Ultimate 350z Headlights Guide

Joe Terrell
09/27/202127th September, 2021
Filed under 350z Tuning
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We’re checking out the best 350Z headlights. So, whether you ran out of talent at the track or you’re looking to facelift your Z - we’ve got you covered.

350z headlights

In a hurry? Here are our 350z Headlight winners

Budget Choice Drifted Choice Premium Choice
spec d projector jdm style black housing nissan 350z headlights depo oem style nissan 350z headlights spyder auto drl led nissan 350z headlights
Spec-D JDM Style 350z Headlights DEPO OEM-Style 350z Headlights Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector 350z Headlights
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Introduction

With the earliest models of the 350Z fast approaching their 20th birthday, updating the look of your Fairlady is likely to make for the perfect present.

It’s hard to believe that the first models of the hugely popular Z rolled out of the showroom in 2002.

If you’re like us, and you remember the initial launch, it’s also a blunt reminder that we’re getting on a bit!

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Thankfully, sprucing up the look of your Z is far easier than reversing the human aging process, and headlights are often a perfect place to start.

Tuners often opt for aftermarket headlights, but if yours are looking old and tired, and you’re fearing the worst that you’re never going to get them looking their best again, think again!

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Since the OEM headlights are plastic, they frequently deteriorate over time, especially those fortunate enough to live in warmer climates where UV rays take their toll.

If you’re wanting to get your OEM lights looking their best, this helpful tutorial will show you how to restore and renew them back to their best.

However, let’s be honest - particularly when it comes to the earlier models, they’re beginning to look a little outdated now, and an upgrade is likely to provide the perfect solution.

Nissan proved that they agreed with this in various facelifts that followed, with the 2006-onwards facelift headlights becoming ever more sought after by those looking for an OEM upgrade.

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However, if you’re fortunate to find a set of these in good, used condition, then be prepared to empty your pockets, as these beauties sure don’t come cheap!

For this reason, we’ve written this guide to show you some of the more affordable, aftermarket 350Z headlight options, alongside some of the cheaper OEM-style alternatives to consider.

Caring for your headlights

If you’ve opted to polish your existing headlights with the tutorial above, make sure that you use a suitable UV coating to protect your hard work.

We’d also advise doing this on your new headlights, which will provide a transparent layer of protection from the harshest elements that’ll continue to give a foggy look to the plastic.

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For those getting started with drifting, we’re guessing that you may have found yourself here after getting carried away with the excitement of it all, before being harshly reminded of your lack of sideways experience.

If that’s the case (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), make sure you consider a 350Z bash bar to ensure that your shiny new headlights stand the best chance of survival next time around.

Nissan 350Z headlight installation

Once you’ve received your headlights, they’ll come with installation instructions. Still, we highly recommend checking out this 350z DEPO headlight installation video which simplifies the entire process, including removing your front bumper.

With that covered, let’s check out the best Nissan 350Z headlights on the market!

Best Nissan 350Z headlights

We’ve searched the market to find the best headlight options available for the Nissan 350Z.

In this comparison, we’ll be considering budget, mid-range, and high-end headlights, along with our personal opinions when it comes to value for money.

DEPO OEM-Style Xenon HID Headlight Lamp with Ballasts Set

depo oem style nissan

Our comment: When it comes to asking 350Z enthusiasts for the most popular headlight choice, the answer will be simple - 2006 onwards.

Despite the massive selection of aftermarket options out there, it’s the facelift OEM choice that is likely to get the vote.

Unfortunately, the facelift headlights from a Nissan dealer are likely to cost you an arm and a leg, which is where this DEPO offering becomes a far more appealing option.

At a fraction of the price of the OEM units, it’s easy to see why so many 350Z owners are instead opting for these fantastic quality “OEM-style” lights.

With a 10-year warranty included, these will undoubtedly be the perfect choice for many enthusiasts looking to freshen up their Z.

Manufacturer description: “This item is backed by our 10-year warranty. In the event this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will replace the part free of charge. This warranty covers the cost of the part only.“

ANZO Crystal Headlights (Black)

anzo crystal black nissan

Our comment: These sleek and stylish crystal offerings from ANZO will freshen up the look of your Z.

Featuring a crystal design with black housing, these subtle touches help the lights stand out from the crowd.

Ensure that you have the correct model Z before purchasing, as these lights will only fit the 03-05 non-HID variant.

Manufacturer description: “AnzoUSA offers the best quality performance lighting products at an affordable cost. All AnzoUSA products are SAE and D.O.T. compliant to FMVSS No. 108; and manufactured in our state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

“Our lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment and these modern designs are then tested using 3-dimensional testing machine to insure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design of our molds.“

Anzo Projector Headlights Halo (Black)

anzo projector halo black nissan

Our comment: If you liked the design above, but an LED halo design is a temptation, these could make a perfect alternative.

With a clear lens and black housing, this projector-style light also utilizes halogen bulbs, both of which provide white light.

You’ll once again need to ensure you have a ’02-05 non-HID 350Z for these to be a plug-and-play setup.

Manufacturer description: “AnzoUSA offers the best quality performance lighting products at an affordable cost. All AnzoUSA products are SAE and D.O.T. compliant to FMVSS No. 108; and manufactured in our state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

“Our lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment and these modern designs are then tested using 3-dimensional testing machine to insure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design of our molds.“

Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector Headlights

spyder auto drl led nissan

Our comment: If you’re looking to modernize your Z with daytime running lights (DRL), then we highly recommend these headlights from Spyder Auto.

Once installed, we feel that these are one of the best-looking options out there, and Enjuku Racing provides a choice of Black or Chrome internal designs, depending on your personal preferences.

