If you own a 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette C6 and you are tired of looking at those dull factory tail lights, we have the perfect fix for you. Here at DLG we got our hands on the Morimoto XB C6 Corvette tail lights and put them through a full install to show just how simple and dramatic this upgrade really is. In this article we recap our video walkthrough, cover what makes these lights so much better than stock, and walk you step by step through the plug and play installation.
Why the Stock C6 Tail Lights Need to Go
Let’s be honest, the stock tail lights on the C6 are boring. When we tested the factory setup, the first thing we noticed was how dim they are. Because they still use an incandescent bulb, they simply do not put out much light. They do not really illuminate well when you are backing up, and when you hit the brakes they are not very bright either.
The other problem with that incandescent bulb is how slow it turns on and off. The turn signal has a lazy, sluggish response that just does not look modern. Between the dim brake output, the weak reverse illumination, and the slow turn signal, the factory look leaves a lot on the table for a car that is otherwise a head turner. That is exactly why so many owners look for a C6 Corvette tail light upgrade the moment they see what a proper LED unit can do.
What Makes the Morimoto XB Tail Lights Better
When you step up to the Morimoto XB tail lights, you will not be disappointed. These come in either a smoked look or a red variation, so you can match your car’s style. For our install we went with the smoked variation, and it looks fantastic against the paint.
When you hit the brakes, these lights are extremely bright. That is a night and day difference compared to the incandescent factory units. On top of the brightness, you also get the feature of running either a sequential or a standard turn signal, which we will cover in the install section below.
Perhaps the best part is that the tail light is fully LED, which means zero maintenance. There are no bulbs to replace and nothing to worry about down the road. If you have been shopping around for C6 Corvette LED tail lights, this is the combination of brightness, style, and reliability that makes the XB stand out. You can also compare options across the range of 2005-2013 Corvette tail lights to see how these stack up.
How to Install the Morimoto XB C6 Corvette Tail Lights
The best news of all is that these lights are fully plug and play, which makes the install genuinely easy. When we say easy, we mean it. There is literally one T-15 screw involved per side. Let’s walk through it.
Step 1: Remove the Single T-15 Screw
Start on one side and simply work your way over. There is one T-15 screw on the very top of the tail light. Turn that screw counterclockwise and it will come right out. That is the only fastener holding the factory tail light in place.
Step 2: Disconnect the Factory Harness
Once the screw is out, all you have to do is push the side of the clips on the harness and pull it free. The factory connector releases easily once you press in on the clip. Set the old incandescent unit aside because it is no longer needed.
Step 3: Grab the Correct Side and Check the Indicators
Now go ahead and grab your Morimoto tail light, either in the smoke variation or the red. For us we did the smoke variation on this one. Before installing, take a quick look at the very back of the tail light. There is a left and right indicator printed there. Left goes on the driver’s side and right goes on the passenger side, so you always get the correct fitment.
Get the harness plugged in and make sure you hear a slight click. That click confirms the connector is fully seated and locked in place.
Step 4: Choose Sequential or Standard Turn Signal
You are probably wondering what the extra part of the harness is for. This connector actually allows you to choose between a sequential turn signal or a standard one. If you want the sequential look, keep this unplugged. If you want it standard, just plug it in. For our build we kept ours unplugged to enjoy that nice sequential effect.
Step 5: Reinstall the Light and Screw
With the harness connected, slide the tail light right back into the spot where your OEM unit was. Then take that same T-15 screw and reinstall it. That is all it takes to lock the new light in place. Repeat the exact same process on the other side and you are done.
The Results After Installation
Before we even finished the second side, we had to stop and compare the Morimoto XB tail light to the OEM one. The difference is huge. The XB is so much brighter and it has such an awesome modern day look. On a car like the C6, that clean, sharp appearance really elevates the whole rear end.
We also wanted to show the difference between the OEM style turn signal and the new XB sequential turn signal. Watching the sequential animation sweep across compared to the old lazy incandescent blink, it just looks so good. It is the kind of detail that makes people take a second look when you are pulling away.
Once both sides were installed, the transformation was complete. The rear of the car went from a dated, dim setup to a bright, modern LED presentation. And the whole thing came together in a matter of minutes thanks to the plug and play design.
Is This Upgrade Worth It?
If you have been on the fence about upgrading your tail lights, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding modifications you can make to a C6. There is no cutting, no splicing, and no complicated wiring. It is one screw per side, one harness connection, and a decision on whether you want sequential or standard turn signals. That is it.
You gain dramatically brighter braking output, a modern appearance, and the zero maintenance benefit of a fully LED design. Whether you choose the smoked or red variation, the XB delivers a look that suits the aggressive lines of the Corvette. If you want to explore more products for your C6 Corvette, just put in your year, make, and model on our website and we will show you everything available for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years does the Morimoto XB tail light fit on the Corvette C6?
The video covers installation on a 2005-2013 Corvette C6, and the tail lights are designed for that generation.
What color options are available for the Morimoto XB C6 tail lights?
They come in either a smoked lens or a red lens variation, and the installer used the smoked version in the video.
Do these tail lights support sequential turn signals?
Yes, the harness allows either a sequential or standard turn signal function. Leaving a connector unplugged keeps the sequential look, while plugging it in switches to a standard turn signal.
How difficult is the installation process?
The install is described as plug and play, requiring removal of just one T-15 screw per side and disconnecting the factory harness clips before installing the new light.
Are the Morimoto XB tail lights fully LED?
Yes, the tail light is fully LED, which the video says means zero maintenance since there are no bulbs to replace.
Meet the Experts Behind Morimoto
Jimmy Nguyen – Engineering Manager
Jimmy leads engineering at Morimoto, bringing experience across customer support, supplier management, design engineering, and validation testing. His work ensures Morimoto lighting systems are engineered for real-world reliability and long-term performance.
Mike Hicks – Quality Control Manager
Mike oversees quality assurance at Morimoto, with a background spanning returns testing, RMA analysis, vendor quality control, and manufacturer scorecards. His focus is continuous improvement and accountability across the product lifecycle.
