I have a 2007 base 1LT C6 and I am looking for a navigation unit (non-flipout). I really want one that is easy to install and doesn't require a speaker change or anything major like that. Other then the basics that come with a navigation unit I want one that will accept a rear back up camera. Most importantly it needs to be affordable.


*How hard is installation on navigation units do they need to be installed by professionals?*

 

You can put a head unit in without changing the speakers or amps. Any double DIN head will get the job done. The Pioneer AVIC D3 is a very popular model as is the new Kenwood (I forget the model#). The Kenwood uses Garmen NAV software, which is the best I've ever used so for strictly NAV functions that's worth considering. You'll have to do some digging to see what supports what, but I think all of the heads at this point support a backup camera.

Installation of a NAV unit isn't really much more difficult than any stereo install. You have to wire up an OEM interface (Peripheral GMCO, etc), run the GPS antenna and if you want the best navigation accurarcy tie into the VSS wire. The install in the C6 is pretty basic, but you have to be willing to pull your dash apart, do the wiring, etc. If any of that scares you, get a price on an install. But be VERY careful of who you choose to do it because very few shops out there know much about Vettes and they tend to assume that they're like the rest of the GM's - and they're wrong about that.

Check the FAQ stickied at the top of this section and do some searching AVIC and Kenwood NAV and you should see threads with what folks have done. Also take a look at my install thread linked in my sig below. It has more than you would be doing, but it does show how to open up the console, etc to get at the radio.

 

Do you know how much those specific navigation units and the Peripheral GMCO will cost? And I have already removed my console/instrument pods once so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

These units aren't cheap. Full retail you're looking at $900-$1500 depending on which you choose. If you go gray market/eBay you can probably get down into the $600-700 or so range. The GMCO runs for around $50 IIRC. You would also need a dash trim kit for the radio so if you do go gray market make sure you get one of those too.

 

My Kenwood DNX 7100 with XM, after unit cost, additional hardware, install and feeling like I was getting ripped off, came to $2200.

 

I was looking to spend about a $1000.00 and do the install myself.

 

You may want to do some hunting on that famous auction site. Some used AVIC D2's are probably floating around there by now with folks that have upgraded to D3's.

 

The Kenwood 6019 (which is a 7100 with separate brain) is about 800-
1000 with the nav (510) included on that same auction site...

 

i got my AVIC-D3 installed with the ipod cord in my c6 for $900 bucks! and i love it... looks real clean, the button colors can be illuminated to any color so you can match the factory look, im adding the xmtraffic adaptor, and reverse camera next....

 

My vote would be DNX7100 because of the iPod interface and Garmin nav. A little over $1000 though.

 

Both the 6019 and the 7100 use the Garmin and have the same Ipod interface.

I can get either but am being told to use the 6019 because it is "better" to seperate the nav out of the HU.

I wont use the Pioneer, I think it's stupid you have to remove the nav disk to play a CD or DVD...

Thats the main reason it's so reasonable price wise.