Are 986 Litronics plug-in-play?

[ultimate1]

I got these from Pedro a few years ago and very happy with them and the price is definitely right!

TechnoLite HID

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by ultimate1

I got these from Pedro a few years ago and very happy with them and the price is definitely right!

TechnoLite HID

That triggers an interesting thought.

As I noted above, I recently bought a set of used OEM litronic headlights which I was able to refurbish and install on my car. Because they were out of a wreck, I didn't receive a controller or wiring harness with them that would permit the xenon bulbs to swivel up and reinforce the high beams when they are switched on. I have been searching for the components I need to install that feature, but I thought that a better option might be to install the TechnoLite_HD kit in place of the current H7 Halogen bulb used for the high beam. This would essentially create a Bi-Xenon headlight.

I was wondering if anyone had tried this. The main drawback to doing this appears to be that there would be two ballasts on the back of the headlight. The OEM ballast is quite large and takes up a lot of territory. So, while the TechnoLite_HD ballast is small, there may not be enough real estate to accommodate it on the back of the headlight.

I also want to verify that having two xenon bulbs running simultaneously in each headlight wouldn't draw too much current or otherwise harm the electrical system. According to the Porsche literature, the OEM Litronics use 30% less power than the halogens. But, there could be a momentary surge when they turn on that exceeds some limit in the system. Heat does not appear to be problem because the xenon bulbs are said to run at a lower temperature than the halogens.

[ultimate1]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

That triggers an interesting thought.

As I noted above, I recently bought a set of used OEM litronic headlights which I was able to refurbish and install on my car. Because they were out of a wreck, I didn't receive a controller or wiring harness with them that would permit the xenon bulbs to swivel up and reinforce the high beams when they are switched on. I have been searching for the components I need to install that feature, but I thought that a better option might be to install the TechnoLite_HD kit in place of the current H7 Halogen bulb used for the high beam. This would essentially create a Bi-Xenon headlight.

I was wondering if anyone had tried this. The main drawback to doing this appears to be that there would be two ballasts on the back of the headlight. The OEM ballast is quite large and takes up a lot of territory. So, while the TechnoLite_HD ballast is small, there may not be enough real estate to accommodate it on the back of the headlight.

I also want to verify that having two xenon bulbs running simultaneously in each headlight wouldn't draw too much current or otherwise harm the electrical system. According to the Porsche literature, the OEM Litronics use 30% less power than the halogens. But, there could be a momentary surge when they turn on that exceeds some limit in the system. Heat does not appear to be problem because the xenon bulbs are said to run at a lower temperature than the halogens.

I would call Pedro and ask him that question about Bi-xenon. The way i see it a couple hundred bucks does pretty much the same as the more expensive litronics.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by ultimate1

I would call Pedro and ask him that question about Bi-xenon. The way i see it a couple hundred bucks does pretty much the same as the more expensive litronics.

I posted the question on his board - he recommends against a two Xenon bulb set up for the same reasons expressed on this board: The problem with that setup ...

I already have my litronics (which were a bit of a refurb/repair project and much less expensive than buying a new set) so right now I'm not seriously considering an aftermarket solution. I'm pretty happy with how my project turned out, from an appearance standpoint, but I would like to improve the function:



Thanks to Markus for posting the video on the litronic operation. Considering that (according to my Bentley manual) litronics were an option starting in 1999, it seems possible that a more modern set of controls would be available.

By the way, here are some shots of the internals of my defective ballast:





Does that look like a lot of components for what it does?

[Nine8Six]

Hard to digest the fact that there is someone obsessed about headlights more than Charles and myself on this forum LOL

You can't run xenon on a reflector - too bright. You'll blind a deer and he'll simply jump in front of your car. Xenon needs to be distributed (pattern) to be effective, safe - and legal.

You are right about the oem wires. The gauge is 16AWG and rated at 20amp. Igniting two HID ballasts at the same time (let's say you start the car with high beams stick pushed to on) would bring up the current dangerously near its limit (7~9amps per ballast). Something will melt... god know where

You could polish your current projector's glass lens and throw it "true" 55watts HID. You'll see though people clothes while waiting at red lights. Works but very harsh on the optic coating (not tested, careful with that idea)

See, you have no choice but to go for that DIY Bi-Xenon retrofit kit (clear lens and all). Literonniks are late 90's tech mate. You can post your current headlights in the Buy & Sell section today

Your ballast has ASIC digital chip technology. Very expansive. Feeling sorry for your loss

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Hard to digest the fact that there is someone obsessed about headlights more than Charles and myself on this forum LOL

You guys are rubbing off on me. This started as a whim when I bought some damaged headlights, but it has turned out to be quite a nice upgrade to the car. I guess if I thought about it before I started I would have gone with the aftermarket system, but I'm too far down the road now.

I managed to find a controller on Ebay last night, (Control unit: Part number 00004490038)

So now all I need is 2 small plugs 2 (99965256822) and the wiring harness (99661298800).

It looks like the parts might be manufactured by Bosch, so I'll check Markus' suggestion and see it I can find the parts cross referenced from another manufacturer.

If anyone is interested, I'm selling my spare litronic parts to finance this "obsession."
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-parts-sale-wanted/55179-litronic-headlight-parts-drivers-side.html#post429259

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

You guys are rubbing off on me.

Cuz we're jealous, and being jealous is perfectly legal last time I've checked LOL

I'll have a look with the pros locally if we can find your controller

[Smallblock454]

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

I managed to find a controller on Ebay last night, (Control unit: Part number 00004490038)

This is not the Bosch parts number, this is the Porsche parts number. In general the Bosch parts number is below the Porsche sticker.

Do the parts you use belong to a 996, or a 986? And what model year? There are some slight differences.

Regards
Markus