Cat Eye Tahoe Conversion, Tips, Guide

If you are a Chevy enthusiast, you are most likely familiar with the Cateye. While not all Chevy vehicles have cat eyes, some Chevy truck owners have converted theirs to have these. So, what is Cateye Tahoe conversion?

A Cateye refers to a Chevy Silverado model produced between 2003 and 2006. Its headlights resemble the eyes of a cat, which explains the name. Since its initial launch, Cateye headlights have become so popular that some Chevy truck owners chose to install them on their trucks. The conversion of the Chevy Tahoe headlights to Cat Eye headlights is one of the popular ones.

Read more about the Cateye Tahoe conversion and the Chevy Tahoe SUV.

A Cateye is one of the Chevy Silverado models manufactured between 2003 and 2006. The headlights of this model resemble a cat’s eyes, explaining the model’s name.

Since its launch, Cateye headlights have become so famous that some Chevy truck owners opted to install them on their trucks. The conversion of the Chevy Tahoe headlights to Cat Eye headlights is one of the popular ones.

Chevy Tahoe SUV

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by General Motors Co. since 1994. Its counterpart, which is referred to as GMC Yukon, has been around since 1991.

The name “Tahoe” was derived from Lake Tahoe, which is a large rugged, and scenic freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada of the United States.

The Chevy Tahoe SUV has consistently been recognized as one of the best-selling, if not the best, full-size sport utility vehicles in the United States. In 2014, it was even recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as the number one Affordable Large SUV.

Cateye Tahoe Years and Specs

The popularity of the Chevy Silverado Cateye started as soon as it was initially launched in 2003. Around this time, some Chevy Tahoe owners started converting their SUV’s headlights to Cateye headlights.

Let’s take a look at the specs of the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe based on the following categories:

Engine
Steering System
Suspension
Drive Train
Interior
Exterior
Safety and Security
Comfort and Convenience
General Specifications

1. Engine

The 2022 Chevy Tahoe is powered by a 5.3-liter Gas EcoTec3 V8 engine featuring the Dynamic Fuel Management System with Direct Injection. Its displacement is 5,328 mm.

Its output is 355 horsepower (hp) at 5,600 revolutions per minute (rpm). At the same time, its torque delivers 518 Newton meters (Nm) at 4,100 rpm.

2. Steering System

This Chevy SUV has an electric power steering (EPS) system. Its steering wheel controls include audio, call, multimedia, and cruise control switches.

3. Suspension

The 2022 Chevy Tahoe SUV’s suspension features a ventilated disc brake system. The front and rear suspension systems are independent, while the front and rear brake systems are ventilated.

The rims of the wheels are aluminum, machined with Tech, and measure 20 inches x 9 inches. As for its all-season tires, the measurement includes P285 / 50R20 – 111H.

4. Drive Train

This SUV features a 10-speed automatic transmission system with an electronic precision shift. It has an automated 4-wheel drive system that features selectable drive modes.

5. Interior

The interior of the Chevy Tahoe SUV is Jet Black. Its Driver Information Center measures 8 inches, is a multi-colored cluster, is programmable, and has multi-information.

The driver seat features a 10-way Power System with Lumbar Adjust. At the same time, the back seat is bench-type with a 60/40 split. It is power-folding and adjustable. Seats are leather and have a 2-3-3 capacity.

In terms of climate control, this SUV has a Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning System that features climate settings. The interior also features an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. Its power windows have automatic dimming features, too, as well as an Express-Up and Down system.

6. Exterior

The 2022 Chevy Tahoe SUV features LED High Mount Stop Lamp and LED Headlamps. Its side mirrors are power-adjustable, have a heater function, and feature a spotter mirror.

Wipers have a rain-sensing feature and variable intermittent. The tail lamps have an integrated turn signal feature and are power adjustable. Also, they are power folding and have an automatic dimming feature.

7. Safety and Security

This Chevy vehicle has many safety and security features, including the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags on both the driver and passenger sides. But there are SRS airbags too in the center, rear curtain, and front curtain.

Its rear parking sensors and Traction Control System (TCS) features the StabiliTrak System.

8. Comfort and Convenience

The Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System measuring 10.2 inches, is a standard feature of the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. It also features the Bose Performance Series 9-Speaker System and a Remote Keyless Entry system.

9. General Specifications

The wheelbase of the 2022 Chevy Tahoe SUV measures 3,071 mm, and its curb weight measures 2,568 kg. In terms of its dimensions, it is 5,352 mm in length x 2,057 mm in width and 1,928 mm in height.

Why Are Cateye Silverados so Popular?

There is no denying that the Cateye headlights look fantastic on a Chevy, and it doesn’t even matter if it is a Silverado. The Cateye headlights look marvelous on any Chevy trucks or sports utility vehicle.

The cat eye headlights may be a standard feature on the Chevrolet Silverado. But Chevy truck and SUV enthusiasts have discovered how great these headlights look even on other Chevrolet makes and models.

Some enthusiasts started customizing their vehicles by installing cat-eye headlights. And one of the most popular ones is the installation of these cat-eye headlights on Chevy Tahoe SUVs.

Again, what is Cateye Tahoe conversion? The Chevy Silverado manufactured from 2003 to 2006 has cat-eye headlights. Due to the look’s popularity, other Chevy truck owners, specifically Chevy Tahoe owners, wanted to convert their headlights into Cat Eye headlights.

