urban_alchemist

I've booked my car in with my friendly local neighbourhood specialist to get a HID upgrade put on my car. They are aftermarket, and non-OEM, and are therefore substantially cheaper than retro-fitting a set of Litronics.

Now, though, I'm having second thoughts. What is the difference between Litronics and other Xenon 993 systems? Considering my car's 'stock' condition, would it affect the value NOT going for the original Porsche equipment? What have other people on this board done (cos the non-xenon standard lights are a joke).

Cheers,
Julian

geolab

There is a rennlist sponsor who sells HID for 993 if you opt for those.
But if you want the original litronic Kit, there are several options to avoid the 2750 euros + labour at the dealer
You can get the exact same kit in Bosch boxes for +/- 1500 euros before tax. and DIY from p-car or I can send you the porsche workshop documents.
I have compared a Bosch kit to mine (original mount) and it is exactly the same.
or a hectic alternative:
There is an ebay seller in northern europe selling both litronic headlights only, in porsche boxes for $275.
He has more than one pair.
You need to purchase the ballasts from ebay, or web shops (the ballasts are not cheap)
and the rest of the kit from your dealer (screws stickers harness rivets, etc)
and of course DIY
please be aware you have to change the lenses, or use your old ones, because you drive on the wrong side of the

drsh

Julian

I am also considering installing a HID kit, everything I have read so far has been very positive, but I thought they had to be self levelling, but it seems that this is only the case if they are original fit.
I will interested to know what you decide.

David

Joe S.

I thought Litronics were standard equipement on Turbo 993's. Was this just in the US? If you don't have them, I'd say get the real thing.

urban_alchemist

Thanks for that. What ARE the differences between your bog-standard retro-fit aftermarket HIDs and Litronics? If I did choose Litronics, I'd probably go for Porsche fitted, as if it wasn't 100% kosher from the factory, I'd prefer there to be a 'Porsche-fitted' stamp at the top of the reciept...

Basically, why the hell are Litronics so much more expensive than other options? And I do mean SO much more expensive...

Cheers,
Julian

urban_alchemist

I guess it was just in the US - this puppy definitely ain't got none... strange that the original owner didn't order them considering he ordered pretty-much everything else on the option-list.

But then again he didn't order heated-seats either, and I'd sure as hell prefer those now that winter's hit to the 'custom leather-to-sample-trimmed matts'...

urban_alchemist

blatant bump... any answers?

Cheers,
Julian

the_buch

I think any of the good retrofit kits would be a huge improvement in lighting effectiveness and no detriment to the value of your machine. After all, the ballasts can easily be mounted in a hidden location. I got mine from Xenon Factory in Canada (www.xenonfactory.com), and they are Phillips ballasts and re-based Phillips Ultinon bulbs at 5000K colour temperature (intense white).

leosayer

JZ Machtech do a Litronic kit fully fitted for £495.

swftiii

Litronics were not standard on the Turbo or any other model.

I fitted a KATZ HID kit about 3 years ago and in comparing to the OEM Porsche kit on another car I could not tell the difference in lighting and look on the outside. Obviously the install was different and the ballasts and ignitors were not mounted in the stock locations, but it was a very worth while modification if you drive at night.

-Skip

urban_alchemist

Any more details of this? I went to the website and couldn't find anything...

doogle

I wouldn't worry about fitting aftermarket HIDs as long a you get a decent set. The litronics are expensive because that's what they cost circa 1995 and Porsche haven't bothered to adjust their prices!
Mine has factory fit Litronics and they are good but it isn't exactly neat and tidy. The ballasts are just screwed onto the inside of the boot just like you would on an aftermarket kit. Also as it's an early car it doesn't have the automatic levelling like the later cars (when it became legislation to have it)

urban_alchemist

I'm leaning towards getting an aftermarket and keeping the originals so it can be returned if I ever sell the car (doubtful). Porsche have an anoying habit of ******** in the showers on prices...

geolab

Mine is from July '97 ROW and has got M601 litronic option on the sticker,
and the headlights are not motorized.
In the PET, there are two references:
993.631.931.01 Litronic 2.0 MY96
993.631.031.02 Litronic 2.1 MY97-

I have the later number on my headlight but it is not motorized.
Does anyone have the litronic motorized ? and what part number is on the headlight?
I thought all 993 litronic are not motorized

urban_alchemist

So is there any reason to fit the Litronics, or should I just go aftermarket and keep the originals? From someone who has them...