Hi
Rather than reply to a thread I started earlier this year about the poor performance of the non LTZ 2014-2020 Impala, I chose to simply start a new thread regarding my solution.
I researched the possibility of retrofitting this LT with LTZ housings which are native HID housings.
However there are several issues of which the first is cost. These housings taken in pair is easily over a $1000 and that is before an aftermarket HID kit that fits the stock housing is even considered.
Using existing circuitry may not be possible as it is likely the circuit triggering is probably done by the pcm, and the necessary bin code is not available or even exists to bring the LT pcm to mimic the LTZ models,
Another problem is how to disable DRL function from the headlights and move it to bumper LED lights that function as DRL.
The tech exists to do this but by the time you do the retro, it can easily run another $500-$700 just to disable and move DRL to another light source which is DOT approved.
I never considered adding a LED or HID kit to the car's standard halogen projectors so I was left with one last option.
Since these housings are 9005 bulbs, I elected to go with 9011 Toshiba HIR 1 bulbs and bought 4 of them from flea bay. These bulbs in properly aimed housings were a major improvement however since they were still used as DRL, lived only 2 months both expiring within 4 days from each other.
I have now installed a kit to disable DRL function from the headlights and switch to newly installed LTZ bumper LED lights which have taken over the DRL function. Hopefully these will lengthen the Toshiba 9011 HIRs.
I found and purchased OSRAM 9011 HIRs with what appears to be the iridescent coating the orig Toshibas had/have.
I will replace both of these housings soon and that should make further improvement.
I hope my solution with the non LTZ/Premier Chevy Impalas will help others trying to improve their night driving experience.
Rather than reply to a thread I started earlier this year about the poor performance of the non LTZ 2014-2020 Impala, I chose to simply start a new thread regarding my solution.
I researched the possibility of retrofitting this LT with LTZ housings which are native HID housings.
However there are several issues of which the first is cost. These housings taken in pair is easily over a $1000 and that is before an aftermarket HID kit that fits the stock housing is even considered.
Using existing circuitry may not be possible as it is likely the circuit triggering is probably done by the pcm, and the necessary bin code is not available or even exists to bring the LT pcm to mimic the LTZ models,
Another problem is how to disable DRL function from the headlights and move it to bumper LED lights that function as DRL.
The tech exists to do this but by the time you do the retro, it can easily run another $500-$700 just to disable and move DRL to another light source which is DOT approved.
I never considered adding a LED or HID kit to the car's standard halogen projectors so I was left with one last option.
Since these housings are 9005 bulbs, I elected to go with 9011 Toshiba HIR 1 bulbs and bought 4 of them from flea bay. These bulbs in properly aimed housings were a major improvement however since they were still used as DRL, lived only 2 months both expiring within 4 days from each other.
I have now installed a kit to disable DRL function from the headlights and switch to newly installed LTZ bumper LED lights which have taken over the DRL function. Hopefully these will lengthen the Toshiba 9011 HIRs.
I found and purchased OSRAM 9011 HIRs with what appears to be the iridescent coating the orig Toshibas had/have.
I will replace both of these housings soon and that should make further improvement.
I hope my solution with the non LTZ/Premier Chevy Impalas will help others trying to improve their night driving experience.
