Upgrade 996 lights

[Guest]

Does anyone know if its possible to put the newer model lights from a 2002 996 to a 1999?

Also, how about the turbo kit? I've seen several out there, does anyone recommend whether it would be better to buy a used 996 1999 with nothing and upgrade it myself or if it would be cheaper to buy one that already comes with the kit and the clear lights?

Anyone know where I can buy all of these accessories?????

Thanks as I'm in the market for my first used porsche.

 

[Guest]

They changed the shape of the lights when they did the facelift. This conincides with the power increase from 300 to 320.
The bottom edge is curved on the current ones, whereas a '99 car will have the flat bottom edge.

Aside from the bottom edge, the wing and bonnet are the same shape (I think).
So if you really wanted to do it, you would have to change the front bumper as well.

The cost would be most Porsche-like, i.e. not cheap.

 

[tim court]

Also, how about the turbo kit? I've seen several out there

Whaat??

The pre 99 lights with the orange bit at the bottom can be swapped with the same shape clear lens model.

The later facelift lights can be fitted but you will need to use a big hammer and a cold chisel.[]

 

[Guest]

Also, how about the turbo kit?

If you mean cars with the turbo front bumper (like my piccy to the left) and the same turbo rear bumper (with the slats to let the heat out), then these are specific to the C4S.
Whilst the front bumper might fit (not sure about this), the rear will not since the C4S is 60mm wider than a C2 or C4 (normal Carrera 2 or Carrera 4). The C4S is not a bodykitted C2 or C4, it is the turbo car without the turbos and intercooloers, so the shell is actually different.

I think the special 40th anniversary edition has the turbo front bumper, but has a special rear bumper that is deeper like the turbo one. This is specific to this limited edition model.

If you mean the rear wing, then there is a bodykit for the C4S that has the same fixed wing as the turbo, but again this is not officially available for C2 or C4.

The holes in the rear wings for the intercoolers on the turbo, only come on the turbo and GT2 models. Although people like Gemballa can add some for you, it will cost $$$$ and it is probably easier to buy a real turbo than modify a non-turbo.

 

[Guest]

Would anyone be able to recommend the best place to buy these kits and lights or even people that I may be able to ask to see if the newer bumpers will fit a 99 so that I could convert the lights?

Thanks again.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

http://www.essentialstyling.com/

Simon should be able to guide you.

 

[Guest]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again. Now I have to figure out how much it'll cost to have this stuff shipped to the US. :>) I live in Virginia

 

[Guest]

To replace the lights on an older 996 to the newer shape lights you will need new light units, new front wings & a new front bumper. In addition there are a fair few other bits and pieces needed that you cannot see.
I know this because I looked into it in some depth.
here in the UK Jasmine do a full front ebd conversion. They need the car for a week & total cost is around £2500 plus VAT from memory.
They told me a lot of people who have this done take the opportunity to replace the front bumper with a turbo bumper.

Julian.

 

[grant_goulding]

Isn't it perhaps a little egotisic to do that. I have seen it done but to be honest it is a lot of money for no gain in either resale or image because the real Porsche person will know it it isn't the later model. Personally I would perfer to save the money and buy the newer car sometime in the future - I mean I just love the look of that Glove box!
[]

 

[Guest]

I read somewhere that to upgrade an early 996 to clear lenses you don't have to replace the whole light unit, just the orange indicator insert with a clear/smoked insert. Is this right? Much cheaper if so.

Tim

 

[Grant]

I am probably flying in the face of "popular opinion" here but I only like the new tear drop shaped lights on the C4S & Turbo, I think they look too big & clumsy on the smaller front of the standard cars. I actually prefer the the sleeker pre-facelift front end, having said that l suppose the new look does further distance the 911 from the Boxter.
But each to their own, it's only money !!!
Incidentally tjphilips, no you can't just replace the front orange part, unfortunately it's a whole new unit or nowt !