Cat Eye Tahoe Conversion Tips

Here are tips on converting your regular Chevy Tahoe Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) into a Cateye Tahoe. These tips will surely make your Chevy Tahoe look like a Cateye Chevy Silverado.

Prepare the Materials That You Will Need
Detach the Hood of Your Chevy Tahoe
Remove the Grille and the Headlights
Detach All Other Necessary Parts
Replace Parts

Let’s briefly discuss each of these tips:

1. Prepare the Materials

Here are the materials or the parts that you will need to convert your Chevy Tahoe SUV into a Cat Eye Tahoe:

Cat eye headlights
Silverado front bumper
HD hood
Grille
Driver’s side and passenger side fenders
Brackets for the headlights
Screwdriver
Penetrating lube

To get the best deals, you must be patient and persistent in finding these parts. You can check out several car care and repair shops near you to ask if they sell these parts. But if you are persistent enough, you will surely find the best deals in junkyards.

2. Detach the Hood of Your Chevy Tahoe

The next step is to detach the parts of your Chevy Tahoe to make way for the replacement parts. In doing so, starting with your Tahoe’s hood is best. In this case, you need the assistance of another person to do this efficiently.

You should not remove all screws on the hood. Instead, focus on those close to the body or the engine. It is best to figure this out before you start unscrewing the hood.

There are also plastic covers near the windshield and the side mirrors that you must remove. They are not difficult to detach, but you must pull them gently to prevent them from getting damaged.

Removing those plastic covers will expose bolts, which you must take off to detach the hood completely.

3. Remove the Grille and the Headlights

Removing the grille is simple. Just figure out its screws and use a flathead screwdriver to twist and unscrew them. There is also a bolt in front measuring 10 mm that holds the grille in place. You have to unscrew that too, and then gently pull the sides of the grille to let it come entirely off.

Once you have removed the grille, you can conveniently remove the headlights.

4. Detach All Other Necessary Parts

By this time, you have already removed the hood, the grille, and the headlights. You can now detach other parts, such as the bumper and the fenders.

The best way to start is to figure out the clips, bolts, and screws that attach the parts to the body of your Chevy Tahoe. Remove them using the necessary tools and materials, which include the penetrating lube.

If you love fixing vehicles, such as converting a Chevy Tahoe into a Cat Eye Chevy Tahoe, it is always great to have a penetrating lube with you. Do not even think twice about buying it. I guarantee you that it will be one reliable product.

5. Replace Parts

Once you have removed all the necessary parts, it is time to replace them with the Cateye Chevy Silverado parts. Use the new brackets, clips, bolts, or screws you have prepared.

If you want to use old ones, it is alright as long as you are sure it will not compromise the quality and reliability of your Cat Eye Tahoe Conversion project.

Also, do not worry about not being able to replace parts correctly. The trick is to be mindful of how you removed the old parts. That way, you would know how to replace them with new parts.

In case you doubt how to go about it, there is always a trusted mechanic you can turn to:

In this video, YouTube vlogger KennyG488 explains how a Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicle can be converted into a Cat Eye Chevy.

Frequently Asked Questions – What Is Cat Eye Tahoe?

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cat Eye Tahoe:

Why Is Chevy Called Cateye?

The Cateye Chevy refers to the Chevy Silverado model produced between 2003 and 2006. It was referred to as the Cateye Chevy because its headlights resemble the eyes of a cat. This makes the truck’s front end seem like a big tough cat, such as a lion or a tiger.

Did GMC Make a Cat Eye?

GMC started producing some of the most dependable trucks in the 2000s, including the Cateye Truck. It was one of the most reliable trucks and one of the coolest – if not the coolest.

Is There a Tahoe SS?

The Chevy Tahoe does not have a SS model. Chevy launched it as a full-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). But with its fifth generation model launching, introducing a Tahoe SS model is not impossible.

Why Is the Cateye Chevy So Popular?

The Cateye Chevy is so famous worldwide because of its aggressive look. Its reliable performance makes it attractive in the eyes of pick-up enthusiasts.

Is Chevy Tahoe Fast?

As of February 2022, the most powerful engine in the Chevy Tahoe lineup is the V8 engine featuring 6.2 liters. It delivers 420 horsepower (hp) and 460 lb-ft of torque.

This engine allows the Chevy Tahoe to accelerate to 60 miles per hour (mph) from 0 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds.

Is Tahoes Expensive to Maintain?

During the Chevy Tahoe’s first ten years of service, its maintenance and repairs will most likely cost you about $9,302. The probability that a Chevy Tahoe will undergo a major repair during this period is 26.05%.

Are Tahoes Good on Gas?

Yes, they are good on gas. This is particularly true with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe, which boasts its class-leading fuel efficiency.

The Chevy Tahoe forms part of the Large Sport Utility Vehicle category. It is, in fact, the best large SUV in the category regarding fuel efficiency.

In Closing: Is Cat Eye Tahoe Conversion Good?

To reiterate, a Cateye is one of the Chevy Silverado models manufactured between 2003 and 2006. The headlights of this model resemble a cat’s eyes, explaining the model’s name.

Many Chevy Tahoe owners have converted their SUVs into a Cat Eye Tahoe for a more aggressive and attractive appearance. So, if you are interested in giving your Tahoe that tough Cateye Chevy looks, here are the parts that you will need:

Cat eye headlights
Silverado front bumper
HD hood
Grille
Driver’s side and passenger side fenders

Doing it alone is tedious, but it is one feasible DIY project. But if you are hesitant about doing it alone, you can always bring it to your most trusted car care shop.