Headlight upgrade options
#1
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't drive the 964 much at night, but I picked up my daughter from school a couple weeks ago, and holy smokes the stock H5s are terrible. Somehow even more so than those on my '87 G-body. Then I bumped into an old friend with 9eleven's lights on his cars and it got me thinking...
What are the options for upgrading from the stock H5s?
H4s & H4s with 100x bulbs
Rennline/Flat 6 (same product, no?)
John Audette
9eleven
Pros and cons of each. I've done a search, but most posts on this topic seem to be from 2-4 years back, and there were no direct customer comparisons between the products.
The Rennline/Flat 6/Audette options seem to be around $1000 each. But then the 9eleven products are double that (or more).
Advice? Opinions? Feedback from personal use?
What are the options for upgrading from the stock H5s?
H4s & H4s with 100x bulbs
Rennline/Flat 6 (same product, no?)
John Audette
9eleven
Pros and cons of each. I've done a search, but most posts on this topic seem to be from 2-4 years back, and there were no direct customer comparisons between the products.
The Rennline/Flat 6/Audette options seem to be around $1000 each. But then the 9eleven products are double that (or more).
Advice? Opinions? Feedback from personal use?
#4
#5
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have the Audette lights (JW Speaker) and they are "ok"
I would loooooooove to see a picture of the light pattern from the Rennline lights. I want to see if they have a clear cutoff line, like modern OEM LED lights
I would loooooooove to see a picture of the light pattern from the Rennline lights. I want to see if they have a clear cutoff line, like modern OEM LED lights
#6
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/9b0a73d9_cc86_40da_b634_02c5244e350d_a72af8415aee9ed9dbb8865e3188788b1a7bd00b.jpeg)
There are always H4's with relays
The following users liked this post:
540964 (12-03-2021)
#7
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If your budget is a bit tight:
H4 headlight rings
Beetle (or 356) headlight buckets
Lens of choice
H4 lens gasket (higher quality than the Beetle pieces)
7” sealed-beam drop-in replacement (wide range of options)
I chose that route and it’s a massive improvement over the H5s. I will eventually do another upgrade to the LED units and lenses after the car is back on the road.
H4 headlight rings
Beetle (or 356) headlight buckets
Lens of choice
H4 lens gasket (higher quality than the Beetle pieces)
7” sealed-beam drop-in replacement (wide range of options)
I chose that route and it’s a massive improvement over the H5s. I will eventually do another upgrade to the LED units and lenses after the car is back on the road.
The following users liked this post:
J richard (11-23-2021)
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think the Flat6 and Rennline lights are one in the same, correct? Scroll down the link and there are pics at the end.
#9
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Flat6 Illumination BI-LED Lights Installed - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
I think the Flat6 and Rennline lights are one in the same, correct? Scroll down the link and there are pics at the end.
I think the Flat6 and Rennline lights are one in the same, correct? Scroll down the link and there are pics at the end.
This PCA video shows light patterns for the Flat6, Audette and 9Eleven although the perspective could be clearer:
I'm mulling over the options as well. Sells like the Flat6 are the most Singer-like (chromed buckets with a single projector...for me not necessarily a positive) but leaning toward the 9Eleven Raven for their updated take on the fluted lens and the apparently better build quality. They seem to be 25% off through retrofitsource for Black Friday (no affiliation) which narrows the price gap a bit.
What do people think of the DRLs? To me seems incongruent with a stock 964 exterior but a bit tempted to try since you can leave them disconnected...
#10
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Like you I don’t drive my 964 at night bc I feel the tail lights aren’t that bright as well as the headlights. As a temporary fix I used some cheap LED bulbs. These have come in handy now that the sun comes down earlier now. In the future I’m looking into the Audette headlights as it seems to have a brighter and better cutoff than the flat 6 plus have the option to use the 356 lens type.
#12
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I’ve driven a couple cars with the various led options. Don’t love them. Light is whiter. Pattern has left to be desired.
i use h4 with relays and higher wattage bulbs in both my old cars. It’s surprising how good the h4 are
I live in an area now that is very dark with a winding canyon road and the h4 do great.
better than the lightweight halogen lights in my 997rs!
the led lights in my macan are fantastic.
i use h4 with relays and higher wattage bulbs in both my old cars. It’s surprising how good the h4 are
I live in an area now that is very dark with a winding canyon road and the h4 do great.
better than the lightweight halogen lights in my 997rs!
the led lights in my macan are fantastic.
The following users liked this post:
Schlyter (12-06-2021)
#13
Three Wheelin'
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I second H4. I got mine from FCP for about $250 a side, Marelli brand. Fit perfectly. If you use the Phillips X-tra Vision +130 (i think thats the + number) you will have darn close to the performance of using 80/100s and don't "need' relays but relays can never hurt, only help and give you options. I am using my own relay kit as well as 80/100s. I do drive at night, in all weather, all seasons and find the lighting to be in every way up to modern standards. In fact when I get in later model cars (wife's Z4) I'm disappointed with the low and high beam.
The following users liked this post:
Ralph3. (11-24-2021)
#14
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have the Flat6 and drive at night quite often now to try to fit some drive time in. They are great, and a huge improvement on stock. They are a cooler white compared to the warm yellow of older lights, but I don’t have any complaints about that.
I got them with the fluted lens to try to keep them stock looking, and most people don’t know they aren’t stock unless they look closely.
Don’t have any comparisons to other aftermarket ones, unfortunately.
I got them with the fluted lens to try to keep them stock looking, and most people don’t know they aren’t stock unless they look closely.
Don’t have any comparisons to other aftermarket ones, unfortunately.
The following 3 users liked this post by Greg Wolfe: