upgrading headlamps

[jtparr]

as winter is approaching, the occassions for being blinded by the brighter lights of oncoming traffic are more common

what can I do about this

I know Xenon lights are possible but at too great a cost for me

how can I upgrade what I have

any help welcomed

thanks

jonathan

 

[bones]

The most cost effective and a good performance gain to boot is to fit relays. This alone will make sure the bulbs have a better chance of seeing 12 volts, which I doubt they do now. Peter 915 will probably describe his own system but the one I have fitted is available from the U.S. for about £25.00 all in including instructions. See here.
http://members.rennlist.com/msucro1/relaykit.htm

 

[AirCooledExcellence]

Hi Jonathan,

Step number 1 - Install one of these:

http://members.rennlist.com/msucro1/relaykit.htm

Step number 2 - Install higher wattage bulbs (possibly 80/100s)

Haven't done this in my car yet, but is on my project list for this winter!

Cheers,

Tim.

 

[AirCooledExcellence]

dammit Bones your too fast for me!

 

[bones]

Ah but I forget to mention, then try the bulbs of choice for even more of an improvement but you did that. Just one word of caution about high wattage bulbs is that I have read the headlamp bowls coating may peel off if you go to high!

 

[jtparr]

bones, tim

have just ordered one from marcus sucro, $30 total, will let you know how I get on

I really want to up the power of the dimed lights, is there are particular type of upgraded lamp I should opt for ?

thanks
Jonathan

 

[bones]

Installation is a doddle. I will eventually refit some Osram bulds I have had lying around for a while. I think recieved opinion is don't exceed 80 watts or you will burn the coating of the reflector off.

 

[jtparr]

bones
sorry to labour the point but is that 80w for the dipped version and if so can I then go even higher for the main beam, or is it 80 watts for the main beam as the absolute maximum
thanks
Jonathan

 

[bones]

That's main beam Johnathan. I imagine with the latest 55/60 watt bulbs and the relay kit you will get a substantial improvement.

 

[jtparr]

was about to start the upgrade over the weekend, noticed that the reflector coating on one of the headlamps is much worse tha the other, must have had one replaced in the past

Do I have to buy a complete £70 quids worth for a complete headlamp or can I buy just the reflector, or even get them re-chromed ??

thanks
jonathan

 

[bones]

Don't know about rechroming Jonathan as I have a similar slight bubbling on a 1'2" area of one of my headlight reflectors. You can buy the outer lense and the inner bowl seperately, I saw them advertised somewhere recently. Have a look through PP or try
http://www.type-911.co.uk/
http://www.partsforporsche.co.uk/osc/
I took mine apart recently and cleaned the inside of the lense, this combined with new Osram high-performance 'cool blue' Bilux 55/60 watt bulbs and the relays has transformed the headlights.

 

[Guest]

There is always the potential problem of legality when it comes to 'superbright' bulbs, like 80/100 watts. Off road/track, but watch out on the public roads; they are likely to dazzle other drivers rather too much.

MOT ?

I use normal xenon H4 bulbs (Halfords/Osram/Phillips etc.), and they are a fair bit brighter already - might investigate the relay option, though - and they give a much whiter light.

 

[bones]

Yeh agree John that's why I stayed with 55/60 dazzling people is stupidity. I think the relay mod is a worthwhile safety precaution for older wiring and the switch gear, as a plus the fact that you can pretty much guarantee 12v at the bulbs with them fitted ensures more power - ergo brighter lights.

 

[jtparr]

bones

thanks

have tried partsforporsche, they say no can do as seperate items, am waiting for type-911 to reply

will let you know

jonathan

 

[bones]

I thought I saw them advertised on Bert gear's site - Partsforporsche - if you don't get lucky ring round the breakers, they are out there cheap somewhere.

 

[jtparr]

I think I will have to do that as type-911 have also said no to seperate bitds too, but after a less than acurately described late 3.2 Carera reflector arrived (type with integral fog lamps that i am going to replace over christmas time i hope) from a well known breaker I am in 2 minds about breakers

 

[bones]

Who was the breaker. I've had success with, Porsch-apart and Pro-9, I've used all the usual suspects but those two stand out as being particularly good. Always give a part no. if you can.

 

[Guest]

Jtparr,
Read -> http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=40743&mpage=1&key=light&#41005
Easy,
see ya,

 

[jtparr]

it wasn't one of them, as it happens, porsche apart have been very good so far, with my other stuff as it so happens, I'll give them a call next week and see what turns up

thanks
jonathan

 

[jtparr]

all

finally got around to fitting the relay kit from rennlist, easy to do and it DOES make a noticable difference, which was heartning

one small tip when wiring the thing up, make sure you feed the wires into the side/back of the fuse box from the same side (right) as the general wiring, that way the lid on the fuse box still fits without modification

no luck with second hand reflectors, but with the new improved wiring it may not be needed

jonathan