The 2009 to 2021 Nissan 370Z is one of the most popular platforms for aftermarket lighting upgrades, and Morimoto has developed a full lineup of products to outfit the car from front to rear. Whether you are looking for DOT-compliant headlights, RGB color-changing DRLs, sequential tail lights, or a dedicated Nismo bumper DRL, there is a Morimoto solution for every 370Z owner. In this guide, we break down every product in the Morimoto 370Z lighting catalog, explain the key differences between variants, and share real-world installation tips from the shop floor.
370Z Headlight Options: XB Evo Hybrid vs. XRGB Evo
Morimoto offers two headlight variants for the 370Z, and choosing between them comes down to what features matter most to you.
XB Evo Hybrid Headlights
The Morimoto XB Evo Hybrid headlights use the same BLED projectors found in the higher-end variant, delivering a sharp, well-defined beam pattern with full DOT compliance. The Hybrid model features an all-black interior when the lights are off, giving the car a clean, stealthy look. These are ideal for 370Z owners who want a major visual and performance upgrade while keeping everything street-legal. They are backed by Morimoto’s 5-year warranty.
The Hybrid model does not include the Doptic high beam assist or the RGB functionality found in the XRGB Evo, but it delivers the same core optical performance at a lower price point. For owners who want excellent output without the extras, the Hybrid is the way to go.
XRGB Evo Headlights
The Morimoto XRGB Evo headlights are the top of the line for the 370Z. In addition to the BLED projectors, these add RGB functionality for the daytime running light, Doptic high beam assist for improved distance illumination, and the enhanced width feature that Morimoto calls the “side shooters.” The side shooters are integrated LEDs inside the projector housing that produce a wider, more expansive low beam output, filling in the peripheral vision area that standard projectors leave dark.
One key visual difference: while the Hybrid model has an all-black interior, the XRGB Evo features a titanium finish around the projector shrouds, giving it a more aggressive, detailed appearance. The XRGB Evo also includes smoked side markers because the RGB DRL functionality means these headlights are not DOT compliant. Also backed by a 5-year warranty.
Signal Swap and DRL Configuration
Both headlight variants use Morimoto’s mode selector key system to let you customize the DRL color and turn signal style. Each headlight ships with color-coded keys that you install on a three-pin connector on the back of the assembly:
- Red key: White DRL with a fade-off turn signal
- Blue key: White DRL with a sequential turn signal
- Green key: Amber DRL with a fade-off turn signal
- Black key: Amber DRL with a sequential turn signal
You can change the mode selector at any time after installation. Just make sure the vehicle and headlights are off when swapping keys. If you want easier access to the connector after install, Morimoto includes an extension harness that can be routed into the engine bay during installation.
RGB Control via the Morimoto XBT App
The XRGB Evo’s RGB daytime running light is controlled through the Morimoto XBT app on your smartphone. After pairing your phone to the headlights via the app, you can select from a full spectrum of colors for the DRL. To switch from RGB mode back to the dedicated DRL color, slide the tone bar on the right side of the screen all the way to the bottom. Do not use the on/off toggle in the bottom left corner, as that will turn off the controller entirely and require cycling the vehicle ignition to restore power.
370Z Headlight Installation Overview
Installing either headlight variant on the 370Z is a straightforward process that follows the same general steps. The bumper cover needs to come off first, which involves removing seven plastic push clips along the top edge, one 10mm bolt on each side behind the fender liners, and eight 10mm bolts underneath. Once the bumper is off, removing the radiator cover (six push clips) gives you clear access to the headlight assemblies.
Each headlight is secured by a combination of push clips, a rubber strip, and four 10mm bolts. On the driver’s side, you will need to pull the hood release cables forward and away from the housing before pulling the assembly out. The factory mounting brackets transfer to the new Morimoto headlights using the original Phillips head screws.
The DRL harness connects to the fuse box via a fuse tap that replaces the 10-amp starter fuse. The harness routes from the fuse box forward to both headlight cavities. If you are installing the XRGB Evo, you will also need to route the RGB crossover harness between the two headlight cavities, following the same path as the DRL harness. Make sure all wiring is secured with zip ties and clear of any hot or moving engine components.
