06-11-2015, 09:42 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 70
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Can You Install Clear Late Model headlights In A 1997 Boxster?
Title Says It All....I DO Not Like The Amber In My Headlights And Want To Buy Late model Headlights And Install Them...Are They Plug And Play Or Will I Be Opening Up Electric Nightmares...
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06-11-2015, 09:48 AM
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#2
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Rennzenn
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,369
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If by late model you mean anything up to 2004, the answer should be yes. There were two types of clear lights available, Litronics and regular halogen lights. If you go with Litronics, they should work but you won't have the self-leveling feature.
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Rennzenn
Jfro@rennzenn.com
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06-11-2015, 09:53 AM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 520
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What will be missing if one wants the self-leveling feature?
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2003 2.7 Boxster - Tiptronic - Carrera wheels - OBC - Red calipers - Cat pipes - Modified muffler - Rear speakers - K&N - Litronics
2006 V6 Mustang
2008 ML 350
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06-11-2015, 09:59 AM
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#4
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Need For Speed
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Funville
Posts: 2,112
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Last edited by KRAM36; 06-11-2015 at 10:14 AM.
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06-11-2015, 10:25 AM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: In the garage...
Posts: 1,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ-Fresno
What will be missing if one wants the self-leveling feature?
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Errr ahhh the self levelling feature would be missing
In reality, litronics will be a fantastic upgrade and self-level feature not missed...and definitely not so in terms of "the juice ain't worth the squeeze". To get the feature you would at least need to install addl wiring, the headlight angle level sensor, sensor arm and sensor bracket (at driver side rear suspension) - plus I think in the 9x6 series this is a separate litronics controller in the frunk.
Good luck
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"Cool Prius!" - Nobody
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06-11-2015, 11:36 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 7,243
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I have factory litronics in my 1997 with the wiring harness and NO SELF LEVELING.
The problem with the self-leveling according to my tech is that the sensor that is wired up to the control arm determining self leveling can break off. Not worth the effort to put it on IMO.
Retrofitting is probably a lot cheaper and the quality of light will be about the same if you don't get crappy components. Porsche's factory litronic projector lamps and housings and bulbs are top notch.
I love my no-amber litronics. They look great and I can see a country mile down the road at night. They're a zillion times brighter than stock halogens.
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06-11-2015, 12:17 PM
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#8
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Don't forget that early 996 headlights will also fit the 986. Check the 996 forums to find a set for sale.
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1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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06-11-2015, 12:23 PM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 520
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KRAM36
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I thought about this...until I got to read the 24-page installation guide
__________________
2003 2.7 Boxster - Tiptronic - Carrera wheels - OBC - Red calipers - Cat pipes - Modified muffler - Rear speakers - K&N - Litronics
2006 V6 Mustang
2008 ML 350
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06-11-2015, 01:27 PM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: DFW
Posts: 253
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I'll just leave this here as food for thought...
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/51810-our-amber-headlights-can-de-ambered.html
Edit to add: post 104 is how my original amber halogen headlights now look with GT Projectors and de-ambered. Total cost with stuff I had to buy (which you may have, i.e. a Dremel) was well under $600 total. Probably closer to $500. Just takes a few days off and on if you move slow like me.
Last edited by CraigM; 06-11-2015 at 01:33 PM.
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06-11-2015, 02:36 PM
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,658
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I retrofitted the automatic dynamic headlight beam adjustment feature. I'm not sure it was worth the extra effort over simply installing the high beam rotation feature. I'd like to see how it works in a car that had it as a factory option to be sure it is actually working correctly.
The high-beam rotation is well worth the extra effort.
I have some left over parts if you are considering this. I attached the instructions.
__________________
2000 Arctic Silver/Black, Hard Top, On Board Computer
PNP Rear Speakers, HAES 6-Channel Amp, Avic Z140BH,
Painted Bumperettes, 2004 (OEM) Top, Homelink integrated in dash with Targa switch, 997 Shifter, Carrera Gauge Cluster with silver gauge faces, heated 12-way driver & 8-way passenger seats, Litronics, silver console
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06-11-2015, 05:55 PM
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#12
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Need For Speed
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Funville
Posts: 2,112
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ-Fresno
I thought about this...until I got to read the 24-page installation guide
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I looked at page 24. What is it on that page that makes you not want them?
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06-11-2015, 07:49 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 520
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KRAM36
I looked at page 24. What is it on that page that makes you not want them?
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Not page 24 itself, it's the whole guide which is scary...to me at least
__________________
2003 2.7 Boxster - Tiptronic - Carrera wheels - OBC - Red calipers - Cat pipes - Modified muffler - Rear speakers - K&N - Litronics
2006 V6 Mustang
2008 ML 350
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06-12-2015, 05:56 AM
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bedford, TX
Posts: 2,708
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ-Fresno
Not page 24 itself, it's the whole guide which is scary...to me at least
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Send them to Particlewave(Charles). I did and couldn't be happier. I was able to find a set of new clear halogens, get the HID projectors, send it all to Charles for installation and then ship the final product to me all for about the price of used litronics. The trouble with used Litronics is finding a set where the lens are not yellowed or cloudy. Mine are crystal clear since they are new. Of course if you do find a cloudy set, Charles can help with that too.
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2001 Boxster S Lapis Blue
TS Cat Bypass Pipes and exhaust
iPad Mini Dash Install
DEPO Tail Lights
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06-12-2015, 06:27 AM
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 70
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06-12-2015, 06:49 AM
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#16
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bedford, TX
Posts: 2,708
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hummer-addict
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Yes, those will work. My understanding is that Automotive Lighting was the OEM vendor. I bought Bosch lights from here, but they were $400 per side when I bought them.
Left Porsche Boxster Headlight Assembly Bosch 0302473043 | eBay
I looked at buying used but the weathered lens that was typical of used pushed me to spend the extra for new. Still happy with that descision. You can always try to sell your current lights to lower the net cost.
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2001 Boxster S Lapis Blue
TS Cat Bypass Pipes and exhaust
iPad Mini Dash Install
DEPO Tail Lights
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06-12-2015, 06:53 AM
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#17
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 70
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceH
Yes, those will work. My understanding is that Automotive Lighting was the OEM vendor. I bought Bosch lights from here, but they were $400 per side when I bought them.
Left Porsche Boxster Headlight Assembly Bosch 0302473043 | eBay
I looked at buying used but the weathered lens that was typical of used pushed me to spend the extra for new. Still happy with that descision. You can always try to sell your current lights to lower the net cost.
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Thank you! I just offered $600 for a used set here with slight damage...if he declines I'll buy these...and yes I will sell my OEM ones...they are in great shape!
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06-12-2015, 11:59 AM
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#18
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Usercpy
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 205
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__________________
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_ching/
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06-12-2015, 12:21 PM
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#19
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Need For Speed
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Funville
Posts: 2,112
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceH
Send them to Particlewave(Charles). I did and couldn't be happier. I was able to find a set of new clear halogens, get the HID projectors, send it all to Charles for installation and then ship the final product to me all for about the price of used litronics. The trouble with used Litronics is finding a set where the lens are not yellowed or cloudy. Mine are crystal clear since they are new. Of course if you do find a cloudy set, Charles can help with that too.
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I had Charles do mine too. I visited him in person when he did mine, he didn't seem too enthused to do more, but make it worth his time and he might do it.
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06-12-2015, 02:31 PM
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#20
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 70
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I bought new ones on eBay today... With new oem corners for under $1100...hoping to get $600ish for my OEM Ones...they r in great shap... I want to thank everyone for thier advice!
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