Improving 993 headlights
- Thread starter z2015
- Start date
scaramanga
Member
in a word ?....
....HIDs HIDs HIDs !!! [
]
Retro-fit an HID kit, will make the old headlights look like candles... very easy to install in the 993, probably one of the best mods to do.
If you pick the right kit, the process is completely reversible too.
....HIDs HIDs HIDs !!! [
]Retro-fit an HID kit, will make the old headlights look like candles... very easy to install in the 993, probably one of the best mods to do.
If you pick the right kit, the process is completely reversible too.
think the Hids only work on the dip beam , you still need to upgrade the main beam (not expensive) I have litronics so do not know aftremarket hid price , but I seem to remember them being about 600 quid ?? It used to be illegal to use discharge lamps as main beam , but not sure now , plus I am sure there are some suppliers who have got around this problem ?
My Litronics and upgraded main beam lamps and indeed fogs , are brilliant!!
My Litronics and upgraded main beam lamps and indeed fogs , are brilliant!!
Around £125 from Alan at aceparts.com which is where I got mine.
They're a bit fiddly to install, you have to cut a few wires, but well worth the effort. I'd allow 2 hours if your a numpty like me and have to triple check everything first.
It can be reversed if required, just requires a bit more fiddling.
They're a bit fiddly to install, you have to cut a few wires, but well worth the effort. I'd allow 2 hours if your a numpty like me and have to triple check everything first.
It can be reversed if required, just requires a bit more fiddling.
richbrowne
New member
Hi,
I am taking ownership of my second porsche in a couple of weeks, a 911 993 C2S (first was a new Boxster S) and I am interested in the HID upgrade. Does anyone know what the various HID options are and which of the kits is the best regarding quality and the least invasive please?
Thanks.
I am taking ownership of my second porsche in a couple of weeks, a 911 993 C2S (first was a new Boxster S) and I am interested in the HID upgrade. Does anyone know what the various HID options are and which of the kits is the best regarding quality and the least invasive please?
Thanks.
ubertub
New member
Have I missed something?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-XENON-CONVERSION-KIT-H1-H4-H7-H11-9005-9006-9007_W0QQitemZ260196082291QQihZ016QQcategoryZ72235QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
except the postage!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HID-XENON-CONVERSION-KIT-H1-H4-H7-H11-9005-9006-9007_W0QQitemZ260196082291QQihZ016QQcategoryZ72235QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
except the postage!
Yep , you have , the units being discussed are the aftermarket version of the litronic unit that Porsche fit as an option on the 993 and others , it is an expensive , but in my opinion an excellent product . We read that the aftermarket versions are also pretty good . The units you are looking at through your link are just bulbs , which are an improvement but only 15-25% better than the standard bulb . The litronics or aftermarket version , are supposed to be 150% better , you will however need to uprate the main beam also , so you can use your Ebay units there . For info just a replacement litronic bulb (discounted) is about £90 , the good news is they don't go (or rarely)
oliverjamesthomas
New member
Basically, no. That's the type of kit I put in my 993 and I'm also installing the dual beam version in my 3.2. Nothing wrong with it at all and it's a lot cheaper than the other options. The ballasts can be hidden behind the headlamps and fitting is really straight forward.
I have just finished fitting the new style slim ballast units to my 993 c2 - you can fit these without having to go into the boot
The drivers side will velcro onto the back of the head light unit and slip into place with very few issues
On the passanger side this will not work as there is not enough space with the ac pipes so I have left the ballast unit loose and slotted it between the pipes at the back
I took my time with the first one - took me about 30 mins the second one took 10 mins...
I have also replaced all other bulbs on the front main beam, fog and driving light to bulbs. Can't wait for it to get dark as it looks great...
Very happy with the product from Ace
The drivers side will velcro onto the back of the head light unit and slip into place with very few issues
On the passanger side this will not work as there is not enough space with the ac pipes so I have left the ballast unit loose and slotted it between the pipes at the back
I took my time with the first one - took me about 30 mins the second one took 10 mins...
I have also replaced all other bulbs on the front main beam, fog and driving light to bulbs. Can't wait for it to get dark as it looks great...
Very happy with the product from Ace
I phoned 3 Porsche main dealers to ask their advice on poor headlights.
The most helpful recommendation was the Halfords Super Brilliance; at present £30 for four.
I am sure the HID route produces a brighter light but Halfords product gives a noticeable improvement.
Thanks again,
Tony
The most helpful recommendation was the Halfords Super Brilliance; at present £30 for four.
I am sure the HID route produces a brighter light but Halfords product gives a noticeable improvement.
Thanks again,
Tony
richbrowne
New member
Hi nbl993,
Thanks for posting the details of your experience fitting the HID upgrade. Did you have to cut any cables to connect the ballast units etc or did you manage to use the existing wireloom connections? Any chance that you could scan the instructions and post them here please?
Thanks again.
Hi,
With the kit I got from Ace there was no need to cut any cables. There is a very good description of how to fit these in the Technical area of the forum along with the picture attached to this thread which confirmed what were the corresponding wires to the red & black in the kit supplied.
These came with the correct connectors and only had to be pluged in.
There were no fitting instructions included in the pack and I personally would have found it difficult to understand / fit without the support of what has been posted on the forum...
What I really like about it there in no material damage to the car (apart from the 22mm hole drilled into the cover of the headlight unit) which can be replaced.
I hope this helps...
Neil
With the kit I got from Ace there was no need to cut any cables. There is a very good description of how to fit these in the Technical area of the forum along with the picture attached to this thread which confirmed what were the corresponding wires to the red & black in the kit supplied.
These came with the correct connectors and only had to be pluged in.
There were no fitting instructions included in the pack and I personally would have found it difficult to understand / fit without the support of what has been posted on the forum...
What I really like about it there in no material damage to the car (apart from the 22mm hole drilled into the cover of the headlight unit) which can be replaced.
I hope this helps...
Neil
richbrowne
New member
Hi Neil,
Thanks for the information. Did the actual new bulb units fit into the same OEM Porsche holders? Can you provide a link to the post in the Technical section of this forum that details how to fit them please? I cannot find them.
Thanks,
Richard.
Richard, if you are still looking for the Technical Article it is:
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=174807
I used the kit from HIDS4U and in their case, yes, the bulb fitted directly in the OEM Porsche bulb holder with no filing out or drilling (sounds like a bit of filing is required for the ones from Ace).
My own personal experience (which I know is different from others on here) was that Ace were not very responsive (and initally sent a wrong bulb) - but that was for a side light order.
Mark
richbrowne
New member
Thanks Mark. I cannot see the technical article due to lack of access rights. I guess this is because I am currently not a PCGB member (used to be when I had my previous porsche). I intend to become a member in the next few weeks, after I have taken posession of the car that I have now agreed to purchase. Is there any other way of reviewing this article prior to me becoming a member please? I am thinking of sorting out the HID kit ready for when the car arrives.
Also, what is the general perception of the two kits provided by ACEParts and HIDS4U; which is better and less intrusive to fit? For example, it would seem that the ACE kit does not impact on the cars wiring loom but may require some fileing to fit the bulb units. Is this the same for the kit provided by HIDS4U? Which kit do the PCGB members prefer?
Thanks.
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