Certainly most LEDs provide adequate illumination. The issue is to select a light that's the right color and not too bright (excluding headlamps, with the concern for their pattern).

[Joe L.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

Out of the collection of conventional 1157 bulbs I have, only one (a Philips brand) says it's DOT approved. The GE, Sylvania packages don't say.

From Joe's post of the DOT rule: "Its purpose is... providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility."

Certainly most LEDs provide adequate illumination. The issue is to select a light that's the right color and not too bright (excluding headlamps, with the concern for their pattern).

Mark-------


It's a LOT more complicated than just providing adequate illumination.

[Mark E.]

Re: You've got to get a set of these- Super Bright 1157 LED Bulbs

I received and tested the AX-2835 LED chipset in red, one for each tail light, and compared them to conventional 1157 and 2357. My observations are subjective since I don't have a light meter.

- No noticeable difference between a regular 1157 and the GE "Nighthawk" 2357 (both conventional bulbs). The Nighthawk claims to be up to 20% brighter, but with a 1157 in one tail light and the 2357 in the other, they looked identical.

- I then installed the red AX-2835 LED in one tail lamp:

+ The LED provided a rich red color behind the stock lens. The tail lamp with the conventional bulb looked orange in comparison. Before this, I thought the conventional bulbs provided a nice red color. But the contrast with the red LED is stark.

+ The LED was a bit brighter, but not to a large degree. I looked at them at various distances, in daylight, nighttime, running lights, and brake lights. I consider this a positive because I was concerned about the tail lamps and brake lights being abnormally bright. AX-2835 is not JDM's brightest offering; order the 3030 if you want something brighter.

-- The flashers (4 way and directional) stopped working. I replaced the directional flasher with an LED compatible flasher, but that did not help. The new flasher may be bad, or the wrong type. The next step would be to ask JDM about a recommended flasher. Also, remember that I already installed LEDs in the front marker lamps. The 4-ways flash fine if at least one of the four bulbs is incandescent. The directional flash normally with front LED and rear incandescent, but won't flash with two LEDs on the same side.

-- The AX-2835 has four small LEDs pointing out, which show as four points of light through the lens. Looks ok, but a bit like a trailer lamp. Their brighter 3030 chipsets have a covering lens pointed outward which gives an even light.

I hope this helps. What will I do?

I'm not in the mood right now to experiment with flashers, so back to conventional bulbs in the back. I ordered red 1157 bulbs (surprisingly hard to find in a parts store, but they're on Amazon and eBay) to see if they provide a truer red color for the tail lamps. And I'm keeping the JDM ASTAR 3030 Switchback LEDs in the front marker lamps. In the daytime, they work like modern white DRLs; in flash and directional modes, they cast a bright, rich amber light. And it's a simple bulb change whenever I want to go back to stock.

A note about heat: After being on for an hour, the JDM ASTAR 3030 Switchback LEDs felt slightly warm to the touch at the socket, and cool at the lens. In comparison, the side marker light lenses with incandescent 194 bulbs were hot. Something to consider since heat does a number on the plastic housing and lens.