So as most of you know, our C5's are aging and IMO, are looking a little outdated. Ive made subtle appearance changes to my 01Z in the 9 years ive had it. I have been long over due for the HID and switchback LED upgrade up front. The HID install wasn't difficult although I made 2 bone head mistakes by misplacing the ballast twice. To make matters worse I ran into an issue with sockets that I don't believe has ever been posted here before. I had previously install Airtex sockets due to the OEM's melting down on me after years and years of use. They worked fine with the 4157 bulb. Not a hesitation in operation ever. My wife bought me the switchbacks and I install both only to get the RH LED to only produce amber light with pressure on the socket. The LH wouldn't wouldn't show amber at all. I switched both bulbs to no avail. Flipped them around, added pressure to the LH, nothing was working. The RH was so intermittent, I didn't know what was going on. So I placed the 4157 bulb back in to make sure I didn't damage the sockets since they aren't THAT old. They worked fine. I was determined to make this work, so I figured id place AC delco's back in, even though the Airtex seemed to be fine. Purchased the Delco's and low and behold there is a slight difference in how they are manufactured. the AC Delco is on the left.



The delco's contacts are crafted much closer. Bingo!!! Solved my issue after extra drilling and another set of brand new sockets




So for those that have to change their OEM sockets and plan to go LED in the future, spare yourself the headache and additional work and buy AC Delcos

 

Thanks for the tip. Hopefully it will save some frustration for others having this problem.

 

No problem!

 

Get those HIDs out of those headlights. That is in no way a lighting upgrade, it's an idiot ricer move. You don't want your Corvette to be seen as ricer do you?

Proper HID upgrade means getting a proper projector based system. Radioflyer, JWM, or DIY using ACA headlights.

My Morimoto switchbacks worked without any issues whatsoever.

 

while you may have more light on the road , you are blinding oncoming traffic and making it worse for other's on the road...you really should look into an aftermarket system that can take full advantage of the hid system