Want projector headlights..Aftermarket vs OEM?

CbrownGT · September 8, 2015

I am looking into getting projector headlights. I currently am running HIDs in my reflector housings on my '14 (no need to blast me over this. I know it's not great but I have them aimed very conservatively and haven't been flashed). I'm not sure whether I should get the OEM projectors or an aftermarket brand. Retrofitting is not an option right now. If anyone could lend some advice or has experience with any aftermarket projector housings, please share. I want quality over looks.

Thanks

Big_D · September 8, 2015

I know you say retrofitting isn't an option, but a set of FXRs output is better than anything oem or aftermarket. This is the quality you're after.

You could find a set of oem projectors, and retro in a set of FXRs. No downtime this way if that's your concern.

Aftermarket plug and play, i don't know about. Sorry.

RobZ71LM7 · September 9, 2015

If you do a search you'll see a thread with pics where one member found the reproduction LTZ lights made by Eagle Eyes were not quite OEM quality. They aren't bad, but it's up to you. That was enough for me to buy LTZ lights, but I retofitted better projectors-FX-R's. One plus of OEM over aftermarket lights is the ease of a future retro with an oem light.

FWIW I have Anzo LED tail lights m ade by Eagle Eyes and the fit there is also not up to OEM standards, but I tolerate it.

CbrownGT · September 9, 2015

I know you say retrofitting isn't an option, but a set of FXRs output is better than anything oem or aftermarket. This is the quality you're after.

You could find a set of oem projectors, and retro in a set of FXRs. No downtime this way if that's your concern.

Aftermarket plug and play, i don't know about. Sorry.

If you do a search you'll see a thread with pics where one member found the reproduction LTZ lights made by Eagle Eyes were not quite OEM quality. They aren't bad, but it's up to you. That was enough for me to buy LTZ lights, but I retofitted better projectors-FX-R's. One plus of OEM over aftermarket lights is the ease of a future retro with an oem light.

FWIW I have Anzo LED tail lights m ade by Eagle Eyes and the fit there is also not up to OEM standards, but I tolerate it.

You both have me intrigued about retrofitting some FX-R's in OEM LTZ lights. I'm pretty good mechanically..how hard was it to do the retro-fit? Did you cut open lights with a dremel, bake them, or did you not have to cut at all? I'd love to to a retrofit and also remove the ugly amber reflectors...

Big_D · September 9, 2015

You both have me intrigued about retrofitting some FX-R's in OEM LTZ lights. I'm pretty good mechanically..how hard was it to do the retro-fit? Did you cut open lights with a dremel, bake them, or did you not have to cut at all? I'd love to to a retrofit and also remove the ugly amber reflectors...

retro fit wasn't that hard, but it takes time though. I didn't have to cut anything besides the end caps(make a hole for the D2S bulb wiring), and drill a couple more holes in the projector to reuse the factory mounts. That and buy some adapters to splice into your high beams for the bi-xenon application.(high beams "on" opens the shutter on the FXR for extra light)

But, if I were to do it again, i'd go here and order the adapter kit. I would also dremel them open, take the orange out and paint the chrome black(minus the high beam reflector housing lol)

http://www.fastheadlights.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1838

TxTruckMan · September 10, 2015

I'd go with as much OEM as possible - it'll always look better.

I've replaced lights, trim pieces, etc over the years on older vehicles, and the aftermarket stuff is never quite as good as OEM. The OEM stuff will last longer and look better along the way. It'll cost you a little more up front, but worth it in the long run IMHO.

Half_ton · September 11, 2015

Anyone have a good source for ltz oem lights?

RobZ71LM7 · September 11, 2015

Anyone have a good source for ltz oem lights?

Scour ebay. That's where I got mine. The chrome trim was scuffed, but I just transferred it over from my LT headlights. I paid $300ish for the pair.

RobZ71LM7 · September 11, 2015

You both have me intrigued about retrofitting some FX-R's in OEM LTZ lights. I'm pretty good mechanically..how hard was it to do the retro-fit? Did you cut open lights with a dremel, bake them, or did you not have to cut at all? I'd love to to a retrofit and also remove the ugly amber reflectors...

See post 1899 of mine here:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/152762-hid-headlight-bulbs-hid-projector-retrofit/page-127?hl=bake&do=findComment&comment=1665093

Let me know if you have any questions. It's a decent amount of work, but worth it to me, plus these weren't my only pair of lights so I had time to make mistakes. Be patient and you'll be fine.

You can do the retro without opening the light, but the install is better in my opinion if you open it up.

CbrownGT · September 13, 2015

I'm curious how similar some of the OEM LTZ look-a-likes online are to actual OEM. Like if the internals are the same (brackets & mounts). If I knew for sure that they were I would pull the trigger and retrofit with some FX-R's. I just haven't had any luck looking for true OEM LTZ lights..I'm sorry, but I'm not paying over $500 for used lights that the seller even says has scratches.