| eujinc |
Just got my MTEC bulbs last night for the daytime running lights and the fog lights. The extensive thread on Fog light upgrade to HID finally rubbed off on me.
Below are some side by side comparison between these bulbs and the stock halogens. Got some mixed feelings. You'll see what I mean ...
Sidebar note: These bulbs were sent from Taiwan and took only 2 business days to get to my doorstep. Now that's what I call service. |
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| eujinc |
| Here are the products. |
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| eujinc |
Installation should be pretty quick but I was babysitting my 3 year old in the garage while replacing these bulbs, and this made the whole process seemed to take forever.
Point for design improvement: Getting to the fogs and DRLs can be made a whole lot easier if there was a small access panel in the wheel well (like on some cars). Instead we have to resort to either removing the bumper or loosening and prying open part of the bumper/wheel well to get to the lights. |
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| eujinc |
| Difference is not so obvious in a bright environment. |
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| eujinc |
| In the dark however, it's pretty obvious which is the brighter bulb. |
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| eujinc |
| DRLs illuminating the ground. |
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| eujinc |
| Low beam with fogs. Me thinks they are a wee bit too blue. |
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| eujinc |
| Looking directly at the new DRLs. |
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| eujinc |
Although these bulbs are not as bright as the halogens, albeit they are definitely whiter, they definitely improve the lighting aesthetics. I would definitely NOT recommend the use of these bulbs for use as low beams (no probs for us with HIDs already) or high beams.
Thumbs up for the DRL. Since they are not use for road illumination but more for the benefits of other drivers in case they did not see a 4500 lbs vehicle coming at them, the white lights look very nice.
Neutral on the fogs as they seem somewhat bluer than the HIDs and the MTEC DRLs (might be due to the difference in the reflectors for the DRL and fog lights). They also do not throw as much light as the halogens. Looks pretty but not as functional. |
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| Autonomy |
Hey eujinc,
that is awesome! Looks really good!
I have a question for you and others, I know that your 9005 MTECH bulb (DRL) is running at 65W, the manual stock is (60W). Do you think this will cause any problems? Melting wire..etc?
I was planning to upgrade my DRL bulbs, the only 60W bulbs I found on the net is PIAA (9005) which is kinda frustrating.
If its all good, I'm gonna order some of these bulbs! |
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| eujinc |
| I did notice the difference in wattage between the stock and MTEC ones. Not sure if there are any detrimental effects from the 5 watts difference. Several members (LionSpeed, Heat00, rsgacura, etc) are using the same bulbs with no reported problems. |
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| Quality_Freak |
| I am using the Mtec 4750 fog lights with no problems...anyone know if the Mtec 4350 fog lights are brighter than the Mtec 4750 lights??? I have seen some pics indicating so. |
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| eujinc |
The 4350 looks brighter and color-wise are closer to the stock HIDs. I've since replaced my 4750 fogs with the 4350.
Here's a head on shot with the 4350s
And a side-by-side with the stock fog.
If I had to do it over again, I would give the HID conversion kits for both the DRLs and fogs a shot. Color-wise should be about the same as the MTEC bulbs but the HIDs should give more luminance and longer bulb life. Also, the HID kits are not that expensive these days. I'm actually doing a projector HID conversion on the SLK right now. |
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| LionSpeed |
Couple notes fr my "MTEC Bulbs" experience that I'd like to share.
1. 5 watts difference has no effect in my current wires. Did a regular routine check for wire temperature (after 1 hr trip) for the first week of installation... wires were cool to the touch.
2. Mtec 4750 in DRL produces the same output (in Kelvin) as 4350 in Fog. Why & how? Don't have answer. Logically, DRL fixture could draw a little less juice than Fog, therefore, toning down the "blue" in 4750. Hence same kelvin output as 4350 in Fog.
3. Mtec bulbs 4350 has been in my Fog for almost a year with no problem. Mtec bulbs 4750 has been in my DRL for about 7 months... no problem as well. |
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| adr5 |
I'm not surprised the bulbs have lower light output. I noticed the bulbs themsleves have a blue colot to them.
