Are Aftermarket Headlights Worth It?

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 27. 10. 2020
  • Driving the Miata at night has always been hazardous, because the headlights seem to actually be dim candles. On this episode, we’ll update the headlights and headlight wiring circuit to pull some big watts and actually light up the night road so we can keep driving!
    We have a new channel!
    / @donutpodcasts
    Money Pit is where you get to learn about cars as we work on them. Each ep we’ll breakdown how each component works and then we’ll upgrade it. Join us in our journey to build cool cars, learn about them, and drive the crap out of them!
    Some of our best videos ever are coming out soon, stay tuned so you won't miss a thing!
    ►Subscribe here: bit.ly/1JQ3qvO
    Check out more Donut Media Videos: • Evolution of the Porsc...
    Want a Donut shirt or sticker? Visit shop.donut.media/
    Like us on Facebook: / donutmedia
    Click here if you want to learn more about Donut Media: www.donut.media/
    Donut Media is at the center of digital media for the next generation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts. We are drivers, drifters, and car enthusiasts who love to tell stories.
    WIN THE MIATA'S HEADLIGHTS: donut.media/pages/miata-headl...
    GET A KENTUCKY COBRA HAT: donut.media/
    donut.mediadonut.media
    Donut Media Store
    Shop exclusive merch and apparel from the Donut Media Official Store. Hoodies, tee shirts, posters, accessories, and more. (139 kB)
    cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/009...
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 3,8K

  • @bryantgenuino6324
    @bryantgenuino6324 Před 3 lety +1218

    Engineering Explained: We should use Watts instead of horsepower.
    Donut 1 hour later: This Miata is 89,000 watts.

    • @jamesgent5897
      @jamesgent5897 Před 3 lety +86

      89kW

    • @cptnscoob
      @cptnscoob Před 3 lety +44

      I only use metric to measure my bullets #FreedomMurica

    • @Mahbus
      @Mahbus Před 3 lety +1

      @@cptnscoob car powere are hsually measured in horsepower

    • @christianlapointe7796
      @christianlapointe7796 Před 3 lety +27

      How many horsepower are these headlights? That's what I want to know now.

    • @bengreene9072
      @bengreene9072 Před 3 lety +7

      And fuel should measured by hour not by miles since it depends on the vehicle's speed

  • @IBadlyNamed
    @IBadlyNamed Před 3 lety +3998

    I drive without headlights to assert dominance.

  • @mertcagln8905
    @mertcagln8905 Před 3 lety +597

    4:23 i was expecting him to calculate how much horsepower the headlights make. little disappointed :/

    • @TheKenji2221
      @TheKenji2221 Před 3 lety +11

      Well you can do it yourself. He gave the ratio :p

    • @vilivuorinen8096
      @vilivuorinen8096 Před 3 lety +23

      High beams are 0.13 and low beams are 0.10

    • @numberpirate
      @numberpirate Před 3 lety +17

      80/746=0.11hp, and 100/746 0.13hp. So his car was 120hp before, now it is 119.78hp on low beam and 119.74hp high beam meow.

    • @RobCharo
      @RobCharo Před 3 lety +3

      @@numberpirate the engine doesn't power the headlights tho

    • @arielshatz6876
      @arielshatz6876 Před 3 lety +18

      @@RobCharo Engine cranks the alternator which charges the battery and powers accessories

  • @ch_chone
    @ch_chone Před 3 lety +596

    Pro tip: those H4 retrofit housings usually have a little rotational play. You can see it when he installs them and he can rotate the housing just a little bit. Once he turns them on, you can see the effect in his passenger headlight, where the cutoff isn't perfectly horizontal. Take advantage of that slop and use it to clock the housing so that the cutoff is horizontal.
    And as a quick FYI: the usual rule of thumb is you want the cutoff to be down 1.5" from bulb center with the car 20' from the wall. That's about as aggressively as you can aim a headlight while still being legal. As always, be willing to tweak them a little during the first few uses so you aren't blinding people.
    Oh! and do this all with a full tank. The Miata tilts up quite a bit with a full tank because the wheelbase is so short. If you adjust headlights with an empty tank, you'll be pointing up at the sky when the tank is full.

    • @jimlee3725
      @jimlee3725 Před 3 lety +4

      Thanks man!

    • @cprooks
      @cprooks Před 3 lety +5

      Just Thinking This

    • @ob9444
      @ob9444 Před 3 lety +9

      1cm drop per m for the Europeans

    • @michaelpugh2617
      @michaelpugh2617 Před 3 lety +13

      Thank you all knowing headlight guru

    • @DavidPruitt
      @DavidPruitt Před 2 lety +6

      Everything else is good but how far down the cutoff should be depends on the car. For the Miata you can actually lower it just 1/2 inch. For a truck you want closer to 2 inches. The reason is that the beam shouldn't blind other drivers and higher cars have higher headlights.

  • @sp1tf1r33
    @sp1tf1r33 Před 3 lety +860

    "miata-length"
    When I hear people say that Americans will use weird units as long as it isn't Metric. I didn't know it was to this extent.

    • @jsplit9716
      @jsplit9716 Před 3 lety +90

      it's literally anything you can think of, but metric.

    • @harkin3684
      @harkin3684 Před 3 lety +110

      Here in Florida we social distance by average adult gator length

    • @younghex9577
      @younghex9577 Před 3 lety +13

      Theres this joke that we measure in inches, feet, blue whales, foot ball fields, and miles

    • @dieseldabz7104
      @dieseldabz7104 Před 3 lety +2

      It's really NOT actually

    • @dieseldabz7104
      @dieseldabz7104 Před 3 lety +2

      @@harkin3684 You said enough as soon as you said "Here in Florida"....😂

  • @goose_27
    @goose_27 Před 3 lety +3077

    I absolutely love this show its very fun to follow along like Hi-Low

  • @chefdrake352
    @chefdrake352 Před 3 lety +2172

    "10 Miata lengths" good to see Americans will use anything but the metric system

  • @lucawemmer5433
    @lucawemmer5433 Před 3 lety +230

    I love how everything was so easy to install and adjust back in the days. Imagine changing your lights on a 2020s car your self 😥

    • @Mattuuhh1
      @Mattuuhh1 Před 3 lety +21

      not really that different. except it's just harder to get to them.

