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Headlight vs Fog Light Wattage

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by cpresti, Sep 1, 2016.

  1. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:36 AM
    #1
    cpresti

    cpresti [OP] New Member

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    So I am going to replace the headlights and fog light bulbs to HIDs. I was interested in getting 55w for the headlights and have read that I should get 35w for the fog lights due to overheating. Will the set up look weird if I have two different wattage running on the headlight/fog lights? Post pictures please!
     
  2. Sep 1, 2016 at 8:05 PM
    #2
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    No it will not look weird.

    However, you are aware that you should not run HIDs in a stock halogen reflector due to uncontrolled beam pattern and glare? You need full projector headlight assembly retrofits for both your headlights and fogs.
     
  3. Sep 1, 2016 at 9:12 PM
    #3
    cpresti

    cpresti [OP] New Member

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    Oh no I was not aware. So will I need to buy completely new headlights and fog lights?
     
  4. Sep 1, 2016 at 9:20 PM
    #4
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    In order to control your beam pattern and not produce blinding glare everywhere, yes. You're looking at roughly $1k for good projector setups. Not inexpensive.

    The Retrofit Source sells some drop in replacement LED fogs that include lights and fogs housings all in one with improved output. There are LED upgrades like Philips H4s that try to maintain correct beam pattern as well for the headlights.

    I opted to significantly upgrade my halogens instead:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/
     

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