Pioneer Head Unit
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Pioneer Head Unit Guys, I am hoping to get a Kee Audio speaker package for Christmas and will obviously want to get an upgraded head unit over stock. I am interested in the Pioneer DEH-X6500BT. However I am not sure if it will work or not since the Formula has 6 speakers (2 subs). I'm very inexperienced with this stuff so as much input and knowledge as you can bestow upon me would be appreciated!
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Check out the Monsoon FAQ in the Stickies.
Replacing the stock Monsoon Headunit with just about any aftermarket headunit is easy. You just need 5 things:
1. Wiring harness to adapt the aftermarket heaunit to the stock wiring
2. Antenna adapter to adapt GM mini antenna connector to full-size Motorola antenna connector.
3. Bracket to mount the aftermarket headunit
4. (optional -- only needed if you get a double-din) Modify the radio bezel and opening in the dash to fit a double-din headunit.
5. (optional) steering wheel control adapter. (get a headunit with a wired remote port on the back to make things easier)
All this is in the stickies. Including part numbers.
Often the wire adapters and mounting brackets are included in a kit with the radio when you buy from some online vendors. I don't know if Kee Audio does that though.
Of course, this is assuming that you keep the monsoon amp and stock wiring. If you change those, then you are in for more custom work.
Replacing the stock Monsoon Headunit with just about any aftermarket headunit is easy. You just need 5 things:
1. Wiring harness to adapt the aftermarket heaunit to the stock wiring
2. Antenna adapter to adapt GM mini antenna connector to full-size Motorola antenna connector.
3. Bracket to mount the aftermarket headunit
4. (optional -- only needed if you get a double-din) Modify the radio bezel and opening in the dash to fit a double-din headunit.
5. (optional) steering wheel control adapter. (get a headunit with a wired remote port on the back to make things easier)
All this is in the stickies. Including part numbers.
Often the wire adapters and mounting brackets are included in a kit with the radio when you buy from some online vendors. I don't know if Kee Audio does that though.
Of course, this is assuming that you keep the monsoon amp and stock wiring. If you change those, then you are in for more custom work.
Last edited by VIP1; Nov 6, 2012 at 12:35 PM. Reason: forgot steering wheel controls adapter
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Thanks, I am planning on getting either the level 2 or 3 package from Kee Audio and the Pioneer head unit from Best Buy. Keeping the stock monsoon amp. Only reason for the upgrade is because it's hard to hear the radio with the exhaust and wind if the windows are down/t-tops off..and because the girl in the passenger seat finds the blown driver sail panel speaker to be annoying as hell lol
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Even though I have a gift card for Best Buy I think I may get the HU from Crutchfield if it will work since they provide the install adapters for free I think, other than the steering wheel controls. I don't feel like spending the extra $50+ on the steering wheel radio adpater so is it as simple as leaving the wires unconnected after the new HU is installed?
I just emailed Ian to see if the HU I was looking at will work with his stereo packages. I'm leaning towards the Level 3 now.
I just emailed Ian to see if the HU I was looking at will work with his stereo packages. I'm leaning towards the Level 3 now.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
You don't have to wire-up the steering wheel controls if you don't want too.
If you want to use the steering wheel controls, I'd recommend making sure the headunit you choose has a wired remote input port in the back. That way you can use a wired steering wheel control adapter instead of an universal IR version.
If you want to use the steering wheel controls, I'd recommend making sure the headunit you choose has a wired remote input port in the back. That way you can use a wired steering wheel control adapter instead of an universal IR version.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Not sure if I can post this or not, if not I'll copy/paste the table later, but according to the details Crutchfield has here: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pjR8BzY...ml#details-tab It doesn't look like it has a wired remote input in the back at least from what I am seeing...
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 345
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The line you need to look at is labeled "Steering Wheel Control Compatible" where it says "Adapter Required". That adapter is one of the SWI-PS, ASWC or any of the similar adapters. So yes, it has the remote input and is compatible.
