im about to buy it and put it in my vette. for those of u who have added it, i think most use the XM commander like this correct? i want the small display that fits like some of u guys who have it installed behind the ashtray lid. also, it says u can connect it to the aux input of the stereo and since i dont have a cd changer im assuming this will work that way and not have to do a crappy fm modulator...right? if so, any special connectors or plugs i need? any input greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

If you're going to wire directly into the Bose system you need the GM10-AUX interface mfg. by P.I.E. this box replaces the CD changer in the rear (taking it's place) NO CD changer, but you have direct RCA jacks to accept the signal. Other alternative is to use the modulated signal and tune your FM radio to one of several frequencies.
If you don't have the CD changer, the GM10-AUX requires another cable. from the middle of the car to the rear (where the CD changer is normally located).

 

Interesting. I should have a look at these.

 

Good luck with the install. I have thought about this too - would be nice to have a decent music choice when on some long trips.

 

What if you DO have a CD changer?

 

I have the XM Commander in my 01 Z06. You have two options if you want to add this to your factory radio: FM Modulation or AUX input. For FM Modulation, everything you need is there, but the sound is not very good (from what I have heard). The second is by going through the factory AUX input (CD Changer input). As noted above, you will need the CD Changer harness and the GM-AUX adaptor by PIE. Check with Lite Warehouse. Tuan Le can hook you up with these. Installation is a snap...
1. Remove passenger footwell cover (covers computer and fuse box).
2. Use the AUX power/ground wires (unless you have an 04 which doesn't have the AUX power pigtail) to get power for the unit.
3. Plug the CD Changer harness into the ports located to the lower right side of the fuse panel.
4. Remove plastic door sill trim to be able to get under carpet.
5. Run antenna to rear of car. I have mine in the trunk area, taped with double sided tape against the right rear wheel well.
6. Run the antenna wire to the front of the car.
7. Plug CD Changer harness into adaptor.
8. Plug RCA cables (get very short ones, they don't need to really go anywhere) into XM unit.
9. Neatly place the excess CD Changer harness wires under the carpet.
10. Mount XM unit. I mounted mine under the dash. I double taped it to the body up under the dash. In order to see it, you have to pull the trim piece at the footwell. I also mounted the AUX Adaptor there.
11. Remove ashtray and "thread" the control head wire down behind the dash. You can do this without removing the center trim piece. Just fish it down and use your fingers to grab hold and pull it through.
12. Run control wire under passenger side of dash to where you mounted your box.
13. Re-assemble the trim panels that you removed.
14. Call XM and activate your unit.
15. Enjoy the new tunes.
With my ashtray door down, you would not know it is even there. If you have a CD Changer already and don't want to lose its function, there was someone who figured out how to wire in a switch in the CD changer harness to allow for both. Post a question about it in the Audio section and you should get a quick response back.

 

thanks for the replies. i picked up all the gear few min ago and got teh GM10 interface cable and i dont have a CD changer in mine so they also have anotehr adapter that does the same thing as teh CD changer harness, supposedly, so anyway, ill be giving it a shot tonight or tomorrow. hows the reception where your ant is mounted? im thinking of going just inside the rear bumper above the LP like many others have done.

 

I get good reception. I have to make a little L-bracket so I can retape it with the top of the antenna facing up. Right now, it is upside down and I shouldn't get any reception. But, for some reason, I don't have a problem where I live.

 

I have XM on my other car, and it's great. Wondering if anyone has tried to paint the antenna body color? I thought about getting a new unit for my MY coupe, painting the antenna yellow and putting it on the roof. I don't think it would hurt reception, since the antenna is already housed in plastic, I wouldn't think that a thin layer of paint would make much difference.

 

Terk sez you're O.K. with this as long as the paint is NOT metallic. Metallics may affect signal quality. HTH

Robert

 

Just a word of caution from another 97 owner. Many of the 97-99 cars that did not have the changer installed from the factory are missing the 3 pin connector needed to complete this install. I'm one of them. Which takes what should be a simple DIY plug and play up at least one level of difficulty. You should read these posts in the tech tips section here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=121&TopicID=1

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=256&TopicID=1

GM dealers have a service bulliten on this and there is an adapter from GM that can be ordered to plug into the back of the radio to add in the 3 pin that is needed to connect to the COR-HAR which in turn connects to the GM-10AUX.

Hope this helps,
Paul