I just bought a 2008 Z06 and want to upgrade the stereo to something with Apple Car Play. Obviously, I also still want the steering wheel controls to work. Any recommendations?

 

I also just bought a 2008 z06. Been searching for something with bluetooth and compatible with the Bose system already in it.

 

about a month ago, I replaced my nav/stereo Bose system in my 08 lt3. I replaced it with a Kenwood DMX7706S and added a backup camera at Best Buy. At the time of purchase, BB was offering free installation. I asked the tech about speaker replacement as they sounded "dull". He said to wait until after install as this new radio would bring them to life. He was right. The radio requires an optional wiring harness so that the steering wheel controls work properly, (and they do work as they should). I use Android Auto and it works as it should. I have no regrets about either of my choices.

 

There’s hundreds of threads on this subject. Have you guys done a search? Next to “which tires to buy” treads, “which stereo to buy” has to be up there on the list of repeated questions asked on here.

congratulations on getting the vette.

 

Well considering technology on stereos changes literally daily, any thread on stereo head units would go stale very quickly.

 

I have a 2013GS and just recently went with a Kenwood DMX9707s...did the install myself with the help of some great people on here.. problem is that there are shortages of radios at this point..

 

2007 3lt Z51HUD. I put a Kenwood DDX9907XR in January. Love it because it has Apple Car play Bluetooth and all the great stuff. Being that said, I have steering wheel controls. .But now the controls don't work like they did before. The only thing that works the same is the volume. 1-6 changes the Source and the Pre set buttons don't work with XMradio. It advances the song half way. How did you get it to work the same way???? Please let me know. Thanks.

 

Go to Crutchfield, find what fits your vehicle that has the features and price point you're looking for, and get the SWC/Dash adapter. They even offer a wiring service for like $25, totally worth it. Their customer service is second to none and after package discounts prices are near the bottom of the spectrum as well.

 

after reading the issue with XM, I tried it in my car,,,since I have only been using Pandora, I hadn't tried XM...I tried to change channels and, like yours, it advanced the song, not the channel....and I don't have a 12 year old handy to show me how to do the presets,,,I have enough problems getting the radio paired to my phone

 

Crutchfield's fitment guide is not accurate. Any double din head unit will fit a C6. Numerous forum members have proven Crutchfield's fitment guide wrong, including me and my Pioneer 8200nex. Crutchfield is great, but their fitment guide.... not so much.

 

Crutchfield is pretty much out of stock on everything except the cheapest units ($200.00 Boss or Jensen are in stock). No Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, etc.

 

I just bought a Jensen from Crutchfield, which was returned, I highly recommend their prewiring service for $25. Made everything extremely simple to install.

 

I would also highly recommend Crutchfield, however as others have said inventory is low. However, that said, call them and ask what they might have in factory reconditioned unit that will fit your needs. Skip the navigation as you won't need it with Apple carplay or Android. Absolutely add a rear camera at the same time. The installation is fairly straight forward, and by all means get their wiring harness. Not sure where these guys are getting the $25 price point, I believe it's more like $65 but either way well worth it. There are numerous videos on this site as U-tube how to do it. Recommend you watch as there's a couple of little tricks regarding removal of the console and shift/e-brake boots and *****. Kind of a fun project if you are a DIY kind of guy. Also, as mentioned their fitment guide is not always accurate, however the issue is not depth as there's plenty of room, the problem may be the trim kit. I ran into this with a Pioneer that I thought would work but they were right, it didn't because it would had to have stuck way out of the dash based upon the trim kit. I kept it anyway and put it into my F-150 and bought a Kenwood for the Vette which fit great. Both radios were returns or refurbished units and worked great. Similar features. If you have the Bose system I think you'll be happy with the existing speakers. You can always change them later if not.

 

$25, it's their wiring service...

Crutchfield ReadyHarness™ Service 1 $24.99

 

Thanks, alot of great suggestions!

 

One thing to be aware of is if upgrade your head unit the the HUD will no longer display your NAV turns and your XM channels will not display anymore. But I think it’s worth upgrading the head unit so you can add front and rear cameras. And of course Apple car play

 

Regarding Crutchfield wiring service. I got it and they use the simple crimps - and the one time I used it whoever did it did a poor job. The wires fell out on a few. However it made it simple for me to quickly solder everything nice and proper.

Also - I agree with above regarding fitment with one caveat. The one I bought had a motorized faceplate that lifts out of the way to access the SD card and CD ROM. I had to shave a bit off the top of the new bezel for the unit to have room for the faceplate to rise w/o getting stuck. Very simple, no modifications to OEM parts, only the new bezel, and took about 10 extra minutes.

Lastly, get wireless Android or Apple CarPlay. Being able to leave the phone in my pocket and have all the CarPlay functionality is worth it. I believe there are more options now since I bought mine a few years ago. That said, I see COVID has caused some supply chain issues and they don't have all models in stock.

 

I suggest you do a little reading in the Audio/Electronics section of this forum also, you'll find lots of useful information and friendly people there. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lectronics-20/