The most overlooked performance/safety mod
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Headlights: the most overlooked performance/safety mod
We constantly read about the most popular modifications to our 997TTs:
Power: ECU, headers, plenums, filters etc
Braking: Big brake kits, SS brake lines etc
Wheels: 19", 20", Titanium lugs, spacers etc
Sound: Exhaust
Cosmetic: Body kits, graphics, spoilers, LED lights
But one of the most overlooked and underrated performance and safety mod is our headlights, and I am not talking about getting 6000k bulbs
Basically, it's great to have 600+hp, awesome brakes and handling, but all of this is limited at night by how far and wide you can see. How far and wide you can see comes down to 1 thing only, your headlights. If you could upgrade your headlights so that you can see farther and better, you basically give yourself that extra margin of time and distance to react.
Stock, the 997TT comes with HID, D2S, with projectors made by Koito using Fresnel lens. If you look at these Fresnel lens closely, you can see that there are many rings and they are foggy in appearance. These lens are not optically clear and reduce the potential lumen output of our headlights.
So how you can upgrade them? Well, I looked to Matt at the Retrofit Source for the solution: STi-R lens, which are optically clear:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...products_id=85
Basically, Matt retrofitted a set of these lens into his own 997TT.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lens-swap.html
I was so impressed that I did the same thing. I didn't do them myself and had them sent to Caesar at http://www.lightwerkz.net/. They did an incredible job and turned around my lights in under a week. Since doing it, I have washed my car many times and the headlights are dry - not a drop of moisture inside. For those of you who aren't experienced in doing these, just send them to Lightwerkz. If you mess up, these lights cost $1000 per side.
I can tell you that without a doubt, this was the best mod I have done in a long time. When you drive at night, not only is it more pleasant to be able to see farther and wider, but safer. This is a mod that you can use 100% of the time at night. The light is more intense and the difference is incredible.
Look at the picture of my 997TT (With STi-R lens) on the left, compared to another 997TT (stock Fresnel Lens) on the right. Pictures do not do justice as to how much of a difference it is in reality. But you can see with the upgraded STi-R lens just how much more intense and bright the light is.
For best results, you can upgrade your HID bulbs to the Osram D2S CBI 5000k. Matt sells these as well.
Anyways, thanks for looking! And thanks Matt for all your help!
Power: ECU, headers, plenums, filters etc
Braking: Big brake kits, SS brake lines etc
Wheels: 19", 20", Titanium lugs, spacers etc
Sound: Exhaust
Cosmetic: Body kits, graphics, spoilers, LED lights
But one of the most overlooked and underrated performance and safety mod is our headlights, and I am not talking about getting 6000k bulbs
Basically, it's great to have 600+hp, awesome brakes and handling, but all of this is limited at night by how far and wide you can see. How far and wide you can see comes down to 1 thing only, your headlights. If you could upgrade your headlights so that you can see farther and better, you basically give yourself that extra margin of time and distance to react.
Stock, the 997TT comes with HID, D2S, with projectors made by Koito using Fresnel lens. If you look at these Fresnel lens closely, you can see that there are many rings and they are foggy in appearance. These lens are not optically clear and reduce the potential lumen output of our headlights.
So how you can upgrade them? Well, I looked to Matt at the Retrofit Source for the solution: STi-R lens, which are optically clear:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...products_id=85
Basically, Matt retrofitted a set of these lens into his own 997TT.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lens-swap.html
I was so impressed that I did the same thing. I didn't do them myself and had them sent to Caesar at http://www.lightwerkz.net/. They did an incredible job and turned around my lights in under a week. Since doing it, I have washed my car many times and the headlights are dry - not a drop of moisture inside. For those of you who aren't experienced in doing these, just send them to Lightwerkz. If you mess up, these lights cost $1000 per side.
I can tell you that without a doubt, this was the best mod I have done in a long time. When you drive at night, not only is it more pleasant to be able to see farther and wider, but safer. This is a mod that you can use 100% of the time at night. The light is more intense and the difference is incredible.