You should give Ian a chance to quote on the head unit as well. His prices are very competitive and he usually includes the wiring and mount kits.
You should give Ian a chance to quote on the head unit as well. His prices are very competitive and he usually includes the wiring and mount kits.
Trending Topics
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Yup +1 to what WhiteBird00 said.
If you scroll down that page to where it explains the "Steering wheel Remote Compatibility", it says that the headunit has a remote control input in the rear.
If you scroll down that page to where it explains the "Steering wheel Remote Compatibility", it says that the headunit has a remote control input in the rear.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Thanks guys.
I'll give Ian a chance to respond to my email before I get it from Crutchfield. As far as I know I'll need the dash kit, the antenna adapter, wiring harness, which should all be included I hope, I know the steering wheel control adapter won't be included but thats fine, I can always get it later.
I think I've settled on the DEH-X6500BT with Ian's Level 2 package unless he tells me something that really changes my mind. Besides the RMS of the Level 3 being 70 watts higher I don't really see much difference in the two.
On a side note, short story: I went into Best Buy yesterday to look at the HU and I ask if there is someone that can answer a question about it for me. Guy brings me over to another employee. I tell him I have a question about a HU and he says, I'll let Matt handle this because he is much more knowledgable (at this point I'm thinking great...he's going to try to impress me with his knowledge and treat me like I know nothing). So he asks he can do for me and I tell him I just need to know what comes with one of the HU's. As we're walking over I tell him I know it needs the necessary accessories and list them out, just need to figure out if any of them come with it. I tell him what HU it is and ask my question again he then he procedes to start firing off features, it's got bluetooth, it's got apple support and mixtrax, it has blah blah blah. Then he tells me to follow him to the computer where he procedes to tell me how much everything will all cost including install and the $20 extra fee for running a bluetooth mic through the a-pillar. Came out to like $275 for a $130 HU
I'll give Ian a chance to respond to my email before I get it from Crutchfield. As far as I know I'll need the dash kit, the antenna adapter, wiring harness, which should all be included I hope, I know the steering wheel control adapter won't be included but thats fine, I can always get it later.
I think I've settled on the DEH-X6500BT with Ian's Level 2 package unless he tells me something that really changes my mind. Besides the RMS of the Level 3 being 70 watts higher I don't really see much difference in the two.
On a side note, short story: I went into Best Buy yesterday to look at the HU and I ask if there is someone that can answer a question about it for me. Guy brings me over to another employee. I tell him I have a question about a HU and he says, I'll let Matt handle this because he is much more knowledgable (at this point I'm thinking great...he's going to try to impress me with his knowledge and treat me like I know nothing). So he asks he can do for me and I tell him I just need to know what comes with one of the HU's. As we're walking over I tell him I know it needs the necessary accessories and list them out, just need to figure out if any of them come with it. I tell him what HU it is and ask my question again he then he procedes to start firing off features, it's got bluetooth, it's got apple support and mixtrax, it has blah blah blah. Then he tells me to follow him to the computer where he procedes to tell me how much everything will all cost including install and the $20 extra fee for running a bluetooth mic through the a-pillar. Came out to like $275 for a $130 HU
Closed ex-Sponsor Account
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
From: Dickeyville Wisconsin
You can call me as well and we can provide a complete speaker upgrade package and the Pioneer radio.
We are there M-F 8-5 to answer the phones
608 568 3011
So no need to wait for a return email when you can speak to us live.
We had 12 more Gen 4 speaker replacement packages ordered yesterday
Dennis
We are there M-F 8-5 to answer the phones
608 568 3011
So no need to wait for a return email when you can speak to us live.
We had 12 more Gen 4 speaker replacement packages ordered yesterday
Dennis
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Hey thanks Dennis.
