Factory Nav install
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
Factory Nav install
I have a 2009 Z51 convertible and was wondering if it is possible to go to a Chev dealer and get a factory Nav/entertainment system installed? If any one has done that have they had any problems?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 122
From: Madison (Huntsville) Alabama
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Interesting question, if you mean a current-year Nav head unit. It's double din so it might fit. Probably would cost a fortune though.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,577
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I know its not the same but I had one installed in a 2500HD truck with no problems. Plug and play and all steering wheel controls along with RSE still worked. Was around 750 with dealership doing it. Also had a 6 disc changer installed in same vehicle that was a plug and play also. So I would think it would work.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
We've been using the factory C6 nav for over 100k miles, and I like it. Every system has it's own advantages and disadvantages, the biggest (but not the only) plus of the GM C6 is that it will project turn/distance info on the HUD. None of the aftermarket units can do that.
But...
Last time I checked their website, GM has not released an updated nav disc since 2013, and there is no guarantee they ever will. So I wouldn't install the GM system that you might never be able to get updated maps for, unless there is some evidence of future updates.
But...
Last time I checked their website, GM has not released an updated nav disc since 2013, and there is no guarantee they ever will. So I wouldn't install the GM system that you might never be able to get updated maps for, unless there is some evidence of future updates.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Aug 23, 2015 at 08:53 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 231
From: Queen Creek AZ
I have a 2008 Z51 coupe and did the factory Nav swap. It's easy to do. My best advice is to do a search for Ray Kawal. His website has a very nice write up with lots of photos on doing the swap. He also has complete wiring harnesses if you happen to need any. After the install, the only thing you need to do is have the unit unlocked (if it is a used unit). This can be done by a dealer, or an independent shop if they have a Tech II. I took mine to a Chevrolet dealer and they charged me $129 to unlock it. They charge 1 hour minimum even though it only took 5 minutes to do it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
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From: Edmonton Alberta
We've been using the factory C6 nav for over 100k miles, and I like it. Every system has it's own advantages and disadvantages, the biggest (but not the only) plus of the GM C6 is that it will project turn/distance info on the HUD. None of the aftermarket units can do that.
But...
Last time I checked their website, GM has not released an updated nav disc since 2013, and there is no guarantee they ever will. So I wouldn't install the GM system that you might never be able to get updated maps for, unless there is some evidence of future updates.
But...
Last time I checked their website, GM has not released an updated nav disc since 2013, and there is no guarantee they ever will. So I wouldn't install the GM system that you might never be able to get updated maps for, unless there is some evidence of future updates.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
I have a 2008 Z51 coupe and did the factory Nav swap. It's easy to do. My best advice is to do a search for Ray Kawal. His website has a very nice write up with lots of photos on doing the swap. He also has complete wiring harnesses if you happen to need any. After the install, the only thing you need to do is have the unit unlocked (if it is a used unit). This can be done by a dealer, or an independent shop if they have a Tech II. I took mine to a Chevrolet dealer and they charged me $129 to unlock it. They charge 1 hour minimum even though it only took 5 minutes to do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
I have a 2008 Z51 coupe and did the factory Nav swap. It's easy to do. My best advice is to do a search for Ray Kawal. His website has a very nice write up with lots of photos on doing the swap. He also has complete wiring harnesses if you happen to need any. After the install, the only thing you need to do is have the unit unlocked (if it is a used unit). This can be done by a dealer, or an independent shop if they have a Tech II. I took mine to a Chevrolet dealer and they charged me $129 to unlock it. They charge 1 hour minimum even though it only took 5 minutes to do it.
It's very straight-forward, with just a tiny bit of rewire needed.
But be prepared if you go to the dealer -- a retrofit is NOT a standard operation for them, and most likely you'll either get a "can't be done" or a $2000+ estimate.
In fact, depending on how new of radio you want to install, most people can get the upgrade done for less than $600 (including a used nav radio) in parts and an hour or so of labor. And it can be performed on any C6, regardless of trim level or original radio.
As stated, the 5-minute VIN relearn procedure must be performed by a Tech2 computer. Dealers will charge between $0 and $150 for the re-learn, depending on their mood.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Same if you buy a new unit, which would be outrageously expensive too.
Some years used 2 discs, one for east and one for west. Later, they figured out how to get the extra data back onto one disc. You can Search for the year info.
But the latest GM C6 disc you can get from any source is 2013. Our 2005 Toyota Camry nav is similar, and there is some ability to use one disc in the other car but IIRC you may lose some functions. And I don't know if Toyota sells newer discs than 2013 for that system.
