Best Headlights for Non-RS 2010 Upgrade

[joeyofblades]

I have a 2010 2SS without the RS package. What's the best pair of aftermarket headlights for the money? I'm looking for RS-style halo headlights built well and not going to leak condensation or fall apart after a few years. My goal is to have the halos come on with the parking lights (first click of the knob) and have NO LIGHTS on for aftermarket light control (by default on the non-RS cars, the low beams come on automatically with the car and no one knows how to disable it).

Does anyone have a similar setup to this and can share parts list/instructions I've seen a lot of threads about RS guys modding their headlights but what about us basic non-RS guys?

[MoCamaro10]

On non RS cars, you can turn the low beams off. You just turn the the knob to the left. I do it all the time when running just the fogs with the parking lights

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

I never have to worry about drl's. I took my headlight switch apart and disabled the return spring for the rotary knob. Now it sits in the OFF position and stays there. Simple fix to turning off the running lights permanently.

As far as aftermarket goes...... eventually they all will get condensation, and other issues. Some in a couple weeks, some in a couple years. Buy OEM lights and have piece of mind.it's worth it.

[joeyofblades]

I was reading about messing with the switch, but whoever posted the thread eventually had problems with it and had to buy another switch from GM. I really don't want to mess with it if there's a chance of me breaking it like he did.

I don't mind turning off the lights every time I put the key in accessory mode, but when you lock/unlock the car using the key fob, the low beams like to blink or stay on for a while sometimes and I imagine it would be really annoying with HIDs to have them keep igniting for a few seconds just because you locked your car. Gen5DIY has a harness to disable the DRLs, I'm going to see if this will also disable the low beams from coming on during lock/unlock with keyless entry as well. It's $140 for a wiring harness which sucks but if it gets rid of all the issues I'm worried about then I'll consider it as a solution. I'm assuming the tail lights would still come on with DRLs though so I'd STILL be turning the knob every time I put the key in accessory mode just so I'm not driving around in broad daylight with my tail lights on.

I really hate how the DRL thing caught on. I don't mind when it's a separate light, but I will never understand how having my headlights on on a sunny day "helps people see me". It's idiotic and unless it's one of those "mandatory headlight use or cops will fine you $80" roads, my lights are being turned off and that's the end of the story.

[joeyofblades]

According to Gen5DIY, their DRL delete harness just has headlights turn on when the side markers come on. So my HIDs would still ignite when I unlock the car. =/ That's half of the problem right there.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

I turned off the lights on my settings. Only my horn is used setting the alarm. The switch mod is easy. What I did was buy a $20 switch in case I broke mine during the mod.

I used a dremel to open the side of the switch directly under the rotary knob. Then just pull the spring hold pin out of its spot, done! Now glue the access panel you cut out, back on.

[joeyofblades]

The "Vehicle Locator Lights" setting in the console's "Vehicle Settings" controls whether or not the headlights blink when you unlock the car using the keyfob. I turned it off. Also, whenever you insert the key, hold the knob to the off position as you turn it to "key on" position. This will prevent the headlights from coming on when you go to start the car. Yes it will get annoying every time but I don't want to dremel my dashboard and I don't want to pay $140 for a DRL-less harness from Gen5DIY.

I've ordered a set of the Eagle Eye headlights from eBay and will be splicing the halos into the parking lights. Going to do research now as to where the parking lights are and the best method to splice the halos in. If anyone has any recommendations, tips, or links, feel free to comment below. I'm sure I'm not the first one doing this but I solved the original problem I created the thread for so we can just keep discussing stuff relevant to what I'm doing.

[BluePhoenix]

I think the lighting when you unlock your car is a changeable setting from the vehicle settings menu. You definitely should buy factory RS headlights & a 5thGenDIY harness if you are going to do a conversion.

[joeyofblades]

I am worried about the Eagle Eyes lasting so my buddy said he uses roof sealant to prevent condensation in headlights. Gonna check it out xD

[who-dat]

I bought some dual halos from Protuning with some HIDs. Meant to buy the eagle eyes, but didn't notice until the box came in. Ended up looking good and through rain storms every day for the last 3 months, they've held up fantastic. If anything, I'd say the eagle eyes should hold up no problem.

Straight forward splice into the parking lights

[joeyofblades]

No offense but if it didn't hold up for 3 months I'd be furious... I certainly hope they're fine after only a few months lol.

You say straight forward splice but I've never spliced a second wire into an existing one. I've only ever just done butt connectors or soldering to connect two wires. I'll attach a picture of it since I think linking to it is against the rules. It works for 18-14 gauge wires, not sure what the parking lamp wires are but I'm sure it's close to that, along with the Halo wires that will come with the headlights.

[who-dat]

I've actually never had good luck with aftermarket lights at all on any vehicle which is why I am surprised they've lasted. I almost didn't purchase these lights, because I'm used to problems arising so soon. Usually months after I put them in, I see problems. These have lasted thus far so it's looking good lol

I didn't do anything real technical. Just used both wires separately connecting to the parking wire and some electrical tape. Then a plastic piece around them that I had laying around. I can get you some pictures later if I remember. I thought I'd have a lot more trouble and was looking all over the place for information, however it turned out to be simple.

The halos do come on with parking lights without the actual low beams when in this position also. I do not know if the dual halos I have is wired the same way as the eagle eyes, but the people at protuninglab said they are