kenwood DNX-6180 in 1991 ZR-1 Install inside

[Torchred96]

You can read about the install of the DNX 6180 below, and it looked nice. But honestly it was a poor performer, sluggish to react to any command and frankly annoying. Worse, it died with less than 10 hours of use in the same way all DNX series eventually do, an endless startup loop failure. To be fair, I purchased it as an ebay refurb. Still, AVOID KENWOOD is my advice. I won't send it back and reward Kenwood because they put this series out with the known sluggish issue and did nothing to mitigate the endless loop which is an obvious factory flaw. Instead, I have gone back to Alpine, which has always been a solid performer since by first one in the mid 80's. This one is a double din INE S920HD, and it fit using the same kit I used for the Dnx (just transferred the parts) without further modification shown below. While it isn't blindingly fast, when you compare it to the DNX, it's a speed demon. Sounds great, looks as good or better, and like the DNX had, I like the volume knob. Plus it's an Alpine. Updated 8/25/15
================================================== ===========================================
I'm in the middle of my porting project and the intake is off to the powder coater, so in the meantime, I thought I would get my Kenwood double din dnx 6180 install started. I basically followed Rex Ruby's 1993 install of his Pioneer Avic for the mock up. I think the wiring locations are different, as I didn't find the power leads in the passenger side back compartment of my 1991 zr1 where his 93 power and antennae leads were found. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

This is a mock up of my install. There is absolutely no cutting of the stock radio bezel. I would have bought a regular corvette bezel before I cut this one up. In this pic, there is no wiring done or any speakers installed. I plan on putting 8" subs in the stock locations later on, but for now, I have a pair of 10 JBL's in a pretty compact box that fits okay in the back. Haven't decided on the fronts yet. I like the 6x9's Rex did, but I also like them to be hidden. Try to ignore the finger prints.


This is the install kit I used. Only the two ears are used in this kit. I just put the stock radio side by side and put the ears where they matched the stock radio's mounting tabs. Per the instructions that came with the kit, the radio sleeve and trim ring are not used in this install.







In this picture, you can see the plastic that has to come out and the next pic is what I cut out. I had my grinder handy that I used to port the intake, so I used a cone style burr and took out the piece in about 2 minutes time....cut like butta

[902066]

looks like it will be nice when finished. I have had my ZR-1 for 11 years, turned the radio on once to see if it worked. It sounded good, have never had it on since.

[WB9MCW]

I am the same way - like to hear the engine so not much on the tunes -- demo to others when they ride with and all are impressed with the system -- then off again to listen to the engine.

[ZR-1Mikko]

Looks great!!

After serving me well for 8 years my rear amps finally went out recently and I have started to dream about a setup like this.
Let us know how the wiring goes...I would be interested to know, since mine is a 91 too.

[FU]

The DNX 6180 is a great upgrade for the C4. There are a few Z's on here with the DNX 6180's in them.

[Torchred96]

If you missed it above, the DNX died a couple years later, even though it only had 10 hours or less in total use. I didn't bother to use the warrranty because I didn't like it. Instead, I bought an Alpine. Avoid this and all the DNX series. I will avoid kenwood from now on. Love the Alpine.

No doubt that motor sounds great...sometimes though when I park, I like to hear a great stereo, reminds me that I'm in the car that I always wanted but never thought I'd have an opportunity to own.

The DNX 6180 had some user reviews that said it was slow.. I believe the dnx6120, 6140 and 6160 are the same unit or very similar but they had great reviews. I figure it won't be hard to revert to one of those if this proves to be as slow as some reviews seem to suggest. OTOH, I thought, what's the hurry, youre in a zr-1.

I liked the pioneer units too but I couldn't make up my mind which one to get. When I saw the review on the 6160, it seemed to have everything I would ever want (certainly not need) so I just thought, might as well get the 6180. Incidentally, this one is refurbished from ebay...comes with a 30 day warranty and i bought a 3 year warranty for an addition $30. So, the total was right around 500 shipped to me.

Can't wait to get it hooked up, but since the car is in the garage, I can't get to the passenger side to the wiring because it's too close to the wall.

[WB9MCW]

I am sure it will go well for you and you will be a happy camper with the new unit.

If I went to a lot of show events I would play mine there as well with the hatch up.

You are in the SS State so I figure you are out in the good weather a lot and have plenty of time to crank it up and jam.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Always glad to see the SEARCH function working as intended.

It's time for the Turq Monster to get a radio I can actually hear. Mighteven opt for a FBI Flapper Exhaust this year as well. First things first. Time to order the Kenwood or Pioneer system.

GOD, I want a stroker!!!

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by Blue Flame Restorations

Always glad to see the SEARCH function working as intended.

It's time for the Turq Monster to get a radio I can actually hear. Mighteven opt for a FBI Flapper Exhaust this year as well. First things first. Time to order the Kenwood or Pioneer system.

GOD, I want a stroker!!!

Brett,

There's time for the stroker to be ready for the Chicago 1/2 mile.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Brett,

There's time for the stroker to be ready for the Chicago 1/2 mile.

LOL

That'd be ok as long as someone else drove the car. You know me? Not much of a top ender.