pzull

Has anyone converted their headlights to Xenon HIDs?

Did you have to change thr existing reflector housing into a Lens system housing?

Cheers

Phil Raby

The replacement bulbs plug into the existing reflector. BUT the ones I've seen are too deep and foul against the metal headlamp dish behind. It's only about 5mm and I guess you could get around it with a bit of gentle panel beating.

I'm looking into this further and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has successfully fitted Xenon bulbs in a 964

Bill Gregory

One other consideration, at least on conversions I've seen, is that they've been one wattage, no high/low beams. Also, given that our H5's aren't the best to start with, I'd think a conversion that replaces the front glass, back reflector, ie, the whole assembly, would work better in the end.

warmfuzzies

You can get High/low beam HID Xeon lamps, least wise here in the uk from:- <a href="http://www.ca-automotive.co.uk/electronics.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.ca-automotive.co.uk/electronics.shtml</a>
Though I have no experience myself of either the website or HID conversion, just thought you might like a pointer.

Phil Raby

CA Auto's units don't, as yet, fit the 964 because of the depth problem

Rocket Rob

I've looked for HID conversion kits too but haven't found one yet. In the mean time, I recommend junking the H5's and converting to H4s with high wattage bulbs. I run 80/100 bulbs and they provide twice the visibility as compared to the stock H5's.

Bill Gregory

[quote]<strong>I run 80/100 bulbs and they provide twice the visibility as compared to the stock H5's.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Did you also install a relay, so the increased juice required by the 80/100 bulbs isn't flowing through the turn signal stalk? Without a relay, the turn signal assembly's life is shortened.

pzull

Hi Phil,
My lights are H4...do they have the same fitment problem?

Phil Raby

Pzull

Not certain, but I suspect it will be the same. If you remove 964 headlamp unit you'll find that the steel bowl behind has a flat rear edge; not rounded as with earlier 911s.

I'll try to find out for sure.

pzull

OK thanks.

Have you seen a clear glass headlight lens for the 964 that replaces the stock one with the fresnel pattern? ie. something like the 993/996 lens

Rocket Rob

[quote] Did you also install a relay, so the increased juice required by the 80/100 bulbs isn't flowing through the turn signal stalk? Without a relay, the turn signal assembly's life is shortened. <hr></blockquote>

Yes I installed separate relays for each side. I've been running the high power bulbs for 8 years without problems. The only glitch I've had was a melted plastic connector that plugs into the bulb. I searched for a better solution (ceramic or high temp plastic) but couldn't find one so I replaced it. The improved visibility is very worth it.

Rocket Rob

If anyone knows of a source for bulb connectors that can stand the higher current, let me know. Thx

Phil Raby

[quote]Originally posted by pzull:
<strong>OK thanks.

Have you seen a clear glass headlight lens for the 964 that replaces the stock one with the fresnel pattern? ie. something like the 993/996 lens</strong><hr></blockquote>

Pzull, no not seen anything like this.

I have heard of a company that is planning 'Angel Eyes' ring bulbs for the 964 (similar to those in new BMWs). Personally, I don't think they'll look right in the large 911 headlamps, though.

pzull

Phil....eeewww...no not pretty at all them ring lights!

BTW Wouldn't HIDs with existing reflectors and lens be too glaring for on-coming traffic?

Phil Raby

Can never be too dazzling

Seriously, I guess so long as dip-beam is set correctly, you won't have a problem.

Phil