C5 modernization
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C5 modernization
Hey guys,
This has probably been asked before, but I just bought my first C5, and I absolutely love it. I'm over my fear of driving when I'm behind the Wheel. However, I'm looking to personalize my baby, starting with some modernization..i.e: upgrading sound system, adding backup camera, ect.
I'm asking because I'm looking at parts and would like your guys input of your own projects and parts used. I'm a little nervous because if I go out and buy a part, it might be non compatible, hoping to hear from ya.
Cheers.
This has probably been asked before, but I just bought my first C5, and I absolutely love it. I'm over my fear of driving when I'm behind the Wheel. However, I'm looking to personalize my baby, starting with some modernization..i.e: upgrading sound system, adding backup camera, ect.
I'm asking because I'm looking at parts and would like your guys input of your own projects and parts used. I'm a little nervous because if I go out and buy a part, it might be non compatible, hoping to hear from ya.
Cheers.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
AC ***** are C 6 from E-bay, yes I kept the Bose ( a lot of people don't like them, but I do !!!) MGW Flat sick with lower box, complete interior is sound and heat proofed with Fat Mat from Amazon !!! have a ton of mods done to this car, balancer just went to crap so now it's time for cam and heads !!!!! (it NEVER ends) !!!!
Last edited by Pounder; Nov 6, 2018 at 09:35 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Regarding the headunit, these are basically the main options available. If you want to keep the Bose infrastructure, Option 4 is the way to go.
- Replace just the headunit, leaving the rest of the system intact using
- (this one preserves the RAP feature)
- Keep the headunit, but replace everything else adding a multichannel external amp driving new speakers through new wires by using
- Replace just the 4 twiddlers with 2-way coaxial speakers leaving the rest of the system intact
- Combine 1 and 3
- Take everything out and replace all from scratch
That being said, without a doubt, the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade the system with the more bang for your buck is new speakers that can be bolted on in place of the factory ones, keeping the rest of the system intact.
The C5 OEM speakers do not include any real tweeter. Bose used 4 plain-cone (paper) speakers to handle high and mid frequencies and called them "twiddlers". That's why you can make a big improvement by replacing them with a 2-way coaxial design.
OEM C5 Speaker Sizes:
-Front
Twiddler: 3.5"
Subwoofer: 8"
-Rear Twiddler
Coupe: 6.5"
FRC/Z06/Convertible: 5.25"
For bolt-on speaker upgrades, get 3.5" 2-way coaxial speakers to replace the doors' twiddlers and 2-way coaxials of the right size for the rear. Don't touch the OEM subwoofers.
A quick search produced this:
JL Audio Evolution™ C2 Series 2-way car speakers:
- C2-350X (3-1/2")
- C2-525X (5-1/4")
- C2-650X (6-1/2")
Not only they are from the same manufacturer, but they all belong to the same line. This should reasonably assure you they have the same timbre.
You are going to need as well. One kit will do both rears.
Independent confirmation that upgrading the 4 twiddlers makes a noticeable and worthwhile upgrade.
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You'll get plenty of opinions on which system is the best for your car. Just take your time, do your research and then decide. You may also want to get some input from the Audio/Electronics section of the forum.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 164
From: MA
Short list of best "modernization" mods:
MGW shifter w/ lower box + dynamat over tunnel
Radioflyer headlights
LED taillights
swap out speakers for higher end + dynamat/sound deadening in doors/behind seats
Swap out head unit for DD or new stereo w/ bluetooth mic
Leather replacements for shift boot/parking brake
Steering wheel swap
seat swap
wheel swap/upgrade to C6 style or 18"s front/19"s rear
lowered some on stock bolts
Rear tray/partition - particularly on FRC's or Z06 models
These are pretty much the most significant mods you can do to "modernize" a C5 IMO - and I've done some myself (headlights/shifter/dynamat/stereo)
Enjoy!
MGW shifter w/ lower box + dynamat over tunnel
Radioflyer headlights
LED taillights
swap out speakers for higher end + dynamat/sound deadening in doors/behind seats
Swap out head unit for DD or new stereo w/ bluetooth mic
Leather replacements for shift boot/parking brake
Steering wheel swap
seat swap
wheel swap/upgrade to C6 style or 18"s front/19"s rear
lowered some on stock bolts
Rear tray/partition - particularly on FRC's or Z06 models
These are pretty much the most significant mods you can do to "modernize" a C5 IMO - and I've done some myself (headlights/shifter/dynamat/stereo)
Enjoy!
Last edited by C5Dobie; Nov 7, 2018 at 12:27 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 662
Likes: 406
From: Oklahoma
I had a pretty good case of wanting to modernize myself. I did several of the things including stereo, seats, MGW shifter, etc. You can see a lot of it in this thread I did a while back - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ld-thread.html
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 160
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I kept the stock Bose amp and speakers. Used the PAC ROEM VET1 interface to an after market single din touch screen BT CD DVD and backup cam. It's easy install pretty much plug and play.I am pleased with the sound and all the functions. Setup on the head unit was a PITA. I'm guessing a 12 year old would have had no trouble with it. The touchscreen flips up in front of the A/C vents but that's ok because I only use the screen when backing up. Other times keep the screen folded in. I went with this head unit http://www.pyleaudio.com/sku/PLTS78D...io,-Single-DIN
PS. I did not pay anything close to the $419.99 in that ad.
PS. I did not pay anything close to the $419.99 in that ad.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
When I got my kit, I talked to Andy at A&A, and he built me a custom kit for under $5k. I get 8.5 lbs of boost with the stock pulley, and 634 RWHP.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
Depends on your budget and what you mean by modernize.
Modernizing the look would be lighting, both interior and exterior, to HID and LED.
1. Radio Flyer BiXenon headlights
2. RF LED fogs
3. RF exterior/interior LED kit
(Yea, I like Georges products
)
For drivability and performance
c6 shifter, swaybars, shocks, etc
I suppose you could call the audio system either a creature comfort or convenience if you get one that supports Nav, XM, and or phone inputs.
Modernizing the look would be lighting, both interior and exterior, to HID and LED.
1. Radio Flyer BiXenon headlights
2. RF LED fogs
3. RF exterior/interior LED kit
(Yea, I like Georges products
)For drivability and performance
c6 shifter, swaybars, shocks, etc
I suppose you could call the audio system either a creature comfort or convenience if you get one that supports Nav, XM, and or phone inputs.
Last edited by aj98; Nov 7, 2018 at 09:33 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 164
From: MA
No doubt they're a great company & make a great product....but that price point is misleading, ya sure $5k for the SC kit.....what about clutch? Meth injection? Fuel system? Install/tune? To me in order to do it right looks more like a $7-10k job depending on what you already have done and/or need & whats addressed (doing torque tube bushings, rear main seal, etc. for example)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
No doubt they're a great company & make a great product....but that price point is misleading, ya sure $5k for the SC kit.....what about clutch? Meth injection? Fuel system? Install/tune? To me in order to do it right looks more like a $7-10k job depending on what you already have done and/or need & whats addressed (doing torque tube bushings, rear main seal, etc. for example)