What I'm looking at right now is a full speaker replacement which my parents will buy for me for Christmas and the head unit and necessary accesories like the antenna adapter, wiring harness and dash kit adapter will be bought from my girlfriend (until we can wrap it all into one deal). I'm set on the pioneer head unit, speakers I can be a little more flexible, but I don't want to break the bank since it's my parents money. $350-$450 would have to be the max for the package including the front doors, sails, and hatch. I'm at work during your business hours except for Fridays. If you have any spare time in the meantime and can shoot me a PM or email (TenaciousRock27@gmail.com) with options for me that would be excellent also.
What I'm looking at right now is a full speaker replacement which my parents will buy for me for Christmas and the head unit and necessary accesories like the antenna adapter, wiring harness and dash kit adapter will be bought from my girlfriend (until we can wrap it all into one deal). I'm set on the pioneer head unit, speakers I can be a little more flexible, but I don't want to break the bank since it's my parents money. $350-$450 would have to be the max for the package including the front doors, sails, and hatch. I'm at work during your business hours except for Fridays. If you have any spare time in the meantime and can shoot me a PM or email (TenaciousRock27@gmail.com) with options for me that would be excellent also.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Westminster, MD
Side note:
I'm not sure exactly how to shop for sail panels if I end up piecing a package together myself. Some people say to use speakers some say use subs...
Using all Apline components from Sonic I made this which fits into the budget nicely but I'm not sure if the parts are all compatible and will fit and work as I want.
Front doors ($170): Alpine SPR-60C
6-1/2" 2-Way Type-R Series Component Car Speakers
Type-R 6.5" 2-way Component System • Peak: 330 watts • RMS: 110 watts • Impedance: 4 ohms • Hybrid layered-pulp woofer with rubber surround • External crossovers — 12 dB/octave (high -pass) and 6 dB/octave (low-pass) crossover points • Top-mount depth: 2-5/16"
Sails ($130): Alpine SPR-60
6-1/2" 2-Way Type-R Series Coaxial Car Speakers
Type-R 6-1/2" 2-way Speakers • Peak: 300W • RMS: 100W • Impedance: 4 Ohms • Hybrid Layered-Pulp Woofer with Rubber Surround • 1" Swiveling Silk Ring-Dome Tweeter • Sensitivity: 88 dB
Hatch ($47): Alpine SPS-410
4" 2-Way Type-S Series Coaxial Car Speakers
4" Type-S Series Car Speakers • Peak: 140 Watts • Butyl Rubber Surround • 3/4" Wide-Range Silk Dome Tweeter • Progressive Aramid Fiber Spider • HD Polymer Frame • 4 Ohm Impedance • 1" Silk-Dome Tweeter
Total $347...
I'm not sure exactly how to shop for sail panels if I end up piecing a package together myself. Some people say to use speakers some say use subs...
Using all Apline components from Sonic I made this which fits into the budget nicely but I'm not sure if the parts are all compatible and will fit and work as I want.
Front doors ($170): Alpine SPR-60C
6-1/2" 2-Way Type-R Series Component Car Speakers
Type-R 6.5" 2-way Component System • Peak: 330 watts • RMS: 110 watts • Impedance: 4 ohms • Hybrid layered-pulp woofer with rubber surround • External crossovers — 12 dB/octave (high -pass) and 6 dB/octave (low-pass) crossover points • Top-mount depth: 2-5/16"
Sails ($130): Alpine SPR-60
6-1/2" 2-Way Type-R Series Coaxial Car Speakers
Type-R 6-1/2" 2-way Speakers • Peak: 300W • RMS: 100W • Impedance: 4 Ohms • Hybrid Layered-Pulp Woofer with Rubber Surround • 1" Swiveling Silk Ring-Dome Tweeter • Sensitivity: 88 dB
Hatch ($47): Alpine SPS-410
4" 2-Way Type-S Series Coaxial Car Speakers
4" Type-S Series Car Speakers • Peak: 140 Watts • Butyl Rubber Surround • 3/4" Wide-Range Silk Dome Tweeter • Progressive Aramid Fiber Spider • HD Polymer Frame • 4 Ohm Impedance • 1" Silk-Dome Tweeter
Total $347...
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
The Sail Panel Speakers (rear seating area) are Subs. You don't want Coaxial Speakers back there.
In the Firebird they are Dual Voice Coil (DVC) with a resulting 2 OHM load (I forget the exact load, but I think its 2 Ohm). The output from the stock Monsoon Amp only sends low notes (bass) to those speakers.
That is why the packages from Kee Audio and DoubleDMods have Subs for that location.
In the Camaro, those are subs back there too, but Single Voice Coil (SVC) instead of Dual Voice Coil (DVC). I forget if the Ohm rating is different. You can find that in the FAQ.
In the Firebird they are Dual Voice Coil (DVC) with a resulting 2 OHM load (I forget the exact load, but I think its 2 Ohm). The output from the stock Monsoon Amp only sends low notes (bass) to those speakers.
That is why the packages from Kee Audio and DoubleDMods have Subs for that location.
In the Camaro, those are subs back there too, but Single Voice Coil (SVC) instead of Dual Voice Coil (DVC). I forget if the Ohm rating is different. You can find that in the FAQ.
Closed ex-Sponsor Account
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
From: Dickeyville Wisconsin
Hey thanks Dennis.
What I'm looking at right now is a full speaker replacement which my parents will buy for me for Christmas and the head unit and necessary accesories like the antenna adapter, wiring harness and dash kit adapter will be bought from my girlfriend (until we can wrap it all into one deal). I'm set on the pioneer head unit, speakers I can be a little more flexible, but I don't want to break the bank since it's my parents money. $350-$450 would have to be the max for the package including the front doors, sails, and hatch. I'm at work during your business hours except for Fridays. If you have any spare time in the meantime and can shoot me a PM or email (TenaciousRock27@gmail.com) with options for me that would be excellent also.
What I'm looking at right now is a full speaker replacement which my parents will buy for me for Christmas and the head unit and necessary accesories like the antenna adapter, wiring harness and dash kit adapter will be bought from my girlfriend (until we can wrap it all into one deal). I'm set on the pioneer head unit, speakers I can be a little more flexible, but I don't want to break the bank since it's my parents money. $350-$450 would have to be the max for the package including the front doors, sails, and hatch. I'm at work during your business hours except for Fridays. If you have any spare time in the meantime and can shoot me a PM or email (TenaciousRock27@gmail.com) with options for me that would be excellent also.
sorry
I just saw this
I will email you something today
Dennis
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: somewhere that doesn't get snow
I just installed this unit in my 95 trans am and it works without a hitch. i don't have monsoon but i do have the upgraded 10 speaker bose system with tweeters and subs.
here's a few pics of it installed in my car showing the redish orange color option i chose to give it that pontiac look. I mounted the bluetooth mic on the top of the steering column.
here's a few pics of it installed in my car showing the redish orange color option i chose to give it that pontiac look. I mounted the bluetooth mic on the top of the steering column.
You can call me as well and we can provide a complete speaker upgrade package and the Pioneer radio.
We are there M-F 8-5 to answer the phones
608 568 3011
So no need to wait for a return email when you can speak to us live.
We had 12 more Gen 4 speaker replacement packages ordered yesterday
Dennis
We are there M-F 8-5 to answer the phones
608 568 3011
So no need to wait for a return email when you can speak to us live.
We had 12 more Gen 4 speaker replacement packages ordered yesterday
Dennis
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 345
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Except that the Firebird never came with a Bose system. Prior to the Monsoon in 97, Firebirds had a 10-speaker premium audio system that was similar to the Monsoon except that only the sail panel subs were powered by the external amp. The Bose system was a 3- or 5-speaker configuration available only in the Chevy products (Camaro and Corvette).
