Navigation Installation

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Jun 2, 2007 | 08:37 AM

WHT

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,537

Likes: 1

From: Southlake Texas

Navigation Installation

I am about to finalize a 2008 order and have a question about Navigation installation.

I am not interested in any of the 3LT options other than the ability to order navigation from the factory. So, not sure it is worth the additional $5200 cost just to get navigation (3LT incremental cost over 2LT plus factory nav cost). I'd rather put the money in a DS Vette interior.

Those of you that have added aftermarket navigation to your cars, any regrets with not ordering factory navigation? Also, how difficult will it be to add a good aftermarket navigation to a 2008 2LT with the base US8 non Bose radio WITH factory XM and OnStar as will be standard in 2008?

Will the installation of an aftermarket navigation system affect your warranty?

Thanks for any recommendations and advice.

Jun 2, 2007 | 07:02 PM

WHT

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,537

Likes: 1

From: Southlake Texas

There are several members here with considerable experience and skill adding after market systems (at least you have done yours). Several of you must have recommendations.

I am looking at the AVIC-D3, and am (i) concerned that some have reported hum or noise after installation that has been difficult to fix. Others of you don't have this problem. Why?

Also, (ii) I want to verify the harnesses and other parts that would be needed with the 2008 base system that now includes XM and OnStar.

Or, (iii) should I just throw out the stock XM and amp units and put in all new stuff with the AVIC?

Or, (iv) should I just buy the stock nav from GM and call it a day.

Best Ben Stein imitation from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: "Anyone? Anyone?

Jun 4, 2007 | 10:49 AM

BearCreekC6

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 779

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From: Murrieta California

I had an '05 with factory nav. Traded it in on a '07 1LT. I had the Kenwood DNX-7100 installed a few months ago. I didn't want the XM antenna exposed so I had them remove the center dash speaker and replaced it with the antenna. I've never had XM, but it occasionally cuts out. I don't know if that would happen with the factory install. I'm also irritated that when you're on the XM screen, there's no clock to tell you what time it is. As far as the navigation itself, the factory nav has voice recognition, which is a nice feature. Again with mine, when you have a destination programmed, the nav screen tells you when you will arrive, but not the current time. Bottom line, if I could order factory nav alone next time, I think I would.

Jun 4, 2007 | 11:34 AM

TheKomoman

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 9,289

Likes: 16

From: Skippack PA

St Jude Donor '13

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHT

There are several members here with considerable experience and skill adding after market systems (at least you have done yours). Several of you must have recommendations.

If the factory NAV is the same unit for '08 that it was for '05-'07 then I'd recommend very strongly against it. Aside from it's annoying nanny-restrictions and lousy sound, it's not a very good NAV system. I have used a number of different NAV systems and my '06's is pretty much the worst I've used. It is particularly bad at re-routing on-the-fly. Once it gets locked into a route if you make a turn it doesn't expect it usually tries to make you U-turn to get back instead of adjusting it's route.

If I had it to do all over again, I would not waste my money on the factory NAV. Aftermarket systems sound better, give you way more options (iPod, Sirius, Bluetooth, backup camera, etc) than the factory and is cheaper to boot! As far as noise goes and some having it and some not, well ground loops can be tough to chase down, and while this is not intended as a shot, the reality is that some folks are better at doing these installs than others. Those with more experience are far more likely to get a positive result. But if you're going to do it, then do it right anyway and put in an amp and better speakers.

Jun 4, 2007 | 12:56 PM

jinkikim

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 200

Likes: 0

From: Ottawa Ontario

The additional $5200 cost is a lot!

Recently I installed AVIC-D3 (you may want to go with Z-2 if you want to spend more). Nav and I-POD interface on D3 are simply amazing....

Jun 4, 2007 | 01:03 PM

DPG

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 7,201

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From: DP(oh you know where) IL

St. Jude Donor '06

you can buy an aftermarket nav and upgrade your speakers with amps and subs for way cheaper than that, and have a great sounding stereo with all the bells and whistles of nav. LIke Komoman has pointed out, its with the install that can lead to induced noise. IF done right, there shouldn't be any noise. Also, don't let that deter you from doing it yourself. You have all the help need here at your fingertips and if someone is close by, can even come by and help you out with your install.

Jun 4, 2007 | 01:19 PM

Reep

Racer

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 309

Likes: 16

From: Thousand Oaks CA

I just ordered my '08 (first corvette), but I avoided the nav system for a couple of reasons.

Nav: the nav has poorer resolution, and evidently picks some interesting routes from time to time. I am going with the Kenwood as it has Garmin nav built in. Also, it is nice to be able to adjust the nav on the fly. The factory nav is locked down.

iPod: interfacing the iPod to the factory nav requires an add on and performance is so-so. The Kenwood has a USB connector for the iPod and is evidently quite fast.

DVD: I don't plan on watching many DVDs, but I do have some nice concerts that I wouldn't mind playing in the car on a trip. Can't do this on the factory unit.

Bluetooth: not a big deal to me, but if you're looking to add bluetooth, this is the way to do it.

I was planning on the AVIC-Z2, because I like the way it looks. But, the iPod is much slower, I've heard a lot of complaints about the actual directions (involving a bunch of U-turns) and you can't bypass it to use nav or DVD on the fly.

Jun 4, 2007 | 07:16 PM

WHT

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,537

Likes: 1

From: Southlake Texas

Thanks very much for the replys. I've made copies of all the installs that have been posted here and have decided to go for it. Nice to know that you can get help when you deed it!

Appreciate any other thoughts that some of you may have.