I want to add better speakers and an amp(s) to my 1992 with a Bose system. I was wondering if there was a way I could retain my stock head unit (for a clean stock look), and add the other components. Can I splice into the input leads into the factory amps and them to an aftermarket amp?
Forgive me if I seem stupid, stereo is not exactly my forte! :confused:
Thanks in advance,
Tony

 

By the way, I have something to convert the wire to the Bose amp into a RCA, I imagine I will need to Use them?
Tony

 

It really won't work well. Bose has weird ohmed speakers. They aren't compatible with aftermarket stuff. Just to give you a run down.

Your head unit up front is just a display with your CD/Tape deck. The AM/FM receiver and BOSE controller is behind the passengers seat in the storage area. You have two speakers each side up front and 1 each side in the rear. Each set has it's OWN amp attached to the speaker enclosure. With all the trouble most everyone has with the BLOWS, most everyone will tell you it's best to go completely aftermarket. I too wanted to keep the original display, but after fixing this, then something else going out, then fixing that, just to have another problem, I finally gave up. I'm not quite through, but went completely aftermarket, and except for the future amp, everything is located were the factory stuff was. Here's some pics of the head unit.

 

In my 92 the receiver was in the pass side dash. I would of liked to of kept the original look as well. But now I have the Alpine 7878 Mp3 HU in there, the improvement of the quality look of the deck, not to mention the features and sound totaly offset the "look" integration I was concerned about.

The bose is junk, just junk compared to a quality aftermarket system, in looks, in sound, and in features.

Take a look at my instal pics a few threads down.

Good luck
Jay

 

there is an adapter you can get called AudioLink. there is a review of it in CF's review section. although the review is positive, i have heard more negative comments about it in threads. however, of the negative comments i couldn't tell if the poster was bashing the Bose or just the AudioLink. (sorry this doesn't really help.)

anyway, as for me, i replaced the entire system. much better sound now in my opinion, but i DID have a cassette. if trying to keep a stock look is your first priority i doubt you have any other choice than going with the AudioLink.

 

It is also possible to splice in an RCA to the C5 system but not the C4. You need the adapter. This is me bashing both the adapter and the Bose. Why spend good $ to adapt a 10 year old panisonic CD(they make the unit) that you wouldn't use to stop your car from rolling let alone install if it hadn't come with the car. Get a good real deck, amp, and speakers and then go wow, I can't believe the difference like others before you.
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

i thought Delco manufactured the CD unit. i do know that they buy Panasonic (and other manufacturers') CD mechanisms to build in.

you mean there's a Panasonic sticker on the head unit? just curious.

and i highly agree that CD players now are a huge improvement over what was offered in the early 90's.

 

Panisonic makes the mechanisms. Delco puts them together. Still a panisonic parts. They aren't known for their tremendous quality in car sterios either.
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

Your best bet is to get rid of all of the Bose crap that is in the car. And install some nice aftermarket stuff instead of trying to keep the factory look. You will be much happier with the outcome. I work in an car audio store and the Corvette's bose system IMHO sucks. We worked on a C4 and installed some Pioneer and Fosgate components. All new speakers and 1, 12' speaker....I rocked. If you have other questions I will be happy to help out.

 

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have to say I am stuck on keeping the Bose Headunit. I want to add new speakers and amps though. I was thinking of getting the signal off of the Bose system (before the Bose amps) and running to the aftermarket amp. This has got to be possible!??!
Tony

 

Possible but not recommended. The signal produced by the unit is inferior. It doesn't reproduce the music very well on CD, and the FM is just plain atrocious. Also, since it is not a C5 unit, you will need to get an adapter. This adapter costs $50+ adds engine noise, and further weakens the quality of the signal. Most aftermarket FM tuners will sound better than your CD. There have been two arguements for keeping the bose. I want to keep it standard & I don't want to spend the money. The first one is valid only if you are selling the car tomorrow or showing the car. When you go aftermarket, you don't need to cut a wire or modify a single panel. You can reverse the procedure 100%. A wire harness is produced to mate to the plug that goes to the back of the sterio. This harness then connects to the new deck=no wires cut. A kit makes it fit perfectly in the dash. If you have a 90-93 dash, you will need to file the opening but the panel costs $40. Just buy a new one and file that and keep the old one for another day. You can get a unit that will blow the BLOSE away for under $200, kit and harness for under $40 and it will sound 110% better. :yesnod:
Why have a great car, especially one as cool as yours, with a sterio in it that is embarassing to have in a Barbie Vette? Not to mention, If you ever want to go stock again you can and you can take it with you to go in the next car you buy. C6?
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

On 94-96, the wiring adapter plugs in behind the passengers seat where the BLOWS receiver is. You have to get all the wires from back there, plus the antenna, up to the front for your new receiver. :eek: It doesn't hook up to the wires coming off the back of the factory radio. I found this out the hard way and made a custom 13 wire wiring harness. If you run an aftermarket amp, then you won't have to run all the speaker connects and this will save you a little hassle.

 

I think he has a '92 if its what is in his sig.
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

just be sure to check the depth of the head unit before you get it. i had to cut about 1/4" into the trim to get a flush fit. (i COULD have left it alone but the trim plate would bow out and would lead to gaps on the sides.)

if you are gonna go aftermarket, good luck selecting a head unit. there are so many choices. i had a helluva time choosing mine.
:cheers:

 

Best bang for the buck right now is the Pioneer 7300. You can get one for $250.
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

Tony,

I will sell you my Audiolink PD4 for $25 plus shipping.

I had no trouble with it.. I just decided to ditch the Bose for aftermarket

 

What is that?
Tony

 

its the adapter that allows you to hook up the bose to the aftermarket stuff. Good price and if I can't sway you to an aftermarket deck, this is what you need.
92TripleBlack :cheers: