Kenwood DNX9140 navigation head unit with USB input, iPod interface, Sirius radio, Kenwood backup camera.

Used the stock Corvette nav antenna in the dash and it works great

I kept the OnStar active with a GMOS-01 interface that I rigged to work with the Corvette and used the factory center channel speaker for the OnStar and door chimes.

Also did a PAC SWI-JACK steering wheel interface for wheel controls.

Ran the USB input cable and iPod cable into the center console so they're hidden. I had to file out 2 small notches in the plastic under the console lid so the cables could pass into the console compartment.

Mounted the subwoofer level control **** in the ashtray where the cig lighter used to be.

JL Audio CL-RLC line driver/subwoofer level controller, JL Audio HD600/4 amplifier, Focal 165KRX2 component speakers, JL Audio Stealthbox subwoofer.







The sound quality is night and day different from the stock system, as it should be.

I really liked the HUD integration of the factory navigation unit, but since I don't daily drive this car and rarely use navigation in either car it's not a big deal.

The iPod interface of the Kenwood unit is light years better than any interface for the factory unit.

The entire installation (including fabricating the speaker mounting panels, sub level control mount, etc.) took me the better part of 2 days, but I'm very satisfied with it.

 

Finally found something that sounds good on the factory center channel speaker, eh!

Good job!

If someone were to make an HUD interface, I would say that the aftermarket audio market would rocket for the C6.

 

Awesome setup! Congrats on getting it all done.

 

WOW, obviously, not your first rodeo.... I couldn't understand half of what you wrote, but looks great

 

Its another whole dimension in sound reproduction isn't it?

 

Nice Work!

Looks like you got a good match on the NAV trim and OEM.

Do you have any pics of the Backup Cam install and how you passed the cable through the rear panel?

 

Excellent job! Great location for the sub control.

Once you get a good sound system into the Vette, it becomes very apparent just how bad the Bose system really is. I upgraded my stock NAV system (kept the head unit for now) with an Alpine PDX-5 amp, two Subthump rear boxes with 10" RF woofers, some Eclipse speakers for the rear, and an Alpine component system for the doors. Also added the Peripheral IPOD interface and replaced the XM module with the Sirius one.

By completely eliminating the Bose system, you can actually get great sound from the factory head unit, although I know replacing it would improve it even more. You chose the exact head unit I was thinking about.......seeing yours installed just closed the deal for me.

 

Very nice, bet it sounds great!!!
My neighbor was pretty happy with his Blose system until he got into my car with my custom setup. We are pulling his Blose and setting his up identical to mine.

 

Very nice!

 

 

How did you install the Corvette scrip on the screen? I have a Kenwood 6140 Nav. and that would look GREAT!

 

You obviously know quite a bit about what you're doing. Frequently, I've read here that electronic issues follow not long after such an installation, specifically, battery dying. Of course that can happen if a ground isn't correct but what about too much draw or the stock charging system including the battery just can't keep up? Did you do anything else or is the system the same load?

 

High quality parts and a real nice installation.
What did you do with the rear 5.25" speakers?

 

Actually the rear cam in in the garage not installed yet because it was backordered and came in after everything else. I'll post a pic once I get it installed, I haven't looked yet to see how I'm going to do the install.

 

I don't know if this works on the 6140, but it should. Some of these instructions might not be the same for the 6140 if the icons and controls are different, but you'll get the idea.

On the DNX9140...

First you will want to save your settings by going to SOURCE SELECT and touching the arrow at the top right side of the screen, select the Wrench icon and touch SYSTEM, page down to the last option, SETUP MEMORY. Save your settings to recall later.

Next you will need a USB flash or thumb drive. Create a folder called "PICTURES" on the USB drive and place your image of choice in the folder. Remove the drive from your computer and follow these steps:

Turn unit on and hold down buttons: SOURCE and VOLUME DOWN, Hit the RESET button once. The unit will reboot, continue holding the SOURCE and VOLUME buttons until the screen illuminates. You can now release the buttons.

You will see the setup screen, touch OEM, at this point you can plug in your flash drive, select USB and select the name of the drive that appears.

Navigate to the PICTURES folder and select your image. Hit OK, the unit will pause for a few seconds and return to the previous screen. Hit the RESET button once more and allow the unit to boot.

You should now see your custom startup screen. Restore your saved settings.

 

The only thing I added that draws additional current is the amplifier. I used a Class D amp which is highly efficient and draws minimal current unless you're really pounding on the system. If you play the stereo for several hours while the car is not running I suppose it would draw the battery down, but with the car running there is no issue with current draw.

I suspect that a lot of current draw issues with Corvettes could be when people add an aftermarket amplifier with the factory radio. The factory radio doesn't have a remote turn on output, so people often use a switched ignition wire to turn on the amp, which means the amp is on any time the key is on.

 

I only installed front component speakers and the subwoofer, no rear speakers.

I am considering some rear speakers, which would require an additional amplifier for the sub (moving the rear channels of my current amp to the rear speakers). I would do this for more volume, not improved sound quality (rear speakers actually hurt the sound quality by moving your sound stage behind you).

 

Nice looking install and really looks factory

 

Very niiiice! - I would pass on the rear speakers though - Your soundstage right now should be perfect - any way you can send me you start up pic? I have the same HU

 

I can't take credit for the background, I found it on this forum.

Check this thread for some good stuff.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...ds-thread.html