Alternative Head Unit?

[Boggie]

Hi All,

Are there any single or double DIN replacement head units that retain the use of the steering wheel controls? Are the controls connected via a standard connector that is used by other makers or is it solely used by Blaupunkt for the Monaro? Ideally I am looking for a double DIN, bluetooth and ipod enabled HU that can be operated by the steering wheel. Ideally with a green display that matches too! Is this too much to ask?

If not then what are the other options please?

Cheers,
B

PS. Where can I get HU removal keys please?

[007 VXR]

loads of options and steering wheel need s adaptor
and face surround ..

are you DIY ing ??

[Well_Fans]

HU removal keys - pretty much any halfrauds for double din pins or a bent coat hanger will do the job, quite a few threads on here on people using new head units over the years that have used a kit from the US iirc that allows you to interface most units with the steering wheel controls. Sure someone will pop along with better info but you may also want to look at www.ls1gto.com for advice on audio for the Monaro or GTO as the Yanks call it.

[after_shock]

Not sure about the green display as such as most the double din units use an LCD screen so will just look like a tv, however alot can be customised colours wise, ive not looked for a good while as just not got round to it but loads can be got with the adaptors for the steering wheel controls!

[Ciscas]

Unfortunately changing HU is not as straight forward as it could be but not impossible. There are loads of stuff available in Aus and US.
This is from FAQ's http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ,3rd post from bottom has some very good hints.
I changed to a Clarion double din and it works quite well with the stock speakers. As the FAQ's suggests turning up the amp in the boot helps a bit.

[Boggie]

Thanks Guys,

Well_Fans said:

HU removal keys - pretty much any halfrauds for double din pins or a bent coat hanger will do the job, quite a few threads on here on people using new head units over the years that have used a kit from the US iirc that allows you to interface most units with the steering wheel controls. Sure someone will pop along with better info but you may also want to look at www.ls1gto.com for advice on audio for the Monaro or GTO as the Yanks call it.

OK, so a standard double DIN key will fit, thanks. I will pop down to Halfords.

after_shock said:

Not sure about the green display as such as most the double din units use an LCD screen so will just look like a tv, however alot can be customised colours wise, ive not looked for a good while as just not got round to it but loads can be got with the adaptors for the steering wheel controls!

Ciscas said:

Unfortunately changing HU is not as straight forward as it could be but not impossible. There are loads of stuff available in Aus and US.
This is from FAQ's www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=69&t=291906&mid=172000&nmt=FAQs ,3rd post from bottom has some very good hints.
I changed to a Clarion double din and it works quite well with the stock speakers. As the FAQ's suggests turning up the amp in the boot helps a bit.

The link to the PAC adapter lead for the steering controls is dead but it sounds interesting. Anyone tried it?

007 VXR said:

loads of options and steering wheel need s adaptor
and face surround ..

are you DIY ing ??

Yes. I lived in Aus some years back and my job was custom-fit stereo systems so I am pretty handy at this sort of thing. I used to fit some pretty cool kit too, the biggest system I remember working on was around $A20,000 into a Skyline. All I need to do is find the right kit and I am away. I have other mods to do first, such as the tracker.

Cheers,
B

[nitrosman1]

swi pack jack is the way to go and seems to work with most makes and models of head unit fitted in mine 6.0 vxr small boot and working with kenwood they do take a little programing to get them working

[Tiger_kpt]

I have JUST fitted an aftermarket stereo headunit to my VXR.

I can thoroughly recommend the Kenwood DPX-503U double DIN headunit. I just bought one from Halfords - £200 - a total bargain. It has loads of features, including front USB and AUX connection. And a huge bonus is that you can alter the colour on it to the EXACT same green as can be found on the screens of the OEM stereo and the centre console OEM climate control.

I didn't bother with the adapter to allow the function of the steering wheel controls, as I never used them anyway to be honest - and wasn't sure which adapter you needed to use / buy.

I can also highly recommend the following fascia panel and eBay seller. Bought mine from the following link and it only took 24 hours to arrive - correct fitment too (Pontiac GTO).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl

Hope that helps.

Thanks.
Kyle.

[anonymous-user]

Here is the current link to the PAC Steering Wheel control unit:
www.pac-audio.com/productSearch.aspx?Make=Pontiac&MakeId=28&Model=GTO&ModelId=1588&Year=2005&YearId=16

That's for a 05 VXR btw - yours may be different.

Which one you need varies based on the Head Unit you choose. (I've got an Alpine which is excellent).

The PAC unit works a treat. There is a slight delay from when you press the button to the volume changing, etc. but overall it is good.

[MyM8V8]

Tiger_kpt said:

I have JUST fitted an aftermarket stereo headunit to my VXR.

I can thoroughly recommend the Kenwood DPX-503U double DIN headunit. I just bought one from Halfords - £200 - a total bargain. It has loads of features, including front USB and AUX connection. And a huge bonus is that you can alter the colour on it to the EXACT same green as can be found on the screens of the OEM stereo and the centre console OEM climate control.

I didn't bother with the adapter to allow the function of the steering wheel controls, as I never used them anyway to be honest - and wasn't sure which adapter you needed to use / buy.

I can also highly recommend the following fascia panel and eBay seller. Bought mine from the following link and it only took 24 hours to arrive - correct fitment too (Pontiac GTO).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Hope that helps.

Thanks.
Kyle.

Needing to tidy up my ICE on the GTS I took note of this and visited my local Halfruads to see what this was. I actually bought something from them. They were selling off a demo Pioneer AVIC 900BT. This has Sat Nav, Bluetooth, USB, ipod, phone book, camera input, etc etc and even plays dvds and cd's as well as having a wireless.

Bloody marvelous, deal of the century at £340 +VAT. So thanks for the tip kyle. The man at Derby will fit it for me too.

Oh forgot to mention the current model 910BT I think is about £800.

Edited by MyM8V8 on Friday 19th March 19:23

[MyM8V8]

Tiger_kpt said:

I have JUST fitted an aftermarket stereo headunit to my VXR.

I can thoroughly recommend the Kenwood DPX-503U double DIN headunit. I just bought one from Halfords - £200 - a total bargain. It has loads of features, including front USB and AUX connection. And a huge bonus is that you can alter the colour on it to the EXACT same green as can be found on the screens of the OEM stereo and the centre console OEM climate control.

I didn't bother with the adapter to allow the function of the steering wheel controls, as I never used them anyway to be honest - and wasn't sure which adapter you needed to use / buy.

I can also highly recommend the following fascia panel and eBay seller. Bought mine from the following link and it only took 24 hours to arrive - correct fitment too (Pontiac GTO).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Hope that helps.

Thanks.
Kyle.

Needing to tidy up my ICE on the GTS, I took note of this post and visited my local Halfrauds to see what this item was. I actually bought something from them! They were selling off a demo Pioneer AVIC 900BT. This has Sat Nav, Bluetooth, USB, ipod, phone book, camera input, etc etc and even plays dvds and cd's as well as having a wireless.

Bloody marvelous, deal of the century at £340 +VAT. So thanks for the tip Kyle. The man at Derby will fit it for me too.

Oh, forgot to mention, the current model 910BT I think is about £800.

Edited by MyM8V8 on Friday 19th March 19:26

[gsd2000]

Bargain mym8v8