ROW H4 headlamp leveling system

[javadog]

In the late 1980's and early 1990's (1987-1994?) 911s and turbos in certain markets could have H4 headlamps fitted that had a vacuum operated leveling system, controlled by a dial on the dashboard. I would like to see how the vacuum dashpots are integrated with the H4 reflector assembly, so if anybody has one of these lights, or has a photo of the back side of one, I'd like to see it.

I'm curious as to whether or not this system could be adapted to a regular H4 reflector, or if the reflectors themselves are substantially different.

Thanks,
JR

[964TargaC2]

A year or two back Blackbyrd had a set for sale and posted pics in his thread

[Iciclehead]

Originally Posted by javadog

In the late 1980's and early 1990's (1987-1994?) 911s and turbos in certain markets could have H4 headlamps fitted that had a vacuum operated leveling system, controlled by a dial on the dashboard. I would like to see how the vacuum dashpots are integrated with the H4 reflector assembly, so if anybody has one of these lights, or has a photo of the back side of one, I'd like to see it.

I'm curious as to whether or not this system could be adapted to a regular H4 reflector, or if the reflectors themselves are substantially different.

Thanks,
JR

Been working on this for a while, I have collected the vacuum parts and was hoping to be able to modify the H4's I have, but I am not sure after checking with various European sources.

Here are some fotos of the headlight...







I had sort of resigned myself to picking up yet another set of H4 headlights (they are available new for around 400 Euros, the option number is M605 headlight levelling option (or vertical aim control) switch is 911 631 231 00, light is 911 631 023 00 near as I can tell.

I would be delighted if someone knew what the mods are to the headlights, it doesn't look too complex, but there appears to be some specialized parts that might be hard to fab up. I was also hoping to find (in Europe) some headlights out of a wreck where I could just liberate the special parts and fit them to one of my good H4 sets.

Any info appreciated...

Dennis

[Alexd12]

Just like to get this thread going, but where can I get the reflector for these headlights. The only ones I see online are for the ones with the rubber bushes on them.

Cheers

Alex

[Cloggie]

Hi there, it took me several years to collect all the parts for this option....and my assessment is that you can't fit them on to the standard H4 without some serious modification plus a whole pile of custom parts.

I amazingly was able to trade my H4's to someone who had a set with the vacuum actuators which made the whole thing work for me.

Look, anything that is made can be copied, certainly some of the plastic parts might be able to be printed using a 3d printer, but I worry about their strength and durability especially with the heat from the H4 so close.

I would also note you need the vacuum reservoir (still don't know where exactly that sits or what bracket it uses to hold it in place), plus you need a vacuum fitting on the power brake booster with a small port to feed the system, plus the check valve for the vacuum tank. All those parts are 924 or 944 parts.

The piping is an odd size.....I just ordered two of the longest ones in the parts list - Porsche still carries them and I think it is about $20 for a few meters of the stuff - so it should all come together.

M605 was not a common option - but check the 964 market, it seemed to be more common on those cars and is basically the same system from what I can tell.