Headlight motor upgrade?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Victoria
Headlight motor upgrade?
I have an 87 convertible and my RH headlight motor died. I have been given an 89 headlight motor and wish to install it. I have fitted it, but as the wiring plug is a 3 prong plug and the old 87 motor had only a 2 prong plug - I was wondering if there is any simple solution to this?
Can I simply connect two of the wires, or is the third really required for something. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....
Thanks....
Can I simply connect two of the wires, or is the third really required for something. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....
Thanks....
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 3
From: Long Island NY
No. The two types of motors use completely different circuitry to actuate them. The older style uses relays and the newer style uses a module. You can convert both motors over to the newer type but not one at a time.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
You'd probably be better off getting an OEM motor from a Corvette salvage yard like Taber's Corvette Parts or on the Forum in C4 parts for sale/trade.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
If you want to do the conversion it is not too difficult. I picked up a used module out of a Firebird with the plugs for $5 at a salvage yard. The same module was used on Corvette, Firebird and Fiero. You do need to change out the entire headlight assembly not just the motor. The mounting and drive methods are different.
The old system used limit switches built into the motor and relays that were prone to being intermittant. The new system uses an electronic module to run the motors and is much more reliable.
I did this on my 85 and got rid of the headlight blues.
The old system used limit switches built into the motor and relays that were prone to being intermittant. The new system uses an electronic module to run the motors and is much more reliable.
I did this on my 85 and got rid of the headlight blues.