    • @squidysquid7586
      @squidysquid7586 Před 3 lety +36

      Harder to get and 90% of car have to remove bumper

    • @mingc4698
      @mingc4698 Před 2 lety +11

      Well.. not much different apart from tearing down the entire front end of the car just to reach the bulb...

    • @catfisher420
      @catfisher420 Před 2 lety +1

      They were a pain in the ass. most of the time the adjusters would be rusted out.

    • @NaruSanavai
      @NaruSanavai Před 2 lety +10

      One side is usually a piece of cake. The other side, though...always has the goddamn battery or fusebox right in the fucking way. I respect engineers, but I fuckin' _hate_ 'em.

  • @FDB77
    @FDB77 Před 3 lety +323

    The one episode where Zach actually wants the sun to go down 😂

    • @Patrick94GSR
      @Patrick94GSR Před 3 lety +3

      yeah really, first one I've watched that didn't go into the next day!

  • @zach6982
    @zach6982 Před 3 lety +1480

    Nobody:
    Zack Jobe: Has an ambulance in his driveway

    • @zachc7952
      @zachc7952 Před 3 lety +30

      So much win! Every episode we see another awesome vehicle at his house.

    • @joshcoulson7659
      @joshcoulson7659 Před 3 lety +41

      notice its debadged and without the colored lights on the bar, its been in a few episodes parked on the street

    • @hansdomke89
      @hansdomke89 Před 3 lety +18

      I've got an ambulance too! I'm even gonna start uploading videos of my travels in it when my camera gets here.

    • @jamsya493
      @jamsya493 Před 3 lety +4

      Maybe if in case he gets hurt or something

    • @srchamb05
      @srchamb05 Před 3 lety +5

      I was legit mad when it pulled off without being acknowledged in the slightest bit 🤦🏾‍♂️🤣

  • @canupoa
    @canupoa Před 3 lety +112

    I'm so happy Zack talked about adjusting the lights. Currently in my neck of the woods there is a fad starting where you bypass your stock wiring and just have all of your lights on... all the time. So driving down the road, and people have HID's in their Highs, Lows, and Fogs... all on. Makes me want to carry a can of spray paint with me.

    • @ashtongreig4137
      @ashtongreig4137 Před 3 lety +22

      Same here people have those new led lights and don’t care about anyone else, so they drive with their brights on or never adjusted the lights

    • @michaelclark3192
      @michaelclark3192 Před 3 lety +8

      Wouldn't that be illegal and get your pulled over?

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA Před 2 lety +1

      @@michaelclark3192 in my country yeah, can't use far lights all the time. But in USA it should depend on state laws. I doubt they have federal regulations on car headlights...

    • @kylewitter2806
      @kylewitter2806 Před 2 lety +1

      @@KasumiRINA they do

    • @marcusborderlands6177
      @marcusborderlands6177 Před rokem +2

      @@KasumiRINA lots of federal headlight regs lol. Everything is regulated round here.

  • @nmrdkl
    @nmrdkl Před 3 lety +77

    I like how they jacked up the car just to change the headlights lol

    • @austincoley4956
      @austincoley4956 Před 3 lety +11

      Prolly just for comfort, mans was still bending over heavy with the jacks

    • @alexanderdenney6255
      @alexanderdenney6255 Před 2 lety +1

      On my G35 I have to remove the front bumper, engine shroud and wheels just to get to the lights

    • @NaruSanavai
      @NaruSanavai Před 2 lety

      @@alexanderdenney6255 The _wheels?!_ I'd be finding a different way.

    • @nacl2858
      @nacl2858 Před 2 lety +1

      @@NaruSanavai right? i just have to flip the headlights up on my car

  • @Alej0731
    @Alej0731 Před 3 lety +958

    I love how relatable this show is, you guys don’t even wash the Miata before rolling the camera! Great episode!

    • @lyndonmoore6286
      @lyndonmoore6286 Před 3 lety +5

      I think that’s just lazy lol,

    • @Oh2x
      @Oh2x Před 3 lety +22

      @@lyndonmoore6286 you arent paying just dont watch it lol

    • @FirstNameLastName-fu8ml
      @FirstNameLastName-fu8ml Před 3 lety +25

      @@Oh2x why take it that way? They can be lazy. They are human.

    • @lyndonmoore6286
      @lyndonmoore6286 Před 3 lety +13

      @@Oh2x you’re one of those people who always gotta find offense in something huh. I was joking man, they do a lot of complicated work to that Miata, they are probably just to busy to wash it.

    • @Oh2x
      @Oh2x Před 3 lety +5

      @@lyndonmoore6286 the lol was real so i see how you thought i said it to mock you like a dickhead i said it kinda jokingly but to get offended by thought of me being offended? lets just all agree that zach has a kickass miata and leave it at that🤝

  • @mikeyrulezz2208
    @mikeyrulezz2208 Před 3 lety +794

    "Trying to keep this Miata, not on fire."
    *Flashback to flames out the exhaust*

  • @SDG-cv4br
    @SDG-cv4br Před rokem +44

    One of the most overlooked things about “newer” cars is how good the headlights have gotten.

    • @daniel.s.stefanov
      @daniel.s.stefanov Před rokem +2

      No shit, i have two high power H4's AND two H7's and new cars still outshine me with those LEDs.

