Heres what i think i want to do,if possible.I want to keep the stock head unit,replace front and rear speakers with better quality speakers,add a sub in a stealth box,add a amp for the front,rear speakers and a amp for the sub. Is this possible? I also need suggestions on what to use and how to do it.
I appreciate any suggestions offered. Thanks Guys.

 

It is possible but you are asking for more headaches then keeping the stock head unit is worth. If you are going that far dump the stocker. Especially since once you get everything to work correctly, it won't be much better then stock.

Remember...crap in crap out...stock head unit...crap.

 

Heres what i think i want to do,if possible.I want to keep the stock head unit,replace front and rear speakers with better quality speakers,add a sub in a stealth box,add a amp for the front,rear speakers and a amp for the sub. Is this possible? I also need suggestions on what to use and how to do it.
I appreciate any suggestions offered. Thanks Guys.

For your setup, the stock head unit will be what's holding you back. There are essentially 3 major rules to audio systems:

1) your system is only as good as the weakest link in the chain
2) SQ is in the ear of the listener. There are plenty of ways to maximize imaging and clarity but only you know what will sound good.
3) Set a budget. then buy the best hardware you can get staying within that budget.


I HIGHLY recommend replacing the stock head unit, not just because aftermarket head units generally have better sound quality, but hooking them up with amps will be easier and less expensive (becaue you won't have to buy adapters and such)

take into considertion the following:
- what music do you listen to most often
- are You yourself planning on doing the installation
- how much money are you prepared to live without
- how long can you live with your car being in pieces?

 

The reason i thought about keeping the stock head unit is,i know nothing about installing and wiring a new head unit. I thought i probably could install new speakers and a sub. I have looked at new HUs and i like the new JVC kd-nx5000 but i would hate to go to a best buy or circuit city to get the install done.

 

a head unit install is very simple. We here at the audio section have guided many a novice through the procedure. The hardest part is finding a turn on lead wire (ignition hot wire) to tap into.

if sombody has a thread on how to swap out a head unit, now would be the time to post a link or pics if you've got them.

 

Yes,please do.

 

okay i don't have pics, but i can give you a vague description of how to do it:

1) buy your head unit, wiring harness adapter and a 1.5 DIN GM installation kit
2) assemble the mounting kit around the head unit making sure you use the mounting attachments for corvette (they should look like tabs with 4 "fingers")
3) attach your wiring harness (don't bother with the turn on lead wire (blue with a white stripe usually)

to dis-assemble your dash:
you will need a torx 15 bit and screwdriver, small flathead screwdriver and a 10mm socket

1) lift the center console lid completely and remove the 4 torx bolts tha hod the lid to the hinge

2) remove the panel where the traction control button is by carfully prying it out with a thin flathead screwdriver (it pops right out)

3) disconnect the wiring from the panel you just popped out then remove the 10mm bolts directly under where that panel was.

4) to the left of your ignition there is a small vented panel, use the flathead to pop this off and remove the torx screw diretly behind it.

5) behind the ciggrete lighter door in the console center there sould be 3 torx screws, remove these

6) (automatic transmission users) At this point, apply the emergency brake, remove your ignition key from the keychain and turn the car to "on" without starting it to put the transmission in neutral to allow you room to work around the shifter.

7) near where the 10mm bolts were, pull up on the entire dash panel until the rear portion clears the storage console, then carfully slide it back and up over the shifter

8) Youe stock head unit is held in place with 2 screws on either side. remoce them and save them (you'll use them to install the new one) remove your stock head unit and unplug all harnesses from it.

9) locate a "ignition hot" wire (you'll have to ask another forum member about where to find it) and use a quick splice to tap into it to get power for the turn on lead to your new head unit.

10) if you're going to run RCAs or new speaker wires, now is the time to lay the wiring. Once your wires are in place, insert the new head unit assembly into the stock hole and use previously removed screws to secure the assembly

11) assembly is reverse of the dis-assembly.


good luck

 

Shouls a person run new speaker wires? Would it be beneficial to run all new wires?

 

Running new wires certainly wouldn't hurt sound quality any....but you yourself might end up with a few cuts and scrapes tearing into the interior body panels.