OEM-Style HID Plans (am I on the right path?)

[Arkansaw]

I just bought a 2005 GMC Yukon SLT a couple days ago. I'm really loving my new ride. I've always wanted HIDs on a vehicle and think I'll finally pull the trigger on this one.

I have some thoughts on what I want to do and figured I should run it by some experienced members for feedback.

Firstly, I'd like an OEM look to it. No overly colorful light output an nominal glare to other drivers. Here is my thought so far:

- Purchase OEM Yukon Denali projectors. (will they swap cleanly into my non-Denali?)

- Purchase OEM style ballasts like Phillips and OEM 4300k bulbs.

I figure this has the best chance of giving me a reliable and OEM-like look and performance.

Love to hear your thoughts.

Andy



yukon_sig_strip by On A Wav, on Flickr

 

[LazyAssLou]

Follow the link: http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6151&highlight=projectors

It may help you.

 

[Arkansaw]

Great thread. It looks like that turned out great. I'm looking for something a little more plug and play, though. I don't really want to retrofit projectors into a headlights assembly.

 

[AquinoSteven]

You can buy factory denali projectors and just get an aftermarket hid kit at 4300k. Will look the same. A friend of mine did it to his gmc 1500.

 

[LazyAssLou]

You can buy factory denali projectors and just get an aftermarket hid kit at 4300k. Will look the same. A friend of mine did it to his gmc 1500.

I agree, I did this to mine awhile back. I did 5K though and it turned out great! You could see the projector changing colors at different angles but the light output was the same color just like other vehicles that come with the HIDs stock.

 

[Arkansaw]

Great! Thanks for the info. I don't mind the color where the projector is creating a prism-type effect, I just don't want an overall blue or purple look that seems non-OEM.

Where did you get the OEM headlamp assemblies? Do you like the cutoff pattern?

 

[AquinoSteven]

I would check ebay or a junk yard. My friend ran them on a lifted truck with 6,000K. They worked great. Im sure youll like them too. They biggest problem with the stock headlights is the scater of the beam.

 

[DenaliAK]

I got rid of the OEM projectors I had because they were old and the lenses had some filled-in holes in them. Decided to go all the way with the TSX projectors, but I'm pretty sure it's not necessary for good lighting, although I doubt they'll have the same wide-angle beam and sharp cut-off, as long as they are aimed correctly they should be fine.

They will be more blue than OEM, though. Even with 4300k bulbs, which are supposedly the closest match to OEM. Basically, think of an audi or BMW coming at you...that's the color they'll be. Lightly blue, mostly white. Good call on the OEM ballasts, although I really can't complain about DDM since I've got 4 sets of them and they all work just fine.

You may want to consider getting the Depo headlight replacements. They are cheaper by a lot and have a pretty decent projector from what everyone says. Most have commented that it's better than the OEM one for cutoff with HID's. Ebay can be your friend here.

Also recommend a relay, especially if you are running the expensive OEM ballasts.

 

[Arkansaw]

Thanks for the suggestion on the Depo's. They looks pretty similar to OEM and likely cheaper. Any forum vendors sell them?

 

[DenaliAK]

Not that I know of. Here's a great deal on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YUKON-DENALI-XL-01-06-BLACK-PROJECTOR-HEADLIGHTS-SIERRA-/170538363440?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b4e0ea30