Aftermarket Pontiac G8 Taillights - A Guide to Custom LED Tail Lights

An Introduction to G8 Taillights

The Pontiac G8 is a powerful rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by General Motors between 2008 and 2009. Despite its short production run, the G8 quickly became popular among driving enthusiasts thanks to its sporty handling and available 6.0L V8 engine producing up to 415 horsepower. One of the G8's most distinctive styling features is its unique taillight design.

The stock G8 taillights utilize LED lights for the brake and turn signal functions. This gives the taillights a bright, modern appearance compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. The reverse lights are incandescent bulbs. The taillights are integrated into the rear fascia and are tucked under the trunk lid's overhang. This clean, integrated design accentuates the G8's muscular rear fenders.

Customizing the G8 Taillights

One popular modification for G8 owners is swapping out the stock taillights for custom aftermarket units. This allows drivers to personalize the look of their car and modernize the rear lighting. There are a few options available when looking at custom taillights:

Tinted Lenses

A simple way to change the look of the taillights is by replacing the clear red lenses with tinted black or smoke lenses. This gives the lights a darkened, smoked appearance which can look very sharp when coupled with a blacked out rear valence. Tinted lenses are a mild modification that still keeps the OEM style.

LED Conversion

Swapping the incandescent reverse bulbs for LEDs is an easy upgrade that matches the LED turn signals. This gives the taillights a uniform, modern LED styling. Brighter LED reverse lights also improve rear visibility when in reverse.

Complete Housing Replacements

For more customization, the entire OEM housing can be replaced with aftermarket assemblies. Options include blacked out housings, "translucent" effect housings with a frosted inner lens, and housings with integrated sequential turn signals. This allows for a dramatic change in styling both when lit up and when not illuminated.

Custom Lighting Designs

Some manufacturers offer completely unique taillight housings that feature custom lighting designs. These can include unique shapes for the brake/turn signal sections, smoked lenses over chrome housings, and built-in decorative lighting elements. This option offers the most in terms of creating a custom look.

Aftermarket G8 Taillight Manufacturers

There are a few major manufacturers that produce aftermarket taillights for the Pontiac G8:

Spec-D Tuning

Spec-D Tuning is a well known brand in the aftermarket lighting industry. They offer direct replacement housings with a blacked out or chrome finish and smoked lenses. LED conversion and sequential turn signals are available upgrades. Spec-D taillights are designed to directly replace OEM lights.

Spyder Auto

Spyder Auto has their "Altezza" style G8 taillights that feature a frosted black inner lens with a clear red outer lens. This creates a unique glowing effect from the LED lights. They also offer more subdued tinted and blacked out versions. Spyder lights are compliant replacement housings.

DSwap Designs

DSwap Designs specializes in custom one-off taillight builds. They offer lighting packages with multiple LED strips that can be color customized. Their designs integrate the reverse lamps and give a unique futuristic look. DSwap housings require some vehicle modification for installation.

Maverick Man Carbon

Maverick Man Carbon produces hand made carbon fiber taillight housings for the G8 that include a built-in "G8" logo. They are semi-translucent to allow lighting to shine through the carbon fiber weave. Maverick Man also has options with smoked or blacked out lenses and etching designs. Their lights uniquely highlight carbon construction.

Installing Aftermarket G8 Taillights

Putting in aftermarket Pontiac G8 taillights typically only requires basic hand tools and mechanical ability. The general installation steps are:

1. Remove Factory Lights

Start by opening the trunk to access the rear wiring harness connectors for the taillights. Unplug the connectors then unbolt the factory housings from the body. Remove the OEM lights from the vehicle.

2. Prep New Lights

Remove all hardware from the new taillight housings and ensure the light buckets are clean. Some minor trimming or sanding may be needed to enlarge the bolt holes. Use masking tape to cover the paint during test fitting.

3. Install New Lights

Test fit the aftermarket housings to make sure everything lines up properly. Most are designed to bolt directly into the OEM mounts. Once fitment is verified, connect the wiring harnesses and securely bolt the new lights into place.

4. Aiming and Testing

Aim the new lights according to factory specifications, either by measuring or using an aiming screen. Carefully test all lighting functions before final reassembly. Also seal up any open gaskets or unfinished edges with weatherproof trim.

The Benefits of Aftermarket G8 Taillights

Here are some of the benefits that aftermarket taillights offer over stock:

• Modern LED styling
• Custom colors and lighting effects
• Blacked out or smoked lenses
• Unique styles not available from factory
• Improved visibility from brighter LEDs
• Personalized appearance
• Upgraded build construction
• Easier to replace than repairing factory lights

With the wide range of aftermarket options available, G8 owners have many choices when it comes to customizing their taillights. Proper fitment and installation will ensure safe, reliable lighting and give a unique personalized touch.

FAQs

What are some popular styles of aftermarket G8 taillights?

Popular styles include blacked out housings, smoked or tinted lenses, "Altezza" style lights with a frosted inner lens, and custom LED lighting designs.

What brands make aftermarket taillights for the Pontiac G8?

Top brands are Spec-D Tuning, Spyder Auto, DSwap Designs, and Maverick Man Carbon.

Do I need any special tools to install aftermarket taillights?

Basic hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers are all that is needed. No special electrical or programming tools are required.

Will custom taillights void my vehicle warranty?

Aftermarket lights will not void the factory warranty, as long as proper installation procedures are followed.

Can I be ticketed for non-OEM taillights?

As long as the aftermarket lights meet DOT standards, are properly aimed, and all lighting functions work, they are street legal.