Replacing Factory Stereo Receiver
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Replacing Factory Stereo Receiver
Hi all,
New to the forums, and thought I would start with a question. I searched the old threads, but didn't find anything on the topic.
I'm thinking of replacing the factory stereo in my '03 Z06. I was browsing the offerings on Crutchfield, and saw the following:
_____________________________________
Installation Details for your 2003 Corvette
» To install this product, you’ll have to modify your vehicle.
» Unbolt or cut out the factory stereo's rear support bracket to make room for your new receiver.
» If your vehicle has the OnStar system, you'll lose the voice prompts if you replace the factory radio.
» You'll lose the 8" door woofers if the factory radio is replaced.
_____________________________________
Lose the 8" door woofers? Why? Can anyone offer some insight here?
Thanks much,
LuckySon
New to the forums, and thought I would start with a question. I searched the old threads, but didn't find anything on the topic.
I'm thinking of replacing the factory stereo in my '03 Z06. I was browsing the offerings on Crutchfield, and saw the following:
_____________________________________
Installation Details for your 2003 Corvette
» To install this product, you’ll have to modify your vehicle.
» Unbolt or cut out the factory stereo's rear support bracket to make room for your new receiver.
» If your vehicle has the OnStar system, you'll lose the voice prompts if you replace the factory radio.
» You'll lose the 8" door woofers if the factory radio is replaced.
_____________________________________
Lose the 8" door woofers? Why? Can anyone offer some insight here?
Thanks much,
LuckySon
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The guys in the audio section are real wizards at this stuff but it may take a while to get an answer. Mind you, they'll tell you to ditch the BOSE speakers anyway
I fitted a Pioneer AVIC N1 without any problems.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
You can fit an after market audio by using a Soundgate GM CRV2 adaptor. It includes a controller to adjust the BOSE speakers
The guys in the audio section are real wizards at this stuff but it may take a while to get an answer. Mind you, they'll tell you to ditch the BOSE speakers anyway
I fitted a Pioneer AVIC N1 without any problems.
The guys in the audio section are real wizards at this stuff but it may take a while to get an answer. Mind you, they'll tell you to ditch the BOSE speakers anyway
I fitted a Pioneer AVIC N1 without any problems.
The soundgate adapter is what you need.
I have them in stock for 79.99
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
When you start looking around for a double din radio bezel, shoot us a PM. We offer a money back guarantee if you are unhappy with it. To date, not one refund request from our many forum customers 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
if you want the most out of your audio system I would suggest replacing the speakers first. the system will sound much better with decent speakers even hooked up to the stock head unit. if you don't have the funds to do the whole thing at once, that will give you the most satisfaction up front.
I did mine by adding a sub to the otherwise stock system first, then swapped out the front and rear speakers, then changed the head unit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 929
Likes: 45
From: Wayne NJ
You can replace the radio and keep the factory Bose speakers if you want to but they cannot handle any power.You are better off to just ditch the entire system with a good after market system with all new speakers and a four channel amp and maybe a small sub to compleat the system.A new radio will most likley be satilite and Ipod ready,If you like your tunes loud and clean,then this is the way to go.Not cheap so figure around $1500.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Wow, thanks for all the response. I may have to rethink this endeavor some based on the input regarding the speakers. Quite frankly, I first started thinking about replacing the head unit because I can't stand the interface on the stock one, not to mention the looks. Might have to save a few more pennies and do it all right.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Port Richey FL
I would base your design and budget on how seriously music is to you, especially in the car. For me and some others here it has always been a top priority.
i would start with a budget of say 500.00 and a good friend who knows electronics to help on the install and see how you like the set up. Then in six months to a year start your upgrades in the areas you think need it. Many people's systems have undergone major transformations from their first initial install.
Best of luck
i would start with a budget of say 500.00 and a good friend who knows electronics to help on the install and see how you like the set up. Then in six months to a year start your upgrades in the areas you think need it. Many people's systems have undergone major transformations from their first initial install.
Best of luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 3
From: Gastonia NC
St. Jude Donor '10
You can replace the radio and keep the factory Bose speakers if you want to but they cannot handle any power.You are better off to just ditch the entire system with a good after market system with all new speakers and a four channel amp and maybe a small sub to compleat the system.A new radio will most likley be satilite and Ipod ready,If you like your tunes loud and clean,then this is the way to go.Not cheap so figure around $1500.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hey all,
I'm interested in upgrading my receiver unit as well and stumbled onto this thread.
I'm not much of an audiophile and put a higher emphasis on the functionality (read: features) of my stereo unit than I do the clarity of it. To me, the stock speakers are loud enough and clear enough.
What I want, is GPS, BlueTooth, iPod compatibility, XM, etc.
So my question is, subtracting the cost of the actual receiver (this will depend on the cost of everything else since I'm on a fixed budget here), what can I expect to pay a professional customization shop in parts and labor to get the stock Bose spearkers to work with an aftermarket stereo?
Is that all they have to do is put the adapter in and it'll be good to go, or is there more to it?
I'm interested in upgrading my receiver unit as well and stumbled onto this thread.
I'm not much of an audiophile and put a higher emphasis on the functionality (read: features) of my stereo unit than I do the clarity of it. To me, the stock speakers are loud enough and clear enough.
What I want, is GPS, BlueTooth, iPod compatibility, XM, etc.
So my question is, subtracting the cost of the actual receiver (this will depend on the cost of everything else since I'm on a fixed budget here), what can I expect to pay a professional customization shop in parts and labor to get the stock Bose spearkers to work with an aftermarket stereo?
Is that all they have to do is put the adapter in and it'll be good to go, or is there more to it?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I upgraded the wife's full audio system myself with Dennis and Greg's help (Double D Mods) last December. Lots of other help available here as well in the Audio section form some knowledgeable folks.
You can do a little or a lot depending on how much you want to spend and you can do it yourself if you are determined to save on installation fees or just like doing your own installs. Below is a link to my install.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
You can do a little or a lot depending on how much you want to spend and you can do it yourself if you are determined to save on installation fees or just like doing your own installs. Below is a link to my install.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...-overhaul.html
Last edited by Patches; Apr 22, 2010 at 06:34 PM.
