swapping headlight bulbs with HID bulbs

[mach schnell]

First, my apologies if this is an old subject - if so, just direct me to the appropriate post and I'll go from there..

But, if not, is it safe to switch out the standard headlight bulbs on a non-xenon unit (mine is a 05 987) with a set of aftermarket HID's? I know the jap cars and domestics seem to handle this fine without actually swapping to the HID kit, but German cars seem to be a lil testy in the electrical area when it comes to this detail.

Anyone done it? Particular brand of bulb that seems to work?

[Rainforest01]

I don't think it's a problem technically, but you might want to check to see if it is actually legal. I was thinking of doing the same thing, but most of the reputable places state that the xenon kits they sell are for off-road use only. You may "get away" with a 4300k kit because they'll be the closest to a factory brightness.
Check out this place:
http://www.brightheadlights-hid.com/Xenon-HID-Lights-Kits.htm
They do state that they have a street legal kit, but they are actually auxillary driving lights, not the complete conversion kit for your headlights.
The legality lies in the housing itself. That's why they sell the entire housings from the factory for the kits. I've read the legal notice on these kits and that's where the problems lie. Personally, I don't think anyone will give you a second look driving a Porsche.

[denverpete]

Originally Posted by mach schnell

First, my apologies if this is an old subject - if so, just direct me to the appropriate post and I'll go from there..

But, if not, is it safe to switch out the standard headlight bulbs on a non-xenon unit (mine is a 05 987) with a set of aftermarket HID's? I know the jap cars and domestics seem to handle this fine without actually swapping to the HID kit, but German cars seem to be a lil testy in the electrical area when it comes to this detail.

Anyone done it? Particular brand of bulb that seems to work?

Don't do it. It doesn't matter if it fits or seems to work. It is definately a safety issue. When designing lights you must take a lot of different factors into account. Not the least of which is heat. Additionally, the optics are generally designed around the lamp to be used. So, switching out lamps could change the arc center and throw off your beam pattern and/or efficiency.

Just as a note, 4300K represents the color of the light and is not representative of the actual lumen output.

Again - don't do it.

[Jeph]

denverpete is right about retrofitting an aftermarket HID kit. It may not be as effective as your existing halogens.

Furthermore, I attempted to install an aftermarket xenon kit... the xenon lamps were actually too long (or tall) to fit in the compartment in which the bulb is located. There's a little light shield thing that prevents the lamp from fitting. I hope that makes sense. Other xenon kits may have shorter H7 lamps that would fit, but I think you'd be better off with maybe some SilverStars ($30-40?) or Porsche Litronics ($1200ish).

[nautiquelfe]

I've been considering adding the sylvania silverstar H7 bulbs to my 99. They seem to be a descent medium between the halogen and factory litronics. Personally I would'nt consider one of the aftermarket xenon kits. They put off way to much heat, and could burn your lenses. Not to mention the ricer look of those blue beams. I'm sure there are some quality aftermarket kits but why take the chance. Try buying one pair of the silverstars to see if these are "white" enough for you. It's my understanding that the boxster will hold 6 individual H7 bulbs. Keep us in the loop w/ your decision. I'm sure there are many others thinking of doing the same "upgrade"! I'd love to hear your experience either way. The silverstars are on my LONG list of future additions.

[mach schnell]

Thanks everybody for the input and posts. You know, I was at Pep Boys today and looked at the Silver Stars.

A while back I was gonna add a set of the Silver Stars to my 03 Beetle and decided against it, hearing that it would cause electrical problems. Now I know that the german-ess of my VW is not as true as the German ESSE of my Porsche - but what do you guys think - flipping in a set of silver star H7's in place of the halogens - no big deal???

Doctor will become patient if I fry the car!!!!!

[socratic]

I have some Sylvania Silverstars in my 2001.

They are not super white, unlike what the commercials and some others say.

They will NOT be mistaken for HID/Xenon lights, so poseurs beware.

I would say they are 10% whiter than the bulbs that came with my Boxster. But I do note that they are maybe 20 to 25% whiter than my wife's car (Honda), so maybe the stock Boxster bulbs in a 2001 are already whiter than average.

(By the way, I use figures like 10% and 20% very subjectively; it's what I "feel" my eyes see as opposed to measuring with some kind of meter.

The bulbs were a bit more expensive than no-name H7 bulbs. But it was cheap enough that it fell below the radar screen and I just bought them on a lark.

[socratic]

Why are Litronics so expensive anyways? What can there be in a bulb and a transformer thing that makes them $1200 USD?

I predict (hope) that over time they will come out with a H7 form factor Xenon bulb. I do like the color of the Xenons.

I have driven a Lexus IS300 with Xenons in the city (with streetlights all over the place) and can't see the justifiication for such a big expense. But others claim they are the greatest thing when driven on the highway at night.

Comments anyone?

[docdyh]

I put silverstars in mine..i like them even if though don't look like Litronics....I also upgraded to Clear headlights..which makes it a nicer upgrade..