  • @ElPants21
    @ElPants21 Před 3 lety +5

    One detail worth mentioning: brighter halogen headlight bulbs have a way shorter life span so you'll have to change them more often. Also they get gradually dimmer over time. Cheap HID kits throw a ton more light and don't use as much power but you HAVE TO aim them correctly like Zach did or you'll risk blinding other drivers

    • @Tallnerdyguy
      @Tallnerdyguy Před rokem

      HID's are hotter though.

    • @ElPants21
      @ElPants21 Před rokem

      @@Tallnerdyguy in overall heat output I disagree. Stand in front of an HID and stand in front of a regular halogen headlamp bulb installed in the same housing and tell me which puts out more heat. Even if plasma is locally hotter than a glowing filament, there isn't much of it. That's also why halogen bulbs pull more electrical wattage to make less light than HIDs: waste heat.

  • @Felrock12
    @Felrock12 Před 3 lety +259

    Zach: "I'm trying to keep this Miata, not on fire."
    Literally 23 episodes before this one: hold my beer

    • @cherrypepsi2815
      @cherrypepsi2815 Před 3 lety +3

      The anti-lag replica flames one made me cringe hard

    • @huntermervyn3646
      @huntermervyn3646 Před 3 lety

      I was confused on what one that was, I went back counting the episodes and went “ahh ahaha”

    • @cherrypepsi2815
      @cherrypepsi2815 Před 3 lety

      @@huntermervyn3646 didn't his back bumper catch on fire once during it lol

  • @bzboii
    @bzboii Před 3 lety +140

    Fun fact, to double the length of the throw of light, you have to quadruple your light output. It's the square law!

    • @PatrickBaldwin1
      @PatrickBaldwin1 Před 3 lety +5

      2.5 min in and was going to point out the inverse square law. But it looks like you beat me to it.

    • @someguy9520
      @someguy9520 Před 3 lety +5

      and dont get me started that double the halogen power is like...40% more luminous output?

    • @Evildandalo
      @Evildandalo Před 3 lety +2

      And with sound, every time you double the distance from a source of noise the signal drops 6db

    • @bzboii
      @bzboii Před 3 lety +1

      @@someguy9520 haha ya I was thinking that also. Halogen is surprisingly efficient for radiant heat light sources (I made that term up but I'm sure there's a term to describe light from glowing heat sources...)

    • @someguy9520
      @someguy9520 Před 3 lety +1

      @@bzboii by efficient you mean terribly unefficient. isnt it like 1% effectiveness?
      you get like 10lm/watt with halogen and like 100lm/watt with high quality LED chips
      theoretically we can get like 1000lm/watt, so even LEDs are terribly unefficient. thats why they still need active cooling in many high wattage scenarios

  • @JetNix
    @JetNix Před 3 lety +23

    Car power in Estonia does get measured in Watts... kiloWatts though. It's easier to say that the Miata is 120HP = 89kW and not 89520W

  • @darrenceejay9381
    @darrenceejay9381 Před 3 lety +1

    This channel is such a blessing. For a car lover this is a treasure, and for someone new to the community, this is a great way to get them even more interested.

  • @joaopedroalbernaz
    @joaopedroalbernaz Před 3 lety +330

    Why there's an ambulance on Zach's driveway? Are we supposed to expect a "pimp ma 'bulance" series?

    • @raylena9979
      @raylena9979 Před 3 lety +29

      That is the comment I was looking for

    • @tonyb2271
      @tonyb2271 Před 3 lety +21

      ...with Vermont plates. Maple syrup delivery?

    • @studiolegenda
      @studiolegenda Před 3 lety +8

      Can we have a Whambulance?

    • @TheMCD1989
      @TheMCD1989 Před 3 lety +3

      @@tonyb2271 haha I came here to say the same thing, those have to be Vermont plates

    • @rogerrinkavage
      @rogerrinkavage Před 3 lety +7

      It's as a precaution with all that Nos Energy

  • @revmedia8108
    @revmedia8108 Před 3 lety +198

    I drive a BMW and personnally I don’t think it’s worth it! Hell, I’ve never even used my turn signals!
    Much love, your friends at Rev Media!!

    • @jackderry9106
      @jackderry9106 Před 3 lety +7

      What’s a turn signal

    • @revmedia8108
      @revmedia8108 Před 3 lety +19

      @@jackderry9106 idk man, some idiot told me about these, but I don’t even know what they’re for!!

    • @exernal8969
      @exernal8969 Před 3 lety +3

      Hello there rev

    • @blackonblack...9244
      @blackonblack...9244 Před 3 lety +3

      @@revmedia8108 Tailgate at 100mph?

    • @revmedia8108
      @revmedia8108 Před 3 lety +4

      @@exernal8969 hey man! Wassup!

  • @blueyard
    @blueyard Před 3 lety +2

    My first car was '98 Honda Civic and one of the mods I performed was exchanging the headlights for aftermarket ones. I was low on money and did not switch the housing for black ones, but I was satisfied with the modification. I was seeing stop signs three blocks down the street. It was awesome. As for the stock headlights, they weren't in bad shape. It's just that it came to a point where I was barely seeing the street at night.

  • @davidboland495
    @davidboland495 Před 3 lety +8

    I appreciate this mod. One thing I cant stand is ultra bright led headlights. I'm forever blinded by them by on coming cars. Its definitely unsafe. There should be a lumen limit for cars, and if there already is, it's way too high.

    • @gaugebasford390
      @gaugebasford390 Před 2 lety

      At least where I live there is. 10,000 lumens low 20,000 lumens high. I believe they’re trying to make it so trucks have a lower rating because their headlights aim so much higher then regular cars but we’ll see 🤷‍♂️

    • @ouch1011
      @ouch1011 Před rokem +1

      It has nothing to do with how bright the headlights are and everything to do with making sure they’re aimed properly. Many aren’t. Some manufacturers, like Toyota and Subaru, aim their headlights too high straight from the factory. Even old Halogen headlights will blind oncoming traffic if they’re improperly aimed.

