Ok, I'm looking to replace my parking lights (tubes closest to Mazda symbol), Front/Rear turn signals, and maplights with LEDs. Off of www.autolumination.com, here's what I've selected:

4-LED 194 for parking lights (tubes). Will they fit in there? 1-LED 194 is my back up.

1-LED Inverted beam Amber for Turn Signals. Will these be bright enough?

1-LED Opaque Red for Passenger Map Light for SCCA Winter Rallys. My navigator normally uses a red flashlight to see the directions, since the red doesn't bother my eyes.

I want to check with the experts (you guys!) before I put in my order. I'm looking for your experiences to tell me what to do here. Suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

 

What is the advantage of LED's over bulbs. I know they last longer, but bulbs still last a pretty long time and cost about 1/3 of the amount.

 

4 - LED 194s fit everywhere but the map lights. As for the 1 - LED turn signals...are you referring to the front side marker lights? They do not blink in the USA Spec RX-8. The amber 4 - LED 194s fit there just fine, though. The turn signals are actually 7440s and if you get them, you need to buy the load equalizers because they will blink fast without them. I don't think the red 194 will be bright enough for the map lights as the amount of light will be very marginal. If you want a light that is very soft and dim, get the 194 silver lamps, the light is very minimal though it is white.

Why LEDs? There is little advantage of LEDs over the incadescent lamps beside longer life. They just look nice. However, there is one advantage for using them in the stop/tail lights...LEDs are instantaneous when they light, there is no filament to have to burn to full brightness as in an incadescent lamp. This is only a minute moment but is still an advantage if you are arguing about this to the Nth degree. :D Also, they take the color out of the lens, so to speak, when they are off and look nicer on a clear tail light lens and head lamp lens style car.