Coloured lenses on a 996: To Swap or Not To Swap?

[markomah]

I've a 1998 996 Carrera in metallic black. None of the previous owners have upgraded to the clear lenses so the front and rear indicators and side repeaters remain in the original orange plastic.

I know that the general wisdom is that the clear lenses will make the car look fresher and more modern/up-to-date. I agree that the clear lenses look nicer on, say, Arctic silver cars.

However, a part of me actually quite likes the look of the orange plastic against the black paintwork and makes we wonder whether carrying out the upgrade is the right way to go.

Is there anyone else out there who agrees that the original orange lenses aren't always a bad thing, or am I simply deluding myself?

Any thoughts?

[atticus]

Mark - i went through the same thought process when i got my car and like u, decided the orange lights looked better with the black paintwork than the clear lenses.

I've no cares about the disguising the age of my car - i simply prefer to spend the lense "upgrade" money on trackdays and tuition - clear lenses aint gonna help me carry more speed through turns or master this heel & toe malarky !!

[markomah]

Thanks Atticus; nice to know I'm not alone.

I agree with you that performance driving lessons are a great way to get know the car's (and my own) capabilities.

However, a little demon on my right shoulder keeps whispering "Sports Exhaust! Sports Exhaust!".

Oh for a modest lottery win

[turbo tim]

Speaking slightly out of turn here (as I don't own a 996) ((not yet anyway!)), but I would definitely go for clear - oraange lenses instantly make any car look dated.....





...however, that said, it's your car and if you like the orange lenses, then keep 'em!


p.s. nice car.

[adam b]

ditto to turbo tim

[markomah]

Thanks for the feedback, fellas...

I know that I should agree with you about the orange lenses being dated, and I do feel that way about most other cars, it's just that my (admittedly peculiar) sense of aesthetics does sort of like the orange with the black of the paintwork.

[atticus]

mark - i had the same little demon whispering "sports exhaust" in my ear too...being feeble & meek minded i immediately went out and fitted a pair of Fabspeeds - that way i wouldn't hear any other whispers from the demon about "K&N filter" , "3 spoke steering" , "lenses" above the growl of the exhaust!

[DucatiGary]

I agree, they look fine as they are.

the guy who had mine before me changed the lenses on mine, im not fussed either way tbh.

[ballcock]

It's just like the makers intended right now .. no point tryin to improve on perfection!

[Carrera2]

I changed mine (Midnight Blue 996) and am really happy with the change.

However, I know what you mean. At the front I quite like the fried egg lights on darker cars - however, the rear lights look so much better with clear lenses IMO.

[markomah]

Right, you've helped me decide.

The coloured lenses stay and the money goes into the sports exhaust account. Farewell to friendly, happy neighbours, hello to snarly tunnel noises!

Thanks for your views.

[ballcock]

Just a thought on that exhaust point there , Marco , have a look at what the government is planning with regard to mods . I read a report recently saying that moded exhausts would make for a fail , come NCT day , apparently in a bid to curb the boy racer explosion. I'd hate to see all that dosh going down the drain...

[radron]

Hi all

late to the frey as usual!

Keep the tango!!! I think its actually quite groovy having the tango lights as it makes the car look different to all the others.

[markomah]

ballcock said:

Just a thought on that exhaust point there , Marco , have a look at what the government is planning with regard to mods . I read a report recently saying that moded exhausts would make for a fail , come NCT day , apparently in a bid to curb the boy racer explosion. I'd hate to see all that dosh going down the drain...

I hadn't thought of that; definitely worth bearing in mind.

I'll have to examine exactly what they're proposing. For example, would a Porsche sports exhaust retro-fitted to the car count as a mod? If so, does that mean that anyone who orders a new 997 with a Porsche sports exhaust is going to get a nasty shock when they bring it for the first NCT?

Thanks for the food for thought.