  • @luyandomukwato205
    @luyandomukwato205 Před 3 lety +157

    Was Expecting a
    "POP UP, UP AND DOWN HEADLIGHTS!!!"

  • @JustinY.
    @JustinY. Před 3 lety +1839

    "Are aftermarket headlights worth it?"
    If you wanna blind that guy who's been annoying you, I'd say yes.

    • @simpleinverso8628
      @simpleinverso8628 Před 3 lety +214

      That's because in the US nobody knows how to use high beams...
      You're supposed to turn them off when you see someone coming the other way or in front of you!
      Edit: and adjust them too damnit!

    • @ernahuskofan3616
      @ernahuskofan3616 Před 3 lety +61

      Justin is a car guy !

    • @nachoman6984
      @nachoman6984 Před 3 lety +33

      Hi Justin

    • @DavinR16
      @DavinR16 Před 3 lety +108

      @@simpleinverso8628 I don’t think you understand the problem , regular LED lights are blinding because the people who install them don’t position them right and they become absolutely blinding and annoying. Especially in trucks

    • @simpleinverso8628
      @simpleinverso8628 Před 3 lety +9

      @@DavinR16 oh yeah, and there's that too!

  • @aStranger_
    @aStranger_ Před 3 lety +6

    Also if you want better lights for night time driving upgrade to a more neutral kelvin rating or cooler as warmer lights are more relaxing to the eyes and night.
    The cooler ones wont look like they throw as far but they will illuminate so much better.

  • @AlanAasmaa
    @AlanAasmaa Před 2 měsíci +1

    I started to watch old Donut videos and they are as gold as new ones.

  • @nito8027
    @nito8027 Před 3 lety +114

    “I want to keep it how it looks”
    *Everyone liked that*

  • @noahhardwayguitarvids4179
    @noahhardwayguitarvids4179 Před 3 lety +272

    Zach every episode: Is this mod worth it?
    Me: Hmm... Let’s find out.
    Zach at the end of every episode: Yes, this mod is worth it.
    Me: *surprised Pikachu face*

    • @guano_loco8013
      @guano_loco8013 Před 3 lety

      so true

    • @epicbullet497
      @epicbullet497 Před 3 lety

      @I WANT BOY !!!! SEND ME !!! Not 100% true. What about him fixing his rack and pinion?

  • @Wolfe_No.13
    @Wolfe_No.13 Před 3 lety +43

    I think that is Zack's motto: "Easy-ish to install.... i think"

  • @Zophus1
    @Zophus1 Před 2 lety +2

    I haven't seen a sealed head lamp since my '74 Bronco!
    Thanks for the memories Zach

  • @jimyratcliffe3805
    @jimyratcliffe3805 Před 3 lety +239

    I like how no one has mentioned the ambulance in the intro background of the driveway

    • @austinsimpson3025
      @austinsimpson3025 Před 3 lety +3

      I was thinking the same thing lol

    • @oluap59
      @oluap59 Před 3 lety +2

      Yeah... Like, what's it doing there?

    • @maximumfartsmell
      @maximumfartsmell Před 3 lety +21

      I believe donut owns it. It been in the background of most MoneyPits. Either that or Zacks so hot he gives all the other employees third degree burns every time he turns up for a shoot.

    • @jonjohnson102
      @jonjohnson102 Před 3 lety +3

      @@maximumfartsmell camper conversion?

    • @JakeSkellington1
      @JakeSkellington1 Před 3 lety +1

      It's possible one of the people living in the house are also an emt and works for donut on the side?

  • @AustinSmith-ir1cs
    @AustinSmith-ir1cs Před 3 lety +279

    "Racecars don't need headlights cause the track is always lit"

  • @david9933
    @david9933 Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you guys for doing this show! It's simple yet so enjoyable and useful all the time! You guys rock! Keep up the good work! :D

  • @robj2704
    @robj2704 Před 3 lety +2

    A few years ago I converted the sealed beams on a 1980 Malibu to this set up and it was a great improvement. But, I also have a C-6 Corvette that uses the modern headlight system and I cannot find an aftermarket high beam LED bulb that has more lumens than what I have now. There are plenty of companies claiming to improve brightness over the stock H9/H11, but they do not.

  • @indntr0183
    @indntr0183 Před 3 lety +164

    Them talking about the head lights:
    Me looking at the ambulance: 👁👄👁

  • @fast8800
    @fast8800 Před 3 lety +189

    Zach: Win this headlights.
    Donut.media: Limited to entries in the USA
    Me: Cries in european.

  • @LJ-fe8vb
    @LJ-fe8vb Před 3 lety +8

    100w «rally» bulbs, were known to melt reflectors.
    I have had really good experience with osram Nightbreaker bulbs :) They output alot more light than regular 60/55w bulbs :)
    Relay kit is a good upgrade on alot of older cars where the power runs through the stalk on the steering column as this causes a voltage drop when it gets to the bulb :)

    • @gloredon
      @gloredon Před rokem +3

      It can also cause a fire in the steering column if you're drawing more current through there than those little skinny wires can safely handle.

    • @zarmaanful
      @zarmaanful Před rokem

      Same, using plastic reflector with high wattage bulbs is a big no no.
      Even if you don't deform the reflector, it can get dull because of the heat.
      These high wattage bulbs should be used with metal reflectors.
      Using H4 LEDs is usually the best way to go with plastic reflectors, way higher light output per watt and much better spread.

  • @scattaification
    @scattaification Před 3 lety

    Hey, I just want to start off saying sorry because, I never knew I wasn't subbed to you guys; I swear I was but anyhow... I have been watching your videos for at least 2 years and I cant wait to watch more! I watch a lot of your videos and looking forward to more money pit and hi and low! cheers you guys!