If we keep our 2009, and if GM doesn't come out with a new disc next year, I'll probably go to an aftermarket system. Double D mods on this forum has a good reputation, and they are within driving distance of us.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
It's very straight-forward, with just a tiny bit of rewire needed.
But be prepared if you go to the dealer -- a retrofit is NOT a standard operation for them, and most likely you'll either get a "can't be done" or a $2000+ estimate.
In fact, depending on how new of radio you want to install, most people can get the upgrade done for less than $600 (including a used nav radio) in parts and an hour or so of labor. And it can be performed on any C6, regardless of trim level or original radio.
As stated, the 5-minute VIN relearn procedure must be performed by a Tech2 computer. Dealers will charge between $0 and $150 for the re-learn, depending on their mood.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
If you buy a used unit, it might come with any year of nav disc, or with none at all. Be sure to ask.
Same if you buy a new unit, which would be outrageously expensive too.
Some years used 2 discs, one for east and one for west. Later, they figured out how to get the extra data back onto one disc. You can Search for the year info.
But the latest GM C6 disc you can get from any source is 2013. Our 2005 Toyota Camry nav is similar, and there is some ability to use one disc in the other car but IIRC you may lose some functions. And I don't know if Toyota sells newer discs than 2013 for that system.
If we keep our 2009, and if GM doesn't come out with a new disc next year, I'll probably go to an aftermarket system. Double D mods on this forum has a good reputation, and they are within driving distance of us.
Same if you buy a new unit, which would be outrageously expensive too.
Some years used 2 discs, one for east and one for west. Later, they figured out how to get the extra data back onto one disc. You can Search for the year info.
But the latest GM C6 disc you can get from any source is 2013. Our 2005 Toyota Camry nav is similar, and there is some ability to use one disc in the other car but IIRC you may lose some functions. And I don't know if Toyota sells newer discs than 2013 for that system.
If we keep our 2009, and if GM doesn't come out with a new disc next year, I'll probably go to an aftermarket system. Double D mods on this forum has a good reputation, and they are within driving distance of us.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 42
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
There are definitely some other model GM factory navs 2005-2013 that won't work in a C6.
I'd definitely buy a used one removed from a C6, and the 2005 units had some issues that I believe were fixed by reprogramming, but why invite trouble.
Some time around 2011, the factory nav got an external connection for your Ipod/Ipad/Iphone/etc. AFAIK, they can be installed in any year C6. If you don't get that, you'll need to buy some kind of electronic add-on like the now-discontinued GM Personal Audio Link (PAL) to play from other devices. Member "Kawal" on this forum knows all about that business.
As mentioned, I'm considering replacing my 2009 factory Nav with aftermarket, just to get map updates. If GM doesn't start selling newer discs, you will start out with maps that are at least 2 years out of date, and it will only get worse. Too bad, I like the factory Nav + our PAL. So far, the map issues aren't too bad. But in the years ahead...
I'd definitely buy a used one removed from a C6, and the 2005 units had some issues that I believe were fixed by reprogramming, but why invite trouble.
Some time around 2011, the factory nav got an external connection for your Ipod/Ipad/Iphone/etc. AFAIK, they can be installed in any year C6. If you don't get that, you'll need to buy some kind of electronic add-on like the now-discontinued GM Personal Audio Link (PAL) to play from other devices. Member "Kawal" on this forum knows all about that business.
As mentioned, I'm considering replacing my 2009 factory Nav with aftermarket, just to get map updates. If GM doesn't start selling newer discs, you will start out with maps that are at least 2 years out of date, and it will only get worse. Too bad, I like the factory Nav + our PAL. So far, the map issues aren't too bad. But in the years ahead...
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Aug 23, 2015 at 09:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,138
Likes: 171
From: Missouri
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I wonder why in the hell you'd even consider that with the plethora of aftermarket options available that are far more accurate and far more desirable than the factory Nav.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
I would look for a unit specifically from a C6. There *might* be some cross-fit available, but I know for a fact that not all GM nav radios are interchangeable between car lines, even within the same year.
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Intermediate
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,240
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From: San Bruno CA
I have a factory Nav on my 2007 C6 and if I had to do it all over again, I'd go with an aftermarket radio with Nav. I'm not very happy with the way the factory Nav works. I have a factory Nav on my 2009 Dodge Challenger and it's a lot better and more easier unit to use than the Corvettes. With an aftermarket radio you'd get features like blue tooth, Pandora radio, iPod input, free map up dates etc. The aftermarket unit would be cheaper cost wise than what I spent on the factory Nav option too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Mesquite NV
