Jump to content

Zane

Installed: Chevrolet's Lighted Bowtie For The 2019 Silverado

By Zane, in The Garage

Recommended Posts

Zane    489

Zane
Posted

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

The Merva Brothers

Founders, GM-Trucks.com

February 27th, 2019

 

When you take delivery of a brand new 2019 Silverado, you'll be faced with a few choices beyond which trim level or options you want. You'll also be asked which accessories you want to be installed on your truck before it rolls off the sales floor. Most GM accessories can even be factored into the sale price and financed. So, we're setting off to try out some of these certified accessories that are available for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. Our goal is to let you know if they are worth the cash or if you should take a pass. 

 

We've always loved the look of a blacked out bowtie and the idea of one that lights up seemed too cool to pass up. So we headed to our local dealership and ordered the 2019+ Illuminated & Blacked out front bowtie. Here's how it went and what we think. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

 

What is it?
Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black
Part Number: 84069488
MSRP: $275.00
Manufacturer Website: https://accessories.chevrolet.com/

 

Main Features

  • Doesn't effect your factory warranty
  • Direct replacement for the standard gold bowtie
  • Same quality as original parts
  • Wiring harness is plug & play and matches factory wiring

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

 

Here's the bowtie and grille as it came from the factory. 

 

Installation

The first step to install the illuminated bowtie (or the non-illuminated black bowtie) is to remove the front grille. The grille on our LTZ was easy to take once we understood how it was fastened to the body. The entire process runs around 30 mintues  We'll be covering how to remove the grille on the 2019 Silverado in detail soon. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

A plastic trim removal set makes this process much easier. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

After a little bit of pulling and careful prying, the entire front grille section comes off. Note the grille can be removed without having to take off any body panels or reach under the vehicle. This is a huge improvement over past Silverado generations, which required more disassembly to access the grille mounting hardware. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

The grille is a solid unit. Switching it out with another trim level's grille would be easy at this stage. This is also a good time to clean up the grille. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

To remove the factory bowtie, release four tab clips on the backside of the grille. One is inside of the support post where you will also run the bowtie's wiring harness. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

We popped out the bowtie and cleaned behind it before installing the new one. It was filthy underneath!  

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

The included wiring harness plugs into the driver's side headlight harness. It then snakes through the radiator opening and clips to the bumper. We found it easier to run the wire through the grille and connect it to bowtie, THEN snap the bowtie to the grille afterwards. Attempting to plug the harness into the bowtie after it is mounted on the grille turns out to be extremely difficult. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

We tested the bowtie to make sure it lit up properly before we attached the grille back onto the truck. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

 

Our Impressions

Installation of the illuminated bowtie turned out to be pretty easy provided we used the right tools. Our plastic trim kit was invaluable during the process, allowing us to pry and remove pieces without scratching them. The kit also didn't come with instructions, so make sure to ask your dealer for a set of them when you buy it. They can print it out for you. 

 

The quality of the bowtie is on par with other factory parts and matches accordingly. The wiring harness looks similar to those already running under the hood giving the final fit a factory feel. 

 

2019_Chevy_Silverado_IlluminatedBowtie19.jpg

 

So while the look and feel of the product is excellent the actual performance of the illuminated bowtie left us wanting more. We expected an illumination effect with a similar brightness to our DRL lighting. Instead, the bowtie glows a dull white at light. During the day or bright sunlight the illumination effect disappears completely. We do appreciate that the color temperature of the bowtie matches the headlights and DRLs. 

 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

 

The MSRP of $275 is steep for the eventual lackluster performance. Excellent build quality, plug and play performance, a factory look, and no warranty interference offset the price to an extent. 

 

If you want a quality replacement for your gold bowtie that adds a little more flare to your 2019 Silverado, the Illuminated Black Bowtie could be right for you. If you're looking for a bright centerpiece that stands out with the same intensity as your other lighting, this may not fit your bill. 

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

Chevrolet Illuminated Grille Bowtie Emblem in Black Part Number: 84069488

 

 

  • Like 1

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sierra Dan    1,012

Sierra Dan
Posted

Zane,

 

You guys have a damn fine looking T1 LTZ !

I think the illuminated bowtie was designed to be lackluster in a safety way.

Subtle enough to be pronounced..... but not overpowering. It is a nice touch.

Great writeup. Keep up the good work :thumbs:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing The Garage

  • Similar Content

    • ThomCannell
      Just Do It! - 2020 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax Diesel
      By ThomCannell

      Thom Cannel: Article & Photos
      Zane Merva: Photos
      GM-Trucks.com
      June 24th, 2019
       
      This could be the shortest Chevrolet truck review in history. 
       