That blue tint serves to filter some of the light coming out of the bulb. This manufacturer is probably trying to make up for that by running a higher wattage, 65 insted of 60, but it doesn't see to be working.
As far as HID bulbs go, I would not waste my money on those either. Unless you get a new reflector that is designed for the HID bulb, performance is going to suffer. |
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| eujinc |
That is what I had concluded as well in regards to the light output. Not something you would want to use as your primary driving lights. But for DRLs, who cares. It's not for illuminating the road anyway and the 4750s actually looks pretty good (very white during the day).
Also, would be interesting to see a side by side comparison between stock vs HID conversion for the fogs (using stock reflector housing). The folks who have done the conversion on their 1st Gen Xs have a lot of positive feedback. |
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| epiney |
| Thanks for the shots and the comparison. I was thinking of replacing the bulbs, but I think I won't bother after seeing this. :) |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
....But for DRLs, who care. It's not for illuminating the road anyway and the 4750s actually looks pretty good (very white during the day).
Yes indeed. At this moment, I am happy with my current setting.
DRL = MTEC 4750
FOG = MTEC 4350
... Don't plan to mess around w/ this setting for a long long time. :) |
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| bronxblaza117 |
just please be careful with these bulbs, on the package they say they are 100watt bulbs, sticks i think are around 60watts. you run the risk of frying the electrical cables...
silverstars would of worked better. |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by bronxblaza117
just please be careful with these bulbs, on the package they say they are 100watt bulbs, sticks i think are around 60watts. you run the risk of frying the electrical cables...
silverstars would of worked better.
Are you talking about the OUTPUT wattage? Because all my purchased MTEC's bulbs are between 60-65W (see picture).
:8: |
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| bronxblaza117 |
well what you circled says 130watts. i do see that above the circle it says 65watts, but then what is what?
130watts in total for both bulbs? why would they need to put that? anyway do not think i want to start an argument, i dont, i am just saying you should go with osram silverstars because they are legit and are stock wattage and provide a nice color of light output.
i mean the package for those bulbs says 47xxK, but that degree in kelvin can *only* be reached in HID form so its false from a get go. |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by bronxblaza117
well what you circled says 130watts. i do see that above the circle it says 65watts, but then what is what?
130watts in total for both bulbs? why would they need to put that? anyway do not think i want to start an argument, i dont, i am just saying you should go with osram silverstars because they are legit and are stock wattage and provide a nice color of light output.
i mean the package for those bulbs says 47xxK, but that degree in kelvin can *only* be reached in HID form so its false from a get go.
You are killing me. LOL.
:5: :19: :20: :19: :19: :19: :21:
Premium Quartz Glass Bulbs.
Xenon Gas Charged.
CONSUMING 65W --> PRODUCING 130W (@4,750K), you idiot. :rolleyes: |
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| bronxblaza117 |
and you dont see a problem with that? using 65watts but producing 130watts? how is that possible!?
foreal i suggest you do your homework, go to howstuffworks.com and look up high intensity discharge bulb (HID's). its not simply just a bulb + HID's only require ~35watts of power. Thos bulbs you have there are not xenon, they are halogen bulbs.
an HID system requires a Xenon bulb, ballast, and ignitor. |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by bronxblaza117
and you dont see a problem with that? using 65watts but producing 130watts? how is that possible!?
foreal i suggest you do your homework, go to howstuffworks.com and look up high intensity discharge bulb (HID's). its not simply just a bulb + HID's only require ~35watts of power. Thos bulbs you have there are not xenon, they are halogen bulbs.
an HID system requires a Xenon bulb, ballast, and ignitor.
