Wiring up an aftermarket Stereo.
Discussion
Ive decided to update the stock stereo and speakers for an aftermarket system,has anyone done this recently? if so can you advise me what wires i will need from the plug ive just unpluged from the rear of the stock stereo,i think i need a permanant live,ignition live and earth,is this right?
Thanx
Thanx
Not sure of the ZR1 is the same as the 1996 LT4....but if it is you guys are in for fun.....
The "head unit" (bit in the dash) is passive i.e. does not have an amplifier. It communicates with the radio module which lives under the jack holder behind the passenger seat. All the speakers are wired into this radio module. All the speakers have amplifiers on them.
Therefore if you want to use the standard Bose speakers with an aftermarket head unit then you need to buy a gizmo to stepdown the amplified signal.
Good news is Clarion do a UK spec double din (fits the hole in the dash) CD/Radio/Tape player which is brilliant. If you decide to replace all the speakers as well then you don't need the gizmo which is cheap (about $20) but you will need to get one from the US.
Please disregard all of the above if the ZR1 doesn't do it like this
The "head unit" (bit in the dash) is passive i.e. does not have an amplifier. It communicates with the radio module which lives under the jack holder behind the passenger seat. All the speakers are wired into this radio module. All the speakers have amplifiers on them.
Therefore if you want to use the standard Bose speakers with an aftermarket head unit then you need to buy a gizmo to stepdown the amplified signal.
Good news is Clarion do a UK spec double din (fits the hole in the dash) CD/Radio/Tape player which is brilliant. If you decide to replace all the speakers as well then you don't need the gizmo which is cheap (about $20) but you will need to get one from the US.
Please disregard all of the above if the ZR1 doesn't do it like this
VHR is about right, only the radio lives up under the dash by the glove box.
I have replaced stereo and speakers twice in mine now. Chuck the stock head unit, decide if you are keeping the Bose speakers (they are ok(ish)) if you do then junk the amps on each speaker, buy a decent amp (one that you can switch between 2 and 4 ohm as Bose have to be different to everybody else and away you go.
Oh yeah, seats out, centre console out, rearlockers out, door trim out and away you go. As for the radio dont even bother getting to that, there is a connector to the aerial on the driver's side about mid wheel arch plug a new cable in there and run it. disk changers fit welll in the rear lockers and fill ya boot up with speakers and keep that arse end well planted on the road
I have replaced stereo and speakers twice in mine now. Chuck the stock head unit, decide if you are keeping the Bose speakers (they are ok(ish)) if you do then junk the amps on each speaker, buy a decent amp (one that you can switch between 2 and 4 ohm as Bose have to be different to everybody else and away you go.
Oh yeah, seats out, centre console out, rearlockers out, door trim out and away you go. As for the radio dont even bother getting to that, there is a connector to the aerial on the driver's side about mid wheel arch plug a new cable in there and run it. disk changers fit welll in the rear lockers and fill ya boot up with speakers and keep that arse end well planted on the road
Ive found this thread if it helps http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=941281
Nige,i couldnt find the amp/module behind the passenger seat in the pod,ime going to ditch all the old stuff and rewire all new speakers in so ime not to worried
The rear speakers ive bought match and fit the old fixing holes the front speakers look like they can be reused without the amps if not i will fit new ones,ive got the head unit fixed in so over the weekend ime gonna look at the wiring.
Keep you imformed how it goes
Nige,i couldnt find the amp/module behind the passenger seat in the pod,ime going to ditch all the old stuff and rewire all new speakers in so ime not to worried
The rear speakers ive bought match and fit the old fixing holes the front speakers look like they can be reused without the amps if not i will fit new ones,ive got the head unit fixed in so over the weekend ime gonna look at the wiring.
Keep you imformed how it goes
ZR1cliff said:
Ive found this thread if it helps http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=941281
Nige,i couldnt find the amp/module behind the passenger seat in the pod,ime going to ditch all the old stuff and rewire all new speakers in so ime not to worried
The rear speakers ive bought match and fit the old fixing holes the front speakers look like they can be reused without the amps if not i will fit new ones,ive got the head unit fixed in so over the weekend ime gonna look at the wiring.
Keep you imformed how it goes
VHR is about right, only the radio lives up under the dash by the glove box.
as for using the fronts without the amps - it wont work - they'll be shit as they are the wrong ohmage
First time round I wired them to a Kenwood amp that could be switched to the correct ohmage. Second time around I junked the pre-formed plastic speaker boxes they come in and made my own. I then measured up (lack of depth being the issue) and went to a small car stereo place that I have used for years and got them to get my the best speakers for the size of the hole.
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