C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Audio Install advice.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 12:21 PM
  #1  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default Audio Install advice.

***if not considered technical I will move***
Looking for some installation technique advise,

I am about to pull the Bose Gold system from my 93 coupe, I am aware of the receiver being behind the pass. seat in compartment. I am installing:

DD Pioneer head unit with adapter harness.
-JBL component 6" woofer/tweeter combo for front.(modding stock enclosure for 6" and tweeters on A-Pillar)

- Pioneer 3 way 6 x 9 in rear (modding rear enclosures to fit)

- Pioneer 4 channel 40w/channel rms. amplifier (not sure mounting location yet. (what did you do?)

- 8 gauge amp install wiring kit with 4 channel rca cables.

I would greatly appreciate if others share what they did with their's
my concerns are:

- amp mounting location
-amp power wire routing location
- amp grounding location
- antenna extension from rear compartment to dash( what did you use?)
- did you route head unit to amp wiring through console?
- did you remove seat/seats/ carpet?

thanks for reading and sharing if you can. I am not a novice as far as basic installation and speaker mounting, modding dash to fit dd, just would like to do the cleanest install I can. I know there are some pretty creative people on here. I realize this car will present some challenges that's why I'd like to see what others did and challenges you faced and conquered. .
Thanks for any and all input.






Reply
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 05:28 PM
  #2  
Kevova's Avatar
Kevova
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Default

I would consult with a installer locally who has done c4s. I have after market sirus radio. I really don't like it basic AM/FM is all I need. The c4 is simple, but involved you will need speaker boxes for new speakers. Forget about the receiver in the well, you will need to run speaker wires, coax for antenna, and wiring for amp. My amp is larger and 2 inches thick behind passenger seat back, it appears installer only tied into dash unit, so power antenna is inop down. sirus uses separate antenna. wires could be run to operate factory antenna
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 06:13 PM
  #3  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

Yeah I was gutting the old receiver in the rear compartment. running the speaker wires from amp to speakers is pretty cut and dry. I was more concerned with the pre amp outputs from head unit in dash to amp. along with amp power wire which will go directly to battery. also have to run the blue delay on/amp trigger wire from dash to amp. don't think I want to squeeze amp behind seat. it won't fit without sliding seat forward. I probably will mostly use am/fm too, so power antenna hooked up properly is important. thanks I do appreciate your input.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 06:30 PM
  #4  
belairbrian's Avatar
belairbrian
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
Default

If your using the Metra wiring adapter the power antenna wire from the head unit to the antenna will be there. The Metra dash adapter works great for the pioneer unit. But you do have to do a tiny trim on the back side corners of the dash opening.

I'm sure you've already seen the threads about making a deeper aftermarket unit fit in the structure of the dash.

I just put this pioneer DD unit in my 92.

Reply
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 06:37 PM
  #5  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by belairbrian
If your using the Metra wiring adapter the power antenna wire from the head unit to the antenna will be there. The Metra dash adapter works great for the pioneer unit. But you do have to do a tiny trim on the back side corners of the dash opening.

I'm sure you've already seen the threads about making a deeper aftermarket unit fit in the structure of the dash.

I just put this pioneer DD unit in my 92.

Very nice. Yes I do have the Metra kit for install and harness. Does that wire kit come with antenna cable to get it back to compartment to meet up with antenna cable from rear? Can't wait to see how it will sound. I'm sure my dremmel will make small work of the depth modifications
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2019 | 08:53 PM
  #6  
belairbrian's Avatar
belairbrian
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
Default

Mine is a 92 so the factory antenna cable runs all the way to the dash under the glove box. I just had to get a small extender cable to go from there to the head unit.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2019 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
Tom400CFI's Avatar
Tom400CFI
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Default

Originally Posted by BLKMAMBA
I would greatly appreciate if others share what they did with their's
my concerns are:

- amp mounting location
-amp power wire routing location
- amp grounding location
- antenna extension from rear compartment to dash( what did you use?)
- did you route head unit to amp wiring through console?
- did you remove seat/seats/ carpet?
All my install info and pics can be seen right HERE. They answer most if not all of your questions.

I grounded to the metal frame/chassis in the rear, for the amps.
I didn't need an antenna extension b/c my car had a base stereo
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2019 | 06:30 PM
  #8  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

Thanks you a bunch for your reply. exactly what I was looking for. your install looks amazing. that's what I wanted as well a clean install with all wires hidden. I'm not going with a sub. at least not now. maybe a small powered in the future but doubt it. pretty much listen to classic and southern rock and blues. how did you route the rca pre outs from hu to amps?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 21, 2019 | 06:40 PM
  #9  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

I also have a Targa brace which I stow in rear. I would like to make some type of hold down for it when it is back there, so I have to keep most of area clear. I was thinking something like those broom closet spring things like you use to hang a broom on the wall.

