Need advice please: The bass doesn't work in the stock Bose speakers in my 2003 Z06, so I’m taking that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade. I’ve never done this before so I would like to benefit from the experience of others who have. What I want is just a basic, nice sounding system. I don’t need a top-end, fancy system with glass shattering bass etc. I would like to keep it under $1000 including cost of install, if possible. My basic plan is the following:

Replace the stock head unit with a decent HU that includes Bluetooth and Ipod connectivity. I’m leaning toward a Kenwood, but I’ve also seen a couple of Alpine and Sony systems at the local Best Buy that I like. I ordered a Metra 99-4000 dash kit, which I think will allow a single din to fit in the 1.5 din slot. Question: will I need a special wire harness/interface to connect an aftermarket HU? If so, which one, type etc?

For speakers , I plan to get rid of the Bose door speakers and replace them with 6.5” coaxial speakers. I ordered pre-cut speaker mounts for this purpose. The Polk Audios at Best Buy sound good to me. The Alpines weren’t bad either. Question: Is there enough depth between the speaker grills and the inside of the door for most 6.5”s to fit? Also do I really need rear speakers? If so, could I just connect to the Bose rears?

For bass, I was considering using an enclosed sub. I’ve seen a 10” Kicker self powered sub that would fit nicely in the recessed compartment in the back of the vehicle. Would this give me sufficient bass? I really don’t want something overpowering.

What else do I need and or should I be aware of? I would appreciate and advice or recommendations before I reach the point of no return on this project. Thanks.

 

If replacing everything in C5 you don't need any adapters.

'03 should have accessory pigtail in footwell for power to new HU. If not, tap a fuse. Google GMRAP if you want to retain R.A.P. feature.

Kenwoods are my choice in single dins.

Plenty of room in doors for any 6.5" speaker.

You can use oem rears with new HU if you don't get an external amp. If it were me, I'd just run new speaker wires, but you can splice into oem harness. C5 prints are HERE if you need them.

Your plan would work, but for $1000 you can do much better

Start with a real sub in the back. Good deals HERE, or make your own box with these plans. ($200 easily does it right)

Get a 4-channel amp for about $200. Bridge 3/4 to the sub, use 1/2 for the fronts.

Fronts would become a 6.5" component set instead of the coaxials ($150 gets some nice speakers)

If you want rear fill, use oem speakers powered by HU speaker outputs (free)

That leaves you almost $500 for the HU and install if you can't DIY.

 

Thanks. That's exactly the type of feedback I was hoping to get. I think I'll do a bit more research based on your suggestions.

Another question: I've read that the Bose speakers are 2 ohm and because of that there can be problems when connecting them to a typical 4 ohm HU. I would only be connecting the rears so do you that would work okay?

 

All speakers in C5 are 4ohm

 

I took your advice and am very pleased with the results. Polk Audio components in the doors and a Polk 10" sub with a Double D box in the back, Kenwood Excelon HU, and a very compact Rockford Fosgate R400-4D amp. I kept the Bose rears powered off of the HU. I did all the install myself except for the HU. I didn't total everything up but I know it's well under my 1K goal. Maybe not a high-end setup, but I think it sounds fantastic - especially compared to the OEM setup. Thanks for the advice.