Porsche Headlight Retrofit [from CAD, prototyping to finish)

[tommy583]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Hey Charles! Thread got picked up from other websites. While perhaps gone cold on 986forum some other chaps around the globe are making great use of some of the info in here. The 996 guys are big fans of those shiners for info. The majority of fellow 986 owners are stock Porsche purists maybe

Been busy indeed, finished Ray's and Tommy's kit last wed and the kits are on their way to them as I write. Sweet stuff.... polished gun metal finish and all. I'm not only jealous, I am VERY jealous

Awesome news! I can't wait to start the retro fit.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by clickman

What's this thing for and is it removed as part of the projector retrofit?

That's the gauge for aiming the light and yes, it is removed during retrofit (if you want) since it is no longer useful.

[clickman]

Are most of you sanding and painting the reflector bowl? Black?

For those of you that have done that, did you keep the high beam bulb operational?

If so, are you getting any noticeable light output from it?

Especially, are they functional when flashing with low beams (xenons) off?

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by clickman

Are most of you sanding and painting the reflector bowl? Black?

For those of you that have done that, did you keep the high beam bulb operational?

If so, are you getting any noticeable light output from it?

Especially, are they functional when flashing with low beams (xenons) off?

Kept my high beams functional and replaced with a small H7 size LED tower. Meant to warn/flash in day time only.... and yes useless in night time! But who needs high beam with those projectors anyway

RE paint; can't see clearly from the pic but those are painted in the same blue code as the car. Absolutely brilliant idea I say. never thought of that. Hope to see a summer shot with a bit of sun light in there... got to look good

[Edreamsz]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Apologies for the massive thread and scattered info. Info you are asking below.

EDIT: just missed the hid part... if you mean Litronic then sell and buy 'new' clear headlights + projectors. If you meant you already have your own hid ballasts and bulbs then a kit should run you cheaper The kit takes Xenon bulbs H1 type.

>>>
The damage on the kit is a cheap but firm $355 shipped using Express Post (ETA 3-5days to you in the USA) w/ tracking number.

Your options are, in []'s being what you can customize:

2x Anodized [color] Bezels [w/ custom laser script/wording]
2x Anodized [color] projector skirts
2x MH1 High Performance Projectors & lens (Ultimate ver.)
2x 35w CANBUS ballasts
2x H1 HID bulbs [you chose your temp]
2x Hardware kit: spacer kit, dremel wheels and two Porsche emblems
2x built-in LED-cob Angel Eyes in [color] (Optional)

* Return and refund accepted shall you decide to not install the kit.

RE Payment; I normally send a PayPal "Request for Money" to your email using the "For Goods" option and list all the above in the invoice. That way the buyer feels comfortable and covered by the PayPal Buyer Protection Scheme.

Any questions just PM anytime
>>>>

I am finally converting the headlights for my Black Boxster. Will post pics soon! I do have one question: What is the best way to secure the ballast inside the headlight unit? Please post a pic so I can better understand and see how it was done.

Thanks!

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Edreamsz

I am finally converting the headlights for my Black Boxster. Will post pics soon! I do have one question: What is the best way to secure the ballast inside the headlight unit? Please post a pic so I can better understand and see how it was done.

Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend mounting the ballast inside the headlight as this can cause it to overheat. This is how I mounted mine...I got a little sloppy with the hot glue where the wires pass through the rear cover until I found a better fitting grommet

Mounting it in this way allows for superior cooling (just like the Litronics) and doesn't interfere with normal headlight installation.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Kept my high beams functional and replaced with a small H7 size LED tower.

Can you post a link to these, Fred?

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Edreamsz

I am finally converting the headlights for my Black Boxster. Will post pics soon! I do have one question: What is the best way to secure the ballast inside the headlight unit? Please post a pic so I can better understand and see how it was done.

Thanks!