  • @super_loopy
    @super_loopy Před 3 lety +76

    The way James says "Kentucky cobra" makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

  • @Serpentar9000
    @Serpentar9000 Před 3 lety +281

    Zach : "Lets install new aftermarket headlights"
    Meanwhile,somewhere in aftermarket shop:
    Turbo: *sad whine noises*

    • @rdrift5254
      @rdrift5254 Před 3 lety +14

      Noice comment but make it *sad sutututu noises*

    • @fastinradfordable
      @fastinradfordable Před 2 lety

      How much $ u think a shop makes swapping headlight bulbs

  • @lgkfamily
    @lgkfamily Před 3 lety +6

    I’m a retired mechanical engineer. Part of my career was spent designing motor vehicle lighting. The reason that you don’t touch the bulb on halogen lights is this:
    1) Halogen bulbs are made from a thick, very strong glass (borosilicate) that is under pressure.
    2) Your fingers leave behind oils that, when heated, penetrate the glass and weaken the glass (a weakening called “devitrification”). Since the bulb is under pressure, weakening the glass causes it to fail.
    I applaud Donut Media for swapping out halogen sealed beams for halogen replaceable bulbs instead of swapping in HID or LED. The way the human vision system perceives light is very complex. I can’t begin to go into it here, but human perception of brightness isn’t linear, which means that doubling watts does not translate into seeing twice as far. And the human perception of color is complex as well, for many technical reasons relating to both the physics of light and the biology of vision. AND I definitely want to applaud aligning the headlamps. I see so many poorly aligned headlights that I don’t think most people bother to do it.
    I’m all for putting more light down on the road, but watch out for low beam lights that throw too much light into the yes of oncoming traffic. Not blinding oncoming drivers is the reason you have low beams.

  • @PinkFloydFreak55
    @PinkFloydFreak55 Před 3 lety

    Loving this series- I know everything doesnt apply to every car (mine is an entire light assembly thats hundreds of dollars) but I like the scientific approach to finding real results.

  • @jonnybridin
    @jonnybridin Před 3 lety +55

    Paul Walker: "You should be working at M.I.T. or sumthin"
    Zach: "I've got that... A.M.H.D. Automotive Miata Halogen Disorder. Yes that sh!t."

  • @d0rito_nois3s
    @d0rito_nois3s Před 3 lety +219

    Me: Just replaced every single bulb on my miata with LEDs
    Zach: *laughs in halogen*

    • @michaelrefuerzo9186
      @michaelrefuerzo9186 Před 3 lety +10

      I think aftermarket LEDs are not legal in most states, so that's probably why he stuck to high wattage halogens.

    • @jg5001
      @jg5001 Před 3 lety +6

      @@michaelrefuerzo9186 I'm able to put the brightest LEDs on my car. Granted I do blind incoming people. 😅
      Edit: I'm also in California.

    • @chelarestelar
      @chelarestelar Před 3 lety +2

      @@michaelrefuerzo9186 as long as the lumens stay the same, I don't really see why would they be illegal, and sometimes it'd be better to increase them

    • @Krautastic
      @Krautastic Před 3 lety +13

      @@michaelrefuerzo9186 its not about legality. Halogens are just better in a lens built for a halogen bulb. The science is super complicated, but, LED's output light from a single source and then spread that in an arc, I think 120degrees. A halogen has a filament at the center and it burns with a certain intensity and the light trails off from that filament in a certain way. A halogen lens is specifically engineered to gather up all that light and project it forward. An LED placed into a halogen housing can get the light source close to a halogen, but then the pattern of light being projected on the lens is different. The brightest spot of the LED may not be in the brightest spot of the halogen filament and the tapering effect of the light is different too. You can get light scatter into areas of the lens it was never meant to have. This scattered light is why those lights are so much brighter to oncoming drivers. A *good* halogen bulb will outperform a *good* LED and will have the correct temperature and light spread out in front of you without odd hot spots or blinding oncoming drivers. Look up "Daniel Stern lighting HID." It explains it from the perspective of HID kits, but the principles still apply to LEDs.

    • @retarded_rider
      @retarded_rider Před 3 lety +1

      I get it dude, litterally me within 5 minutes with every car I get

  • @scrufhack3
    @scrufhack3 Před 2 lety

    I thank you. It is through this video that I learned and solved my lighting challenge.

  • @alexander4566
    @alexander4566 Před 3 lety

    First modification I did to my Miata was headlights I work at night and that was the best safety upgrade I did. I went with some Halo led headlights that are meant for a jeep(fit just the same) very bright and made my car look like it had eyes with the halos.

  • @DenisKrestsov
    @DenisKrestsov Před 3 lety +17

    I appreciate that Zach and I both agree that we want our Miatas to still look like they're from the 90s, just better

  • @CarsNVideoGames
    @CarsNVideoGames Před 3 lety +314

    How much money would you like to spending modding your old miata?
    Zach: Yes

    • @KasumiRINA
      @KasumiRINA Před 2 lety

      M-m-m-m-m-money pit! XD And to think that most are hardly best or cost-effective mods, tho replacing lights is one of best things they've done. I hope they actually return to Miata, repaint it and make it track ready and not like last few times.

  • @p3tr0s
    @p3tr0s Před 3 lety

    I have no idea how I came across this channel but you guys are awesome. Great content and very entertaining!!!

  • @Nick_60
    @Nick_60 Před 2 lety +1

    I work at HELLA and it always makes me so happy when I see some of our stuff used somewhere 😁
    Nice results 👌

  • @MrZotteltier
    @MrZotteltier Před 3 lety +388

    ROW: meters
    Muricans, doing everything not to use meters: 10 Miata lengths

    • @lachychops2
      @lachychops2 Před 3 lety +6

      Homie could've used an obscure SI unit to sate his american desires, the Lumen!

    • @dunhillsupramk3
      @dunhillsupramk3 Před 3 lety +6

      most car guys/gals and experienced drivers use car lengths as a unit of avg when driving...
      for example its suggested that you stay 300ft/90m (around 20 car lengths) from a semi truck but trying to avg that distance it sort of hard when you're driving BUT for some odd reason we can precisely avg that distance using car lengths as a unit of measure...

