[paradigm]

Has anyone done a ZL1 front end conversion for a 2019-2023 car?


Namely the headlamps and front bumper? What parts are involved? How difficult is it? I really prefer the ZL1 front bumper and headlamps over the 2020-2023 SS Front end.

[Bumbleboy92]

There are kits for the 19+ headlights and ZL1 bumper but to get the 16-18 headlights on a 19+ car would be a hassle with wiring and custom harnesses.

16-18 cars had HID bulbs while 19+ are LED.

[The Maverick]

Originally Posted by paradigm

Has anyone done a ZL1 front end conversion for a 2019-2023 car?


Namely the headlamps and front bumper? What parts are involved? How difficult is it? I really prefer the ZL1 front bumper and headlamps over the 2020-2023 SS Front end.

The easiest option would be one of the aftermarket ZL1-style front fascias that works with the 2019+ headlights. I-5 Autohaus makes one, but I don't have any personal experience with it.

My post on rolling back a 2021 RS to a 2016-2018 front end may give you some idea of what could be involved in going with a 2016-2018 front fascia: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608035

Back when I was planning my front fascia swap, Gen5DIY advised that they had been unable to get the earlier headlights working on the 2019+ cars. I believe they said because the 2019+ cars have "computer controlled headlights," or something like that. You might touch bases with them and see if that situation has changed...

[paradigm]

Originally Posted by Bumbleboy92

There are kits for the 19+ headlights and ZL1 bumper but to get the 16-18 headlights on a 19+ car would be a hassle with wiring and custom harnesses.

16-18 cars had HID bulbs while 19+ are LED.

The 16-18 headlamps are what I like the most compared to my 22 SS. I do not like the squnity look with the LEDs running to the center of the grill on my 2022.

Originally Posted by The Maverick

The easiest option would be one of the aftermarket ZL1-style front fascias that works with the 2019+ headlights. I-5 Autohaus makes one, but I don't have any personal experience with it.

My post on rolling back a 2021 RS to a 2016-2018 front end may give you some idea of what could be involved in going with a 2016-2018 front fascia: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608035

Back when I was planning my front fascia swap, Gen5DIY advised that they had been unable to get the earlier headlights working on the 2019+ cars. I believe they said because the 2019+ cars have "computer controlled headlights," or something like that. You might touch bases with them and see if that situation has changed...

Nice work you did there. But I really wanted to swap to the 16-18 headlamps.

I guess for now I will keep everything as is until I get bored in the future.

I feel I should have bought an LT1 car instead of my 1LE as I would have been able to mod more apperance items myself (wheels, front end, etc.). I have the mod itch.

[The Maverick]

Yeah's I, I was pretty disappointed to have the headlights be the first major speed bump of my "de-fresh." Coming from project cars of seventies vintage, it seemed like swapping out headlights would be one of the easy parts. Not these days!

At one point during the planning stages of my project I had considered whether I might need to paint over or wrap the headlight "eyebrows" (that extend into the center of the grille) if they didn't gel with the older fascia. As much as I liked the earlier headlights, I think the new ones blend into the old fascia pretty well!

[paradigm]

If I do the ZL1 front bumper, I need to have the ZL1 headlamps.

Are the ZL1 headlamps any different than the 16-18 RS/SS headlamps?

Do you know if the standard ZL1 bumper would bolt up to a non ZL1 car like my 22 SS?

[The Maverick]

Can't help with those specific questions, unfortunately, but a forum search (using Google is suggested as the best way) might turn up the answers...

[ste6000]

Originally Posted by paradigm

If I do the ZL1 front bumper, I need to have the ZL1 headlamps.

Are the ZL1 headlamps any different than the 16-18 RS/SS headlamps?

Do you know if the standard ZL1 bumper would bolt up to a non ZL1 car like my 22 SS?

you should do some research. i heard if you go with the stock zl1 front bumper from chevy, you will need the headlights, fenders and some other pieces. similar problem if you do the oem zl1 bumper. i think this is why most people do converstion kit for the front bumper so you don't need to worry about the fenders and you use your original clips and all from your current bumper.

I never used this site before but example of possible just an easier way to get what you are looking for. https://ikonmotorsports.com/products...d-unpainted-pp