NTMD8R

2008 C6 Z06.

I would like to consider replacing my 2LZ Audio/nav system.

I am NOT an Audiophile, so basic AM/FM is just fine.

But I'd like to see something better than the C6 Screen (looks like Mario from the '80s).

I would still want Nav,

PLUS a Backup Camera.

So... what recommendations can you guys come up with ?
I'm in British Columbia, and I don't want to spend a ton of money.

How is the install?
Can I do it myself?, or do I need to visit an Audio shop ?

Thanks in advance.

nuke61

When you say you want Nav, assuming you have either an Android or iPhone, do you want to use the phone nav, or have it separate and built into the head unit?

If you've ever removed interior panel, which really just amounts to removing Torx screws, you can do this yourself, particularly if you use a kit from Double D Mods. When I was younger I did this stuff myself, but in my most recent upgrade I chose to have it professionally installed, because I'm old and my time is worth more to me than the cost of installation.

If you do it yourself AND use your phone navigation, your cost would be in the $500 and up range. If you want nav built into the unit, it's going to be right around $1000 and up -- just for parts.

NTMD8R

For Nav, I mean GPS.
Not for iPhone or Android.
Like the OEM GPS it already has built in.
Or do I need to use iPhone or Android for Nav ?
And... make/model ?

jma57

Yesterday I replaced the OEM radio/nav on my 2006 with a touch screen JVC unit. Much nicer graphics, Bluetooth and USB. I also installed a backup camera. Took me about 4 hours, took it easy, didn't want to break anything. This unit does not have nav, I didn't want it as we have a couple of portable devices and cell phones. Total cost from a well-known online vendor: $220.00 including wiring harness and dash kit. The camera was another $15.00.
If you want built-in nav, expect to pay at least $400.00 minimum for an entry level unit of decent quality, installation is the same. I'm happy with the results, the JVC looks good, sounds good and it didn't break the bank.


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nuke61

You can get built-in nav units, and I only asked about using your phone because it's what I do, and it seems pretty popular. I connect my phone using USB and then I say "O.K Google" followed by "directions to <somewhere>" - the map is displayed on the 7" display and directions are spoken though the car speakers.

If you want built-in, the more popular units, including Kenwood and Pioneer, are around $650 and up. I suggest calling Double D Mods and discussing it with him.

NTMD8R

Yes, I want AM/FM to be part of the system (I don't want to use my iPhone).
And I want to use the OEM speakers.
And I would like to retain the steering wheel controls.
And I want some sort of Nav (GPS).
And I want a backup camera.
Of course, the screen must be somewhat nicer than the "Mario" screen we now have.

Does this make sense?

I'll contact Double D Mods and see what they say.

TorchRedFred

Don't know if you saw these but here are some recent threads that can help you out.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-upgrade.html


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html

nuke61

Yep, makes perfect sense, and he'll be able to hook you up with what you need. The screen will not be somewhat nicer than the stock unit, it will be MUCH nicer.

NTMD8R

I emailed Dennis earlier, and he phoned me back right quickly (good service).
After a bit of discussion, I now realize that I really don't want the Nav/GPS feature
in any new unit.
Apart from the fact it will probably be another $400 or so, I can use my iPhone and
Apple Carplay (I'll have to figure out how to make that work).

So it seems the Kenwood DDX9903S is the unit he recommends.
And he says he can provide me with all the parts and bits and pieces I need to
make this all work just fine.
I have checked out the price he gave me, and I am now comparing.
I can buy the unit alone via eBay for about $200 cheaper (and it includes a Backup camera),
but I'll have to get the rp5-gm11 harness (about another $100) separately.
Possibly I'll have to also buy a couple of other "bits" but I am not conversant in all this.

I'd like to give Dennis my business considering the help he has provided to me
(and to many others here).

Realize that I am in Canada, so I have to consider the exchange rate of 30% too.

Just thinking out loud now.

But thanks for all the help from you all.

Homer3D

If you are not looking for built in NAV and will just use your iPhone via Carplay, take a look at the Kenwood DDX6703S. Specs-wise they are pretty close but you can save about $200 on the DDX6703S. Major differences, the DDX6703S does not have Android Auto and has a slightly smaller screen. If you tend to like having a physcial **** to turn down the volume, the DDX6703S has that as well.