Morimoto Nismo DRLs for the 370Z
For 2015 to 2021 370Z owners with a Nismo bumper (or the popular Nismo bumper conversion), Morimoto offers a dedicated XB LED Nismo DRL that adds a daytime running light and turn signal to the bumper opening where the factory either has a blank cover or the OEM Nismo DRL. The installation ties into the same wiring as the headlights, making it fully plug-and-play with no splicing required.
The Nismo DRL features an attractive smoked lens and includes a signal swap feature just like the headlights, allowing you to choose between white or amber DRL output. The turn signal has a smooth fade-off animation. It also carries the same 5-year Morimoto warranty.
If you are also installing Morimoto XB headlights, the fuse tap and DRL harness from the headlights can also power the Nismo DRLs. Morimoto includes a splitter adapter for exactly this purpose. This means you do not need a separate fuse tap for the DRLs if you are already running the headlights.
Gen II XB LED Tail Lights
Morimoto redesigned the 370Z tail lights from the ground up for the Gen II release, and these are not just a simple refresh. The Gen II XB LED Tail Lights are styled to match the headlights, creating a cohesive front-to-rear look that makes the car appear like a complete package rather than a mix of aftermarket parts.
The tail lights are available in two finishes: smoked and clear lens (Black Red). For owners concerned about DOT compliance, the clear lens version is the safer choice. Both versions include the same features:
- Startup animation sequence when the vehicle is turned on
- Switchable turn signal style: traditional blink or sequential
- Integrated LED reverse light
- Plug-and-play installation with factory connectors
- 5-year Morimoto warranty
Tail Light Mode Configuration
The Gen II tail lights use two function selector loops on the back of each assembly to let you customize the behavior:
- Yellow loop connected: Standard turn signal flash
- Yellow loop disconnected: Sequential turn signal flash
- Green loop connected: Startup animation disabled
- Green loop disconnected: Startup animation enabled
These loops are accessible after installation if you route them through the gap between the tail light and the body panel, so you can change modes later without removing the entire assembly. The install guide recommends positioning the function selector loops in this gap specifically so they remain accessible.
Tail Light Installation
Tail light installation on the 370Z requires removing the rear bumper cover, which is more involved than the front. The process includes removing the rear hatch panels, weather stripping, T15 Torx screws along the top of the bumper, 10mm bolts above the exhaust tips, and 7mm bolts on the lower corners. Disconnecting the rear lighting connectors and parking sensor plugs behind the bumper allows the entire cover to come off.
Each tail light is secured by two 10mm bolts and one 8mm nut accessed from inside the hatch area. The factory hardware transfers directly to the new Morimoto assemblies. Each assembly includes a pigtail connector for plug-and-play installation with no splicing.
Backup Light Boost Bar
If your 370Z needs more reverse light output, the Morimoto Backup Light Boost Bar is designed to work alongside the Gen II tail lights. It mounts over the license plate mounting holes and connects to the right-side tail light via a pigtail connector. Installation requires drilling one 5/16-inch hole in the rear bumper cover for wire routing, then feeding the harness up to the tail light cavity using fish tape or a wire snake.
Complete Your 370Z Lighting Setup
Morimoto’s 370Z product lineup is designed so every piece works together. Here are some recommended combinations depending on your goals:
Budget-friendly front upgrade: Start with the XB Evo Hybrid headlights for a major improvement in both output and style while maintaining DOT compliance.
Full front-to-rear transformation: Pair the XRGB Evo headlights with the Gen II tail lights and the Backup Light Boost Bar for the complete package. Save with the headlight and tail light combo.
Nismo owners: Add the Nismo DRLs to get a turn signal and DRL in the bumper opening that ties directly into the headlight wiring. Don’t forget the XB LED Side Markers to complete every exterior light on the car.
Pro Tips from the Shop Floor
These tips come directly from DLG’s installation team and real customer interactions, covering the most common questions and pitfalls with 370Z lighting upgrades.
LHD vs. RHD Beam Patterns
When ordering headlights, make sure you select the correct beam pattern for your market. Left-hand drive (LHD) headlights are designed for vehicles driven on the right side of the road, with the cutoff line stepped lower on the left to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Right-hand drive (RHD) is the opposite. The headlights are physically identical except for the beam pattern, so getting this wrong means you will be blinding oncoming drivers. If you drive in the US, Canada, or continental Europe, you need LHD.
