dwcsjca

Just bought a 2012 GS and am looking to replace the fogged headlights, keeping the cost to a reasonable level (the car was <$30K). I like the Morimoto's, but at $1500, that would be >5% of the cost of the car. Anzo's headlights is a possibility, but I also saw the ones below on eBay, from seller "Unique Style Racing". Does anyone out there have these? They use the original HID lights and ballast (you swap yours in). I don't care about lack of LED/brightness, just want the C7-like DRL and non-foggy lenses. Thanks!

briankhughes

Don't go cheap. You'll definitely regret it.

madsonp

Somethings to consider, what's the warranty on them, are they DOT approved ? Morimotos have a 5 year warranty, and are DOT approved.

Iowa

I don't have experience with these, but typically these cheap lights don't work as intended. I bought a set of cheaper lights for my silverado and put led bulbs in them. They were super bright, but the light was all over the place and the driving at night experience was horrible. I sold those at a loss and bought the morimotos. Buying something for the sole reason of saving a few bucks rarely works.

81VETTOM

After using the Morimotos I would never use anything else. Yes, these are not cheap, but safety improvement at night is without question IMHO I also added the fog lights too. Buy once Cry once.

Jeff T.

MikalMuh

I tried the cheaper lights, but from a different seller. They did not work. Returned them for a full refund and got the morimotos on sale during Thanksgiving from Vette Lights.

Pander

I almost pulled the trigger on those lights because of the price but I researched and found those cheap lights have huge quality control issues. I ended up biting the bullet and going for the Morimotos due to their proven track record and 5 year warranty.

leebay

I can understand you not wanting to spend the $$$ on new headlights at this time, have you considered sanding & buffing out the factory headlights? I have done a few sets and they buff out like new. Thats always a option to consider.

groundstrike

Consider replacing the lenses also. It is a cheaper way to get clear lenses. Labor intensive though.

dwcsjca

Thanks for all the great feedback! I generally agree that you get what you pay for and in this case there's risk in trying to economize. But in my situation, there are a few cosmetic restorations and several service/maintenance items I'd like to do with the car and I need to keep it within an overall budget. Going with Morimotos would mean dropping some other item(s) off the list.

I think I'll pass on the units sold by "USR". I was mistaken when I said it uses the stock car's HID light and ballast (this is the case with the Anzo headlights). The 60 day warranty, with LED headlight and ballast from unknown sources, push the risk needle a little too far for me.

At this point I'm considering the Anzo units as they would repurpose key parts of my current/proven headlights (HID lamp and ballast) and I've seen more info from users on-line with the Anzos than on the units sold by USR. Second choice would be to keep the original headlights and buff them. But I really like the look of the LED DRLs on the updated headlights.

rgibson214

LED DRLs are a fad, like the Internet

449er

Cheap isn't good & good isn't cheap

Joe0121

And IMO look better

madsonp

JABCAT

If you don’t want to purchase the Morimotos, you can refurbish your lights fairly inexpensively. New lenses & gaskets should run you about $200 @umnitza & you can get new ballasts pretty cheap (I picked up 2 OEM ballasts new for $80 on eBay), and new HID bulbs from @VetteLights. You’ll have to r&r the lenses on your current lights which is a pain, but really not all that difficult. Paint the buckets black while you’re in there, if they aren’t already.

Iowa

The chances are high that you will be disappointed with the light output of those DRLs. They typically use cheaper lighting. Obviously only you know your situation, but if money is tight I would suggest saving for the morimotos. I just purchased them last week. Certainly not happy with spending that much, but they are 10% off and these other lights just don't compare. Good luck to you with whatever you decide.

info@umnitza.com

Please allow me. USR has been around only nearly as long as we have. They have been one of the most exclusive providers of DEPO based headlights for US and Euro styles.
This is a Xenon based headlight that requires you to remove your existing bulbs and ballasts. the DRL and the sequential LED turn signal is the only reason to buy them.
DEPO lenses generally over time are not great, they tend to craze on lights that are not in direct sunlight regularly, not sure what the issue would be for C6 style lights that get the worst of the sun hitting them at all times.
I cannot comment specifically about this one as we are getting one into stock to check it out.
The immediate pros are the price and the DRL/Amber Turn, the cons are that you are staying with Xenon and ultimately to get the better light output, you'll need to transfer your old parts. That said, this provides you a very good foundation from which to improve the light output further at a slightly reduced price - like opening the lights and installing a Bi-LED projector and coming to within $100-200 of the Morimoto C7 style.

There is a special going on right on on the Morimoto @ 10% off which is pretty significant from the $1468.10 normal price. I'll DM you details if you are interested.

99% of all DEPO headlights come with a "flexible" 1 year warranty. They are DOT approved, however they are NO match for the C7 Morimoto or the C8 Gtr Carbide units in MANY other aspects.
Though output and pattern is still TBD.

You may be confusing these with Anzo/Eagle Eyes based lights, those are definitely no comparison even to the DEPO which are much higher quality build production across their full range of products.

Generally the level of crazing most C6s experience will be fine 1 or 2 times for buffing and polish, but it's always better to just install new lenses.
We have free Butyl with every lens order going on now.
https://www.umnitza.com/chevrolet-co...ht-lenses.html

No, they are non-LED headlights. the USR lights and Anzo lights both use existing HID ballasts. They are not full LED.
You have DM.

DEPO lights are pretty good with DRL, they are bright, probably on par with any of the items in the market. All the vendors borrow from each other in terms of sourcing the parts, the real issue isn't the DRL or necessarily the design.
The real issue is you aren't getting a great warranty nor are you getting an all in one solution that just plugs in.

dwcsjca

Just to close the circle on this thread, in the end I went with the group's advice and went with the Morimotos, enabled by a very good price from Umnitza. I was planning to do the installation myself, but Umnitza offered a price I couldn't refuse, so I had them installed today at their shop in Murietta (California). Overall, my experience with Umnitza was great. The installation was done by Adam- he was very careful, didn't rush it, and spent extra time to dial in the fit. The whole process was zero customer stress.

What do I do with the original headlights?

Thanks to all for helping me make the right decision!

Before/after pix below.



Yep, have new front splitter in a box; waiting for a free weekend to install

Varrstoen

dont cheap out..morimoto is always the way to go when it comes to warranty and quality