I’ve got a 2003 Z06, and I’d like to upgrade the radio/stereo. A couple questions. Will this affect the value, not sure if I care or not? How complicated it this? I’m scared to take it to Car Toys. It’s not something I would likely do myself, so I’d appreciate your thoughts and advice.

 

It doesn't really add or detract from the value significantly (unless you totally butcher the car). A good install might be worth a few hundred to a buyer (especially because the old 90's GM head unit is so dated) but they are not going to let on to that fact and you are not going to get what you put in by a long shot.

In terms of complexity it depends on how deep you want to go... Are you going to buy the PAC unit and use the existing Bose speakers? Are you planning on doing an amp, components, sub(s), backup cam, double din head unit, active or passive w/ crossovers, dynamat, etc.?

Basic head unit single din is pulling the center console (~1-2 hours, traction control switch connector is the devil), running a power line from the passenger footwell (CD changer power dead end) or an under-dash tap (1-2 hours, seat out, upside down wire soldering/crimping, fishing cable) , soldering the PAC adapter into your head unit's connections on your bench (2 hours), stuffing it all back together (1-2 hours).

Add 4 more hours if you want to rip off the door covers and pop in some 6.5" meta mount car speakers. Add another 8 hours (honestly it took me more like 16) if you want to do custom 8" mountings in the door.

Add another 6+ hours if you want to do an amp install (lots of speaker/power wire plumbing, fastening it to the chassis, hole in the tub for power)

Add 3 - 4 hours for a backup camera, (more splicing/soldering, plumbing/drilling a hole in the tub to route the video cable)

If you go double din you will have to buy a new center console or have yours modified and then pop rivets/saw out some crap in the dash, I dunno how long it takes as I didn't go that route probably a few hours (I went with the stuff the Joying unit inside the existing dash option)

Add X hours for dynamat (I haven't started into this yet)

I did the wiring for a sub but I don't plan on installing one now... that will probably take 3 hours if you are buying an off the shelf solution, a lot more for custom racks/boxes and stuff.

... Then double most of those times if you are like me and you go slow/second guess/remeasure a lot.

 

Best Buy did mine. Great job. I believe they do free head unit installs if you buy the radio there. I’m going back soon for a different head unit. Don’t buy cheap, you get what you pay for. And yes, the installer put in the pac audio for the Bose system. The installer at the Best Buy I go to has been doing radio installs for over 20 years. I just did a head unit. They can do anything you want, speakers, amps, wiring, back up cameras, etc...

I originally bought a cheap head unit, double din, I’m going back for a better one with Apple car play... My mistake, live and learn.

 

I did mine and found it to be a worthwhile investment. I went double din and the worst part of doing the job was lining up everything to get the fit right. One big mistake I made was that I didn't upgrade the speakers and I would encourage you to consider doing so. Take a look at the Audio Forum. Those guys are experts in this kind of stuff. Also, there was at one point a step by step of the install process. Do a search and you may find it out there. Good luck.

 

I agree with checking in with the Audio/Electronics section. Lots of very knowledgeable people there that can give you some sound advice (pun intended).