• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Aftermarket radio in my C5

U

Uncle Pat

Has God's Motor
I want to install an aftermarket stereo in the ZO6. I hear there are factory amps. I haqve Bose speakers, but the radio is a plain Delco. How do I know if I have amps?? Can I use the factory Bose speakers?? Am I better off replacing all 4 speakers?? Thanks.
 
Hey Uncle Pat,

:wavey: Do you have an owners manual or is there a manual that came with the car concerning just the stereo? If so, either one should let ya know if there's an amp.

As far as changing out the speakers...That's up to you and what kind of sound you're looking for, NTM if you want to remain as close to original (stock) or not.

My wife has a 2000 c5 and her Bose system doesn't :nonod: sound as good as the one in my 2005 c6 IMO.

So if you have the lower level bose system...upgrade it to the better one. Heck, you can probably find a used one for sale on one of the forums.

JAT...If ya buy a bose system (New) you'll probably shell out more $ than if you were to just replace it with another known brand system.
 
I just took a look under the speaker grill in the front. They look like 6.5". Does anybody know the rear size?? I haven't had a chance to remove the panel yet. I think I will be going with an Alpine stereo and new amps. This way I won't need to deal with the stock amps.

Any website help?? thanks...


Pat
 
chris308 said:
crutchfield.com :thumbsup:

I got rid of my crappy Blose system, was not happy with the sound at all.
Click to expand...
I'm chatting with them now online. You wouldn't happen to know what size or speakers you used front and rear??
 
in the front door is a BOSE 3.5" with 8" subwoofer
in the rear is a 4x6 or 5x6 or something like that its kinda small.

I replaced my BOSE crap with BOSTON PRO series component speakers, diconnected the rear speakers as they become useless, and in the trunk i have a 12" Audiobahn Sub all powered by an Alpine V-12 Expert 5ch amp.
 
chris308 said:
in the front door is a BOSE 3.5" with 8" subwoofer
in the rear is a 4x6 or 5x6 or something like that its kinda small.

I replaced my BOSE crap with BOSTON PRO series component speakers, diconnected the rear speakers as they become useless, and in the trunk i have a 12" Audiobahn Sub all powered by an Alpine V-12 Expert 5ch amp.
Click to expand...
so you have no rear speakers at all? hmmm....I've been doing alot of research on this. You abandoned the factory wiring and wired all with new wire correct? any issues with re-starting the car?? thanks...off to best buy I go!
 
correct i have no rear speakers.

yes, i ran all new speaker wires to my doors and sub to the amp. no problems whatsoever and the sound is so much better!
 
chris308 said:
correct i have no rear speakers.

yes, i ran all new speaker wires to my doors and sub to the amp. no problems whatsoever and the sound is so much better!
Click to expand...
very cool. I just bought a nice high end Alpine deck along with two Alpine 4 ch.and Mono Amp. I bought the adapter plates for the front door. They should be here in a couple of days. That time helps me refund my bank account.....the shit ain't cheap! I am going to install rear speakers. I found a whole lot of information on the web. I did have to dig really deep to find some stuff. The rear is what nobody had a clear answer. Here is a website that shows how to open up the interior a bit.....good shit.

http://www.spdkilz.com/techtiprearspeaker.html

Thanks


Pat
 
I'm hoping for no issues starting the car back up. Did you have any issues leaving the radio harness unplugged?? I hope not. I've wired up a bunch of stereo systems. This one is probably going to be the roughest. I will be removing the seats to start along with the center console...wooo hooo sounds like fun.
 
I believe the stock radio had 2 or 3 plugs going to it, i just used one plug with the adapter harness i got from crutchfield. the other plugs which i believe power the cd changer and stock amp i just left it stashed in the back didnt hurt anything.

One thing i will tell you though not sure if it will be a problem for you or not but when you finally get to install the radio, you may find the support bracket in the dash is in the way. Just use a dremel or hacksaw blade and cut out the "hump" that will give you plenty of room and wont squeesh the wires.
 
very cool..thanks for the info....I just went out and bought all new Alpine "R" series 6.5" for the front and 5.5" for the rear. I also bought a nice double amp 4 gauge wiring kit. I will also introduce a capacitor to the system just in case. I'll tackle it this weekend. Thanks again.
 
Think about doing the big three wiring upgrade while you are at it. Alternator, battery and ground. I can drive a 2K watt sub with dual JL 12's with no issues. I also did two of the other grounds and used 1 guage wire instead at the block and at the antenna in the back. I was shocked how much this imporved my sound system.

Also, if you find you have most of the interior out, you might want to do the frost king mod as well. It is a cheap method of sound deadening and works great. I went to Lowes and bought one roll for 40 bucks and did the whole car including the doors. Reduces road noise and heat.

Feel free to give me a ring of you need any assistance. I have done this a few times.

Good luck

Brad
 
I'm in the middle of doing the swap. I got the HU in and and most of the wiring. I will post pics when done. I installed the ipod in my center console...it is real nice. I powered the HU up last night and it see's the ipod. I need to finish speaker wiring tonight.
 
all the panels came off very easy. Thank God for internet step by step pictures. I had the laptop in the car with me. I will need to box up the sub woofer. Everything fired right up. I have some wire management to do and some carpet tucking to do......all in all it sounds so clean with the ipod. I bought a really nice Alpine and Alpine R series speakers and sub. Alpine amps power the speakers.
 
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