HID Headlights?

[vincematthews]

Has anyone tried fitting HIDs to the headlights to replace the H4s?
It looks like you could get the ballast unit and wiring to fit inside the headlight pod which would be neat.

 

[tartan_rob]

I tried this. They fit fine but on side ligets the volathe applied is too low and brought strange effects (flashing lights etc). I suppose a relay could be wired to overcome this but I could not be arsed with the hassle.

 

[944 man]

Cree LED H4 bulbs will be better. More light output (>3,000LM per bulb!) and more accurate light source placing so little danger of glare. You do need to ensure that you buy bulbs which don't have excessively large fans on their backs, and remember that you're looking for bulbs with two large Cree emitters, not 30+ little LEDs on!

Useful PH thread: [link=http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1455474&mid=0&nmt=LED+Headlights]http://www.pistonheads.co...amp;nmt=LED+Headlights[/link]

 

[944Scott]

I have them fitted with the ballast strapped to the frame of the head light pod. For what it costs to buy a hid kit these days (hardly anymore than a pair of uprated bulbs) they represent excellent value and a real improvement over even the Osram nightbreakers I was using before. If buying a set look for units that have a shroud around the bulb as it helps to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers and so far I have had no complaints from oncoming traffic.

 

[vincematthews]

I have them fitted with the ballast strapped to the frame of the head light pod. For what it costs to buy a hid kit these days (hardly anymore than a pair of uprated bulbs) they represent excellent value and a real improvement over even the Osram nightbreakers I was using before. If buying a set look for units that have a shroud around the bulb as it helps to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers and so far I have had no complaints from oncoming traffic.

Yes, I thought it ought to fit ok - where did you get your kit from? Any issues at MOT time?

Cree LED H4 bulbs will be better. More light output (>3,000LM per bulb!) and more accurate light source placing so little danger of glare. You do need to ensure that you buy bulbs which don't have excessively large fans on their backs, and remember that you're looking for bulbs with two large Cree emitters, not 30+ little LEDs on!

Useful PH thread: [link=http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1455474&mid=0&nmt=LED+Headlights]http://www.pistonheads.co...amp;nmt=LED+Headlights[/link]

Thanks for that - a lot of useful info on that PH thread though 'Chimp on Gas' never seems to get to the end of the project . . . []

While I'm doing the thinking, I thought I'd go back to basics with the headlight units themselves and also check voltages. So far I've bought a pair of genuine Hella units inc frames (£68 pair) which is less than half the price from an OPC. They're for a Mk1 Golf and the only difference is they have a sidelight hole which I'll have to blank. Just to look at, you can see a big difference - see photo:

The reflector is not manky and the glass hasn't been sandblasted by years of road grit & dust.

 

[zcacogp]

Vince,

I understand that headlights for early 944's were indeed the same as for Mk1 Golfs but later ones had different mounting lugs around the edge so are not easily interchangeable.

Oli.

 

[vincematthews]

Vince,

I understand that headlights for early 944's were indeed the same as for Mk1 Golfs but later ones had different mounting lugs around the edge so are not easily interchangeable.

Oli.

Yes Oli, just finding that out - modifications to mounting frames in progress with angle grinder - should wake up the neighbours[]

Good news is I'm getting 13+ volts on all headlight cables (except earth!) so, fingers crossed, no re-wiring necessary . . .

Also lights now much brighter and not so much light scatter as with old units plus nice sharp cut-offs on low beam - so - I might run around like this for a while before going for HIDs or LEDs.

 

[wolfie308]

Any photos of the procedure?.......would make another useful topic for the 944 FAQ section. Will the headlight adjustment still work after this mod?

 

[944 man]

Angle grinder does sound a little ghetto! Carefully adapting the frames using a Dremel from my master drawing would sound better.

I be interested to see how a late frame can be adapted to take an early type lamp. If Porsche lamps were only £68 more then Id opt for those, presuming that Porsche quoted for the correct fitment. With regards to the Golf Mk1 lamps being £68 - how much?!? They used to cost a tenner a pair from ECP.

 

[vincematthews]

Any photos of the procedure?.......would make another useful topic for the 944 FAQ section. Will the headlight adjustment still work after this mod?

See photo for material that has to be removed. Of course it will work - have faith bro

I be interested to see how a late frame can be adapted to take an early type lamp. If Porsche lamps were only £68 more then Id opt for those, presuming that Porsche quoted for the correct fitment. With regards to the Golf Mk1 lamps being £68 - how much?!? They used to cost a tenner a pair from ECP.

I only have the early type 477-941-773. Pair of Porsche lights £164 per pair vs VW lights at £68 per pair and lots of harmless fun!!

 

[vincematthews]

Just to round off this little project. Everything back together and road tested. Bulbs were 2 year old Nightbreakers.

Verdict:

Dipped beam has sharper cut-offs, less peripheral scatter and is better against on-coming traffic.

Full beam lights up the whole road nicely - probably don't need any brighter bulbs.

Neither setting was tried in the rain.

Was it worth the time and effort to save £96?

Well, yes and no. Fitting new headlight units gets a massive thumbs up, whether you fit VW or Porsche - do it! []

The hassle factor is not for everyone - I had to grind much more off the Golf Mk1 back plates than I originally thought I would have to to get them to fit beneath the 'lid' of the headlight pod. If you reused the Porsche back plates from the old units that would probably be the best compromise (it didn't look as though you could easily undo the plastic fitting without damage though).

For the future though, when Porsche discontinue the part, I would imagine the VW unit will be the only one available.

p.s. I need to investigate the rubber buffer on the rear extension to the headlight and it's role in beam positioning. Mine are missing.