Look at the picture of my 997TT (With STi-R lens) on the left, compared to another 997TT (stock Fresnel Lens) on the right. Pictures do not do justice as to how much of a difference it is in reality. But you can see with the upgraded STi-R lens just how much more intense and bright the light is.
For best results, you can upgrade your HID bulbs to the Osram D2S CBI 5000k. Matt sells these as well.
Anyways, thanks for looking! And thanks Matt for all your help!
Last edited by NWturbo; Oct 16, 2012 at 11:32 PM. Reason: Info
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Also, at the same time they replaced my lens, they were able to clean up the haze that developed over time. Look at the before and after pics. Incredible work from the guys at Lightwerkz
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Thanks for the post - really glad to see you're enjoying the new setup my friend!
Actually it's pretty impressive to see just how much better the light output is compared to another 997TT with the OEM lenses still mounted inside the headlights.
Will look forward to a more in depth comparison between the two cars, if possible.
For other people that may be interested in something like this - but dont have a 997, we offer clear lens upgrades for all cars. Whether its a 996, 997, modern Mercedes, or even a Lambo - the stock projector lenses aren't letting your headlights perform to their full potential. Kind of like the stock exhaust, stock intake, whatever...you get the idea
Actually it's pretty impressive to see just how much better the light output is compared to another 997TT with the OEM lenses still mounted inside the headlights.
Will look forward to a more in depth comparison between the two cars, if possible.
For other people that may be interested in something like this - but dont have a 997, we offer clear lens upgrades for all cars. Whether its a 996, 997, modern Mercedes, or even a Lambo - the stock projector lenses aren't letting your headlights perform to their full potential. Kind of like the stock exhaust, stock intake, whatever...you get the idea
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We constantly read about the most popular modifications to our 997TTs:
Power: ECU, headers, plenums, filters etc
Braking: Big brake kits, SS brake lines etc
Wheels: 19", 20", Titanium lugs, spacers etc
Sound: Exhaust
Cosmetic: Body kits, graphics, spoilers, LED lights
But one of the most overlooked and underrated performance and safety mod is our headlights, and I am not talking about getting 6000k bulbs
Basically, it's great to have 600+hp, awesome brakes and handling, but all of this is limited at night by how far and wide you can see. How far and wide you can see comes down to 1 thing only, your headlights. If you could upgrade your headlights so that you can see farther and better, you basically give yourself that extra margin of time and distance to react.
Stock, the 997TT comes with HID, D2S, with projectors made by Koito using Fresnel lens. If you look at these Fresnel lens closely, you can see that there are many rings and they are foggy in appearance. These lens are not optically clear and reduce the potential lumen output of our headlights.
So how you can upgrade them? Well, I looked to Matt at the Retrofit Source for the solution: STi-R lens, which are optically clear:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...products_id=85
Basically, Matt retrofitted a set of these lens into his own 997TT.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lens-swap.html
I was so impressed that I did the same thing. I didn't do them myself and had them sent to Caesar at http://www.lightwerkz.net/. They did an incredible job and turned around my lights in under a week. Since doing it, I have washed my car many times and the headlights are dry - not a drop of moisture inside. For those of you who aren't experienced in doing these, just send them to Lightwerkz. If you mess up, these lights cost $1000 per side.
I can tell you that without a doubt, this was the best mod I have done in a long time. When you drive at night, not only is it more pleasant to be able to see farther and wider, but safer. This is a mod that you can use 100% of the time at night. The light is more intense and the difference is incredible.
Look at the picture of my 997TT (With STi-R lens) on the left, compared to another 997TT (stock Fresnel Lens) on the right. Pictures do not do justice as to how much of a difference it is in reality. But you can see with the upgraded STi-R lens just how much more intense and bright the light is.
For best results, you can upgrade your HID bulbs to the Osram D2S CBI 5000k. Matt sells these as well.
Anyways, thanks for looking! And thanks Matt for all your help!
