Which headlights do I have?

[bwillis]

So, I managed to import my 1998 Boxster 986 (2.5L) from the US to the UK - now I am in the process of making it street legal for the UK.

I have to have an SVA test that ensures that the imported vehicle is suitable for use in the UK.

One of the requirements of the test is that if I have gas discharge lights, that I install self levelling suspension/lights and headlight washers - I'm very much hoping that I do not have gas discharge, as doing all this will cost a packet!

How can I tell?

Thanks!

[Tool Pants]

Litronics was not an option until 1999. I guess someone could have done a retrofit. But if you have amber headlights then you do not have lits.

Don't you have to replace the headlights anyway with RHD headlights? One of the "left hooker" guys will have to tell you all the things necessary to meet UK requirements.

[stickshiftnz]

Headlamps will need to be compliant (low beam fluting on lens), the right side rear fog lamp will need to be activated and the left side disabled, and the side marker lamps may need to be modified to comply. I'm not sure if the UK allows constant-on front amber markers, or if it needs to be converted into a side repeat indicator (side turn signal).

[Popolou]

If anyone can help you, a great chap that goes by the name of Berty987 is the one you need speak to. You should be able to find him via a PM.

Pop

[berty987]

Since your car has come from the USA , you will not have a certificate of European conformity , stipulating it complies with European (including Uk) motoring requirements. Therefore you have two options.

1. Get a comission notice letter from Porsche Cars GB based in Reading - this will identify to the DVLA the differences between your car and a UK equivalent , and highlight the items that would need alteration. This costs about 25 pounds , and then you will need to get a registered garage (does not need to be Porsche) to modify and document the changes. Then you send off the proof of mods and the comission notice letter to the DVLA and they will either request a general inspection (not sva) or just send you through a notice of lisence plate reg no. Details are on the DVLA.gov.org website

2. Get the car through an SVA test - again not costly , but the SVA is only a test , they will not modify the car. This still needs to be done.

The daytime running lights may be able to be disabled by a Porsche agent or specialist , using the workshop tool. You will not be allowed to get through the SVA with beam benders on the lights , so if the standard headlights cannot be adjusted to prevent the beam pattern being directed to the right on dipped beam , you will need to change the complete light unit. These come up on e bay quite often so may not be as expensive as you may imagine.

The rear fog light needs to be present on the right hand side of the car , so you can either have 2 or swap over the wiring to the other side. Most cars have the wiring and bulb holders present , they just need to be connected up.

The final point that is not required for the SVA, but you should be aware of , the UK cars have a higher spec of alarm system than the USA and Europe , therefore you may need to fit additional security to get a decent insurance quote. I beleive there is a retro fit kit of the OEM porsche system available for the 986 , but you will need to check with a Uk porsche agent to see if it is compatable with your year of manufacture. Your speedo will already be in MPH , so that is one less item to worry about.

The emissions control is also probably stricter for the USA than europe , so again this should pass without issue.

Hope this helps.

[bwillis]

Since your car has come from the USA , you will not have a certificate of European conformity , stipulating it complies with European (including Uk) motoring requirements. Therefore you have two options.

1. Get a comission notice letter from Porsche Cars GB based in Reading - this will identify to the DVLA the differences between your car and a UK equivalent , and highlight the items that would need alteration. This costs about 25 pounds , and then you will need to get a registered garage (does not need to be Porsche) to modify and document the changes. Then you send off the proof of mods and the comission notice letter to the DVLA and they will either request a general inspection (not sva) or just send you through a notice of lisence plate reg no. Details are on the DVLA.gov.org website

2. Get the car through an SVA test - again not costly , but the SVA is only a test , they will not modify the car. This still needs to be done.

The daytime running lights may be able to be disabled by a Porsche agent or specialist , using the workshop tool. You will not be allowed to get through the SVA with beam benders on the lights , so if the standard headlights cannot be adjusted to prevent the beam pattern being directed to the right on dipped beam , you will need to change the complete light unit. These come up on e bay quite often so may not be as expensive as you may imagine.

The rear fog light needs to be present on the right hand side of the car , so you can either have 2 or swap over the wiring to the other side. Most cars have the wiring and bulb holders present , they just need to be connected up.

The final point that is not required for the SVA, but you should be aware of , the UK cars have a higher spec of alarm system than the USA and Europe , therefore you may need to fit additional security to get a decent insurance quote. I beleive there is a retro fit kit of the OEM porsche system available for the 986 , but you will need to check with a Uk porsche agent to see if it is compatable with your year of manufacture. Your speedo will already be in MPH , so that is one less item to worry about.

The emissions control is also probably stricter for the USA than europe , so again this should pass without issue.

Hope this helps.

Thanks guys - I have a VOSA (SVA) center near me, so I think I'll go that route.

I already switched the headlights over to UK headlights I found on ebay.co.uk for 50 pounds (good deal I thought), and would like to run a wire from the left rear fog to the right one - I've looked at Toolpants photo on this, but can't see exactly where the wires are attached - any pointers for an electrical dummy such as myself would be appreciated i.e. should I solder this? where to? what gauge wire to use? etc etc

But back to my original question, as I bought the new lights on eBay I don't know from what year vehicle they originated, and wondered if there was some test, or marking I should look for to determine whether they are gas discharge or not?

Thanks again!

Bob

[berty987]

If you open up the rear cover of the lights you can soon tell. Gas discharge lights (litronics) will have a large silver box in the rear cover of the hadlight housing with some warning signs about high voltage etc. The headlight bulb looks totally different to a standard H4.