Aftermarket head unit with stock everything else possible?

[94btmLT1]

I have a 1994 Camaro Z28 with the factory bose audio system (the amp and stuff in the rear). My question is: Is it possible to install and aftermarket head unit and keep the factory everything else (amp speakers etc.) just as they are? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a head unit and/or installation kit and/or wiring harness, etc...? Thanks!

[SSlowBoat]

Talk to kee audio. He is a site sponsor. Honestly the stock stuff is junk it's all low voltage high resistance stuff, extra tiny wires etc

Kee audio can get you everything you need that's direct fit

[harner]

edit - +1 Kee Audio probably knows what you need. I worked with him in the past too and totally forgot about him last month. Doh! :shiner:


I think you would need a special adapter with the aftermarket head unit. That will make sure appropriate power is supplied to the amp. Otherwise, you'll probably need to run new speaker wires I'd imagine.

As for head units, there are so many features these days, it's ridiculous. Figure out what you need and what you're willing to spend and go from there.

Last month, I bought an Alpine CDE-143BT from Crutchfield with the harness, antenna adapter, install kit, door chime speaker, trim tool, and connectors for $168 shipped. The head unit was 130 I think and had blue tooth/hands free which is what I wanted for my dad. It works beautifully.

Contact Crutchfield support, they will probably know the part number of what you need to make it seamless.

[94btmLT1]

Talk to kee audio. He is a site sponsor. Honestly the stock stuff is junk it's all low voltage high resistance stuff, extra tiny wires etc

Kee audio can get you everything you need that's direct fit


edit - +1 Kee Audio probably knows what you need. I worked with him in the past too and totally forgot about him last month. Doh! :shiner:


I think you would need a special adapter with the aftermarket head unit. That will make sure appropriate power is supplied to the amp. Otherwise, you'll probably need to run new speaker wires I'd imagine.

As for head units, there are so many features these days, it's ridiculous. Figure out what you need and what you're willing to spend and go from there.

Last month, I bought an Alpine CDE-143BT from Crutchfield with the harness, antenna adapter, install kit, door chime speaker, trim tool, and connectors for $168 shipped. The head unit was 130 I think and had blue tooth/hands free which is what I wanted for my dad. It works beautifully.

Contact Crutchfield support, they will probably know the part number of what you need to make it seamless.

I'll look into kee audio for sure then! My thing is that i just want to be able to use an aux connection for my phone, but i dont really want to spend the time or money to change anything else. I hate wiring lol

[popo8]

Kee Audio

[harner]

If you hate wiring, switch to Bluetooth. I got hooked on it years ago. Also, look into those digital media receivers. They don't have a cd slot, usually just aux, usb, and possibly bluetooth and sirius.

I haven't listened to a CD in a couple years!

[94btmLT1]

If you hate wiring, switch to Bluetooth. I got hooked on it years ago. Also, look into those digital media receivers. They don't have a cd slot, usually just aux, usb, and possibly bluetooth and sirius.

I haven't listened to a CD in a couple years!
I'll look into it for sure!

[Chris]

Yes, I used only an Alpine head unit with the stock bose system, you just need to use the amp turn on wire like you would an after market system. Only used a cheap Sosche adapter from walmart to do it.

[popo8]

I know when i had the eclipse installed in my camaro years ago...they needed to bypass the bose amp and sub (factory )....

[94btmLT1]

Yes, I used only an Alpine head unit with the stock bose system, you just need to use the amp turn on wire like you would an after market system. Only used a cheap Sosche adapter from walmart to do it.

perfect! i would like to do something like this

[94btmLT1]

I've decided to head in a new direction, at least for now... I have the bose system that has the two door speakers, one speaker under the hatch, and no speakers in the sail panels. My drivers side door speaker does not work. Is it possible to replace JUST THAT SPEAKER? I want to keep the factory HU and the rest of the speakers.

[Chris]

Replace the speaker with another bose speaker or aftermarket?

You will need to measure the factory speakers to determine what resistance they are with the stock bose amp. I do not know off the top of my head. Factory amplified units use wired resistances typically.

Though general opinion is that you will be hard pressed to find a better sounding speaker for the money than the factory bose set up.

[popo8]

When i had the eclipse head unit installed in my camaro... they had to bypass the stock bose amp/sub in the hatch...was not very happy about that... not sure why they didnt just re wire it back in with a hi/lo converter... but oh well.

[94btmLT1]

Replace the speaker with another bose speaker or aftermarket?

You will need to measure the factory speakers to determine what resistance they are with the stock bose amp. I do not know off the top of my head. Factory amplified units use wired resistances typically.

Though general opinion is that you will be hard pressed to find a better sounding speaker for the money than the factory bose set up.

I completely agree that the factory bose system sounds pretty great. My original question was somewhat unclear. I would like to keep the factory bose everything, I like how it sounds (even with my TWO speakers that do work!) but my drivers side door speaker makes no noise. What do i need to do/buy to fix it? haha

[Chris]

Well you need to check the wiring between the amp and the speaker and if it is good replace the speaker. You have a known good one on the other side you can swap it with.

I'd replace it with some factory Bose stuff off eBay or the forums. It sounds great


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[94btmLT1]

Well you need to check the wiring between the amp and the speaker and if it is good replace the speaker. You have a known good one on the other side you can swap it with.

I'd replace it with some factory Bose stuff off eBay or the forums. It sounds great


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
Will do! thanks!