Corvette505

Looking to upgrade my stock stereo on my '11 Corvette (base) and was wondering if there are any issues with upgrading it to a touch screen Navigational unit? Any buyer bewares I should know about?

RicK T

If you're going with aftermarket, do yourself a favor and contact Double D Mods:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ith-focal.html


If you're asking about going to a factory Nav unit then we need to know if your car is a 3LT.

kupitz

The used Nav unit will need the original VIN cleared (Theftlock) with a TechII programmer.

doomi

Only if he is replacing with factory Nav.

OP, I replaced my stock head unit with an Android based touch screen and love it. Just check with Double D as mentioned to get the correct harnesses, etc.

kupitz

Zactly why I mentioned the USED Nav unit

kupitz

Also if you have HUD an aftermarket unit will not display turns in the HUD whereas a factory unit will.

doomi

Plenty of used Nav units for sale that are not OEM. Just wanted to clarify for OP.

Corvette505

I want to go with gm nav unit part # 20856087, but if anyone knows of an aftermarket one that is comparable and as easy to install I'm open to suggestions.

TorchRedFred

Getting a new OEM navigation unit is not cheap and most know I'm not a fan of the stock unit. There are a lot of great aftermarket options out there and at all different price points. I installed the Pioneer 8200 nex in my GS a few months ago. It's Pioneers top model and offers built in navigation, apple car play, android auto, improved sound over the stock unit, a capacitive touch screen, etc. etc., and full of features. 3rd party sellers are selling them on Amazon for a great price of about $800 right now. That's where I got mine from Tri-State Audio off Amazon.com. Installation hardware was about another $140-160 which in my case included a backup camera and a SiriusXm tuner (which are both optional) and a wiring harness. If you want a complete parts break down let me know I will post it for you (Parts would be the same for any aftermarket radio brand). Installation was real simple but will take you a few hours. There is a thread with install directions and pictures that is helpful. Let me know if you want the link, I can post it on here. You do have to wire the harness to the radio, which is just a matter of connecting color matched wires to each other. After that it's all plug and play to your car.

Dcasole

Plenty of factory units for sale ,most go for 250.00 and only if you are looking for the later model with USB do they cost at more
If you take the time to learn about it , it works fine and integrates well will everything in the car
It's a plug and play except... for the VSS wire that you will need to add to the harness . Very easy to do , Google "Ray Kawel" his page will give you all the part numbers and installation advice you will need

Dave

Corvette505

Thanks a ton guys!

Dr Bee

Love everything about my 2010 GS except the factory nav unit... in fact I kinda hate it. But I want to keep my car original and knew this before I bought. Just my opinion... factory nav is primo for 1993, today not so much

Corvette505

Ebay has the Pioneer for $540 new. So they are pretty easy to install? No hiccups with the bezel/trim or anything? No complications with the Bose?

Corvette505

If I was going to go aftermarket I'd want to go Alpine, any suggestions on Alpine models?

TorchRedFred

IMO, I'm not a fan of the Alpines. I like the name but I have found that they tend to have less features and are overpriced in comparison. Also reviews I read when I was shopping left me with the impression that many were not happy with them over time. I personally like the Pioneers best but would look at Kenwoods as a second choice.

TorchRedFred

All the name brands pretty much install the same way. No hiccups with anything. You do need to buy the right face plate that attaches to the new head unit, and the right wiring harness takes care of the Bose system with no problem. My car has the Bose system also, and the new head nit does improve the overall sound from the Bose speakers. Here is a list of all the hardware I had to purchase. I included everything even the back up camera and wire connectors I got. All the hardware is the same regardless of head unit brand.


1- Pac Audio RP5-GM11 wiring harness with steering wheel controls
2- Metra 95-3304 double din face plate
3- Sirius XM SXV300v1 tuner (optional if you want Sirius XM) and Sirius XM 10ft antenna ext. cable
4- Pyle PCNM38FRV back up camera (was only $17 but works great)
5- A pack of crimp style cap connectors 22/18 gauge and a crimp plier (since I didn't have one)


Here is a tutorial thread if you want to look it over. It was created by Dennis from Double D mods for members.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...is-to-diy.html

TorchRedFred

I got all the hardware off Amazon also. Many members will tell you that Dennis (Double D's) is a good option too. I didn't go through him, but he will wire your harness to the head unit for you saving you that step and also walk you through any hiccups you may encounter with the install if you were to buy everything from him. He is a retailer and does prefer to sell you a Kenwood (nothing wrong with that but just giving you the heads up) but he does carry all brands. If you choose to do it on your own, the forum in general, is good to walk you through any install problems should you encounter any. But overall its not that complicated of an install to do yourself.

Jimnc

I also recently installed the Pioneer 8200. Very happy with it. The stock HU is a piece of crap. I did retain it so the car can be put back to stock if a future buyer wanted to go that direction.

Corvette505

Thanks everyone! Fred your detailed responses and info on the items i'll need are GREATLY APPRECIATED. You're the best!

Corvette505

I did go with the factory nav (GM #20856087) out of the same year Corvette. My 2011 is a base 1LT.