    • @dacam2067
      @dacam2067 Před 3 lety

      Metres*

    • @lachychops2
      @lachychops2 Před 3 lety

      @@dacam2067 depending on your region

    • @retarded_rider
      @retarded_rider Před 3 lety

      Ha! das ist lustig weil das imperiale system halt kacke ist haha

  • @silvanogonzalez9386
    @silvanogonzalez9386 Před 3 lety +32

    "Ill just keep some tools in the car in case I f*cked up" or whatever he is said, is probably the most car guy thing I've ever heard lol

    • @grantkendrick277
      @grantkendrick277 Před 3 lety +2

      I keep a common garage worth of tools in my trunk because I’m stubborn and don’t wanna pay for a tow truck. I also bought a truck specifically to tow broken cars though.

    • @silvanogonzalez9386
      @silvanogonzalez9386 Před 3 lety

      @@grantkendrick277My truck is the same way. I keep a floor jack, jack stands, impact and 2 sockets sets. Plus a bag of misellaneous tools like pliers, vise grips, and different screwdrivers.

  • @jo3hamilton
    @jo3hamilton Před 3 lety

    It’s really cool to see how far the Miata has come since the beginning! I can’t wait for the turbo!

  • @TruckinRob
    @TruckinRob Před 3 lety +1

    As a truck driver that drives a lot at night, I sincerely thank you for taking the extra time to properly aim your headlights! With all the LED/HID upgrades available on the market today, most people don't care, or know how to aim them down just a little. It's VERY annoying, and dangerous! Great! You can see everything buddy, but the truck weighing 80k+lbs coming right at you is absolutely blind. Lol. Take the time to aim your new bright ass lights people.
    Donut media rules! ✌😎

    • @alexandrecouture2462
      @alexandrecouture2462 Před 3 lety

      Yes and at least, you are sitting higher in a truck. In a car, it is even more annoying!

  • @redey1290
    @redey1290 Před 3 lety +33

    To put a video in short: YES. If you're driving a Miata, or anything with old school sealed beams really, invest in some good aftermarket headlights. It will be a night and day difference, whether you use LEDs or some modern incandescent bulbs.

    • @DarkestDawnZK
      @DarkestDawnZK Před 3 lety +2

      I’m still gonna watch the video

    • @dindinbre
      @dindinbre Před 3 lety +1

      I was seriously shocked when I found out in USA there were sealed beams with non changeable bulb. That is just plain stupid.

    • @IraqVet0608
      @IraqVet0608 Před 3 lety

      @@dindinbre only on really old stuff. Most 90’s cars switched to changeable bulbs

    • @MastinoNapoletano420
      @MastinoNapoletano420 Před 3 lety

      night and day difference, I see what you did there :)

    • @dindinbre
      @dindinbre Před 3 lety

      @@IraqVet0608 I looked for headlight casings for my Yugo and found US market ones with non changeable bulbs. I was surprised and thought it was just a Yugo thing, but I was wrong it seems. All cars here in Europe had changeable bulb casings

  • @travise830
    @travise830 Před 3 lety +25

    "I told him 'Bro I'm not leavin!'"
    lol

    • @travise830
      @travise830 Před 3 lety

      @@andrewlill9319 that guy got so lucky bro. Escaped with his life by a hair

  • @ami_87
    @ami_87 Před 3 lety

    Upgraded my Miata to a set of Wipac Crystals + Osram Nightbreakers this spring.
    Literally night and day. Must-have mod.

  • @coboltblue5303
    @coboltblue5303 Před 3 lety +2

    Looks like Topanga canyon, totally almost took my 95 off the side once that road is awesome.

    • @Red9419
      @Red9419 Před 3 lety +1

      I took my 96 up to Angeles Crest and got some air time. Hit a curb and went flying into a ditch at 60mph cause I panicked at the last second 😅

  • @emadarshad11
    @emadarshad11 Před 3 lety +8

    Honestly it's great that you're showing us these small things rather than going for turbo from the beginning. Things like this are what make a project stand out and I think these basic things will help the viewers a lot. Keep it up!!

  • @FabergeApple
    @FabergeApple Před 3 lety +9

    Really love this Money Pit series good work guys! Please note at 8:08, there is, molded onto the new headlights' plastic housing, a power rating for, I assume, recommended bulb usage. I have had experience with these higher power H4 bulbs and they CAN melt the ABS plastic headlight housing. I would suggest you inspect these headlights after ~1 month of use. Can't wait for the turbo build :D

  • @syamsulakmal1409
    @syamsulakmal1409 Před 3 lety

    i love this Miata series. Hello from Malaysia

  • @williamshaw3rd
    @williamshaw3rd Před 10 měsíci

    @13:03 that's on point having the window track hanging inches above the window frame

  • @CalmDroid
    @CalmDroid Před 3 lety +8

    Money Pit and HiLow are by far my absolute favorites, but the great part is pretty much every series on this channel is a banger.

  • @CrashedCarChannel
    @CrashedCarChannel Před 3 lety +533

    For you yes, for other drivers no :D

    • @luka_abh
      @luka_abh Před 3 lety +77

      You just gotta adjust them and that's it, plus there's so many people right now that have SUVs and Trucks you won't be blinding that many people

    • @enzoamaya5110
      @enzoamaya5110 Před 3 lety +4

      @carfreakify Yeah low AND almost not crossing what would be the middle of the road

    • @scrampker
      @scrampker Před 3 lety +7

      @carfreakify The problem is that these headlight housings are not projectors, so there's no clearly-defined cut-off line. You would need to aim these so low that they become worthless. I've wrangled with this predicament on older cars where I installed retrofit HID kits in the same fashion as what this video is showing. It just doesn't end well. What would have been really slick is if there was a 40-watt low-beam, and 100-watt high-beam. Best of both worlds, without blinding everyone else on the roadway.

