Maverick803's 2022 Z71 Tahoe Build Thread

[Maverick803]

I am excited to be a 2022 Tahoe owner as of June 2024 and am looking forward to being a part of this community and contributing in any way that I can.

This is my build thread where I plan to document all my Tahoe modifications over time. Please feel free to post or message me directly if I can be of any assistance. Thanks in advance for your help and support on my Tahoe Adventure!

VEHICLE PURCHASE:
Hendrick Chevrolet - Cary, NC (Great Experience)
June 2024
$66,000

I was dead set on finding a Z71 that had the 6.2L engine, Air Ride, and Magnetic Ride.
Not too many in the southeast, so the search took a while, and had to drive to Cary NC.
This dealership was straight forward, and their GM was all over every detail, solving every issue we had.
Everything so far has appeared to be stock. Few bumps and scratches, but nothing too crazy.

Current Plan below. I would love to hear what else I should consider.

BADGES: Swap to Black and add 6.2L

TINT: Match the front to the rear factory tint. (Should I consider a clear ceramic over the factory rear and back glass?) I am considering a light tint on the tail lights and a clear film on the headlights for protection. Undecided.

2022 Tahoe LT - Front Tint match

Hello Everyone! I recently got a Black 2022 Tahoe LT. Working on a few chrome delete mods but first thing is getting front driver/passenger window tinted. Here in Missouri we have a 35% limit, but never had issues going below ha. I just want to match it as closely as possible to factory tint, I...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

EXHAUST: I was heavily considering upgrading to the black tipped Borla Touring exhaust. I'm now thinking I may pull back and just add the same black tips and keeping the current exhaust. I'm on the fence here on the benefits of a full cat back exhaust swap.

INTAKE: Probably the S&B intake

LED LIGHTS: Swap the incandescent for LED in the brake, reverse, and blinker. I will likely go the resistor harness route and try to attach those to metal using heat sink paste and metal zip ties. This is my theory anyway; reality may be different.

2021-2024 LED Tahoe Tail Light upgrade

Hey guys, I made this video because I wasn't able to find much on replacing the crap filament bulbs. I ordered and tried a multitude of LEDs, this is what I found to be the best and cleanest. Hope this video helps cut down on your research and install time. PARTS I USED: Load Resistor (6)...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

21+ Game Changer For LED Tail Light Resistors

this guy is a genius! instead of messing around with resistors behind the tail lights and trying to tap or float them, he made a wiring harness that simply connects the resistors at the connection points underneath the truck. luckily I found lights that have a heat sink built in which help with...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

BRAKE FLICKER: I'd like to install a brake light flicker module on the single brake light above the back window.

 

[Maverick803]

 

[GMCnewbee]

Looks great! Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Great find, and you'll love the 6.2.

 

[JTGZ71]

Congrats, and welcome!

 

[Sparksalot]

I am excited to be a 2022 Tahoe owner as of June 2024 and am looking forward to being a part of this community and contributing in any way that I can.

This is my build thread where I plan to document all my Tahoe modifications over time. Please feel free to post or message me directly if I can be of any assistance. Thanks in advance for your help and support on my Tahoe Adventure!

VEHICLE PURCHASE:
Hendrick Chevrolet - Cary, NC (Great Experience)
June 2024
$66,000

I was dead set on finding a Z71 that had the 6.2L engine, Air Ride, and Magnetic Ride.
Not too many in the southeast, so the search took a while, and had to drive to Cary NC.
This dealership was straight forward, and their GM was all over every detail, solving every issue we had.
Everything so far has appeared to be stock. Few bumps and scratches, but nothing too crazy.

What are your plans for it?

 

[Maverick803]

First order of business: Removing the dealership crud and updating the badges.

1.) DELETING THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED FRONT PLATE HOLDER:
I used a 1/8" drill bit to drill out the two rivets
Even though I have two small holes in the front, it looks much better without the plate holder, IMO.

QUESTION: Does anybody have a good solution for the two holes created by the front plate holder?

 

[KMeloney]

Yes -- Go to an automotive store and pick up a couple of those "Christmas tree" plastic trim push-fasteners, and just insert them in the holes.

 

[Tahoe14]

Someone makes color matched plastic hole fillers, maybe EBay or Amazon.

 

[Maverick803]

2a.) REPLACE STOCK CHROME Z71 WITH BLACK Z71 VERSION

Black Z71 Badges Purchased:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2DD7XZY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The quality seems excellent out of the package. I hope the black does not fade with UV exposure over time.
The badges are slightly larger than the stock badges. I personally like the size of these better than the stock.

I used Goof Off Adhesive Remover Spray and a microfiber towel to remove the stock residue.
It took some work and 3-4 rounds to get it all off cleanly. (Perhaps there's a better product?)
I used a new microfiber cloth and alcohol to prep the surface for the new badge.

I'm quite happy with the look.

 

[Maverick803]

What are your plans for it?

Just updated the original post.
The plan is still coming together and I hope to evolve it with input from his group!

 

[Maverick803]

2b.) ADDED 6.2L BADGE

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NJ7ZBB7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

It was quite the search for the 6.2L Z71 with the packages I wanted, so I felt compelled to show it off a bit, haha.
I wasn't sure when I first put it on, but I like it now and plan to keep it.

 

[Maverick803]

PLAN FOR LED LIGHTS:

Trying to leverage what seems to have worked for others. The plan is to use the LED lights below in the video, except use the resistor harness instead of wiring in the resistors in line. I do not want to tap the metal, so hoping there is a good option to use heatsink paste and metal zip ties to mount the resistors and dissipate the heat. Hoping the heat dissipation will help the longevity? I have not been under there yet so this is all theoretical. I am interested in feedback from anybody who has done this or been under there to see what the options are. Doing my best to research what's out there already.

Lights from this Thread: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/2021-2024-led-tahoe-tail-light-upgrade.143565/

Harness from this Thread: https://www.gen5diy.com/collections...ts/21-22-suburban-tahoe-led-taillight-harness

Metal Zip Ties:https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079...d_r=3384be72-14f5-4ac7-8a2b-275c0ea6a2e6&th=1

Heat Sink Paste:https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Therm...-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[JTGZ71]

I’m going to have to consider those black/red badges

 

[fozzi58]

Congrats welcome to the forum!

 

[Maverick803]

3.) Swapped out orange side markers for smoke LED side markers.

In my opinion, this is a great upgrade for the money and effort.

Video I followed:

Side Markers:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6GDQS1G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Install, Before and After pics included.

5/5 rating for how it looks when off
4/5 rating for how it looks then car is on. I'm not in love with the LED pattern, and they are a bit bright compared to the other exterior lights. Still looks good, just not OEM looking crisp.

Anybody else out there running different side markers? Would love to see.

 

[Maverick803]

4.) I think mud flaps are the next move.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/weathertech-mud-flaps-pics-z71.150228/

What other exterior upgrades do you guys think will fit the direction I'm headed?

 

[BacDoc]

Since you did the side markers and LED taillights the front illuminated bowtie is a nice touch. I also went with the flush mount hood protector. I am in Florida and lots of bugs end up on the front.

 

[Maverick803]

Yes -- Go to an automotive store and pick up a couple of those "Christmas tree" plastic trim push-fasteners, and just insert them in the holes.

This worked perfectly. Thank You!

 

[Maverick803]

Since you did the side markers and LED taillights the front illuminated bowtie is a nice touch. I also went with the flush mount hood protector. I am in Florida and lots of bugs end up on the front.View attachment 437453

I really appreciate the feedback and picture.
I pulled the trigger on this, and very glad I did.
Pictures to come soon!