LED headlights for H4 buckets?, whats the current state of the art? Options

[VaccaRabite]

I know this comes up every few years, but LED lights are one of those things where the tech is moving really fast, and what was true 2 years ago is old tech today.

Whats the word on LED headlights? Right now I'm using 55watt H4s, which were the bomb 15 years ago when I started restoring the car the first time. These days they seem dim, and especially after the episode last Sunday, I want to do anything I can to reduce the electrical load on the car. I don't think my car needs a 160 amp alternator, and I want to be sure I'm making the best use of my 55amps on tap.

I also want to make sure the LEDs are focused properly in the reflector so I'm not blinding on-coming traffic. I know that has been a concern with LEDs even last year.

Zach

[Mark Henry]

I'm still not convinced to go balls in on headlights, every unbiased test I've seen so far says LEDs are brighter short range, but the high beams do not throw the light as far as HQ halogen.

Likely I'll switch to LED for most of my other lights, including fog lights, but for now I'm keeping the halogen for headlights.
I do a lot of high speed driving in rural areas.

I would have to be convinced that the LED pattern doesn't blind oncoming traffic, to me that's just as dangerous.
Also if the replacements are not DOT approved you could run into trouble with the law and/or insurance companies. Police here are starting to crack down on unapproved headlights.
If you were in an accident and the lawyer found out you had unapproved headlights it may turn out bad for you.

[mepstein]

[quote name='Mark Henry' date='Aug 14 2018, 01:10 PM' post='2638742']
I'm still not convinced to go balls in on headlights, every unbiased test I've seen so far says LEDs are brighter short range, but the high beams do not throw the light as far as HQ halogen.

Likely I'll switch to LED for most of my other lights, including fog lights, but for now I'm keeping the halogen for headlights.
I do a lot of high speed driving in rural areas.
You would love them. I live rural. I can see the deer and everything else from much further out.

I would have to be convinced that the LED pattern doesn't blind oncoming traffic, to me that's just as dangerous.
It doesn't. Not on my 914 or my dad's Jeep (higher up)

Also if the replacements are not DOT approved you could run into trouble with the law and/or insurance companies. Police here are starting to crack down on unapproved headlights.
They just look like modern headlights, they don't look blue and they are only exposed at night.
If you were in an accident and the lawyer found out you had unapproved headlights it may turn out bad for you.
I feel they help keep me out of accidents since I can see the road and others can see me. It's a huge difference. I'll never go back. When I bought my first set, I paid $180/per light and I still think it was worth every penny. They are supposed to last 50,000 hours so hopefully the last set I buy for each car.