I’ve never been impressed with the visibility & performance of the taillights – especially brake lights and the indicators in daylight.
LEDs sound appealing, but we have the Check Control panel to deal with, plus the ‘fast flash’ issues with indicators.
Plus, I would have to navigate the large amount of cheap junk LED globes out there.
Researching options, such as upgraded globes like the Phillips Vision Plus had mixed reviews around faster illumination time but shorter life.
Ended coming across some recommendations from Daniel Stern Lighting.
Those following my build thread might recall I used Daniel Stern’s setup for aiming the E30 headlights for RHD.
The results were impressive, so the guy knows his stuff.
Daniel mentioned about swapping out the regular P21W (BA15s) globe used in our tail lights for a particular globe from a specific manufacturer.
It was a 3497 globe manufactured by the Japanese company Stanley
Specifically, a Honda OE part number 34903-SF-A01 – as Daniel mentioned that many other 3497 globes are junk.
The Stanley Honda globe suits the BA15s housing, but has 45 candle power compared to the P21W’s 32 candle power – sounds promising right?
Well, managed to track them down and on first inspection they look pretty good.
Side by side with the 3497 on the left
Same mounting detail
P21W filament
But the 3497 filament has a tighter winding and more of it
I’m no lighting expert, so will need to install half a set and take some comparison photos at dusk.