    • @instantbeansoup
      @instantbeansoup Před 3 lety

      @@iwantsexseemyvideo890 bro u gud?

    • @dieseldabz7104
      @dieseldabz7104 Před 3 lety +1

      @@instantbeansoup you just replied to a spam bot😂

  • @metalbob3335
    @metalbob3335 Před 3 lety

    I enjoy this caveat of donut for the modifications of the Miata is more natural of a transition. More genuine than most, but most of us may never see the inside of a shop with a Dyno . It's on my bucket list .

  • @dragonballheroes7278
    @dragonballheroes7278 Před 3 lety

    This is the only channel i give a thumbs up before watching,its educational fun and entertaining ❤️

  • @lovrojakljevic8457
    @lovrojakljevic8457 Před 3 lety +166

    Im waiting every wednesday to see: "Is turbo kit worth it?" and you change the headlights😐

    • @jamesroberts9929
      @jamesroberts9929 Před 3 lety +6

      I feel the pain from this comment 😔

    • @karlokunstek0305
      @karlokunstek0305 Před 3 lety

      Istina

    • @angelgjr1999
      @angelgjr1999 Před 3 lety

      Lol they’re stretching it. The Miata is more than ready for a turbo.

    • @ArmchairCarcass
      @ArmchairCarcass Před 3 lety +1

      If I’m honest I prefer all the little daft bits as they’re the bits everyone fits to there car, obviously I’m really looking forward to the turbo but don’t want it to over shadow all these little bits

    • @rickoms225
      @rickoms225 Před 3 lety

      I think last week Zac said they’re waiting on parts delays

  • @kc510
    @kc510 Před 3 lety +96

    Share this with every pick up truck and jeep owner you know so they can adjust their lights after lifting and stop blinding me every morning!

    • @romanbernal9157
      @romanbernal9157 Před 3 lety +1

      Shit man sometimes you can't because the headlights and their housing are in a fixed position instead of being adjustable like on older trucks

    • @whiskeypete88
      @whiskeypete88 Před 3 lety

      Maybe I’ll drop my Jeep back down 3.5 inches 🤔

    • @kc510
      @kc510 Před 3 lety +2

      @@romanbernal9157 how old we talking? Only owned back to a ‘91 and they were adjustable.

    • @kc510
      @kc510 Před 3 lety +1

      @@whiskeypete88 nah man, I have one too but actually aimed the lights to not be a dick.

    • @whiskeypete88
      @whiskeypete88 Před 3 lety +1

      @@kc510 haven’t been high beamed in 9 months so I guess I got lucky on the aim

  • @evangelospatsourakis6694

    Lots of people like your show, and you set an example for many.
    If you find yourself driving fast, (even in the Miata) without being able to use the high beam, the brightness focused in front of the car, will not allow you to see further up the road.
    Not to mention the stripes of light escaping over the cross line of the light beam, as seen on the wall.
    Best to way to improve the lighting would be by fitting projectors, with any kind of high wattage or output bulbs, as they are designed to spread the light, (lower the density just in front of you) and make a clear a cut so you do not disturb incoming traffic.
    Please set the right example, lots of love from Europe, Greece!

  • @midnight_yota
    @midnight_yota Před 3 lety

    I was a bit skeptical when you mentioned using the halogen reflectors instead of actual projectors but you did take the time to aim them properly and I appreciate that.

  • @Seth-mu3wo
    @Seth-mu3wo Před 3 lety +4

    I'm so happy you guys cover real upgrades we'd actually do to our cars. I love the real issues you come across, and the assessment of the value added. This, along with hi-lo cars are my favorite. Keep up the good content.

  • @nathanielhathaway7670
    @nathanielhathaway7670 Před 3 lety +324

    "10 miatas ahead of me" Americans will do anything except use the metric system 😂

    • @RonnieBlum
      @RonnieBlum Před 3 lety +4

      Was looking for this comment!

    • @Ranjuw
      @Ranjuw Před 3 lety +13

      we got about 45 potatoes of length here

    • @paulinhofagundes12
      @paulinhofagundes12 Před 3 lety +1

      You're right! How stubborn can they be?
      But it worked great for the sake of everyone understanding the measures kkkkk

    • @tanguyars4792
      @tanguyars4792 Před 3 lety +1

      They even use imperial horsepower to look buffier !

    • @oliveperry2327
      @oliveperry2327 Před 3 lety +3

      Zach : "Lets install new aftermarket headlights"
      Meanwhile,somewhere in aftermarket shop:
      Turbo: sad whine noises

  • @dhag72
    @dhag72 Před 2 lety +1

    Ohhhh man. I hooked up a set of round lights like this in the front bumper of my 98 tercel, 90s subie style! They took 100w H1 bulbs, and were made by Blazer. They were bolted directly to the steel bumper support, and yes I had to cut the bumper. They were "Hella bright" lol. Could reflect off the big highway road signs long before I could ever have a chance of reading them! (Maybe with binoculars lol just a little bright rectangle off in the distance) Wired up basically a kit like this made myself, 40amp relay, 14g wiring, illuminated switch in the dash, all the bells and whistles to prevent fire
    The lil tercel was sprayed tremclad white, and had red Rally Armour style mudflaps made from red plastic crazy carpet (plastic kids snow sled from the dollar store), and the tow strap (crane rigging strap) hanging out the trunk shackled to the factory tow hook under the back.
    The little "Terstallion" was a 22b subie wannabe lol. During the Corona gas price drop, 6 bucks would get you half a tank from empty! That car was a last, and almost got a 3" lift and a 2.0L AWD swap from a 98 rav 4 before I had to sell it due to needing room for car seats if ya know what I mean 😉 😂

  • @feeterican
    @feeterican Před 3 lety +2

    The way I adjust my headlights is on a flat ground parking lot. Pull up to the back of a car and back up till there is about a car length or a bit more and adjust the top of the beam to the top of the bumper of the car in front of me. This way I know I'm not blinding anyone (LED headlight are bright AF and 8000 lumens will melt eyeballs in the rearview or on coming traffic). If you don't have a friend or family member you could go up to your local mechanic shop and ask if you can use the parking lot at night to adjust your lights and pull up to car leaving a car length or so to make the adjustments. I've had my lights for over a year now and not one person has flashed their brights at me.

