headlights

[totsnap]

Hi Guys
Just wondered if anyone has upgraded their headlights from the standard candle power stock units- as we all know these are little if no better to those used in a VW beetle - our 1972 beetle is as good headlight wise as our carrera.
A few years ago I purchased uprated 'whiter' lamps from osram at the PCGB Eynsham festival. Without doubt they are brighter and have greater penetration but alas they are still left wanting on unlit country B roads at night. I think this esp noticeable after driving a modern car home and then heading out in the 911 to my regional meet which takes me pretty much all the way on unlit roads (inc a dual carriageway and lots of twisty b roads - great in the summer...)
I have been pointed to this website
http://www.hids4u.co.uk/h4-bi-xenon-55w-pro-max-hid-xenon-conversion-kit-pr-71.html
Link is straight to Carrera units, they seem reasonable in price so long as they make a difference! Any tips pointers etc would be greatly appreciated. Esp if anyone has personal experience of an upgrade that is effective. I know of an owner who had a full Xenon kit fitted at a cost of over £1000! He seemed v pleased but the price put me off somewhat compared to the above link.
Thanks guys - look forward to your comments

Cheers

Adam

 

[Chris_911]

Have you installed additional relays in the headlight circuit?

I find this mod combined with the Philips extreme bulbs turns the headlights from absolutely marginal to pretty good.

 

[totsnap]

Hi Chris
No when I purchased the 'uprated' bulbs from Eynsham the guy said that a relay mod was not needed.... however I can see that the new bulbs have improved the light penetartion - but not enough.
Do you have details of what is req'd - or what you did?
Thanks

Adam

 

[totsnap]

Thanks Aldo for the useful link - I have read through the thread and the other links from it - however Im still a bit cautious over what is the best route - if you get round to upgrading your lights to HID please email or post any thoughts tips concerns etc.
My main concern is that fitting a HID kit could be an overload for such an old wiring loom that was not deignjed when new to take the kind of loads that a HID kit may impose (however Im no sparky) - and would appreciate any tips from anyone with more knowledge/experience.
Cheers

Adam

 

[Mark Elder]

Adam,
I fitted HIDs to my 993 from HIDS4U and the technical chap there is very helpful - I recommend you give him a ring because I'm fairly sure HIDs actually use less current, not more, and I'm sure he would be able to give you the exact details.

Can't remember his name, but he drives a 911 himself and it's quite a small firm.

 

[911SSC]

Hi

HIDS4U all the way , one of the best mods i have made on the car.

You WILL be amazed.

Ian

 

[Chris_911]

The relay mod (links provided by Aldo) will give a much greater improvement than the 'uprated' bulbs. With the two together I really can't see the point of HIDs.

 

[totsnap]

Cheers guys - I figure I will add the relay mod and see how good they go and if not HID's it will be!
Thanks for all the tips and info!

Adam

 

[Pete917]

I did a relay upgrade (I used OEM relays), I also fitted brighter Philips bulbs (same wattage) as well as LED replacement sidelight bulbs.

Its not as bright as HID, but im really pleased with the results.