FYI: brighter bulbs for tail lights

[bootymac]

I thought I would compile a list of alternative bulbs that we could use. Lumen and life ratings from Sylvania/Osram.

Reverse Lights

P21W/7506
Watts: 21 @ 12V
Amps: 1.8
Lumens: 460
Life: 1000 hours (long life)

1156
Watts: 27 @ 12.8V
Amps: 2.1
Lumens: 402
Life: 2000 hours (long life)

2396
Watts: 29 @ 12.8V
Amps: 2.3
Lumens: 503
Life: 400 hours

3497
Watts: 27 @ 12.8V
Amps: 2.1
Lumens: 565
Life: 730 hours (long life)

796
Watts: 35 @ 12.8V
Amps: 2.7
Lumens: 755
Life: 300 hours

Brake Lights

1157
Watts: 8/27 @ 12.8V
Amps: 0.59/2.1
Lumens: 38/402
Life: 2000/10000 hours (long life)

2357
Watts: 8/29 @ 12.8V
Amps: 0.59/2.3
Lumens: 38/503
Life: 800/1000 hours (long life)

3496
Watts: 8/27 @ 12.8V
Amps: 0.59/2.1
Lumens: 38/540
Life: 730/6000 hours (long life)

[bootymac]

So I bought Sylvania 3497LLBP bulbs (long life) for $4.99/pair at Canadian Tire. They're rated at 565 lumens and 730 hours, making them 23% brighter than P21W bulbs.

I tested them out and the 3497s are marginally brighter. I've attached a picture comparing the two bulbs. The LHS is the 3497 and the RHS is P21W.

If you're looking for brighter reverse lights, consider the CREE LEDs. Despite similar or lower lumen ratings, the focused beam of the CREE LEDs may improve visibility.

[~tc~]

I wonder if eyes work like ears in that double the lumens won't be double the perceived brightness - that you need A LOT more lumens for it to actually look significantly brighter.

[bootymac]

I wonder if eyes work like ears in that double the lumens won't be double the perceived brightness - that you need A LOT more lumens for it to actually look significantly brighter.

I though about that as well. I figured that the 23% increase in lumens just isn't significant enough to make a difference in practice.

I may try comparing the 3497 bulb to a 1156. It's 41% brighter on paper

[KuroNekko]

If you're looking for brighter reverse lights, consider the CREE LEDs. Despite similar or lower lumen ratings, the focused beam of the CREE LEDs may improve visibility.

If you are looking for any usable light throw, you need to use SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs. These are what got Cree famous as they invented them. LEDs of the past did not output too much light other than to be seen such as indicator lights on appliances.
Now, SMD LEDs actually output enough light to cast seeing light, especially when used with reflector housings.
There are some people out there who are staunchly against LED conversion bulbs (not here, but in other auto forums), but most of their experience and knowledge comes from older LED technology. Cree's SMD LEDs really changed the way LEDs can be used especially in automotive lighting. Even the technology from just five years ago is quite different, especially for aftermarket automotive LED bulbs.

I have not looked into LED bulbs for the Kizashi other than my position bulbs and the DRL/high beams however, I will be converting the VW camper's brake lights to LEDs. The original brake lights are so dim, they are worse than most cars' tail lights (not in brake illumination mode). In the past, LEDs failed to provide much of an improvement, but now SMD LEDs are proving to be significant upgrades which is especially important for safety. Quite frankly, I think all tail and brake lights should be LEDs as an industry standard as they light up faster, brighter, and don't blow out like incandescent bulbs.

I also recently added a LED third brake light for the camper by splicing it into brake light wiring. It works very well and has made the camper much safer against getting rear-ended.