S2 headlights..??

[Big Dave]

Im on the hunt for some new headlights for my S2..
The ones that are on now are c++p....They must be the original ones....
Anyone know of an upgrade or where i can get a pair for the right money.????

 

[Guest]

i got mine from francis tuthill. i don't think there's a website, but he certainly has a phone! []

he was most definately the cheapest when i was looking, but i didn't know about berlyn services back then......

As for being originals, i guess the only way they would be c**p is that they are now pitted beyond help! usually the lenses are pretty good!

 

[John Sims]

This is where, in the past, we would all dive in and recommend the IceShark kit. Unfortunately, Mr Shark is no longer with us.

The main thrust of Dan's upgrade was to reduce voltage loss on the headlamp feeds. Apparently, a small drop in voltage equates to a large drop in wattage. Dan's solution was to change the voltage regulator on the alternator and then run direct feed lines from the alternator to the headlamps using the original headlamp feeds as switch lines. This also had the advantage of being able to run higher wattage headlamp bulbs (not that anyone would, of course).

So, taking the above on board, ensuring your headlamps have could clean connections will make a big difference to their out put.

Nice new lenses also help a great deal as old lenses tend to have an interesting pebble dashed texture to their faces. which is great for making the headlamps glow, but not best for projecting the light forward. Swapping lenses also means that you address the contacts, so it is a win win situation.

When swapping the lamps I would recommend getting a pair of new mounting rings. It is unlikely that you will need the rings themselves (and they are a sod to change 'cos you need a special tool to remove the leveller motor) but you can salvage the posts and fixings off them.

 

[Guest]

I just stuck a pair of 100/80W bulbs in mine to replace the 65/50s.

They're a lot better. Only cost a few quid each, and take minutes to change.

 

[Fen]

Right up to the point the wiring melts... That's not from experience because I actually don't find the 944 lights too bad, even with the driving lamps removed, but I think it's basically what Dan said about going that route and he was, as John said, the guru of 944 lighting.

 

[Guest]

the wires'll be fine. just watch for smoking around the light switch. 100W going though a little brass contact, heating plastic & foam. Mmmmmmm.

 

[John Sims]

ORIGINAL: pikey7

the wires'll be fine. just watch for smoking around the light switch. 100W going though a little brass contact, heating plastic & foam. Mmmmmmm.

I haven't checked the wiring diagram, or the relays, but would assume the headlamps are switched via a relay not directly through the switch on the dashboard.

Dan was well respected, internationally, for his headlamp upgrade. Considering the gauge of wire he employed to support uprated bulbs I would be very concerned running higher wattage through the original loom.

 

[Guest]

I have checked John. I actually did my own wiring harness similar to Dans as he was doing his. Mine runs off the battery post though rather than the alternator. (I'd changed it before and couldn't bear the hassle of getting to the back of it again!)

I can confirm that there is no relay in the 944 headlight system. That's the number one reason that Dan did his kit. Number two was that the wiring is 15 years old, and has become brittle, and consequently internally will start to fray.

 

[Big Dave]

Fen
When you removed your driving/fog /side lamps. How do you now go on with the MOT.. Dont you have to have sidelights for a MOT.???

 

[Fen]

I have clear lenses in my indicators and moved the sidelight bulbs into the outside ends of them.

 

[Fen]

See post 53 and 54 here http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=69256&mpage=3&key=clear&#120262

 

[Andy Duncan]

Dave,

I have a pair off a 90 Turbo that you can have, I'm in a seasonal mood, name your price!!
talk to you tomorrow.
andy

 

[Guest]

I've used them in several cars over the years, and not had a problem.

If TVR Cerbera wiring can handle a little bit more current, I'm sure that Porsche can []

 

[Guest]

James, I use 'em too (off road of course officer), and they need relays in our cars. the switches just can't take it! the 944 is the only car i've ever come across (built after 1980) that doesn't use relays in the headlamp circuit. I guess even TVR's fit them!