Litronics same as HID bulb?

[meiwah98]

I have an '02 996 cab.

1) Is there a "cheapie" way of just getting a whiter light by changing the bulbs?

2) If I do have to a more complex retrofit, how do I find all the part numbers that I need to order AND does anyone know roughly how much this will cost?

Thanks!

[Patrick]

If you just want a whiter light, yes. There are a few brands of "super white" bulbs. Avoid particularly blue lights or "prism" lights that will make your car look ricey.

If you want the true effect of the xenon HID lights, the sharp cutoff and clean light, splurge for litronics. You won't regret it.

Litronics are available as a kit in the tequipment catalog. I think it cost about $1500.

Edited October 3, 2003 by Patrick

[meiwah98]

OK, I've decided to buy the kit. Is it an easy DIY, or should I take it to a dealer? Hard to adjust leveling?

[Tool Pants]

I have not seen a retrofit kit for a 2002 up 996 with the turbo style headlights, but I'm a Boxster guy so I do not have the latest 996 stuff. I did see a "kit" on ebay but it was just a collection of the parts and not an official kit.

Of course there is a kit for 1999-2001 with the old style headlights. Loren and I have put them in and it is easy if you have basic mechancial skills. Jeff

[Loren]

OK, I've decided to buy the kit.  Is it an easy DIY, or should I take it to a dealer?  Hard to adjust leveling?

Buy the kit from a Gert or a dealer. Jeff and or I will help you install them (and then we will know and document the details.).

[meiwah98]

sounds like a plan, thanks.

edward

[meiwah98]

Loren or Jeff:

Gert does not have a complete retrofit kit available for '02 996 xenon. He DOES have the xenon headlights for $800; but he says we need to change the wiring ourselves.

Since I am not mechanically inclined, I would leave it up to you and guys to determine if this job is too complicated (or not worth documenting). I will buy the xenon headlights if you guys think this project is worth doing without the retrofit kit available. Please let me know.

Edward

[Loren]

I recall a conversation I had with Gert and I think the 02 and newer upgrade lights have everything you need. It's just plug and play.

Of course self-leveling is still only available from the factory.

[meiwah98]

Actually, I wasn't thinking of self leveling headlights, I just meant the labor to adjust the levels when the new headlights go in.

I sent another email to Gert to confirm if it is indeed plug and play, which would be totally cool. If he doesn't know, how can we find out for sure?

Edward

[Patrick]

If Gert doesn't know? Come on. Gert knows evertything!

[xfifty]

Very nice site Loren, Thanks.

I have the same exact question. Need to replace my '00 Std. with Litronic kit, How hard is to so it youself and how long will it take?

Is it a weekend job?

Thanks.

[Loren]

If you want the low beams to rotate up with the high beams (normal operation for Litronics) then you will need to install the Litronic headlight kit (000 044 900 41) and the wiring harness (PNA 721 040 06). To install the wiring harness you will need to have a pin removal tool or splice into existing wires. It took me about 1 hour.

I have the TSB if you need it (it is overkill -- IMHO).

[Tool Pants]

We filmed the major points of the install on a 2000 Boxster and it is 42 minutes. The control unit that comes in the kit has just 3 wires to hook up, ground, power, and high beam. Then you route the wiring harness from the control unit to each head light. I hate electrical stuff but the install is easy if you have watched it once being done.

For those with a 2002 and newer I do not know why you cannot order the headlight, control unit, and wiring harness to make a 'kit' like there is for the older cars. I have asked Peter. Jeff

[xfifty]

Thanks for the info Loren. One more stupid question what's TSB

[Loren]

TSB is Technical Support Bulletin. Porsche issues these for install procedures, problem fixes, and other general information. Currently there are about 190 TSBs for the Carrera model, about 200 for Boxsters, about 95 for TT/GT2, about 6 for the new GT3, and about 36 for Cayenne.

[meiwah98]

Gert just emailed back, he doesn't know if the xenon headlights are plug and play, says worst case scenario (we) would have to "relocate" the wires. How difficult would that be?

[Loren]

Interesting... I had heard earlier that they were plug and play.

I'll keep checking...

[Stryke]

Guys,

I stayed out of this topic because I am in the automotive lighting business, both wholesale and retail, specifically Xenon and HID lighting. I didn't before and still don't want to self-promote here because I check the site for leisure as a Porsche owner myself. I am knowledgeable in lighting and do have some nice kits available. Again, please don't take it the wrong way as I do not want to promote here, simply help if I can. For that reason I am NOT providing our website but I will simply provide information regarding lighting if asked. :cheers:

[meiwah98]

Thanks Stryke, okay, I'll ask:

1) Is it possible to buy Xenon (or HID) headlamps for an '02 996 that is plug and play for sure? Something that I can buy and either myself or with Loren do an easy install? I am only interested in converting my stock lighting to something more "white."

2) If yes, please email me a suggested source :clapping:

[PorscheFan]

Hi:

I have some question about lights too.

1). I have heard that most of the aftermarket HID or Xenon bulb are overpowered. So it is very easy to melt housing.

2). If the Xenon or HID bulb is 55W (compatible with car spec), then it would not be white enough or bright enough, is it true?

Thanks

[Stryke]

I think you are confusing "xenon halogen bulbs" with real HID (High Intensity Discharge). The HID uses less power (35W) and therefore lower current creating less heat than halogen or xenon bulbs. You can read some good info on HID technology on our website. I am not posting this for promotional purposes, but merely for education. It's brief but to the point!

http://store.yahoo.net/hidfactory/hiasqu.html

Edited October 11, 2003 by Stryke

[PorscheFan]

Thank you Stryke:

So, if I use HID bulb, it is definitely safe. But if I use Xenon Halogen bulb, I'd better use 55W to avoid burning or melting. Is that right?

[Stryke]

It gets tricky with high output xenon bulbs. An 80W bulb at 12V will draw 6.66 amps of current compared to the 4.58 amps of a 55W bulbs at 12V. While it is an increase of 45% in current, you have a 10amp fuse in the car which means you will still only run at 66% capacity on the circuit. It is the amperage (current) that creates the heat, not the higher voltage. The problem is that the 45% increase in heat, may have a negative effect on SOME cars. If this happens and the harness behind the bulb base is damaged, it is typically a $4 item at auto part stores. On a Porsche, I would not recommend it though. We sell about 15,000 sets of xenon bulbs a month and 90% goes to "ricer boys" in Civics etc. I wouldn't put anything less than a true HID system in a Porsche, or step it up another notch and go for a factory litronics setup (that's what I have in my car).

Regards,

Gil