So im thinking of getting switchbacks for my headlights. I have a 2008 acura tl base. Does anyone have suggested switchbacks I should buy? Also are they easy to install and would I be able to do it myself?- is there a DIY out there? Also does anyone know if I can purchase white or grey turn signal covers to replace the yellow ones just so i don't have to buy TLs headlights? Any help would be great.

 

Lamonica, we've got a lot of threads on Switchbacks! Please try out our Search Engine and type in "switchbacks".

Try V-LEDs.com-they're a good place to start. And all you've got to do is pull back the inner wheel well, twist out the sockets and replace bulbs!

 

No one has mentioned this to you, but since you have the base model you still have the AMBER / YELLOW plastic diffuser in your headlights. There's no point in buying switchbacks because the amber diffuser will make the white light from the LED look amber/yellow. When you hit the turn signals and the LED bulb flashes amber, it will look amber. But once the turn signal disengages and the parking light comes back on (Switchback parking light mode is WHITE LED) it will still look AMBER instead of white.

To get the full switchback effect you will need to open your headlights and you have 1 of 3 choices
1. Remove the amber diffuser completely
2. Remove the amber diffuser and replace it with USR Style Clear Diffusers ( http://www.uniquestyleracing.com/20actlclhedi.html )
3. Remove the amber diffuser and replace it with the Type-S diffuser

Here are some examples of the USR Style Clear Diffusers installed. This isn't my car.

 

stupid question...

what are switchbacks...just the name they call it when you change the front headlights...?


i think i just got my answer there!

 

so just to clarify, the diffusers are the yellow/amber plastic cover on the turn signals right?

do you know how the car looks without the diffusers? Do you know anyone who has done that?

 

And what's this newfangled "car" contraption that all of the kids are talking about these days?

 

Yup!

If you want to get real technical in the world, diffusers are pretty much used everywhere. They're used to distribute or scatter light more evenly.

There are LOTS of people who removed the diffusers.

I personally like the diffusers in there, because it gives it a more "finished?" look.
It also helps with the light output.

You'll have a hard time finding Type-S diffusers, but the USR ones are available for purchase.

The only gripe about the USR ones is that they don't fit perfectly, and you have to trim it to fit a little.

Here are a member's pic with the diffuser removed:

 

thanks alot, i appreciate it

 

^^^ I agree with you about putting clear diffusers in, instead of leaving nothing there. I'm in processes of doing the same thing. I figured if I take the time to get the diffusers out, might as well as put some clear ones in while is all apart, rather than taking it off again a few months in the future

 

do you have a recommeneded bulb I should buy from v-leds.com. I want them to match the lights I already have on the car, they are the stock ones. White not the blueish ones.

 

I don't think the switchbacks match the stock colored HIDS. You might have to upgrade your HIDS to 6k or 8k to make them match to the switchbacks.

 

You have the base model which calls for a 7440/7443 bulb socket.

The switchbacks they make for 7440/7443 are only available in 6k white (looks blueish when compared to OEM HID lights).

However, the Type-S model uses a 1157 bulb socket, and for some damn reason they make switchbacks for the 1157 bulb socket in 5k white.

I've asked around and tried to look for a 7440-7443 switchback that is in 5k white but have no luck. Everywhere, and i mean EVERYWHERE (eBay, Autolumination, V-LEDs, ETC) only sell them in 6k white. But the 1157 for the Type-S is easily available in 5k AND 6k?! WHY!???

It bothers me. I have a 08 base with USR Clear Style diffusers and the 60-LED switchbacks I bought from eBay (Kaizen Motors) are 6k white. They look blue when I drive at night with my headlights on.

 

do the amber reflectors have anything to do with the light output?
it looks like the type s turn signal bulb is amber too

 

No the amber diffuser has nothing to do with light output. The chrome reflective housing behind the amber diffuser is what makes the light output bright. Some folks are dumb and decided to paint the reflectors black which kills the light output and than they are stuck with very very dim turn signals no matter what kind of LED they use. Even if its 120LED the turn signal brightness will still suck ass.

 

Yeah, it makes your light output amber hahah
The actual bulb behind there is clear, and outputs a pale white yellowish colour.

It also affects how to light scatters, and shines, too.
That's what the term "diffuser" means; look it up if you have to =)

Diffusers tend to make light shine (for lack of a better word), nicer and more evenly.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...49&postcount=9

 

You get the 1157 even if you have type s headlights on a base right? Just making sure bout to buy them and put them on soom