[Z06] new navi/head unit system
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 31
From: NJ LBC
new navi/head unit system
any recommendation for a new navi system. would like to keep the controls on the steering wheel still applicable too. and something with a nice back up camera. suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 81
From: Frankfort,IL
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 17,992
Likes: 280
I don't know of any to recommend, but in your search consider finding a nav-unit that boots very fast.
That way you don't have to wait 60 seconds to boot the Nav after turning the car on. If the car is cold, no big deal. But when running errands waiting to get the rear-view on seems like an eternity.
That way you don't have to wait 60 seconds to boot the Nav after turning the car on. If the car is cold, no big deal. But when running errands waiting to get the rear-view on seems like an eternity.
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 578
Likes: 39
From: Mount Airy MD
I replaced my OEM HU with an Android HU two years ago. Navigation is terrific, and the ability to run apps like Torque and DashCommand (and Chrome, and Gmail, and Fuelly, and...) makes my '07 feel like a '16. I will never again consider a traditional HU for any of my vehicles!
I changed only the head unit. Other models are available with slightly larger screens but I prefer ***** and the stock-like appearance of this one. I did the installation myself and discovered later that professional installation would have been quite reasonable. The Android HU, interface, camera and trim totaled $478, but as I sold the stock HU for $414, this upgrade cost me only $64. None of the factory wiring was molested, so reverting to stock is quick and easy (plug and play), but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that!
I changed only the head unit. Other models are available with slightly larger screens but I prefer ***** and the stock-like appearance of this one. I did the installation myself and discovered later that professional installation would have been quite reasonable. The Android HU, interface, camera and trim totaled $478, but as I sold the stock HU for $414, this upgrade cost me only $64. None of the factory wiring was molested, so reverting to stock is quick and easy (plug and play), but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that!
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 578
Likes: 39
From: Mount Airy MD
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 368
The Kenwood HU's have a great Nav system, and more audio controls than you can shake a stick at. But....and it's a big assed but..... if you like to use USB or Memory card to store MP3's, the KW's have a mentally challenged (trying to be PC) interface. They use an archaic file structure that forces you to be creative with MP3 tagging. And, at least with my 892, there is no persistent memory. So what that means, is if using the USB stick and you have say.....a particular Genre selected and on random play, and you turn the car off, next time you get turn the key on, the HU will only play the album that your last song was on. Totally aggravating. So much in fact, I'm getting rid of my brand new 892 next spring and going with something else. $1000 down the drain. So unless Kenwood's newer models do not share the same stupidity of the 892, I wouldn't go near them.
Last edited by Michael_D; Oct 11, 2016 at 12:15 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
I replaced my OEM HU with an Android HU two years ago. Navigation is terrific, and the ability to run apps like Torque and DashCommand (and Chrome, and Gmail, and Fuelly, and...) makes my '07 feel like a '16. I will never again consider a traditional HU for any of my vehicles!
I changed only the head unit. Other models are available with slightly larger screens but I prefer ***** and the stock-like appearance of this one. I did the installation myself and discovered later that professional installation would have been quite reasonable. The Android HU, interface, camera and trim totaled $478, but as I sold the stock HU for $414, this upgrade cost me only $64. None of the factory wiring was molested, so reverting to stock is quick and easy (plug and play), but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that!
I changed only the head unit. Other models are available with slightly larger screens but I prefer ***** and the stock-like appearance of this one. I did the installation myself and discovered later that professional installation would have been quite reasonable. The Android HU, interface, camera and trim totaled $478, but as I sold the stock HU for $414, this upgrade cost me only $64. None of the factory wiring was molested, so reverting to stock is quick and easy (plug and play), but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that!
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 578
Likes: 39
From: Mount Airy MD
Wow...not a bad deal at all! Looks OEM~ish. Do you still have all the functionality of a stock setup? Cant recall if the '07 has controls on the steering wheel, etc. My '09 has integrated blue tooth, and I'd like to keep that. Sound-wise...since you just swapped the head unit, is there any noticeable improvement in sound quality?
As previously discussed, this head unit sounds at least as good as the stock head unit, which in a Corvette is more than adequate. It is by no means the weak link in the audio chain, as significant improvements to sound quality would require upgrading other parts of the system (speakers, amp) and the environment (interior materials, sound deadening), which is infeasible for most owners who drive these cars as intended. Audiophiles seeking nirvana in a vehicle (oxymoronic to this home theater enthusiast) would be well advised to consider a platform lacking the obnoxious V8 engine and the huge parabolic reflector that is the rear hatch window.
The point of replacing the stock head unit is modern convenience, which Android models such as this one provide in spades (convergence, apps).
The point of replacing the stock head unit is modern convenience, which Android models such as this one provide in spades (convergence, apps).