I wanted to start a thread about a new Audio/Nav system for the 04.
It all started with looking for a head unit. I'm spoiled by the 2012 LaCrosse and all it's built in OEM goodness, so a DD Nav head unit was going to fit the bill. After much research and a smoking deal I went with a Pioneer Avic Z140. This unit had an MSRP of $1500 when introduced last year. Amazon end of product cycle sale, $609.98. Yes, its a 2012 model, but still pretty damn loaded with features.
System will be as follows:
AVIC Z140 DD Nav unit.
Metra Steering Wheel control adapter
Rockford (most likely) 5x7s front and rear. My last thing to pick out. I was also thinking maybe 5 1/4 components up front with tweeters in the sail panels. I'm totally undecided, but need to at least figure out the rears because while the backseat is out I'll be installing those.
Crimestopper Backup Cam. Installed under lip near license plate lamp. This will be a bit of a challenge, as I think I may need to take off the entire light panel off the trunk. I don't like the "license plate" cams, they look tacked on to me.
I have two Alpine V12 amps that I just unearthed from storage. They were pretty nice "back in the day" I can't see them not working as they were perfect when removed. I think the 4 channel is 50x4 and the two channel is 100x2. I always thought they were underrated when I was using them.
Sub will be a single 12 that I **hope** to house next the spare tire. I have an option of some older Orion XTR or Boston Acoustics, both are on hand. I can't remember if the Bostons are dual voice coil or not but I know the Orions are. I may have to build a custom box for up there. It may be a little small, but if I stuff it with polyfill I think it can work. If not I'll sell all the 12's I have and buy a 10 that will work better in a smaller enclosure.
KnuKonceptz OFC power wire (4gauge) into smaller 8 gauge running off distribution block.
KnuKonceptz Karma braided speaker wire.
Rockford RCAs
Amps will be mounted on board behind spare tire attached to seatback frame, either carpeted to match trunk, or painted black.
Need to figure out GPS antenna placement, but I'm thinking either extreme corner of the dash or just try it attached to the top of the head unit.
Microphone for bluetooth phone will be high up on driver's A pillar or attached to the overhead console.
I'm super busy right now so this install will most likely be done in little stages, but I'll do my best to take pictures and document what I do. There is a STELLAR thread of interior disassemby on MM.net. It has certainly made me feel pretty confident on the install. I figure if 10 years ago I did a similar system in a box, I can do it in a whale. The biggest problem I can see is the head unit. There is a little trimming of the dash, but there is a lot of wires coming off the head and very little room back there. Others have cut the bottom area of the opening, I'm sure I'll have to all well. There appears to be a lot of open space between the HVAC controls and the radio.
Thoughts/Opinions??
It all started with looking for a head unit. I'm spoiled by the 2012 LaCrosse and all it's built in OEM goodness, so a DD Nav head unit was going to fit the bill. After much research and a smoking deal I went with a Pioneer Avic Z140. This unit had an MSRP of $1500 when introduced last year. Amazon end of product cycle sale, $609.98. Yes, its a 2012 model, but still pretty damn loaded with features.
System will be as follows:
AVIC Z140 DD Nav unit.
Metra Steering Wheel control adapter
Rockford (most likely) 5x7s front and rear. My last thing to pick out. I was also thinking maybe 5 1/4 components up front with tweeters in the sail panels. I'm totally undecided, but need to at least figure out the rears because while the backseat is out I'll be installing those.
Crimestopper Backup Cam. Installed under lip near license plate lamp. This will be a bit of a challenge, as I think I may need to take off the entire light panel off the trunk. I don't like the "license plate" cams, they look tacked on to me.
I have two Alpine V12 amps that I just unearthed from storage. They were pretty nice "back in the day" I can't see them not working as they were perfect when removed. I think the 4 channel is 50x4 and the two channel is 100x2. I always thought they were underrated when I was using them.
Sub will be a single 12 that I **hope** to house next the spare tire. I have an option of some older Orion XTR or Boston Acoustics, both are on hand. I can't remember if the Bostons are dual voice coil or not but I know the Orions are. I may have to build a custom box for up there. It may be a little small, but if I stuff it with polyfill I think it can work. If not I'll sell all the 12's I have and buy a 10 that will work better in a smaller enclosure.
KnuKonceptz OFC power wire (4gauge) into smaller 8 gauge running off distribution block.
KnuKonceptz Karma braided speaker wire.
Rockford RCAs
Amps will be mounted on board behind spare tire attached to seatback frame, either carpeted to match trunk, or painted black.
Need to figure out GPS antenna placement, but I'm thinking either extreme corner of the dash or just try it attached to the top of the head unit.
Microphone for bluetooth phone will be high up on driver's A pillar or attached to the overhead console.
I'm super busy right now so this install will most likely be done in little stages, but I'll do my best to take pictures and document what I do. There is a STELLAR thread of interior disassemby on MM.net. It has certainly made me feel pretty confident on the install. I figure if 10 years ago I did a similar system in a box, I can do it in a whale. The biggest problem I can see is the head unit. There is a little trimming of the dash, but there is a lot of wires coming off the head and very little room back there. Others have cut the bottom area of the opening, I'm sure I'll have to all well. There appears to be a lot of open space between the HVAC controls and the radio.
Thoughts/Opinions??
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