Is there a problem with that? using 65w producing 130w is a problem? My whole house are lid up with compact florescent 14w producing 60w (same concept). So I guess I have a problem now. :D
Do my homework? Done those since March 2007. Infact donate my findings & experience in the "HID thread" spreading as far as 16 pages. Perhaps you should do your homework. :rolleyes:
Just look at the picture below (from OP). I added a few notes for you to comprehend. Forget HID ballast for the moment. Let's take a look at the picture shall we? I must admit, $35 for a pair of MTEC ain't bad comparing to Acura low beam HID, don't you think? ;)
P.S. Update! strictly for you. Those bulbs are still shining brightly since April 2007 on my MDX. I am happy with those for the quality, price, & extremely easy to switch out. :29: |
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| eujinc |
Wow, this forum was starting to be a real snooze until we get into a fun discussion like this :D. I can see why this can be a bit confusing initially as the box does advertise the light output in big numbers when the real power consumption is half that.
Here's the problem that those of us who are trying to match the fog lights with the color of our HIDs. There's just not many choices out there for H11 bulbs that can produce a color temp in the 4300K range. Silverstar Ultra does go into the 4100K range but is only available for the 9005 bulbs which our DRLs and high beams use. The MTEC 4350 which incidentally runs at 55W, so far comes the closest (as LS had illustrated above). And these bulb are really halogens as indicated on the box itself.
HID conversion kits are available for the H11 and as I had indicated before, there is more than enough space behind our bumper to contain the ballast and additional wiring. Heck, I might just give this conversion a shot when it gets above freezing some day. |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
Wow, this forum was starting to be a real snooze until we get into a fun discussion like this :D
No kidding! I wanna see some good old fist fight, blood boiling, a$$ smacking kinda thread. :D
bronxblaza117 = 0
LionSpeed = 1
Who's next? :rolleyes: |
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| bronxblaza117 |
no no i haven't lost
14watt compact fluorescent bulbs DO NOT produce 60watts. THEY DO produce light that is equivalent from that produced from a conventional 60watt bulb. That is a big difference, if you dont understand that difference let me know.
An HID thread written by someone who does not understand HID's is worthless not only to me but to everyone else on this forum
Check out
HID Plant to learn about HID's.
and your picture reference, just because they shine the same output color does not mean they are similar. they are no where similar after that. the light output from out OEM HID lowbeams putout a lot of light on the road, unlike those MTEC's.
All i am saying i suggest to everyone that if they want the "same color" output as the lowbeams just use osram silverstars. you get the same effect as those MTECs except it uses stock wattage and it is a legitimate brand.
I look at the situation this way, i DO NOT want to fry the electrical harness on my brand new $40k+ car. i actually think the silverstars are cheaper then those mtec's as well. can be found at autozone, pepboys, where ever.
you say it produces 130watts from 65watts. Just logicaly i do not see hows that possible. i do not trust those brands, you really do not know what wattage is running. go for somethings sure. Osram is a well known company. they make OEM hid's for many cars. |
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| adr5 |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
Is there a problem with that? using 65w producing 130w is a problem? My whole house are lid up with compact florescent 14w producing 60w (same concept). So I guess I have a problem now. :D
Do my homework? Done those since March 2007. Infact donate my findings & experience in the "HID thread" spreading as far as 16 pages. Perhaps you should do your homework. :rolleyes:
Just look at the picture below (from OP). I added a few notes for you to comprehend. Forget HID ballast for the moment. Let's take a look at the picture shall we? I must admit, $35 for a pair of MTEC ain't bad comparing to Acura low beam HID, don't you think? ;)
P.S. Update! strictly for you. Those bulbs are still shining brightly since April 2007 on my MDX. I am happy with those for the quality, price, & extremely easy to switch out. :29:
You are confusing power usage, watts, with light output. The two are not the same. So your CF light bulb is a 14W bulb that produces a similar amount of light as a regular 60W incandescent bulb. Read the box and you will see that they mention similar lumen output, not similar wattage. |
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| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by adr5
You are confusing power usage, watts, with light output. The two are not the same. So your CF light bulb is a 14W bulb that produces a similar amount of light as a regular 60W incandescent bulb. Read the box and you will see that they mention similar lumen output, not similar wattage.
