Head Light Question!

[Its_Scott]

Hi, I'm looking to replace the headlight units on my 89' 944 Turbo as they are pretty dim. I see some head light conversions to an H4 bulb on eBay such as:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__1977-1981-PORSCHE-924-DIAMOND-CUT-HEADLIGHTS-H6024-H4_W0QQitemZ250237135323QQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20 PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadiZ2865QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__82-91-PORSCHE-944-DIAMOND-CUT-HEADLIGHTS-H6024-H4_W0QQitemZ370064012811QQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20 PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadiZ2865QQcmdZViewItem? hash=item370064012811

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-Truck-Parts-Accessories__82-91-PORSCHE-944-Round-Projector-Headlight-83-84-85_W0QQitemZ230265327165QQadnZCarQ20Q26Q20TruckQ20 PartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQadiZ2865QQcmdZViewItem? hash=item230265327165

Which one's do you recommend, the diamond cut housings or the projectors?
Is converting the head lights to H4 even a good idea?

Basically I'm mainly concerned for visibility at night without converting to HID. Any comments, suggestion, and advice would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[robm-951]

http://www.rennbay.com/lighting-c-58.html

You should definataly use the headlight relay harness if you plan to run higher wattage bulbs and it a great idea even if you don't. Running just the relay harnes typically improves the lighing quite a bit because it often increases the voltage seen at the headlight. For lenses, I would have to reccoment the Hella E- codes. They allow you to run higher wattage bulbs without blinding on-coming vehicles. Add the two together and your lighting will be very good.

[Spidey944]

^^^ RENNNNBAYYYYY +99

Dont get e-codes if your state has inspections, they may not pass you with them. Get the H4 conversion with whatever lenses you choose, AND the headlight harness. One of the best things I've done. Also helps to correctly aim the headlights. Use the procedure found here...

http://www.coolbulbs.com/HID-VISUAL-HEADLIGHT-AIMING-PROCEDURE.pdf

[MOVOVR951]

Originally Posted by Spidey944

^^^ RENNNNBAYYYYY +99

Dont get e-codes if your state has inspections, they may not pass you with them. Get the H4 conversion with whatever lenses you choose, AND the headlight harness. One of the best things I've done. Also helps to correctly aim the headlights. Use the procedure found here...

http://www.coolbulbs.com/HID-VISUAL-HEADLIGHT-AIMING-PROCEDURE.pdf

+1 for the H4 conversion. Hella E codes if you can. I have not run a new relay (yet), but the ceramic pigtail ends, are perfect for controling heat off the back of the bulb. Hella zenon blue in 80/100 (if you can) is really nice. I currently run Yellow Luminics bulbs 2500k and very bright yellow. Signs and markers explode more than anything I have been in, it must be something with the color reflectivity of the the yellow on DOT signs. Good luck!

[Its_Scott]

I appreciate all of the replies. The issue of the headlight relay harness was something helpful. One question though, will anything bad happen if I converted the headlights to H4 (I believe the bulbs are rated 65/55 watts) without replacing the harness? Regardless, I plan to replace the harness. Is it basically plug and play installation or does it require some wiring knowledge? Basically any H6024 head light unit should fit right? Thanks!

[fbgh2o]

Scott,

I was told not to install them on stock wiring, as it is not up to the task and you "could" run the risk of fire.

The harness is pretty much plug and play. It does connect to the alternator, which can be a PIA to remove.

[Spidey944]

Also, removing the front bumper allows you to run the wiring correctly. I had mine run above the radiator along the coolant distrubution pipe for a while, but removed my bumper this last week to clean the install up. It looks a ton better!! This also allows you to get in there and inspect your headlight washer system if you have one, and replace the hard OLD brittle plastic Y-fitting for the hoses.

The ft bumper comes off with 6 bolts and is SUPER easy. Just remove the corner lights and remove the bolts! Every thing else is just wiggling the bumper and unclipping the lights.

[Its_Scott]

Thanks for the advice! Is it the same deal with the fog lights? Relay harness and higher wattage bulbs to increase the brightness? Is it the same setup to for wiring as the headlights? Thanks!

[Spidey944]

None of the headlight harness kits include the fog lights. My fogs are bright as hell with the OE style bulbs. IMO there is no need to up the wattage on something you are not "supposed" to drive around with on in the first place. Just use the standard wattage bulbs in the color desired.

[MOVOVR951]

Originally Posted by Its_Scott

I appreciate all of the replies. The issue of the headlight relay harness was something helpful. One question though, will anything bad happen if I converted the headlights to H4 (I believe the bulbs are rated 65/55 watts) without replacing the harness? Regardless, I plan to replace the harness. Is it basically plug and play installation or does it require some wiring knowledge? Basically any H6024 head light unit should fit right? Thanks!

everything will be fine if you keep to 55/65 wattage in the H4s. Pay carefull attention on how to aim them to maximize the light output. Have fun!

[Its_Scott]

Thank you!

[nize]

as much as i like rennbay (i am using many of their products), their headlights are overpriced. you can get the exact same set for about $30 less here;
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/7in.asp

note rennbay lists prices per each, while rallylights lists prices for the pair.

[nize]

by the way, most of this has already been discussed here;
HID's for the 944

i'll add it to the faq page also, since it seems to come up often.

[951Boost]

Originally Posted by nize

as much as i like rennbay (i am using many of their products), their headlights are overpriced. you can get the exact same set for about $30 less here;
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/7in.asp

note rennbay lists prices per each, while rallylights lists prices for the pair.

X2

I also got my e codes from rallylights and was pleased with their service. At the time I was thinking of making my own harness since rennbay wasn't selling them yet and the Iceshark stuff was NLA. By the time I made the decision (was also considering a Painless Wiring harness) rennbay came out with their harness and IMHO is much nicer than the PW one, so I got it and been very pleased (tho I did get the PW for my euro fogs).

[legion]

I installed the Rennbay wiring harness as part of my electrical system overhaul two years ago. I didn't spring for the H4--I've just been running Silvania Silverstars and there is a HUGE difference. I'm not afraid to drive at night anymore.

As for installing the harness, it was pretty straightforward. I had no problem getting at the alternator, but I also relocated to where the AC compressor was. I imagine it would be a little more difficult with AC in place, and you do have to pull the shroud to get at the contacts. Make sure to disconnect the battery and any large capacitors you might have before attempting...