bubbaleenc
New member
I just installed the VLED 2000LM H4 LED headlights. I'm starting the new thread since I have read a number of similar threads here for similar situations, but none on 3G T4Rs using the newest 2000LM bulbs.
H4 9003 5K CXA 2000LM | 1 PAIR - H4 9003 HB2 - H Series - Bulb Number
Installation is pretty much plug & play. I can't use the factory dust boot without modification to fit over the heat sink. I left it off for now so I could reliably keep the heat sink cool. I then re-adjusted the headlight aim to ensure the primary beam was pointing correctly. This was straight forward thanks to threads here instructing how to do this.
The low beam illumination is incredible and the high beam illumination, while different than the classic Halogen look is excellent on rural roads. Both high and low beams simultaneously light with the 2000LM, creating a low beam bright area that mixes with the high beam scatter. At first it seemed that the high beam was not adding much, but now I think it is more an optical illusion that takes some getting used to.
There has been much discussed on various LED forums about cutoff. These LEDs do not have the classic Halogen cutoff either which is due to a handful of reasons. First, the position of the low-beam LED itself is slightly back and slightly higher than a spooned low beam filament on the 9003 bulb. The position of the high-beam LED is slightly lower than the un-spooned filament on the 9003 bulb, and only shines downward (instead of 360 deg around filament). However, the T4R’s lens optics do create a meaningful lateral cutoff which helps cut glare for oncoming cars. The optics also focus the light to a well-defined field while on low-beam that looks consistent with other vehicles on the road.
Daytime visibility of the 2000LM is good in cloudless daylight and excellent in rainy conditions. At night, these do not overwhelm the OEM incandescent marker bulbs or turn signals. Although for aesthetics only, I will likely replace the makers with LEDs.
I’ll write more later if I have any problems and am happy to respond to questions. I know there are many who see little or no value in LED headlight drop-in upgrades – and some who even see a detriment. While I understand the technical explanations, I am not convinced the optical differences are major enough to cause problems. On the balance of all considerations, I personally think the benefits of the 2000LM outweigh any detriments (which are functionally very minor and few).
H4 9003 5K CXA 2000LM | 1 PAIR - H4 9003 HB2 - H Series - Bulb Number
Installation is pretty much plug & play. I can't use the factory dust boot without modification to fit over the heat sink. I left it off for now so I could reliably keep the heat sink cool. I then re-adjusted the headlight aim to ensure the primary beam was pointing correctly. This was straight forward thanks to threads here instructing how to do this.
The low beam illumination is incredible and the high beam illumination, while different than the classic Halogen look is excellent on rural roads. Both high and low beams simultaneously light with the 2000LM, creating a low beam bright area that mixes with the high beam scatter. At first it seemed that the high beam was not adding much, but now I think it is more an optical illusion that takes some getting used to.
There has been much discussed on various LED forums about cutoff. These LEDs do not have the classic Halogen cutoff either which is due to a handful of reasons. First, the position of the low-beam LED itself is slightly back and slightly higher than a spooned low beam filament on the 9003 bulb. The position of the high-beam LED is slightly lower than the un-spooned filament on the 9003 bulb, and only shines downward (instead of 360 deg around filament). However, the T4R’s lens optics do create a meaningful lateral cutoff which helps cut glare for oncoming cars. The optics also focus the light to a well-defined field while on low-beam that looks consistent with other vehicles on the road.
Daytime visibility of the 2000LM is good in cloudless daylight and excellent in rainy conditions. At night, these do not overwhelm the OEM incandescent marker bulbs or turn signals. Although for aesthetics only, I will likely replace the makers with LEDs.
I’ll write more later if I have any problems and am happy to respond to questions. I know there are many who see little or no value in LED headlight drop-in upgrades – and some who even see a detriment. While I understand the technical explanations, I am not convinced the optical differences are major enough to cause problems. On the balance of all considerations, I personally think the benefits of the 2000LM outweigh any detriments (which are functionally very minor and few).