No, I'm not confusing between power usage & light output. Mtec uses 65w producing 135w equivalent filaments. It doesn't produce 135w by all mean. Same concept with CF bulbs, use 14w producing 60w equivalent "ouput" filaments.
I'd assumed you guys understand the difference between the "specs" on those after market Mtec bulbs. Obviously, there has been a misunderstood. Thanks for poiting this out adr5. ;) |
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| adr5 |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
No, I'm not confusing between power usage & light output. Mtec uses 65w producing 135w equivalent filaments. It doesn't produce 135w by all mean. Same concept with CF bulbs, use 14w producing 60w equivalent "ouput" filaments.
I'd assumed you guys understand the difference between the "specs" on those after market Mtec bulbs. Obviously, there has been a misunderstood. Thanks for poiting this out adr5. ;)
CF bulbs don't use filaments, so what you said makes no sense. Also, I haven't seen the ad speak on the side of the MTEC package, but 65W producing 135W also makes no sense either. A watt is not a measurement unit for light output, it is a power measurement. Anytime someone trys to sell me lights using only watts, that sends up red flags that they are trying to hide something. Maybe what MTEC is trying to say is that their 65W bulb produces as much light as a 135W bulb, which I would not believe, but I can't tell based on what you have written.
I would recommend you go to http://www.danielsternlighting.com/ . You can get some information on lighting from an independent source who knows lighting. The tech section has some really good information in it. |
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| LionSpeed |
I never say CF is filament. Everyone knows CF is a florescent, hello. If you don't like Mtec or dislike their way of advertsing then don't get it. All I'm saying is Mtec is the cheapest & the fastest way for a quick fix of my current Fog's & DRL's.
P.S. Had tried 2 other brands (including silverstars) didn't like it even 1 bit. ;) |
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| Quality_Freak |
Wow.
I should put on my pom poms and cheer for how this thread can get way out of hand for a simple misunderstanding...but rather than pom poms...I will put on my boxing gloves.
Others looking to bash people about how they need to be "educated" on HID lights, filament types, wattage, etc...must have a self esteem problem. Basis for me saying this is that an outsider reading the various posts realizes how ridiculous some of the arguments are due to a simple misunderstanding.
Lionspeed & Eujinc has been very helpful in providing insight for "cheaper, quicker" means of getting the fog lights to "LOOK" like HID lights (when I say look, I mean in color, not brightness)...they have taken the time to download pics so others can see how various "options" look.
The MTEC bulbs (HALOGEN bulbs) are slightly higher in wattage than the OEM bulbs. If you don't want the stress of potentially burning out your harness, then don't put them on. If you think the Silverstars work better...post some pics...I would like to see. I purchased and installed the MTEC 4750 and will be switching to MTEC 4350 or something else once the weather cooperates. The 4750 is more blue in color versus the HID low beams.
In summary...my goal is to match the HID low beams in terms of color (not willing to put in an HID conversion kit as of yet). So, the only options that I am aware of (with documented proof) is the MTEC 4350, and potentially the Silverstars...but have no proof as it relates to pics...Hint Hint. |
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| eujinc |
Goodness. This thread is still alive and on a roll here. :D
Well said Quality_Freak. It's color matching that we are looking for and for the price of the MTECs, it's an inexpensive little lighting mod. Power consumption is the same as stock for the fogs and 5w more for the DRLs. Don't see how this would fry the wiring and harness. As for price, I can't remember off hand but the last set of Silver Stars I got was around $40. A little more than the MTECs actually and btw, the MTECs come with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Just realized I do not have a comparison between the DRLs in daytime so here it is ...