  • @kimdabsmd
    @kimdabsmd Před 3 lety +181

    “You dont need headlights. Just git gud and you can drive without headlights” -Bunta Fujiwara

  • @DefaultDal
    @DefaultDal Před 3 lety +49

    Donut has mastered car media. I love this, Hi-low as well as zach, nolan, James, and the others! :^)

  • @brookvalliant7813
    @brookvalliant7813 Před 3 lety +2

    I've used the H4 conversion also and it's a phenomenal product.
    But one suggestion if I may, use non-sealed beams with removable bulbs rather than sealed beam. This way you can run virtually any light you wish.

    • @Vinn182
      @Vinn182 Před 2 lety

      What wiring harness did you use

  • @carrosdiecast3650
    @carrosdiecast3650 Před 3 lety

    Great video very informative!!

  • @hudge8570
    @hudge8570 Před 3 lety +22

    Is anyone else loving Zach and worried he will leave us one day like Bart? Am I the only one with abandonment issues 😂

    • @aarond4072
      @aarond4072 Před 3 lety +3

      You are not the only one.

    • @pogs_for_pogs1605
      @pogs_for_pogs1605 Před 3 lety +6

      nope you are not the only one and my fears are growing worse with no word on up 2 speed

    • @hudge8570
      @hudge8570 Před 3 lety

      @Rick Preston still hurts bruh

    • @pogs_for_pogs1605
      @pogs_for_pogs1605 Před 3 lety

      @Rick Preston it was something like that also i think science garage may have cost to much to produce

  • @CarlosJose-yw4mj
    @CarlosJose-yw4mj Před 3 lety +22

    I didn't expect to see Miata eye surgery today, but here we are.. lol

    • @giantpunda2911
      @giantpunda2911 Před 3 lety +2

      * twists screwdriver left * Is this one better * twist right * or this one better? A or B? Ok how about now? A or B?

  • @glenn9k
    @glenn9k Před 3 lety +20

    Idea for the future: Post the part numbers used in the description so we can check out the parts ourselves :)

  • @thebuda01
    @thebuda01 Před 3 lety

    Upgraded my 92 miata to LED headlights. It put out way more light, and didn't need to upgrade the wiring. As it's an older car I'm also glad they changing all the lights to LED reduced the battery drain in case I leave the lights on when I run into the store.

  • @ExtraFungus
    @ExtraFungus Před 3 lety +10

    This episode pushed it over the top, this is one of the best technical automotive CZcams shows. I personally would have chosen different types of lights but the details are important to get a brighter and a safe headlight, that's what's demonstrated here and that's what matters.

  • @Julandaz
    @Julandaz Před 3 lety +11

    I like how causally they had an ambulance on the driveway at the start of the video

  • @CRTPR
    @CRTPR Před 3 lety

    First upgrade to my 2002 Jeep Wrangler was new LED headlight. Worth it!

  • @JonIler
    @JonIler Před 3 lety +1

    This has quickly become my favorite Donut show

  • @jdm_nomu
    @jdm_nomu Před 3 lety +24

    "As my Miata keeps getting faster" [snickers a little]. Love this series though.

  • @davidsponaugle5131
    @davidsponaugle5131 Před 3 lety +6

    I'm always amazed how Zach can make something kinda boring so entertaining and informative 😂😂. Especially when you've done it before

  • @filip038
    @filip038 Před 3 lety +1

    On the new headlight is clearly written 55w and he is installing 80w bulb in hot climate, excellent advice. There is a huge difference in light power and color between H4 and H7 bulbs, so better to find H7 headlights, put some bulbs like Osram Nightbreaker or Philips Racing Vision... No need to install additional cables, only downside is that they last shorter than regular, but since his 80w will heat like crazy they will last the same.

  • @Mikey-ol2cw
    @Mikey-ol2cw Před 3 lety

    I love money pit, one of my favorite things to watch on CZcams

  • @thatsilverxj7874
    @thatsilverxj7874 Před 3 lety +24

    Magnetic force? More like buff air

  • @dukelorenzmorales2601
    @dukelorenzmorales2601 Před 3 lety +3

    Right on time man!! 💖 I also just upgraded to aftermarket headlights on my 1978 ke30 toyota corolla

  • @LocoRocoNL
    @LocoRocoNL Před 3 lety

    This is such an underrated mod, I like the lights I now have in the Miata, saved me on a Nurburgring road more than once already! :P

  • @n3rVex
    @n3rVex Před 3 lety

    Loved that you actually went through alignment. Although wish you explained why and how you can't put certain bulbs with certain housings. Overall good watch.

  • @cdscissor
    @cdscissor Před 3 lety +29

    Short answer: Of course.
    Long answer: Well you see, it depends.

    • @DuBstep115
      @DuBstep115 Před 3 lety +1

      Long answer: Well I decided to used halogens from 1950s instead of LED bulbs

  • @MichaelJasper920
    @MichaelJasper920 Před 3 lety +29

    You didn’t say “WATT do I mean?” and I feel it was a missed opportunity.

  • @erfanhanifezade8472
    @erfanhanifezade8472 Před rokem

    moneypit is the best donut media playlist, keep going zach

  • @dat_bouy
    @dat_bouy Před 3 lety

    Saw a miata at autox with an offroading light bar on the front and it helped him a lot after dark