Also, take a look at the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX.

Dennis should be able to sell you either other those.

TorchRedFred

You need to do what ever is best for you. I bought my 8200nex from Amazon along with all the installation gear. They had the best prices at the time. I paid $810 for the head unit and another $160ish for the installation gear which included a backup camera, wiring harness, xm tuner, etc. I did the install myself to keep the total price under $1k. The 8200 comes with built in navigation, along with Carplay and Android auto. For me, I wanted to keep the built in navigation. I didn't like the idea of my car being overly dependent on my phone, but if its a money issue than Carplay and Android Auto are a great alternative. Here's a list of all the installation gear I purchased, if it helps.


1- Pac Audio RP5-GM11 wiring harness with steering wheel controls
2- Metra 95-3304 double din face plate
3- Sirius XM SXV300v1 tuner (optional if you want Sirius XM) and Sirius XM 10ft antenna ext. cable
4- Pyle PCNM38FRV back up camera (was only $17 but works great)
5- A pack of crimp style cap connectors 22/18 gauge and a crimp plier (since I didn't have one)


The installation gear is the same for the Kenwood also. I prefer the Pioneers. I know different retailers push different brands for different reasons.

0Double D Mods

The major difference is the capacitive touch screen

Being a convertible he will need or want the capacitive touch screen to be able to view better with top down

you are correct it is less
however not my best choice for a vert

0Double D Mods

FYI
Kenwood does not allow authorized dealers such as myself to sell on AMAZON OR EBAY
We can not use a third party website to sell product
So any place such as these two you will not get the 2 year Kenwood warranty.

I will be here to help when your ready

Homer3D

I will take your word because I have no clue what the pros/cons between Capacitive vs Resistive.

TorchRedFred

The OP was asking to replace the head unit in a 08 Z06, so it's not a convertible. I think he has a C7 convertible pictured in his avatar so that probably led to the confusion.

The capacitive screen has certain advantages over a resistive screen. One of the reasons the 8200nex lists for more than the 7200nex and/or 4200nex. Capacitive screens are typically glass and very similar to a iPhone or smart phone screen. Responds a little differently and handles glare differently than a resistive touch screen.

0Double D Mods

Yes I saw that now LOL

Still the capacitive touch screen is the way to go.

Its so nice

The new soon to be coming 7704 will have a angle viewiing adjust screen that is preety nice as well. I should see them hopefully shipping at the end of the month.
Basically a mechless 9703 is what it will be

jma57

A couple of pics of the end result.

NTMD8R

Well, I finally did it.
Because of pricing difference and $$ difference (Canada vs US),
I bought a Kenwood DDX9903S, and backup camera locally.
I then had a professional shop install it all.

All in all, it is a very nice unit, and pretty much does what I want.
I can use carplay, but probably wont, because of the extreme cost of
data usage from my iphone service provider.

But there are 2 things about this unit which are annoying......

The "Agree" screen which you must touch EVERY TIME you turn the unit on.!!!!!
So every time I start the car I have to "Agree"... what a PITA.

The regular radio mode does NOT provide for the unit to display the time in 24 hour format.
You can do this in the NAV screen... but as I said I will not be using
carplay because of the exorbitant data rates I have to pay.
Besides, why would any product force you to use your phone just to be able to
use a feature which should be a part of the basic design ?

So, somewhat disappointing.
Unfortunately I only found these 2 items after installation.
I am not going to research for a different product, and pay for
another product and install.

TorchRedFred

^^ I agree with you about the warning screen and having to agree to it every single time you start your car. Every brand has their pros and cons, but one thing that I love about the newer Pioneers is that the warning screen goes away on its own after a few seconds. To tell you the truth, I almost never notice it, which is great, since most times I start my car I need to reverse right away and the backup camera overrides the warning screen. I also have CarPlay but almost never use it. Not because of data but really because I don't care to. Most of my music is on an SD card and I use that more than anything else. Overall though, the Kenwood should be a nice improvement over the stock head unit. It might take a little while to get use to everything, but at a minimum, having a modern head unit with improved sound, graphics, and usability is a big plus in my opinion.

0Double D Mods

The newest Kenwood they have the screen changed so it automatically switches at 10 seconds.

This is on the 7704