Some like the yellow look, others go for the white look. Again, as I had mentioned before, I would not recommend these for your primary driving lights. For that you can't beat real HIDs. :29: |
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| LionSpeed |
| Well, thanks a lot QualityFreak & eujinc, you guys just kicked my "two" components out for good (adr5 & bronxblaza117). I was reeling them in to increase my number of "postings". :D |
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| bronxblaza117 |
well i have been "knocked out" because i seriously do not know how to reply to you. it seems like a circle
i feel like im back in highschool when im trying to have an educated conversation in this thread. hey fact is fact, those MTEC bulbs run at a higher wattage then stock. DRL's would generally be on longer since most people drive around during the day, increasing the risk of frying up your electrical harness.
heres a silverstar h11 bulb for $14.99 each, so thats $29.98 for two from your local autozone
CLICK HERE
so i guess the question to ask is to you trust this ebay brand on your $40K+ car when you can get a better quality product from a known brand name at the same or less price? and the important thing to remember is that silverstar uses stock wattage, MTEC does not.
i feel like lionspeed just wants to be right and will make it so that he is right. i am just trying to provide knowledge to the people on this board about this product and alternatives.
anyway lionspeed thanks for ignoring mine and adr5's advice and good luck with you "HID" bulbs using 65watts but producing 135watts, whatever that means. just do some of the reading for your own good. in this other thread CLICK HERE you refer to Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as "Xenon HID Interior LED 5000k" which makes no sense AT ALL! 5000k HID LED! hahahaha that does not exist. read the links me and adr5 posted up and expand your knowledge on HID's. |
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| LionSpeed |
Thanks for the advice. I've been using HID for the longest time. Purchased that "Holy" kit around $275 years ago for my '97 Honda Civic EX. :D
Not ignoring yours nor adr5's valuable advices rather much appreciated, but HID is nothing that I don't know. ;) . For the record, MTEC has no relationship with me even though I should get commission fr them. :D . There is no need for me at the moment to spend extra $$$ & effort when a quick fix that could satisfy me. My original idea (for the mod) was to get rid of all UGLY YELLOW BULBS inside & out the most that I could which I did & damn happy with them. :)
P.S. Still waiting for Trigger's pix & report from his new HID kit around $130. If it's easy enough (our X has almost no room), then I might go back to installing HID just for fun.
Oh and the increase numbers of posts thing? ... It is for real. :2: |
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| eujinc |
quote:
Originally posted by bronxblaza117
heres a silverstar h11 bulb for $14.99 each, so thats $29.98 for two from your local autozone
CLICK HERE
bronxblaza117, those are the regular H11 Silverstars which will be a good replacement for the OEM bulbs. I don't believe the whiter Silverstar Ultras are available in H11 here. I found a site that offered them but they were in the UK. Price was like $80 :eek: for the pair (the state of the dollar sure doesn't help). If you know where the H11 Ultras can be had locally, post the link. Might be another option for a whiter fog for others to consider. |
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| eujinc |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
Oh and the increase numbers of posts thing? ... It is for real. :2:
Post whore :2:
j/k buddy. |
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| attax |
quote:
Originally posted by Autonomy
Hey eujinc,
that is awesome! Looks really good!
I have a question for you and others, I know that your 9005 MTECH bulb (DRL) is running at 65W, the manual stock is (60W). Do you think this will cause any problems? Melting wire..etc?
I was planning to upgrade my DRL bulbs, the only 60W bulbs I found on the net is PIAA (9005) which is kinda frustrating.
If its all good, I'm gonna order some of these bulbs!
Is it ok to use 55 watts bulb for stock 60 watts for DRL? |
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| rockyroad |
I browsed through this thread but I would have to agree with bronxblaza117's thoughts and insights. Just my .02
All along I thought Lionspeed was the "HID King" of this forum ;)
:lurk: :lurk: :lurk: :lurk:
Edit: Just wanted to bring more life to this forum..we need more of these threads j/k... |
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| gamol |
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
Here are the products.
Eujinc..Does 2nd gen MDX has universal socket that will fit 9005 and 9006? 9006 has single prong compare to 9005 has two prongs inside. Is the hi beam bulb also an H11 thanks |
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| eujinc |
quote:
Originally posted by attax
Is it ok to use 55 watts bulb for stock 60 watts for DRL?
