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!


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!


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