C6 Aftermarket Nav
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
C6 Aftermarket Nav
I'm in the market for a C6 Z and am coming to the conclusion that aftermarket Nav is far superior to what GM offers. I am leaning towards not getting it with Nav and adding it afterwards. I was hoping to see some pics of aftermarket Nav systems that have been installed and everyone's opinion on what is the best Nav and why? Also if the is any modification to the dash needed with the install and has anyone had any warranty problems after installing aftermarket Nav?
Thanks
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
The ONLY advantage the OEM unit has over any aftermarket unit is the fact that it is integrated into the HUD.
Kenwood seems to be the popular choicec for the best Navigation features, but I'm very happy with my Pioneer.
For what GM charges for the Nav option, you could easily get last years model Nav unit and upgrade the entire system for less. Or keep the stock amp/speaker setup and get the newest top of the line radio.
The install isn't hard at all since the C6 has a double din opening. If you don't like the color/texture of the mounting adapter you can easily sand and paint it to match the rest of the dash. There are detailed illustrated install instructions in the FAQ if you need them. This one is my favorite. This thread details the interface adapters you'd need (stick with the peripheral brand, they definitely have fewer problems).
You can also check out the 'what do you run' sticky for some other ideas. A pic of my HU is below, click on mods link in sig for specific details.
Kenwood seems to be the popular choicec for the best Navigation features, but I'm very happy with my Pioneer.
For what GM charges for the Nav option, you could easily get last years model Nav unit and upgrade the entire system for less. Or keep the stock amp/speaker setup and get the newest top of the line radio.
The install isn't hard at all since the C6 has a double din opening. If you don't like the color/texture of the mounting adapter you can easily sand and paint it to match the rest of the dash. There are detailed illustrated install instructions in the FAQ if you need them. This one is my favorite. This thread details the interface adapters you'd need (stick with the peripheral brand, they definitely have fewer problems).
You can also check out the 'what do you run' sticky for some other ideas. A pic of my HU is below, click on mods link in sig for specific details.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If you're asking about the stock radios, some of them now come with an aux in jack, and the PAL is now available for the OEM nav unit so you can control an ipod from the screen. Any C6 radio that comes with the XM tuner can have an aux input spliced in for $10.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
All of the aftermarket units come with more inputs than you'll know what to do with.
If you're asking about the stock radios, some of them now come with an aux in jack, and the PAL is now available for the OEM nav unit so you can control an ipod from the screen. Any C6 radio that comes with the XM tuner can have an aux input spliced in for $10.
If you're asking about the stock radios, some of them now come with an aux in jack, and the PAL is now available for the OEM nav unit so you can control an ipod from the screen. Any C6 radio that comes with the XM tuner can have an aux input spliced in for $10.
Thanks
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I believe any car with the 2LT or 3LT packages came with XM, but if you're looking at used cars it would be easiest to just ask the seller. If you do find one with XM, click here to see how the $10 aux input is done.
GM now sells and installs the PAL through dealers (all warranties intact). It gives you control of a dockable ipod on the OEM nav screen. I believe it's only guaranteed to work on '08+ models, but many have already installed it on 07's, I'm not sure about '06. Search the C6 general section for mucho info on that.
There are several other aftermarket gizmos available to add aux input or ipod controls, check out the C6 audio FAQ.
GM now sells and installs the PAL through dealers (all warranties intact). It gives you control of a dockable ipod on the OEM nav screen. I believe it's only guaranteed to work on '08+ models, but many have already installed it on 07's, I'm not sure about '06. Search the C6 general section for mucho info on that.
There are several other aftermarket gizmos available to add aux input or ipod controls, check out the C6 audio FAQ.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 17,992
Likes: 280
I was singing praise for the Kenwood DNX9140, but I've changed my tune. Its not that great and thanks to the poster for suggesting the Pioneer that came out in June. I will be trying that for sure.
The problem list:
I'm not able to be re-routed around traffic on freeways when there IS a way to avoid traffic using side streets, it just plain does not work. This is a pisser as I rely on navigation since I can get lost in my own backyard.
Secondly, the POI database only hits on 1/2 of the stores/places I've been looking for.
Third, there is a problem using the IPod with this unit. I frequently get "Disconnected" messages and have to hard reset the IPod. This may not be the fault of the Kenwood, but crappy IPod sw (I'll never know which).
Fourth, very frequently my phone will be connected via Bluetooth (as indicated on unit), I'll punch in a number to call and the damn thing does not make the call, plain and simple.
Those are the big ticket items that dissapointed me. I thought since this thing had "Garmin" and "Parrot" software/hardware the unit would be top notch, but it is not.
The problem list:
I'm not able to be re-routed around traffic on freeways when there IS a way to avoid traffic using side streets, it just plain does not work. This is a pisser as I rely on navigation since I can get lost in my own backyard.
Secondly, the POI database only hits on 1/2 of the stores/places I've been looking for.
Third, there is a problem using the IPod with this unit. I frequently get "Disconnected" messages and have to hard reset the IPod. This may not be the fault of the Kenwood, but crappy IPod sw (I'll never know which).
Fourth, very frequently my phone will be connected via Bluetooth (as indicated on unit), I'll punch in a number to call and the damn thing does not make the call, plain and simple.
Those are the big ticket items that dissapointed me. I thought since this thing had "Garmin" and "Parrot" software/hardware the unit would be top notch, but it is not.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
From post #2 above:
The install isn't hard at all since the C6 has a double din opening. If you don't like the color/texture of the mounting adapter you can easily sand and paint it to match the rest of the dash. There are detailed illustrated install instructions in the FAQ if you need them. This one is my favorite. This thread details the interface adapters you'd need (stick with the peripheral brand, they definitely have fewer problems).
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Wa
I installed the PAL on my 06' coupe today using Ray Kawal's harness. It took all of 10 minutes and works great. The PAL will work on any year as long as it has the U3U option code for the factory nav with xm radio.
1994 Admiral Blue ZZZZZR1
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Jarrettsville, md
Northeast Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: West Hartford Connecticut
navigation
I read your post and was wondering if you can tell me for an 06 or 07 vette what is your personal opinion on the best overall value for an dash nav system?. Name and model if you know. Thanks