       
      If that's what you came for, you can stop reading right now.  But if you're curious... 
       
      Why is the 3.0L Duramax so awesome? Because unless you’re building a custom lifestyle truck or simply using it for basic tasks you’ll be no doubt upgrade to more powerful engine when you buy your next Silverado or Sierra. That means either the famous 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine or this all-new 3.0L Duramax Turbo-diesel 3.0-liter diesel with its 277 HP, 460 torques and 9,300 pound towing capacity.
       

       
      If your truck is a lifestyle statement—and we have zero problems with that—this may not apply to you. That is, unless you’re from Texas where a better engine is as necessary as church on Thursday, guns, and football. Our vote, as the upgrade cost is the same $2,495 as for the 6.2L gas engine, is the new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel. It has the same torque, better fuel economy (we expect) and even has a sweet engine exhaust sound.
       
      Chevrolet invited GM-Trucks to Bend, Oregon to test the 2020 Silverado and it’s new diesel engine. Don’t worry if you just bought a 2019 Silverado—there are no huge differences for 2020; the truck was only released a few months ago. So, for 2020 Chevy adds adaptive cruise control and the amazing 15-view camera technology that includes “invisible trailer” from the Heavy Duty segment. We covered that. 
       
      For 2020 Chevrolet offers a diversity of engines. There are, in addition to the new diesel, the 310 horsepower / 348 lb-ft 2.7-liter DI turbocharged I-4 with an 8-speed transmission, and two legendary small block gas engines, the 5.3L and 6.2L.
       
      In Model Year 2020 the 5.3L makes 355 horsepower (265 kW) and 383 lb-ft of torque (519 Nm) coupled to an 8-speed transmission, the 6.2L is SAE-certified to deliver 420 HP (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm). It is paired with GM’s 10-speed transmission, which couples perfectly with GM’s DFM cylinder deactivation system. Hey, you don’t think you can run on two cylinders with an ordinary transmission, do you? 
       

       
      According to Chevrolet the new diesel motor will be available in LT, RST, LTZ and High Country trim levels. The 5.3L gas engine is standard in LTZ and High Country models and available on LT, RST and Trail Boss. The 6.2L gas gasser is available more trim levels for 2020. Both engines will be built at General Motors’ Tonawanda Engine Plant in Buffalo, New York.” Not mentioned is the carryover 4.3L engine aimed at fleet owners.



      We arrived in Oregon to 80°F heat and blue skies, then were fed and watered, and set off on different tasks. We can’t talk about the HD trucks and their massive towing capacity for a couple of days. We were offered an incredibly deep-dive into the new engine, and a mileage competition featuring the new 3.0-liter diesel engine to start, however. Winning a comp is cool, but not realistic when you have a limited time with a vehicle in the first place. That said, other journalists did take the time to compete and Sunday’s winning mileage was in the 34-36 mpg range and then blown away by Monday’s 46 mpg. That, friends, is some serious hypermiling! However we still do not have official EPA certified mileage. That’s “To Come”.
       
      If you haven’t read much about the 3.0, here’s a modestly deep dive into its guts. First, the whole engine is state-of-the-art, aluminum head and block with thin steel cylinder sleeves and seven main bearings for the crankshaft. Combustion processes were among the driving forces underpinning design theory, so the cylinder head is essentially flat and the bowl-shaped pistons have zero relief cuts for the valves. That was important for efficiency.
       

       
      Simulation, and single-cylinder engine studies showed that having very vertical valves would not only allow a simpler bowl shape in the pistons, but that very shape would allow inlet-generated swirl to be maximized at every point. Swirl is produced and governed by dual intake runners feeding each cylinder. Oh, the ceramic glow plugs gave GM the highest compression ratio consistent with power and emissions, as well as allowing ignition to -22°F without a block heater. FYI, most of the engine development and engineering, as well as primary calibration took place in Turin, Italy. That’s GM’s center of diesel excellence.
       
      To ensure a quiet engine, emissions that more than meet standards, and deliver fuel economy, GM finalized an injection pressure of 2,500 bar (36,500 psi) through solenoid injectors capable of up to ten injections per combustion cycle. Early injections are primarily used to build in-cylinder pressure smoothly to abate diesel clatter. Later injections can be used for power and to keep the catalyst working within specified temperatures (those injections, sometimes caused by a catalyst cooled by highway driving, do negatively affect fuel economy but maintain emissions specifications).



      There’s a single close-coupled VGT turbo, for now, which indicates a possibility for later development of greater power and torque. Packaging to the “chemical factory” is as tight as could be manufactured.



      What we really haven’t talked about is the decision for an I-6 engine, versus a V-type. Obviously, six cylinders are longer than three, or even four. This slightly under-square engine delivers two things that a V design does not: smoothness and less side force. A V-type engine necessarily produces some side thrust, which is one of the reasons that Ford’s new 3.0L is made of CGI or Compacted Graphite Iron. In contrast, by using a robust, deep skirt design, Chevrolet and other divisions have an all-aluminum block, saving weight. Some of the extra length is minimized by packaging chain driven shafts at the rear.



      If you’ve never driven, or better yet heard an inline six, they’re smooth, likely the smoothest engine you’ve driven and with a unique sound. Both delivered by six evenly spaced exhaust pulses. The last I-6 engine GM produced was the gasoline Atlas LL8/Vortec 4200 used in Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Olds Bravada, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X. ) Note that Detroit Diesel has produced an inline-6 since 1980 that displaces 11-14L.)
       
      Before highway driving, we did a walk-around. The GM-exclusive Durabed is impressive, and hard-coated for scuff resistance. Chevrolet says it’s made up of several sections instead of 1-2 deep drawn pressings. This provides owners with more cargo volume. As Chevrolet (and GMC) will tell you, it’s made of several varieties of High Strength Steels, so they claim it’s more dent and penetration-resistant than Ford’s aluminum bed. Inside the bed are 12 fixed tie-down points and nine moveable points, which has been a big hit with owners. Plus there’s that available power up/down tailgate, a power outlet and task lighting. A somewhat unnoticed feature is relocating the bed lights to flank the CHMSL on the roof edge. A couple of other things that are important are the corner steps and bed steps. They’re made for size 13 steel-toed boots and hold up to 500 pounds.
       

       
      We then drove the truck on the highway and on two-lane roads. Our first impression was of the powerful engine sound, followed by impressive torque. Electric motor type torque. Smooth power available at the lowest of engine speeds.
       
      Engine noise isn’t intrusive but like the torque, off the line it lets you know it’s there. However, with an open hood you hardly know it’s a diesel, it is that quiet. Even a random enthusiast who had been researching the new 3.0L Duramax and stopped us at a boat launch had to ask if it was a Diesel. This is simply unlike the larger Duramax and any other light duty diesel on the market. 
       


      Something we’ll get into in our Heavy Duty story is the reason there’s a 10-speed transmission. If you think about the power band of a diesel engine, here delivering all of its 460 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm and holding strong to about 4,000 rpm, that’s significantly different than the power band of a gas engine. Thus, the 10-speed maximizes power and fuel economy—and every automaker has to deliver fuel economy, low CO2 and clean emissions.
       
      We have much more to come. For instance, we need to see if tow ratings are realistic, if its EPA fuel economy beats Ford’s 30Highway/22City/25Combined and how well it lives up to the Find New Roads slogan in real world driving under every condition we can discover.
       
    • DrDaveMD89
      Front wheels won’t turn when in 4WD
      By DrDaveMD89
      Problem is as stated in the title. Got stuck in the mud and the front wheels wouldn’t budge but the rears would spin like no tomorrow. I’m able to engage 4hi and 4lo, no lights are flashing and no service 4x4 lights either. I can hear it engage when in 4hi and I can definitely hear it and feel it when it’s in 4lo. Seemed to have worked during the winter but I had suspected maybe something was up at that time as well. I only ever use my 4wd when I need it otherwise I stay in 2wd.
       
      I don’t wrench a lot but I know how to do basic maintenance like oil changes, spark plugs, oil pressure sensors and even some exhaust work but i wouldn’t call myself exactly mechanically savvy.
       
      The truck is a 2011 Silverado 1500 5.3 LT Z71 crew cab. 
       
      Please help and thanks in advance!!
    • Zane
      Videos on 2020 HD Design & Advanced Trailering Camera System
      By Zane
      Hey everyone, I just wanted to make sure any of you 2020 guys saw two videos we recently put together on the 2020 Silverado HD. More to come as the embargo breaks on what we can say next week. 
      Enjoy and make sure to like and subscribe to our channel, PLEASE. 
       
       
       
    • Zane
      The 2020 Silverado HD's AMAZING 15-View Camera System!
      By Zane
      Zane Merva
      Executive Editor / Publisher - GM-Trucks.com
      June 21st, 2019
       
      We recently had a chance to check out the all new Silverado HD. The 2020 Silverado HD has an optional 8 camera system to help aid in towing your trailer. We get a full walk through of the various views and camera angles. 
       
       

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    207,679
    Total Topics
    2,223,043
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    177,034
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    ZacB
    Newest Member
    ZacB
    Joined

  • Who's Online   143 Members, 0 Anonymous, 1,116 Guests (See full list)

×

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.

  I accept