Should be fine. The DRLs draw less wattage that the bulb's max wattage. From previous discussions, Lionspeed had tried putting a HID kit for the DRLs and the kit draws only 35W. There was not enough wattage to sustain the light which kept flickering. |
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| eujinc |
quote:
Originally posted by gamol
Eujinc..Does 2nd gen MDX has universal socket that will fit 9005 and 9006? 9006 has single prong compare to 9005 has two prongs inside. Is the hi beam bulb also an H11 thanks
Although I have not tried it, I'm pretty sure it does not have a universal socket from what I recalled when I had the bumper off.
High beam is 9005, same as DRL. |
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| alsea |
| So what’s the “real world” difference in the appearance of the MTEC 4350 super white and the 4750 cosmos blue? Do the blue’s look like a cheep, painted bulb with just a hint of blue? I see the side -by-side of the stock DRL & the 4750, any shots of the 4750 and the 4350? |
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| gamol |
eujinc
I tried the 9006 bulb in the headlights and it fits in the 9005 socket. but it's very difficult to put it back. You need to a small hand...I ask my wife to put it back.
My next problem are the fog light and DRL. I already removed the screws and clips but I don't know how to remove the plastic. how did you remove the plastic? what plastic cover did you removed? any photos? thanks
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
Although I have not tried it, I'm pretty sure it does not have a universal socket from what I recalled when I had the bumper off.
High beam is 9005, same as DRL.
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| bourmb |
| Help me understand, are the MTEC lights non HID but with the appearance of HID? In otherwards, no ballast necessary? |
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| elite-fusion |
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
Installation should be pretty quick but I was babysitting my 3 year old in the garage while replacing these bulbs, and this made the whole process seemed to take forever.
Point for design improvement: Getting to the fogs and DRLs can be made a whole lot easier if there was a small access panel in the wheel well (like on some cars). Instead we have to resort to either removing the bumper or loosening and prying open part of the bumper/wheel well to get to the lights.
what are those little boxes attached to brackets on each side of the car as you have in the picture? |
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| gamol |
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc
Installation should be pretty quick but I was babysitting my 3 year old in the garage while replacing these bulbs, and this made the whole process seemed to take forever.
Point for design improvement: Getting to the fogs and DRLs can be made a whole lot easier if there was a small access panel in the wheel well (like on some cars). Instead we have to resort to either removing the bumper or loosening and prying open part of the bumper/wheel well to get to the lights.
eujinc how did you removed the fog lights bulb from the housing? did you twist it to the left or right? it's too difficult for me to remove the bulb from the housing. |
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| steve55 |
quote:
Originally posted by gamol
eujinc how did you removed the fog lights bulb from the housing? did you twist it to the left or right? it's too difficult for me to remove the bulb from the housing.
I just went through this myself. I got into the wheel well, took out 4 clips along the bottom, 4 ea 10mm nuts and then one phillips screw from the wheel well edge. I kind of had to pry back the wheel well black, inside fairing. I think the bulbs came out with a 1/4 turn CCW. It actually was not the bad once I figured out how to get into the space. 45 minutes for the first bulb and 5 min for the second. The owners manual actually gives you a quick description of this job.
Be careful not to get hand oil on the new bulbs.
steve |
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| gamol |
quote:
Originally posted by steve55
I just went through this myself. I got into the wheel well, took out 4 clips along the bottom, 4 ea 10mm nuts and then one phillips screw from the wheel well edge. I kind of had to pry back the wheel well black, inside fairing. I think the bulbs came out with a 1/4 turn CCW. It actually was not the bad once I figured out how to get into the space. 45 minutes for the first bulb and 5 min for the second. The owners manual actually gives you a quick description of this job.
Be careful not to get hand oil on the new bulbs.
steve
I already reach the bulb socket but it's very hard to remove the bulb and socket from the housing. I tried to turn CCW. I also push and turn it CCW but still stuck. The DRL is easy to remove and replace. Did you pressed something before turning the FOG LIGHT BULB AND SOCKET to CCW out of the housing? |
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