Manufacturer description: “These projector headlights are designed to improve looks and visibility for your vehicle.“

“They are made by OEM approved and ISO certified manufacturers. They are made with OEM standard quality and are designed for stock lights direct replacement.“

Spec-D JDM Style Headlights w/ Black Housing

spec d projector jdm style black housing nissan

Our comment: Known for providing good quality lights on a budget, Spec-D Tuning brings this subtle OEM-style option with black housing to provide a meaner look to your Z.

These are plug-and-play on non-HID 02-05 Z’s and are known for being good quality for the price, but don’t expect the same standards as the premium choices.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights SMD LED Strip (Black or Chrome)

spec d projector hid smd led strip black chrome nissan

Our comment: Redline360 provides various internal and lens color options for these lights, which also include an SMD LED light strip for a unique touch, which looks fantastic at night.

These will only be plug-and-play on 02-05 350Z models with factory HID headlights.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights LED DRL Strip

spec d projector headlights led drl strip nissan

Our comment: If you liked the LED design above but own a later-model (0609) Z, these are a great alternative to the desirable facelift lights.

For those that prefer these over OEM options, you’ll likely turn over a decent profit by switching to these great-looking LED DRL strip alternatives!

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights Dual LED Halo (Black/Chrome/Smoked)

spec d projector dual led halo black chrome smoked nissan

Our comment: The final option from Spec-D tuning integrates something a little different with this fantastic dual halo & LED choice.

If you happen to own an 02-05 Z, you’re in luck, as these will be a great finishing touch to your front end.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

CG Projector Headlights JDM Black

cg projector headlights jdm black nissan

Our comment: If you’re on a budget and looking for a subtle, aftermarket look for your Z, then these could tick the right boxes.

With a similar design to the original OEM lights, a black housing around the reflective internals gives meaner aesthetics without being over-the-top.

CG Distribution provides a UV coating that prevents the lens from getting faded/perished by the sun, as we’ve all (annoyingly) experienced with the stock lights!

On top of that, there’s also a 90-day warranty should there be any faults.

These should be a definite consideration for 02-05 Z owners with halogen lights and the 6-pin harness that aren’t looking to spend big bucks.

Manufacturer description: “CG Distribution offers the best quality performance lighting products at the lowest cost.“

“All CG Distribution products are S.A.E. (Society Automotive Engineers) and D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) compliant to FMVSS no. 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards); and manufactured in a state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

Oracle Lighting Multicolored LED Headlight Halo Kit

oracle lighting led multicolored halo kit nissan

Our comment: Our final offering certainly provides something a little different for those of you that intend to stand out from the crowd.

Rather than buying an entirely new set of lights, Oracle Lighting has come up with this innovative alternative for those that want to keep the OEM look during the day but turn heads at night.

You’ll need to disassemble your existing lights, which won’t be for everyone, before either installing a halo color of your choice or taking advantage of their color-changing technology.

Using the premium ColorSHIFT w/2.0 Controller option, you’ll be able to change your halo settings at the touch of a button - and there sure isn’t a shortage of buttons!

Alternatively, opting for the BC1 ColorSHIFT will allow you to install an app on your smartphone, allowing you to control the halo color and settings via the Oracle Lighting app. Pretty neat, huh?

Although this may not be to everyone’s taste, we’re always keen to see fresh ideas enter the market, and we feel that Oracle has done a great job with this product.

Manufacturer description: “Looking to modify your vehicle’s lights for a customized, eye-catching style? The ORACLE Lighting halo kit for the 2003-2005 Nissan 350Z offers a perfect solution with an expertly-crafted design, brilliant colors with the best quality LED components, and unique features that will satisfy any car enthusiast.“

“Easily control the halos with one of our easy-to-use controllers, and consider the popular ColorSHIFT®, which gives the user RGB control thanks to the 5050 tri-node LEDs that allow you to select any color imaginable.“

Our winners

Let’s take a look at our favorite picks when it comes to 350Z headlights.

Our Drifted Choice goes to DEPO

Our 350Z headlight winners are DEPO.

Providing exceptional quality to rival Nissan’s OEM units at a fraction of the price, DEPO has earned itself the most respected reputation for those looking to replace or upgrade their original headlights.

DEPO OEM-Style Nissan 350Z Xenon HID Headlights with Ballasts Set

depo oem style nissan

Our Premium 350Z Headlight Choice

Our Premium Choice is the Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector Headlight.

They’re certainly not the cheapest, but these fantastic-looking headlights will make your 350Z headlights rival the 370Z designs.

We’ve seen these fitted, and they not only look fantastic, but the quality is second to none.

If you’re happy to spend a little extra on a premium aftermarket option, we’d recommend checking these out.

Spyder Auto DRL LED Nissan 350Z Projector Headlight

spyder auto drl led nissan

Our Budget 350Z Headlight Choice

Our Budget Choice are the Spec-D JDM Style headlights.

Spec-D has stuck with what works for these ‘JDM style’ headlights.

A subtle black housing provides a perfect finishing touch to this bargain-priced opportunity based on the original OEM design that Nissan intended.

If you’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck, these are going to be a worthy contender.

Spec-D JDM Style Headlights w/ Black Housing

spec d projector jdm style black housing nissan

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350Z Headlight guide.

There’s a fantastic selection available on the market for 350Z owners.

We hope we’ve found you the perfect solution for your needs. All you need to do now is ensure that your drifting skills are up to scratch so that you can keep them looking like new!

Now that you’ve got your brand-spanking-new headlights sorted, why not check out our other 350Z tuning guides?

If you’re looking for styling upgrades, we’ve checked out the best wheels and spacers, rear wings, rear diffusers, and front lips on the market for 350Z owners.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to upgrade your power next, our 350Z turbo, supercharger, LS swap, test pipes, cold air intake, and exhaust guides will provide you with the perfect solutions.

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

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author avatar Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.

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