Feedback wanted on my basic upgrade
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: Arden NC
Feedback wanted on my basic upgrade
All,
I've been wanting to get rid of my factory head unit for a while now. I'm at the point that I'm sick of not being able to play MP3's CD's and really tired of burning 10 to 12 songs in a .wav format just so I can have tunes.
I know that there are tons of options for me here. After reading several forums and doing my own research. I found the following the best match for me.
Here's what I'm considering.
1.) A new head unit - Guys I want a very good one (SQ) and I want a single din. LOTS of options here.
2.) A good installation kit for the HU. I saw one that was made from aluminum and said Z06 but I don't know who makes it.
3.)Pac Audio ROEM-VET1 - I can get this from a forum vendor.
4.)3.5" speakers - Thoughts?
Polk db351
Acoustics S35
Infinity Reference 3032cf - Any thoughts on this?
5.) Wire harness / adapter - What do I need to tie into the factory harness?
Are guys upgrading the rear speakers with anything that will help my budget system upgrade?
BTW, I have a 2004 Z06.
I plan to do a high end system in a year or so. I really don't want to buy the HU twice. The rest I can recoup by selling for 50% off.
Any feedback is MUCH appreciated!
Thanks!
I've been wanting to get rid of my factory head unit for a while now. I'm at the point that I'm sick of not being able to play MP3's CD's and really tired of burning 10 to 12 songs in a .wav format just so I can have tunes.
I know that there are tons of options for me here. After reading several forums and doing my own research. I found the following the best match for me.
Here's what I'm considering.
1.) A new head unit - Guys I want a very good one (SQ) and I want a single din. LOTS of options here.
2.) A good installation kit for the HU. I saw one that was made from aluminum and said Z06 but I don't know who makes it.
3.)Pac Audio ROEM-VET1 - I can get this from a forum vendor.
4.)3.5" speakers - Thoughts?
Polk db351
Acoustics S35
Infinity Reference 3032cf - Any thoughts on this?
5.) Wire harness / adapter - What do I need to tie into the factory harness?
Are guys upgrading the rear speakers with anything that will help my budget system upgrade?
BTW, I have a 2004 Z06.
I plan to do a high end system in a year or so. I really don't want to buy the HU twice. The rest I can recoup by selling for 50% off.
Any feedback is MUCH appreciated!
Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
1 For single dins I'm partial to the Kenwood eXcelon line
2 http://www.humount.com/ is where I got mine (pic 1 pic 2)
3 Click here
4 The polk db series is a great choice if you're on a tight budget (for all 4 twiddlers). Dennis has a few different speaker lines that he can hook you up with too.
5 The interface adapter in #3 does all the 'normal' connections. If you pick a HU with other features (dimmer, backup camera, vss, etc...) then you need to splice into other wires in the car, for those you'd need to cut/splice/reconnect or get an inline tap like this (sold at Wal-Mart in the automotive section).
If you do upgrade rears don't go nuts, front twiddlers make the biggest difference. In C5Z they're 5.25"
If you KNOW your going to upgrade the amp/speakers later, you may want to run 3 sets of RCA's and a trigger wire now so you won't have to tear apart the dash again later
Have you considered soundproofing? Rick from RAAMaudio has a great package that makes an amazing difference inside the car.
2 http://www.humount.com/ is where I got mine (pic 1 pic 2)
3 Click here
4 The polk db series is a great choice if you're on a tight budget (for all 4 twiddlers). Dennis has a few different speaker lines that he can hook you up with too.
5 The interface adapter in #3 does all the 'normal' connections. If you pick a HU with other features (dimmer, backup camera, vss, etc...) then you need to splice into other wires in the car, for those you'd need to cut/splice/reconnect or get an inline tap like this (sold at Wal-Mart in the automotive section).
If you do upgrade rears don't go nuts, front twiddlers make the biggest difference. In C5Z they're 5.25"
If you KNOW your going to upgrade the amp/speakers later, you may want to run 3 sets of RCA's and a trigger wire now so you won't have to tear apart the dash again later
Have you considered soundproofing? Rick from RAAMaudio has a great package that makes an amazing difference inside the car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hey Black04 I think we are on the same boat. I'm looking to do pretty much the same thing. I'm going to go with the Kenwood KIV-BT900. It's got a lot of features of a double din without being a double din. The only downside is it doesn't play cd's but I use my ipod now anyway and I can live without a cd player. Here is a link to a z06 mounting plate.http://cca.madvettemotorsports.com/humounts.php?gen=C5 I'll being doing mine in afew weeks when the weather is a little nicer.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
wow Mark and I posted at the exact same time. Thanks for your help Mark and I like your link to the mounting plate better because it can be customized. I also found one that has a small storage slot http://www.distinctcorvette.com/inde...uct_detail&p=9
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: Arden NC
Thanks Guys!
Good idea installing the RCA's and Trigger wires.
Since I'm going to have the Door panels off, I might as well do some sound proofing.
I have some big plans down the road.
I want to install some Hertz MLK 165 in the doors and fab some tweeter pods in the A pillars or door panel. I'm going to ether use the McIntosh amps I have or get a Zep because the MLK's like lots of power.
I will fab a custom amp rack with the amps for the front component speakers and sub.
I have not decided on a sub yet. I want someting that will be nimble and tight. Probably a couple of 10" in a sealed enclosure. We shall see.
The HU unit I want is this
, But I'm on the fence here. I really like the sound Quality but don't want to give up that kind of money or features... It has that old school look to it.
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...294764151.html
Good idea installing the RCA's and Trigger wires.
Since I'm going to have the Door panels off, I might as well do some sound proofing.
I have some big plans down the road.
I want to install some Hertz MLK 165 in the doors and fab some tweeter pods in the A pillars or door panel. I'm going to ether use the McIntosh amps I have or get a Zep because the MLK's like lots of power.
I will fab a custom amp rack with the amps for the front component speakers and sub.
I have not decided on a sub yet. I want someting that will be nimble and tight. Probably a couple of 10" in a sealed enclosure. We shall see.
The HU unit I want is this
, But I'm on the fence here. I really like the sound Quality but don't want to give up that kind of money or features... It has that old school look to it.http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...294764151.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Rick is RAAMaudio here on the forum. This post has some details about his stuff. RAAMaudio.com is the site, but you need to contact him thru the forum for his best vette owner pricing
I have a set of Monster cables for the front channels, but use the cheaper RCA's that you can get anywhere (like Radio Shack) for the rest. Others should chime in with recomendations, but I can't tell the difference between $50 cables and $4 cables.
I have a set of Monster cables for the front channels, but use the cheaper RCA's that you can get anywhere (like Radio Shack) for the rest. Others should chime in with recomendations, but I can't tell the difference between $50 cables and $4 cables.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: Arden NC
Thanks again markcz!
Which of the RAAMaudio sound deadening products should I consider for the inside of the door. How much of a pain is it to get inside the door to apply the product? Also, How much weight does this add to the car if I did the whole car? (approximately)
I also decided to make my own RCA cables since I have a roll of Canare LV-77s sitting around. I hate throwing money at the interconnect mfgs....
I'm an old school installer from the late 80's early 90's. Things have CHANGED since then. At this point, I'm just a student relearning the tricks of the trade. I don't miss the visits chiropractor
Thanks!
Which of the RAAMaudio sound deadening products should I consider for the inside of the door. How much of a pain is it to get inside the door to apply the product? Also, How much weight does this add to the car if I did the whole car? (approximately)
I also decided to make my own RCA cables since I have a roll of Canare LV-77s sitting around. I hate throwing money at the interconnect mfgs....
I'm an old school installer from the late 80's early 90's. Things have CHANGED since then. At this point, I'm just a student relearning the tricks of the trade. I don't miss the visits chiropractor
Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I believe Rick makes aluminum inserts for the door, you'll have to ask him about those.
The basic 1 box BXT + 3 yards Ensolite only adds about 20 pounds to the entire car
Taking the doors apart isn't bad. If you're already going to be inside the skin for your speaker install the only additional step for soundproofing is pulling out a floppy rubber cover that's held in place by some sticky stuff resembling freshly chewed bubblegum.
Homemade cables
The basic 1 box BXT + 3 yards Ensolite only adds about 20 pounds to the entire car
Taking the doors apart isn't bad. If you're already going to be inside the skin for your speaker install the only additional step for soundproofing is pulling out a floppy rubber cover that's held in place by some sticky stuff resembling freshly chewed bubblegum.
Homemade cables