Power: ECU, headers, plenums, filters etc
Braking: Big brake kits, SS brake lines etc
Wheels: 19", 20", Titanium lugs, spacers etc
Sound: Exhaust
Cosmetic: Body kits, graphics, spoilers, LED lights
But one of the most overlooked and underrated performance and safety mod is our headlights, and I am not talking about getting 6000k bulbs
Basically, it's great to have 600+hp, awesome brakes and handling, but all of this is limited at night by how far and wide you can see. How far and wide you can see comes down to 1 thing only, your headlights. If you could upgrade your headlights so that you can see farther and better, you basically give yourself that extra margin of time and distance to react.
Stock, the 997TT comes with HID, D2S, with projectors made by Koito using Fresnel lens. If you look at these Fresnel lens closely, you can see that there are many rings and they are foggy in appearance. These lens are not optically clear and reduce the potential lumen output of our headlights.
So how you can upgrade them? Well, I looked to Matt at the Retrofit Source for the solution: STi-R lens, which are optically clear:
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...products_id=85
Basically, Matt retrofitted a set of these lens into his own 997TT.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lens-swap.html
I was so impressed that I did the same thing. I didn't do them myself and had them sent to Caesar at http://www.lightwerkz.net/. They did an incredible job and turned around my lights in under a week. Since doing it, I have washed my car many times and the headlights are dry - not a drop of moisture inside. For those of you who aren't experienced in doing these, just send them to Lightwerkz. If you mess up, these lights cost $1000 per side.
I can tell you that without a doubt, this was the best mod I have done in a long time. When you drive at night, not only is it more pleasant to be able to see farther and wider, but safer. This is a mod that you can use 100% of the time at night. The light is more intense and the difference is incredible.
Look at the picture of my 997TT (With STi-R lens) on the left, compared to another 997TT (stock Fresnel Lens) on the right. Pictures do not do justice as to how much of a difference it is in reality. But you can see with the upgraded STi-R lens just how much more intense and bright the light is.
For best results, you can upgrade your HID bulbs to the Osram D2S CBI 5000k. Matt sells these as well.
Anyways, thanks for looking! And thanks Matt for all your help!
What is different between the Osram D2S CBI 5000k and Stock (what bulbs come stock in case I missed it)?
Thanks
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Stock bulbs are 4300k
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The lens is $50 and the labor is about $500.
Osram CBI is the brightest bulb out there (3400lumens) and
at 5000k, it is a pure white compared to the yellowish stock 4300k bulbs (3200 lumens).
QUOTE=Johnny DB;3667298]Thanks for posting! I may want to do this mod now. What was the approximae cost to do all of this?
What is different between the Osram D2S CBI 5000k and Stock (what bulbs come stock in case I missed it)?
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Osram CBI is the brightest bulb out there (3400lumens) and
at 5000k, it is a pure white compared to the yellowish stock 4300k bulbs (3200 lumens).
QUOTE=Johnny DB;3667298]Thanks for posting! I may want to do this mod now. What was the approximae cost to do all of this?
What is different between the Osram D2S CBI 5000k and Stock (what bulbs come stock in case I missed it)?
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Last edited by NWturbo; Oct 18, 2012 at 12:26 AM.
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wait a sec, you went to clear-er projector housings to get more light on the road... and then you "upgraded" to bulbs that don't put out as many lumens as stock?
I guess at our car's ages, the stock bulbs will have lost some of their initial lumens (and have gotten higher in color temperature as they age)
I guess at our car's ages, the stock bulbs will have lost some of their initial lumens (and have gotten higher in color temperature as they age)
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No, I upgraded my projectors to maximize lumens for any bulb that I choose to use. I didn't change the bulb before or after so the comparison I posted is based on the STi-R lens alone. That's why I said for best results, you can upgrade your bulb to the Osram D2S CBI 5000k.
Stock Philips 4300K D2S are about 3200 lumens.
Osram D2S CBI is about 3400 lumens, even though they are 5000k.
Normally, the higher kelvin you go, the lower the lumen output. The Osram D2S 5000k is the exception.
Stock Philips 4300K D2S are about 3200 lumens.
Osram D2S CBI is about 3400 lumens, even though they are 5000k.
Normally, the higher kelvin you go, the lower the lumen output. The Osram D2S 5000k is the exception.
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You should have titled this post differently, didn't even check it for a while! I'm a headlight junky too and this looks awesome. I wouldn't even bother to change the bulbs. Just wonder how much risk there is in cracking the housing prying it loose. I guess I have interior trim tools - probably better than a screwdriver.
How do you take the headlights off? I guess that must be so simple it's not even worth showing the step!
How do you take the headlights off? I guess that must be so simple it's not even worth showing the step!
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You are welcome. It's an awesome mod, one that you can enjoy every single minute when you drive at night. It's safer to be able to see farther and wider and hell, your headlights will look like "laser beams" to other drivers
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Taking the stock headlights out is EASY, the instructions are in the owners manual. Sorry, I don't know how to explain it without pictures. Trust me, it's simple. It takes me about 5 minutes to remove BOTH, no kidding.
As to opening up the housing, these headlights are "Perma sealed" meaning that it's not intended to be opened up and resealed. So, you could do it yourself but risk not sealing it back together properly (water will get in), and if you mess up, these lights are over $1,000 a piece.
Lightwerkz uses the OEM Koito (company that makes our headlights) Butyl Sealant to properly reseal them.
As to opening up the housing, these headlights are "Perma sealed" meaning that it's not intended to be opened up and resealed. So, you could do it yourself but risk not sealing it back together properly (water will get in), and if you mess up, these lights are over $1,000 a piece.
Lightwerkz uses the OEM Koito (company that makes our headlights) Butyl Sealant to properly reseal them.
You should have titled this post differently, didn't even check it for a while! I'm a headlight junky too and this looks awesome. I wouldn't even bother to change the bulbs. Just wonder how much risk there is in cracking the housing prying it loose. I guess I have interior trim tools - probably better than a screwdriver.
How do you take the headlights off? I guess that must be so simple it's not even worth showing the step!
How do you take the headlights off? I guess that must be so simple it's not even worth showing the step!
Last edited by NWturbo; Oct 18, 2012 at 09:19 AM.
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has anybody done this themselves?
Sitting around on a rainy Sunday looking for a project.............sorry to resurrect an old thread.
Has anybody done this themselves? It looks like the result is worth the effort or the $. How easy is it possible to get the sealer?
TIA
Simon
As to opening up the housing, these headlights are "Perma sealed" meaning that it's not intended to be opened up and resealed. So, you could do it yourself but risk not sealing it back together properly (water will get in), and if you mess up, these lights are over $1,000 a piece.
Lightwerkz uses the OEM Koito (company that makes our headlights) Butyl Sealant to properly reseal them.
I installed HIDprojector headlights into a Canadian spec 1st generation STi years ago (up here could not get HID as OEM at that time). Required some baking in the oven......
I actually bought a replacement set of headlight$$ as backup and to use while I was dremeling (is that a word?) the original reflectors to accommodate the projectors and attach them securely/watertight. It gave great light/razor sharp cutoff/xenon high beam as well.
<a href="http://s107.photobucket.com/user/simongoldstein/media/IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m296/simongoldstein/IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s107.photobucket.com/user/simongoldstein/media/IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m296/simongoldstein/IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg"/></a>
Has anybody done this themselves? It looks like the result is worth the effort or the $. How easy is it possible to get the sealer?
TIA
Simon
As to opening up the housing, these headlights are "Perma sealed" meaning that it's not intended to be opened up and resealed. So, you could do it yourself but risk not sealing it back together properly (water will get in), and if you mess up, these lights are over $1,000 a piece.
Lightwerkz uses the OEM Koito (company that makes our headlights) Butyl Sealant to properly reseal them.
I installed HIDprojector headlights into a Canadian spec 1st generation STi years ago (up here could not get HID as OEM at that time). Required some baking in the oven......
I actually bought a replacement set of headlight$$ as backup and to use while I was dremeling (is that a word?) the original reflectors to accommodate the projectors and attach them securely/watertight. It gave great light/razor sharp cutoff/xenon high beam as well.
<a href="http://s107.photobucket.com/user/simongoldstein/media/IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m296/simongoldstein/IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0799_zps19dc9e1e.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s107.photobucket.com/user/simongoldstein/media/IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m296/simongoldstein/IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0796_zps2a965762.jpg"/></a>
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