3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights

For what it's worth, I replaced my low and high beams with Morimotto 2stroke 3.0 LED bulbs. I cannot tell a difference in the light pattern. I installed one side and then compared to OEM halogens while shining on a wall about 20-30 feet away. I really like to color of the light and have had no cases of people flashing at me at night. Not one time. Output seems better to me but again, I am not a professional in this area. These are on my SR5. A bit spendy though. About $300 for all four on sale black friday last year.

 

Is there any retailers that sell these in store (typically)? Or are they an online only purchase.

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tungsram-H11-Nighthawk-Xenon-Halogen-Bulb-2-pack/313412664

 

This is precisely the hassle with good quality high efficiency H11's, availability. If you could buy them at your local auto parts store they would be a great option. Instead you have to wait for them to be in stock then buy 2 pair so you have a backup set or you're stuck reverting to poor performance bulbs while you wait for the next stock refresh. Not exactly ideal for a part which you want to replace every year or two (at least in the low beams) to ensure maximum output.

You can get Philips H9's for $6 each any time you want them. They also serve double-duty as replacements for your high beams. They become the easiest route to best possible lighting _and_ they are also the least expensive high performance bulb. Only downside is the base mod (not that tricky once you get the hang of it) or the adapter harness (I'll see if I can build something decently nice with that as I myself don't love the scratched up look of a modded H9 even though you don't see it.)

I think that's why most of us eventually just find our way to the Philips H9 camp.

 

Ironically both Walmart and Fred Meyer, but not autoparts stores.

 

If I do?

 

Wat mod

 

Trimming the internal plastic tab on a Philips H9 for the best output vs H11s or LEDs.

 

My experience exactly, except with the Hikari bulbs.

 

Great replacement LEDs for the 3rd Gen. However, note that the 'not being flashed' has nothing to do with the LED, and everything to do with the projector headlight design that has an internal light shield to block glare. You can thank Toyota for that, not Morimoto.

 

I am not giving credit or thanks, just making an observation.

 

Wattt... so can replace with led bulb?

 

"Oh, an observation, huh? Well who the hell are you, man? Isaac f-ing Newton?" -- Clint Bruno

Sorry - couldn't resist the opp to quote...

 

This has left me kind of dazed and confused. Ha Ha

 

making a harness is super easy. just need a box cutter to take the slot key out

 

Gotta a link?

 

I want it thanks. I don't wanna duck it up

 

If a h11 to h9 harness is what you’re looking for, the below is working great for me

https://www.aspireautoaccessories.com/bulbzilla-kit

 

That’s about the right length.

I’m not sure how nice the H11 male side is. But the female connector is where I’m dissatisfied with that style. I’m trying to source female H9 connectors which match the OEM ones. So that there is no discernible difference quality-wise or bling-wise.

That is a nice option, though, for anyone who wants one right now.

 

So, I finally decided to go from my Hikaris to H9s. When I first got my Tacoma, I found myself missing the higher Kelvin of HIDs (which is what I had in the 2 vehicles prior to my Tacoma) but after struggling with the Hikaris this past winter, I was done. One bulb began failing intermittently at very cold temperatures and now continues to fail. I've reached out for a warranty claim but I have no desire to put them back in. I went with the Hella 2.0s and I'm very happy with the bulbs so far. Way nicer spread pattern and an actual uplight. I used a Dremel with a tungsten carbide cutter for a quick buzz of the plastic tab and they twisted into the headlight without so much as an issue.