2012 Coupe Replace Radio
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Painesville, OH
2012 Coupe Replace Radio
I have a 2012 Corvette and would like to upgrade the original radio with something comparable to what I have in my 2020 GMC Acadia. Is this possible? Looking for the following capabilities:
Blue Tooth,
Touch Screen
Interface with OnStar
Interface with Sirrius XM Radio
Navigation
Thank you.
Blue Tooth,
Touch Screen
Interface with OnStar
Interface with Sirrius XM Radio
Navigation
Thank you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,139
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
Replacing the factory radio is very easily done and a very popular mod for C6 owners, but you need to go with aftermarket. Go to Crutchfield.com and look at any double din head units from Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony or Alpine. Crutchfield will also tell you what you need to do the install. Inventory is low due the chip shortage. Don't look at Crutchfield's fitment guide because it is inaccurate. Any double din unit (radio) will fit the C6. Also, add a backup camera. Very easy to do. Check the How-To section of the forum for some basic install instructions. Any mid level aftermarket head unit will be a huge improvement over the stock radio. Get something with a nice screen and all the modern features you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 2,307
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
I personally prefer Pioneer systems myself, I suggest you consider the Pioneer AVIC-W8600 NEX https://pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/.../AVIC-W8600NEX It's their top of the line navigation system, and can do pretty much everything you want and then some. In addition to the head unit, you'll also need to purchase an interface, the most popular one used on this forum is the PAC RP5-GM11 https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541RP5...Interface.html then since you're wanting XM radio, you'll also need one of these, as you can't reuse the stock XM tuner. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_220SXV...0V1-Tuner.html If your car currently XM radio you can however reuse the stock XM antennas with the new tuner, this thread I wrote shows you what's needed to do this. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-xm-tuner.html There's also some info in there about reusing your stock GPS antenna. You'll also need the dash kit shown here. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120953...k.html?tp=3121 I also suggest you get a backup camera, and you might consider also getting a front camera which is handy when pulling up to parking blocks to help avoid damage to your front end. Installation of these systems isn't that difficult, and if you have any questions there's a lot of us here that have done this that are more than willing to help you. Like Fred mentioned though, head units are pretty scarce right now so it might be a while before you can find one.
Last edited by madsonp; Apr 4, 2022 at 06:52 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,723
From: Summerville SC
Ditto all of the above. I just finished putting a Kenwood in my 2012 Base and once you get over the fear of breaking a piece of plastic, the rest isn't difficult. As said above, get something that you can add front and back cameras. I mounted my front one under the bumper so I can clearly see the parking stop BEFORE I hit it. I would also suggest that while you are taking things apart, remove the center dash speaker. Makes a big difference ni the sound of whatever you end up with. I ended up using a new XM antenna( it came with the used radio I got) and placing it up where the center speaker used to be. Great reception. As Madsonp said, there is a lot of knowledge here that we are dying to share. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 2,307
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
Ditto all of the above. I just finished putting a Kenwood in my 2012 Base and once you get over the fear of breaking a piece of plastic, the rest isn't difficult. As said above, get something that you can add front and back cameras. I mounted my front one under the bumper so I can clearly see the parking stop BEFORE I hit it. I would also suggest that while you are taking things apart, remove the center dash speaker. Makes a big difference ni the sound of whatever you end up with. I ended up using a new XM antenna( it came with the used radio I got) and placing it up where the center speaker used to be. Great reception. As Madsonp said, there is a lot of knowledge here that we are dying to share.
Last edited by madsonp; Apr 4, 2022 at 10:56 PM.
