Led headlights for 08 denali

[Jonah52]

I can second this. I added HID bulbs to my 12 Yukon and they were terrible. More light output but overall less useful - very scattered and splotchy beam. I a high end HID kit too (with adjustable high-low beam modes). The big issue here is the light wasn't focused in the right spot in the housing so it didn't get thrown to the road in the proper manner.

I ended up with some Sylvania bulbs after this. Significantly better light output to the road than the HID kit and far more usable too.

For an HID kit to work it would need to not just have a lot of light but also placement of the chip exactly where the filament in the normal bulb was. There is not a lot of room for error either - the distance between the high and low beam elements is 1/8" or less.

I don’t see an option for optimal lighting in a stock housing ther than a nice sylvania bulb.

It’s either that or full blown retrofit. I don’t see a solid in between retaining a factory halogen reflector. They are pretty bad headlights lol I mean my Duramax has more useful light and it was an 03 lol

 

[01Konvict]

Sometimes the problem isn't just the bulb, the problem is also the housing reflector, the OEM is designed for a bulb the emits light 360deg. With led your going to have gaps and it's going to show in the reflection, length of the bulb is going to matter also because this also affects the reflection.

I can second this. I added HID bulbs to my 12 Yukon and they were terrible. More light output but overall less useful - very scattered and splotchy beam. I a high end HID kit too (with adjustable high-low beam modes). The big issue here is the light wasn't focused in the right spot in the housing so it didn't get thrown to the road in the proper manner.

I ended up with some Sylvania bulbs after this. Significantly better light output to the road than the HID kit and far more usable too.

For an HID kit to work it would need to not just have a lot of light but also placement of the chip exactly where the filament in the normal bulb was. There is not a lot of room for error either - the distance between the high and low beam elements is 1/8" or less.

This is why I refer to either build a retrofit or stick to halogen bulbs. I've seen lots of adjustable LEDs and HIDs but unfortunately I still see random hot spots or unfocused beam pattern from the bowls not being designed for that light system. The best halogen bulb is PIAA Xtreme White Plus! Blows silver star away and is the cheapest good light output upgrade to stock bowls without doing a retrofit.

 

[kwOH]

TRS is starting to sell LEDs. Explain that.

 

[Jonah52]

Just because McDonald’s sells hamburgers doesn’t mean they’re good.

 

[01Konvict]

TRS has been selling LEDs for several years. Even they say it’s ok but really dependent on stock bowl shape whether they work well or not. Unfortunately our bowls are round dome which isn’t conducive to that style of glow. For example the nnbs truck lights have a square shape which are better for LED. Call them up for yourself to hear them tell you to do a retrofit.

 

[Doubeleive]

as far as front turn signal led's I have been using these, no issue's, nice amber color and there pretty bright even in daylight
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-920-Lum...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Jonah52]

as far as front turn signal led's I have been using these, no issue's, nice amber color and there pretty bright even in daylight
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-920-Lumen-3157-50W-High-Power-Chip-LED-Amber-Yellow-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulbs/232162434118?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I like led swaps but not for blinkers. The halogen enits a glow that an led just can’t mimmick since the led diodes are more directional if that makes sense! I’m sure they look nice and crisp orange though.

 

[Shunto]

Hey guys I am sure this has been beat to death but looking to find some good led lights that will work without projector housings. All the housings I see are ugly and super expensive. I have hid lights now and work pretty good but want to switch. Anyone have any luck? I know all the bulbs have come a long way! Thanks!

Not for nothing... I Had HID in a 4 runner.... swapped em out for LED'S... i'm less than excited.... i'm not disappointed but thought i would get a little more light that i received.

 

[kwOH]

@Jonah52 @01Konvict

Guess I should have been more specific Morimoto is making LED’s. But I know you guys will come up with an excuse for why they are garbage too, & I will say AGAIN, I am not disputing that HID projectors are the best, I am simply saying that there are safe LED alternatives to halogens now on the market, you simply cannot say “LEDs are trash” anymore. They have found ways to eliminate the negatives that have been problems before.

 

[Jonah52]

@Jonah52 @01Konvict

Guess I should have been more specific Morimoto is making LED’s. But I know you guys will come up with an excuse for why they are garbage too, & I will say AGAIN, I am not disputing that HID projectors are the best, I am simply saying that there are safe LED alternatives to halogens now on the market, you simply cannot say “LEDs are trash” anymore. They have found ways to eliminate the negatives that have been problems before.

I’m not saying they’re trash im saying they aren’t designed for a stock reflector and vice versa. Every vehicle in my truck is led other than my headlights lol yes advancements are great, they are bright, they last forever. Every bulb in my house is led.

I’m saying it’s about the application! I haven’t seen an led shine in the same 360 degree (if you will) pattern as a halogen. They are always somewhat directional and subjective to how they are clocked in the housing.


If I recall didn’t the Escalades come with led headlights and now they are back to hid’s in the k2XX?

 

[kwOH]

I’m not saying they’re trash im saying they aren’t designed for a stock reflector and vice versa. Every vehicle in my truck is led other than my headlights lol yes advancements are great, they are bright, they last forever. Every bulb in my house is led.

