2002 Camaro Headunit Upgrade
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Teching In
Joined: May 2019
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From: Alberta
2002 Camaro Headunit Upgrade Hey LS1Tech... I have a 2002 Camaro M6 SS car with low mileage and all original condition. I'd like to keep it this way (mostly), however the factory Monsoon system leaves some to be desired. I have the steering wheel controls and 12 disc CD changer, I already checked with RetroSound however their headunit does not retain factory steering controls. So my question is what headunit will look awesome in that space without making the center stack look god awful. Thanks.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Until recently, there weren't any 1.5 DIN head units to fit the factory opening. Audiovox, Pioneer and Alpine used to make 1.5 DIN models but they've all been long discontinued. Now there is the RetroSound Newport model - nice but not complete. Other than that one unit, you're going to have to go with a different size. For the most part, that means double DIN since a single DIN will definitely look like an aftermarket add-on. Installing a double DIN will require a new trim bezel or modifying your own to fit the slightly larger face. There are plenty of threads in this forum showing double DIN conversions.
There isn't a head unit anywhere that will allow you to retain use of your factory external CD changer but almost all new units will retain steering wheel controls with the use of an adapter. There's lots of information in the Monsoon FAQ sticky at the top of the forum, including what other parts you'll need (steering wheel control adapter, wiring harness adapter, etc.).
There isn't a head unit anywhere that will allow you to retain use of your factory external CD changer but almost all new units will retain steering wheel controls with the use of an adapter. There's lots of information in the Monsoon FAQ sticky at the top of the forum, including what other parts you'll need (steering wheel control adapter, wiring harness adapter, etc.).
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Alberta
Until recently, there weren't any 1.5 DIN head units to fit the factory opening. Audiovox, Pioneer and Alpine used to make 1.5 DIN models but they've all been long discontinued. Now there is the RetroSound Newport model - nice but not complete. Other than that one unit, you're going to have to go with a different size. For the most part, that means double DIN since a single DIN will definitely look like an aftermarket add-on. Installing a double DIN will require a new trim bezel or modifying your own to fit the slightly larger face. There are plenty of threads in this forum showing double DIN conversions.
There isn't a head unit anywhere that will allow you to retain use of your factory external CD changer but almost all new units will retain steering wheel controls with the use of an adapter. There's lots of information in the Monsoon FAQ sticky at the top of the forum, including what other parts you'll need (steering wheel control adapter, wiring harness adapter, etc.).
There isn't a head unit anywhere that will allow you to retain use of your factory external CD changer but almost all new units will retain steering wheel controls with the use of an adapter. There's lots of information in the Monsoon FAQ sticky at the top of the forum, including what other parts you'll need (steering wheel control adapter, wiring harness adapter, etc.).
Thanks this is great info. I'd be safe going with that RetroSound however I can't believe they don't have adaptors for steering wheel controls.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I agree with you there... the major audio brands have been including ports for steering wheel adapter connection for at least ten years. At this price point you'd think that RetroSound could do the same. There are brand name double DIN head units available for half the price with more features. But there isn't much choice for those who want to retain the 1.5 DIN size or don't have the option of upgrading to double DIN (we're fortunate to have that option in f-bodies).
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I'm in the same boat with a 2002. I bought a cheapy as a start to figure it out. I've searched around and surprisingly there is very little out there on the hookup of older steering wheel controls. The Monsoon System only has 1 input wire from the steering wheel controls that I can tell from the PIN diagram. The new head unit has 2 wires labeled Key1 and Key2? Has anyone found the solution? Could it be as simple as only using key1 or splicing Key 1 and 2 together with the 1 blue input wire? Everything else matched up perfect including the back-up camera.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I'm in the same boat with a 2002. I bought a cheapy as a start to figure it out. I've searched around and surprisingly there is very little out there on the hookup of older steering wheel controls. The Monsoon System only has 1 input wire from the steering wheel controls that I can tell from the PIN diagram. The new head unit has 2 wires labeled Key1 and Key2? Has anyone found the solution? Could it be as simple as only using key1 or splicing Key 1 and 2 together with the 1 blue input wire? Everything else matched up perfect including the back-up camera.
There is only one wire for steering wheel control in the factory harness and there should be a remote control connector port (like a 3.5mm headphone port) on the head unit. The exception is Kenwood which uses a blue/yellow wire instead of the 3.5mm port. You should not be connecting the dark blue steering wheel control wire directly to the head unit without an adapter like a PAC SWI-JACK, SWI-PS, or one of several other adapters. The adapter has the correct 3.5mm plug (and the blue/yellow wire for Kenwood) to connect to the head unit. Also, you should not be connecting any wires from the factory connector directly to the head unit without a harness adapter.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Assuming you are referring to the trim bezel, it's called HUMount from a company called MAPtech Enterprises. They are not a sponsor but you can find them quickly by Googling "humount".
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TECH Resident
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Winter Haven FL
Let's start with what cheap head unit and which steering wheel adapter you bought. That way we can give you more specific advice.
There is only one wire for steering wheel control in the factory harness and there should be a remote control connector port (like a 3.5mm headphone port) on the head unit. The exception is Kenwood which uses a blue/yellow wire instead of the 3.5mm port. You should not be connecting the dark blue steering wheel control wire directly to the head unit without an adapter like a PAC SWI-JACK, SWI-PS, or one of several other adapters. The adapter has the correct 3.5mm plug (and the blue/yellow wire for Kenwood) to connect to the head unit. Also, you should not be connecting any wires from the factory connector directly to the head unit without a harness adapter.
There is only one wire for steering wheel control in the factory harness and there should be a remote control connector port (like a 3.5mm headphone port) on the head unit. The exception is Kenwood which uses a blue/yellow wire instead of the 3.5mm port. You should not be connecting the dark blue steering wheel control wire directly to the head unit without an adapter like a PAC SWI-JACK, SWI-PS, or one of several other adapters. The adapter has the correct 3.5mm plug (and the blue/yellow wire for Kenwood) to connect to the head unit. Also, you should not be connecting any wires from the factory connector directly to the head unit without a harness adapter.