Can't wait to see the full GT front end on your black box Hubert

RE ballasts; the correct/intelligent way to mount them is as per Particleware's suggestion. I personally didn't bother and simply squeezed them "inside" the back of the headlight enclosure. The manufacturer swear by them and assured me that they are rated over 120 degree Celsius (built for the task!). After tests I've never really managed to get them to much higher than 60degree (C) (enclosed) so... up they went inside my headlight here!

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by clickman

Can you post a link to these, Fred?

Hey Norm

Got the 25w LED tower with mini-built-in projectors as below for my high beam. Got the 25w for heat management. Although underpowered they are still stupid bright and output brilliantly I'm just assuming that the high power 50W LED tower are ridiculously HOT so careful there.

I didn't replace the fog with those but perhaps should have done so. You'd think that they are cheap here in Shanghai but they are not so I passed the fog lights idea for now.



Here a link of the same from a USA based seller. Surely they are also available locally in BC, CA.
H7 25W Cree High Power LED Projector FOG Light Lamp Daytime Running Driving | eBay

[Edreamsz]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Can't wait to see the full GT front end on your black box Hubert

RE ballasts; the correct/intelligent way to mount them is as per Particleware's suggestion. I personally didn't bother and simply squeezed them "inside" the back of the headlight enclosure. The manufacturer swear by them and assured me that they are rated over 120 degree Celsius (built for the task!). After tests I've never really managed to get them to much higher than 60degree (C) (enclosed) so... up they went inside my headlight here!

Thanks Fred! I will post pictures when done.

I think that I will take a risk by first testing the ballast inside of the housing. I will have to figure out a way to correctly attach them to the removable backplate of the units.

[cam_d_]

Sorry, I can't find where to query/buy these from.

[alanqning]

WOW, it is SO easy to take out the headlights?!

Porsche 911 996 & Boxster 986 Headlight Removal & Replacement - YouTube

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by cam_d_

Sorry, I can't find where to query/buy these from.

PM Nine8Six.

[986968]

Please check PM =)
Is there any fitment issue for the factory xenon headlights?

[jb92563]

Nine8Six, my projectors have arrived and they are gorgeous, I couldn't be more happy with the color and finish....awesome!!!

Now I'll have to get started prototyping the "Dragon Eyes" into the projectors and do some pre-install testing to get the effect I'm looking for.

I'll document and make video as I get things working.

Thanks again Fred for making an awesome product.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by jb92563

Nine8Six, my projectors have arrived and they are gorgeous, I couldn't be more happy with the color and finish....awesome!!!

Now I'll have to get started prototyping the "Dragon Eyes" into the projectors and do some pre-install testing to get the effect I'm looking for.

I'll document and make video as I get things working.

Thanks again Fred for making an awesome product.

Was a pleasure doing those for you and your Boxster Ray. Glad to hear you like them.

Below is a picture of your kit before it left. Souvenir

Looking forward your pics and further development mate

Thanks again Ray

[Nine8Six]

Below are similar to Ray's above but with black skirts. For those who wish to paint the interior of their headlight black.

Finish is polished & anodized gunmetal. The bezel's laser script is custom "as per customer's requirement".

This is now the official "Standard" kit i.e. replacing the flash silver painted bezel.

Shoot me a PM if you are interested in retrofitting your Porsche Boxster (or 996) headlight from halogen to high performance bi-xenon projectors.

[Nine8Six]

:::Latest News:::

Charles in St-Joseph, Mo, (aka Particlewave) have agreed to be the official retrofitter for Porsche 986 & 996 headlights for forum members based in USA and Canada.

If any of you wish to upgrade their halogen headlights with those high performance projectors (or any other kits), Charles can do those for you at a reasonable price. Only requires you to ship your headlight to him, he'll take good care of the rest.

You can contact him by PM anytime. Member Particlewave

[tommy583]

The lights in the picture look Great Fred!! Tracking says they are in the US now. Should be to my house soon!

[tommy583]

The lights have made it safe and sound. They look wicked!! Let the retrofit begin!! Thanks again Fred!