I’m saying it’s about the application! I haven’t seen an led shine in the same 360 degree (if you will) pattern as a halogen. They are always somewhat directional and subjective to how they are clocked in the housing.


If I recall didn’t the Escalades come with led headlights and now they are back to hid’s in the k2XX?

By safe I mean safe to use in a reflector, Im tellin you go to TRS and read the info on the Morimoto 2stroke’s & go to vanquish auto’s website and read his info on True LED kits. They are not just for fogs, highs, & off road use anymore, they have found ways to make them safe in reflector housings for main driving lights. Like I said precise chip placement and adjustable beams have allowed them to create cut offs and eliminate beam scatter. & of course Cadillac would go with HID projectors over LEDs they want top of the line, and I agree HID projectors are top of the line.

 

[Agent WD-40]

If I recall didn’t the Escalades come with led headlights and now they are back to hid’s in the k2XX?

FYI - the GMT900 Escalade came with HID projector headlights and had optional multi-element LED projector's on the Premium and Platinum models. From what I understand, the total light output is slightly greater on the HIDs but the overall beam pattern is better on the LEDs of that generation.

The K2xx has multi-element LED projectors on all Escalade trims. IMO the headlights on the K2 Escalade are the some of the best I've ever experienced - they are a wall of bright, even light.

IMO LED headlights are the future for OEM headlights. Even the Toyota Corolla has standard LED (reflector) headlights now - so price has come down enough to make them firmly mainstream. They are bright, efficient, and compact which enables new styling/packaging opportunities.

 

[PNWMuseumman]

You might want to check out Headlight Revolution, I ordered a set for my NBS. They'll be delivered today. I was pretty hesitant about spending that much on LED's that I might not be happy with, but they sound pretty reasonable with their return policy if you aren't happy with them and they have some pretty awesome comparison videos. Definitely worth checking out. I'll be posting about them in my NBS once I get them installed and can get some night comparison shots. Probably later this week.

 

[Jonah52]

FYI - the GMT900 Escalade came with HID projector headlights and had optional multi-element LED projector's on the Premium and Platinum models. From what I understand, the total light output is slightly greater on the HIDs but the overall beam pattern is better on the LEDs of that generation.

The K2xx has multi-element LED projectors on all Escalade trims. IMO the headlights on the K2 Escalade are the some of the best I've ever experienced - they are a wall of bright, even light.

IMO LED headlights are the future for OEM headlights. Even the Toyota Corolla has standard LED (reflector) headlights now - so price has come down enough to make them firmly mainstream. They are bright, efficient, and compact which enables new styling/packaging opportunities.

Yeah I was referring to the platinums (I think). I thought they split them based on trim level for the new ones but I could be wrong. I don’t disagree that they are the future, I just don’t think dropping them in a scatter beam reflector headlight is going to net any useful gains.

I actually read an article that @01Konvict sent me and the escalade headlights on the k2XX are some of the best around...

 

[rscalfani]

Hey all. I was wondering the same thing as the OP and it doesn't seem like I found it here. I think it's widely known that projector retrofit headlights are the best answer, but if someone wanted to keep OEM headlight housing in tact, what bulbs (LED/HID/High Performance Halogen) would we be best getting? Looking specifically for brands, links, etc.

OEM halogen bulbs are decent, but I am purchasing new headlights because one is cracked so since I'm going to have them out, I might as well put the best bulb possible in them while I can.

 

[Drok]

Ive had leds in my 10 tahoe since april that were suggested by another memeber here thats been running them for awhile. So i took a shot. I live in the country where we dont have street lights and lots of animals crossing the road, these lights work great and light up a good covered area in front of me(not spotty). On the blinding other drivers i have only had a couple flash me and its always been raining out. After a minor tweek i havent had anymore flashes (im also lifted)


Edit: oops i forgot the op had a denali. These specific leds are just low beams lol but the company has been gtg

 

[08HoeCD]

I always thought that LED bulbs in a reflector housing designed for halogen bulbs was a bad idea. But drop-in LED design and technology is advancing quickly. I studied a bunch of bulbs and their beam patterns, then I picked up Supernova V.3 LED bulbs.

Great light, no glare to other drivers, good mean pattern & cutoff.

 

[rscalfani]

I found this from another thread and it was really helpful on what NOT to get. I'll probably be looking into the GTR lighting LEDs or the Supernova V.3 LEDs

 

[PNWMuseumman]

I found this from another thread and it was really helpful on what NOT to get. I'll probably be looking into the GTR lighting LEDs or the Supernova V.3 LEDs

This is the video that sold me on trying some LED bulbs. It's a great watch!
The Supernova V.3's have been great in my NBS

Here is my Halogens
View media item 26674
Here is with the Supvernova's
View media item 26672

 

[08HoeCD]

Yes, this video convinced me to go with Supernova V.3 LEDs. Love 'em.
The light is much whiter and brighter than halogens, and they make street signs and some street markings glow---yet no glare to other drivers, since they have a pretty darn good beam pattern including fairly sharp cutoff.