So i need a bezel and radio.

what are the current options?

not big music nut. Just looking to update current situation(look/function) without breaking the bank

 

I am kind of in the same boat. I rarely listen to music in my cars so I don't need an elaborate stereo with amps and subs. I do however like to have the ability to use some form of navigation or traffic monitoring so I can get around this craptastic state.

I just ordered the Vettenuts bezel that is setup for double din so I can get a large screen for using it for what I want. Metra also has a new bezel that is even cheaper that is for double din. Likely going with a double din Pioneer that will do android auto so I can use waze or something similar. Backup camera will of course also be helpful at times.

You can get some pretty powerful double din head units for under 300 bucks now. As far as not breaking the bank? that is all up to how much you want to spend on a head unit. The bezels costs what they cost. No way around that.

Also, it goes without saying, It will be nice to ditch the 80s styled GM stereo that came in the C5.

 

whats the differnece in the metra vs vettenuts
I see the metra for $209.https://www.hifisoundconnection.com/...kaAujeEALw_wcB

vettenuts $389

 

The Vettenuts unit is quite a bit more factory appearing than the Metra. Not that the Metra is bad. Vettenuts retains the stock ashtray door and cup holder door. The surface texture and color is supposed to be better suited.

 

Vettenuts is a great vendor. Support them.

 

If you mainly want it for Nav functions, the iPhone in a clip-on vent holder works just fine, and only costs ~$5.00, not many hundreds.

 

We have the Vettenuts bezel and it is virtually indistinguishable from the factory bezel. We were at a car show last night and some people looking at the interior did not even realize it was an aftermarket set-up.
We're running a Kenwood unit with front and rear cameras, nav, Pandora, Sirius (although we probably won't use this), Apple/Android wireless compatibility, CD, MP3, etc. We should never run out of music options, but we still primarily listen to the exhaust.

 

You have several choices as mentioned above. Both are good, the features are a little different.

 

what radio specifically? that sounds nice with the apple/android capabilities.

 

The new Vettenuts console looks awesome and fitment is near perfect. Metra product also looks pretty good and is cheaper but doesn't look factory. I believe Apsis also does a double din console so you could check with them also, esp. if you want something custom like carbon fiber.

 

Ours was on the higher end, but we were able to get a great deal on a close out of the Kenwood model DNX994S, and bought the last one our local shop had. If you shop around you can find several "last year" models that are virtually identical to the 2018 model except for price. If you want the built in navigation in a Kenwood unit, you want to get a series with "N" as part of the model number (N standing for Nav). If you're going to link a smart phone that has navigation in it (which I imagine is virtually every smart phone out there), you would not have to have the built in nav. I just prefer built in nav to allow my phone to link to my Pandora, etc. Our unit has much more sound capabilities that we need - we normally listen to the exhaust. But, this unit allowed us to link two separate phones to it for hands free calling as well as allowing both the front and rear cameras.
For cameras, we used the Audiovox ACA801 for back up and ACAM2 for the front facing camera.
I'm still trying to master all the capabilities of the head unit. So far, it's been smarter than I am.
Several other brands including Pioneer and Alpine have good units - I just had several positive comments on the Kenwood that led me that direction.
Best wishes with your search.

 

lots of great info. those camera's i bet are sweet. I always have a tough time backing the c5

 

I have this unit and I'm very satisfied(Alpine ILX207).
Does not have built in NAV but I use my phone apps for that.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alpine-...?skuId=5822290

 

Backing is great with the camera! I've tested where the lines go from green, to amber, to red and they are pretty accurate relating to distance from any obstacle behind you. Front is nice when pulling up to curbs. I have a Curb Alert, too, which does a good job with the beep when you're getting close, but I always wanted to see where I am.
I think you'll be very pleased with even just the back up camera - really takes the mystery out of backing up.

 

Any decent dd for around $300?

dont really want to spend more than $500 on radio and bezel.

thinking of going with the cheaper (metra) bezel. I dont really care about the covered cup holder. As long as the finish its too noticeable.

 

I would recommend the Pioneer AVH 2300. They can be had right around 300. Android auto/Carplay and dvd. backup camera capable. Non HD FM receiver though.

 

How many of you dont have a cd player? I dont have many cd's. Only like my 5 goto cd's.

I think for the few cd's that i have its not even worth getting the cd player, maybe i'll be able to get more options for the same $ if I opt out of the cd player.

+ I dont want to weigh down the vette with cd's lol

Question:
I see the comment "RAP is left in place." What exactly is the rap option on the car?

 

Retains Accessory Power. In other words the radio stays on after the key is removed from the ignition until a door is opened.

I haven't bought a CD since 2008. I owned my 2005 GTO for 8 years and I have no idea if the CD player even worked in that car. Never used it once.

 

I went with the Metra on mine. Fitment was decent...7/10. Finish isnt bad. Cupholder is negligible as I didn't use it for anything but setting my phone in anyways.

When I can, I'm going to order the vettenuts console. While the finish by itself is decent, against the rest of the interior it looks like it came out of another car. Told myself initially "Its not too bad...I can live with that". Nope. Not at all. It's like if you had a gloss black car and the hood was painted in that primed black they use for shipping parts...unfinished. I dont like my car looking unfinished like that. So if you wait a little while, I'll make you a great deal on a used console...