Reply
Old Apr 21, 2019 | 06:57 PM
  #10  
Tom400CFI's Avatar
Tom400CFI
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Default

Originally Posted by BLKMAMBA
Thanks you a bunch for your reply. exactly what I was looking for. how did you route the rca pre outs from hu to amps?
Thanks!

And thanks for the props on the install, too!

It's been a while since I did the install, but I'm pretty sure I ran the RCA cables down the passenger's side rocker rail -along with the wires that run there for the tail lights, fuel pump, etc.

Either/or will work fine. I'm sure that you could run them down the trans tunnel too, then under the "rear wall" carpet behind the seat, then under the fender well carpet to the rear.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2019 | 01:26 PM
  #11  
Tinman28's Avatar
Tinman28
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 4
From: New York
Default

Here’s the diagram that worked on my 91 when I replaced the head unit. And I ran all new speaker wires to each speaker. Easier in my opinion.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Orange
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Yellow
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Gray
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Gray/Black
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger Wire: Pink
Car Stereo Amp Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Amplifier Location: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Size: 4″ x 6″ Speakers
Car Audio Front Speakers Location: Kick Panels
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Tan
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Gray
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Dark Green
Car Audio Rear Speakers Size: 6″ x 9″ Speakers
Car Audio Rear Speakers Location: Rear Sides
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2019 | 06:35 PM
  #12  
bud40oz's Avatar
bud40oz
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 397
Likes: 29
From: Jackson, mi
Default

if you don't mind me asking, why did you decide on the pioneer, aside from them being a top brand forever, i have just always been sorta stuck on kenwood or alpine for some reason and when i look for new sysytems i just look at those 2 brands. i have noticed that it seems the new dd kenwoods do not come with a remote control, which i find pretty lame really. i don't want to get finger prints all over a brand new stereo screen. what model is that pioneer? it looks pretty nice really, i also would mainly just use the fm but i think i would like sirius xm too
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2019 | 06:58 PM
  #13  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

I chose the Pioneer for a couple reasons. 1 for the same reason as you I have always went to Pioneer 1st due to having multiple units in the past with no issues and happy with the brand. another reason was doing a little research ahead I was able to see others using the same model with good fitment success. from what I have learned some DD units fit better then others in these car's. I am prepared though to trim some dash for depth fitment but supposed to be minimal. I may start the install this week as I am off Tuesday through Friday. although I am going to a car show on the 5th and I have some trim parts under the hood I am going to try my hand at hydro dipping, so I may concentrate my time on that this week. when I do install I will surely post some pictures along the way as I will have some modifications to fit the 6x9's in the rear, the 6.5" rounds in front kick pads and tweeters in A-Pillar and custom amp mounting.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2019 | 09:45 PM
  #14  
bud40oz's Avatar
bud40oz
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 397
Likes: 29
From: Jackson, mi
Default

does it have a remote? what model? i would like to take a look
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2019 | 11:14 PM
  #15  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

yes it does have a remote. sorry I meant to post the link.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AV2...tp=20217&avf=Y
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2019 | 09:31 AM
  #16  
bud40oz's Avatar
bud40oz
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 397
Likes: 29
From: Jackson, mi
Default

looks decent, i am not a fan of the 2 volt rca pre amp outputs compared to the 5 volt rca pre amp outputs that have been around for several years now, but aside from that it looks good. for sure like that it has a remote and back up camera options, i can already tell my convertible is hard to see out of when backing up. let us know how well it fits, maybe i will buy pioneer this time. thanks for the link
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2019 | 12:36 PM
  #17  
BLKMAMBA's Avatar
BLKMAMBA
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 702
Likes: 55
From: West Deptford New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by bud40oz
looks decent, i am not a fan of the 2 volt rca pre amp outputs compared to the 5 volt rca pre amp outputs that have been around for several years now, but aside from that it looks good. for sure like that it has a remote and back up camera options, i can already tell my convertible is hard to see out of when backing up. let us know how well it fits, maybe i will buy pioneer this time. thanks for the link
Yeah it's Pretty much Pioneers entry level in this category. I was lucky too I got it on sale for $169, and it included the interface harness to be able to hook to the Bose system if needed and the install dash kit
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Audio Install advice.





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:25 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE