New HU Questions
New HU Questions In the process of upgrading my sound system, it is time to replace the distortion box of **** GM calls a head unit. I am looking for an aftermarket replacement with exceptional sound quality, along with Navigation. I am not a fan of the double-DIN touchscreen replacements. So the only option left is a regular single din head unit with a retractable screen. There aren't many, but the one I'm leaning towards is the Clarion NZ503. Ignore the price on crutchfield, these can be found in the mid $500's on eBay. Reviews are good and I personally love it's look and amount of features. Question's are if there are any other single din HU's with nav that are good and also what I will need to install an aftermarket HU.
So far I'm getting:
- Metra 99-3320 In-dash Receiver Kit
- Receiver Wire Harness
- Metra 40-GM10 Antenna Adapter
- Steering wheel control adapter
So far I'm getting:
- Metra 99-3320 In-dash Receiver Kit
- Receiver Wire Harness
- Metra 40-GM10 Antenna Adapter
- Steering wheel control adapter
I don't know why they list the antenna adapter, I pulled my stock HU out and plugged the antenna wire directly into my pioneer and it fit perfect.
can't speak to the quality of clarion I haven't touched a clarion in ages, I just prefer Pioneer, they haven't disappointed yet. I don't care for motorized faces, there a ticking time bomb of failure in my book, and the radio nav maps usually suck and you have to buy yearly map updates, google maps on the phone when needed is better to me.
can't speak to the quality of clarion I haven't touched a clarion in ages, I just prefer Pioneer, they haven't disappointed yet. I don't care for motorized faces, there a ticking time bomb of failure in my book, and the radio nav maps usually suck and you have to buy yearly map updates, google maps on the phone when needed is better to me.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Also with the screen deployed it will block your center vents. It's just one reason I didn't get one as well as what was mentioned above. As far as your question that's probably all you'll need to install your new one din hu.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Did you buy a Pioneer unit that was specifically designed as a GM replacement? All 1.5 DIN GM head units between '88 and '02 used a miniature version of the standard Motorola antenna plug. Virtually all aftermarket head units use a standard size Motorola antenna plug. It's kind of like the difference between the mini-USB plug used by most external hard drives and the micro-USB plug used by most phones - same shape, different size. There were several aftermarket HUs from various companies that were designed as OEM replacements and had the antenna socket to match the factory antenna. Pioneer's 1.5 DIN models were a popular example and Audiovox made a whole line of them (called their Special Performance Series) that were commonly used for dealer-installed upgrades in new cars. The Audiovox units didn't even require a wiring harness adapter - the factory connector plugged directly into the SPS head unit. But generally speaking, you need an antenna adapter cable to install an aftermarket head unit in a GM vehicle that had a 1.5 DIN factory radio.
Also, in the Monsoon FAQ, it says I need the Metra 99-3009 while the crutchfield website tells me I need the Metra 99-3320. Which one do I get?
Did you buy a Pioneer unit that was specifically designed as a GM replacement? All 1.5 DIN GM head units between '88 and '02 used a miniature version of the standard Motorola antenna plug. Virtually all aftermarket head units use a standard size Motorola antenna plug. It's kind of like the difference between the mini-USB plug used by most external hard drives and the micro-USB plug used by most phones - same shape, different size. There were several aftermarket HUs from various companies that were designed as OEM replacements and had the antenna socket to match the factory antenna. Pioneer's 1.5 DIN models were a popular example and Audiovox made a whole line of them (called their Special Performance Series) that were commonly used for dealer-installed upgrades in new cars. The Audiovox units didn't even require a wiring harness adapter - the factory connector plugged directly into the SPS head unit. But generally speaking, you need an antenna adapter cable to install an aftermarket head unit in a GM vehicle that had a 1.5 DIN factory radio.
Trending Topics
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Never thought it blocking the vents. But I won't be using the screen every day. I mostly listen to my iPod, which is why I don't need a huge screen all the time.
Which is why I'm replacing it
Also, in the Monsoon FAQ, it says I need the Metra 99-3009 while the crutchfield website tells me I need the Metra 99-3320. Which one do I get?
Which is why I'm replacing it
Also, in the Monsoon FAQ, it says I need the Metra 99-3009 while the crutchfield website tells me I need the Metra 99-3320. Which one do I get?
The Metra 99-3320 is a newer replacement that is designed for 97-02 Pontiacs (not specifically Firebirds):
There is also a Metra 99-4000 which includes a single DIN head unit mount and a 1/2 DIN pocket for small items:
Any of them will do the job. Personally, I think single DIN head units look terribly out of place with any of these mount kits - it is just so obvious that it's an aftermarket kit. Since nobody makes 1.5 DIN head units anymore, a nice double DIN fits the dash so much better than any single DIN.
However, if you insist on single DIN, consider a kit from HUMount. They are quite a bit more expensive but they don't look like they came from the boy racer aisle at Pep Boys.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
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
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,329
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I am at a loss to explain how that could be possible unless you already had an aftermarket antenna in your f-body. That would mean it would already have an antenna adapter (the reverse of the one we're talking about) to adapt the standard Motorola antenna plug to the smaller GM HU antenna socket. You could then plug the aftermarket standard plug without the adapter into the aftermarket radio. Otherwise, what you describe is quite impossible with GM factory equipment.
