986 Headlights again
 

I ordered a set of HEADLAMP WITH LED BULBS BLACK PORSCHE 996 / BOXSTER 986 RHD CARS https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod126290/Porsche-Boxster-Headlamp-with-LED-Bulbs-BLACK_2/

They are made by Junyan. The problem is they are not a drop in replacement for my lights, there are gaps between the lights and body and there are seals supplied that you are supposed to stick onto the lights to help fill the gaps. There is no mention of this on their website. In fairness to Design911 they are in the process of taking them back.

So after 22 years I'm still looking for a drop in replacement headlights for my 98 RHD Boxster. I've seen headlight covers and I'm not a fan.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Hi Larry. I'm confused so let me get this straight. You want to have bright headlights and you purchased those that others have on this forum. You didn't like it and after 22 years you're still looking for a direct replacement pair? I'm sorry but are you blind?

With the money that you did and were willing to spent +++++ 22 years of time, why didn't you just purchase the Litronics factory headlights? A good used set can be purchased for under $1,000. You don't need a brand new set for $2500. You'll get your direct fitment, OEM product, and something that holds up over time better than the aftermarket ones will. You want LED instead of Xenon? No problem. Go purchase some LED bulbs and install it inside the Litronics that has the projectors unlike the Halogen ones. Go get it professionally calibrated to pass inspection laws. You can also show your support on this forum by searching for Fred's projectors and the services of ParticleWave. Done. :cheers:

Highly I recommend against giving up. You should forge ahead for another three years in search of those headlights you covet. Seriously... 22 years... 3 years... it's a no brainer. Hopefully you'll turn this thread into a blog and at least monthly keep us apprised.

Cheers! :cheers:

Litronics, they are a drop in replacement and much brighter than the halogen headlights, that's what I did on my 2000S. You can usually find a used set for less than $1000.

Here's a couple in Europe:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xenon-Headlights-Litronic-Porsche-911-996-Boxster-986/324122458437?fits=Car+Make%3APorsche&epid=80389277 43&hash=item4b77343945:g:xyYAAOSw2MVehNQG

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xenon-Headlights-Litronic-Porsche-911-996-Boxster-986/324221355377?epid=8038927743&hash=item4b7d194571:g :6CQAAOSwoWdfA4rL

I bought 100w Halogens and put them in both high and low beam (yes and everyone is going to tell me that putting 100w halogens in will scorch / melt the housing and lens, but guess what 2yrs on and no scorching or heat damage to the housing or lens). I don’t drive in bumper to bumper traffic because I live in a rural area and I’m sure that because the lights aren’t sitting with no airflow or limited airflow over them for long periods, this has no doubt helped to prevent any ‘overheating’ issues. If I was regularly travelling in stop start traffic I wouldn’t fit the 100w halogens in the low beam. But in my situation it’s works and the lights are very bright.

Is the upgrade from halogen to Litronics just plug and play? is there wiring modification that needs to be done?

Yes the upgrade from Halogen headlights to the Litronics are plug and play. This is mention in Project 85 on Pelican.

There are several ways. Some will just buy the headlights with the ballast. This will be the plug and play method. Some will go on further and buy the electronic control unit (module) that does automatically rotates the lamps which requires a little bit more wiring. This only helps with the high beams are on though.

Which is a tremendous asset on a dark country road........................

JFP I'm sure it does. It definitely won't hurt. A lot of vehicles offer this as a higher end option or a standard feature in luxury vehicles; automatic self adjusting/leveling/cornering headlights.

My understanding, sorry if I am wrong since I am from a city, is if your high beams are already on along with your LED/Xenons, how dark can that country road be? You're not running halogens here. It's 1.5 degrees here.

I can't picture how the self leveling is a necessity. I don't step on the pedal if I can't see what's in front of me. Is that just me? ;)

I believe self levelling is mandated by TUV standards at a certain brightness.....or is that washer nozzles...so everyone graft your marimotos on to your litronic self levelling chassis

I have used these LED's in other vehicles with great results and no complications. I just installed them in the 986 last Friday and after a couple of evening drives I have no issues.

https://www.amazon.com/KATANA-H7-LED-Headlight-Bulbs/dp/B07J5CWZDL


ETA: replacement for halogen bulbs

The headlight units themselves are plug & play, but there are some additional things to do.

The wiring is different and has to be adjusted / customized. An actuator needs to be installed at the rear that tells the level, else the self adjustment of the Litronics doesn't work.