Hyper Flash Warning
If your 370Z has anything other than OEM turn signals in the tail lights or elsewhere (including aftermarket LED bulbs or full assemblies), you may experience hyper flash or issues with the sequential signal setting on the headlights. This is not a defect. It is caused by mismatched impedance between the aftermarket components and the vehicle’s factory settings. The Gen II tail lights include magnet-mount resistors to address this, but other aftermarket signal components can still cause issues.
Nismo DRL Fuse Tap: Watch for Backfeeding
This is a known issue that has come up in DLG tech support: on Nismo variants, if the fuse tap for the DRL harness is moved to fuse position 13 (the tail light fuse), it can cause the tail lights to remain always on. This is a backfeeding issue specific to Nismo electrical routing, which differs from the standard 370Z. Make sure you follow the install guide’s fuse position exactly and do not substitute a different fuse slot.
Headlight Aiming After Installation
The headlights ship pre-aimed for stock ride height, but fine-tuning is recommended after every installation regardless. Park the vehicle on level ground about 25 feet from a wall and measure the distance from the ground to the optical center of the projector. If that measurement is under 34.5 inches, set the cutoff line to match that height. Between 35 and 39 inches (typical factory ride height), match the cutoff to the same height. Above 39.5 inches, set the cutoff 3 inches below your measurement. Use a long Phillips head screwdriver down the back of the headlight to reach the adjuster gear.
XBT App: Do Not Use the On/Off Toggle
When controlling the RGB DRL through the Morimoto XBT app, never use the on/off toggle in the bottom-left corner to turn off the light. This kills power to the entire controller, and you will need to cycle the vehicle’s ignition off and back on to restore it. Instead, slide the tone bar on the right side of the screen all the way down to switch from RGB mode to the dedicated DRL color. The controller is designed to remember the last color setting and default to it on the next startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Morimoto 370Z headlights DOT compliant?
The XB Evo Hybrid headlights are fully DOT compliant and meet SAE and FMVSS108 regulations. The XRGB Evo headlights are not DOT compliant due to the RGB DRL functionality. If street legality is a priority, go with the Hybrid model.
Will Morimoto headlights fit both the base 370Z and the Nismo?
Yes. Both the XB Evo Hybrid and XRGB Evo headlights fit all 2009 to 2021 Nissan 370Z models, including the base, Sport, Touring, and Nismo trims. The factory mounting brackets transfer directly to the new assemblies.
What is the difference between the smoked and clear lens tail lights?
The smoked version has a darker lens for a more aggressive look, while the clear lens (Black Red) version maintains a brighter, more visible appearance. Both versions have the same internal LED layout, startup animation, and sequential turn signal options. The clear lens version is the better choice if DOT compliance matters to you.
Can I install the Nismo DRLs on a non-Nismo 370Z?
The Nismo DRLs are designed for the Nismo bumper, which has the specific mounting points and opening for the DRL assembly. Many 370Z owners do the popular Nismo bumper conversion on their base or Sport models, and the DRLs work perfectly on converted bumpers as well.
Do I need to remove the front bumper to install the headlights?
Yes. The front bumper cover needs to come off to access the headlight mounting bolts, route the DRL harness, and connect the fuse tap in the fuse box. The process requires basic hand tools (10mm socket, Phillips screwdriver, pry tool) and takes most installers about 2 to 3 hours for the complete headlight swap.
What tools do I need for the tail light installation?
The tail light installation requires a ratchet with 7mm, 8mm, and 10mm sockets, a T15 Torx driver, a trim removal tool, and a small hooked pick for releasing the tail light bezel clips. If you are adding the Backup Boost Bar, you will also need a drill with a 5/16-inch bit and fish tape or a wire snake for routing the harness.
Can I change the turn signal style after installation?
Yes. On the headlights, the mode selector key is accessible via the extension harness if you routed it to the engine bay during install. On the tail lights, the function selector loops can be accessed by removing the tail light bezel, which is held in by plastic tabs and does not require removing the bumper. You can swap between sequential and standard flash at any time.
How long is the Morimoto warranty on 370Z products?
All Morimoto 370Z lighting products carry a 5-year limited warranty, serviced and supported by the Morimoto team in Atlanta, GA. This covers the headlights, tail lights, Nismo DRLs, and Backup Boost Bar.
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 Assurance 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.
