Thinking of stereo upgrade - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

MB ZR1 · 08-18-2008

I've started hearing some cracking out of my front passenger speaker in my 1990 ZR-1.I've thought long and hard about what to do about this. First off I listen to alot of music while driving. Well I don't need a loud bass pounding system, I'd like a solid system. As good as the stereo was in 1990, aftermarket systems have come a long way.
So, I'm wondering what different systems guys have tried. Have you gone away from the bose speakers? I'd apprieciate any pics of systems put in just for some ideas. Really not too crazy about modifying things too much.

White Bullet · 08-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB ZR1

I've started hearing some cracking out of my front passenger speaker in my 1990 ZR-1.I've thought long and hard about what to do about this. First off I listen to alot of music while driving. Well I don't need a loud bass pounding system, I'd like a solid system. As good as the stereo was in 1990, aftermarket systems have come a long way.
So, I'm wondering what different systems guys have tried. Have you gone away from the bose speakers? I'd apprieciate any pics of systems put in just for some ideas. Really not too crazy about modifying things too much.

I have run the full cycle as far as system replacement/original setup goes. So I will qualify my statements with first my listening requirements are based on casual listening only and I find the stock system sound quality to be satisfactory for my needs. Now with that out of the way I have replaced the whole system (head unit and speakers), partial replacement (head unit only) and repaired the stock system. From a dollars stand point only you can repair the stock system for less than a aftermarket system of equal sound quality. You can spend less for an aftermarket system (think Wal-Mart and you install) and there is a chance you will not be satisfied with the sound produced. This is not a negitave comment about Wal-Mart. For me the complete replacement did not meet my needs or equal the stock system. I installed a Kenwood KDC-X990 and six disk changer with Infinity reference speakers front and back (6X9 in back; 6" in the front). The sound was clean and clear the bottom needed help. So a sub woofer would have been needed some place. I did not go there. So next up was to keep the Kenwood units and replace the Infinity speakers with the Bose speakers. This provided better overall sound however it was just a notch below the stock system for overall sound reproduction. So I have repaired the Delco head unit and reinstalled it. To me this provides the best sound. So to sum it up. If you are willing to spend a good amount of money on a aftermarket system you can achieve a equal or better sounding system then the stock setup but keep in mind that there maybe a need to modify mounting locations and boxes added for woofers. You will also get the newer play back options that the stock system does not (mp3, ipod, nav, etc.). If you want the play back options of the newer technology without a great deal of cost and are satisfied with the stock sound. Then replace the head unit and leave the Bose speakers in place. If you are happy with the stock system and do not want all the optional playback formats then fix what you have and rock on.

Bell Curve · 08-24-2008

I am going to get my Bose fixed instead of getting aftermarket

MB ZR1 · 08-25-2008

Thanks for all the info White Bullet. I'm thinking the way I'm going to end up going is an aftermarket head unit and keep the Bose speaker system. I really don't want to fill hatch area with extra equiptment. (There really isn't a whole lot of room to begin with). I'd like a head unit that an ipod can be plugged into to avoid using FM transmitter.

MB ZR1 · 09-12-2008

An update from my last post. I decided today to go completely aftermarket. The entire system will be pulled out and rewired which definitly is the biggest cost. I've decided to make sure I'm using best cables possible. If you are going to do it no use cutting corners.The factory bose system wasn't good enough. With the headers and flowmaster exhaust my stereo needs to be cranked right up for me to hear anything. With the blown front speaker it sounds terrible. I have decided to install an Alpine receiver unit and an Alpine amp. The deck lets me control my ipod without going through FM. The speakers are Focal 5" in the front and 61/2 in the rear. These are the best speakers without cutting or modifying much.
Pictures will follow.

Z Factor · 09-12-2008

I just ran into a guy who changed the head unit out, but used a switchover to be able to keep the Bose speakers. He obviously did not have any amp issues.
Make sure to keep and properly store your original system in case you sell it someday, and the buyer wants it.

GOLDCYLON · 09-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB ZR1

An update from my last post. I decided today to go completely aftermarket. The entire system will be pulled out and rewired which definitly is the biggest cost. I've decided to make sure I'm using best cables possible. If you are going to do it no use cutting corners.The factory bose system wasn't good enough. With the headers and flowmaster exhaust my stereo needs to be cranked right up for me to hear anything. With the blown front speaker it sounds terrible. I have decided to install an Alpine receiver unit and an Alpine amp. The deck lets me control my ipod without going through FM. The speakers are Focal 5" in the front and 61/2 in the rear. These are the best speakers without cutting or modifying much.
Pictures will follow.

I went with an AVIC Z2 I love it. Original equipment is in a garage cabinet.

MB ZR1 · 09-23-2008

The system is all in and sounding amazing. Well worth the cost of rewiring the car (in my opinion anyway). The only thing that looks different from stock is the deck. I did loose some space in the storage area with the amp install.

White Bullet · 09-23-2008

Congrats on a great setup

. I believe that the best option if quality and quantity of sound are desired, then the complete replacement of the sound system is in order. When I in the past replaced my system I could never seem to overcome the fact the the new head unit did not blend in well with the rest of the dash for looks or back lighting. It's just me being to picky about the appearance of it. Enjoy the tunes

.

GOLDCYLON · 09-23-2008

Ah the Metra Pocket install kit I know it well.

I went with the Pioneer Avic Nav Series

08-18-2008	#1
MB ZR1 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stonewall, Manitoba Posts: 80	Thinking of stereo upgrade I've started hearing some cracking out of my front passenger speaker in my 1990 ZR-1.I've thought long and hard about what to do about this. First off I listen to alot of music while driving. Well I don't need a loud bass pounding system, I'd like a solid system. As good as the stereo was in 1990, aftermarket systems have come a long way. So, I'm wondering what different systems guys have tried. Have you gone away from the bose speakers? I'd apprieciate any pics of systems put in just for some ideas. Really not too crazy about modifying things too much.

08-24-2008	#3
Bell Curve Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pineridge Posts: 341	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade I am going to get my Bose fixed instead of getting aftermarket

08-25-2008	#4
MB ZR1 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stonewall, Manitoba Posts: 80	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade Thanks for all the info White Bullet. I'm thinking the way I'm going to end up going is an aftermarket head unit and keep the Bose speaker system. I really don't want to fill hatch area with extra equiptment. (There really isn't a whole lot of room to begin with). I'd like a head unit that an ipod can be plugged into to avoid using FM transmitter.

09-12-2008	#5
MB ZR1 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stonewall, Manitoba Posts: 80	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade An update from my last post. I decided today to go completely aftermarket. The entire system will be pulled out and rewired which definitly is the biggest cost. I've decided to make sure I'm using best cables possible. If you are going to do it no use cutting corners.The factory bose system wasn't good enough. With the headers and flowmaster exhaust my stereo needs to be cranked right up for me to hear anything. With the blown front speaker it sounds terrible. I have decided to install an Alpine receiver unit and an Alpine amp. The deck lets me control my ipod without going through FM. The speakers are Focal 5" in the front and 61/2 in the rear. These are the best speakers without cutting or modifying much. Pictures will follow.

09-12-2008	#6
Z Factor Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: S. Florida Posts: 2,667	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade I just ran into a guy who changed the head unit out, but used a switchover to be able to keep the Bose speakers. He obviously did not have any amp issues. Make sure to keep and properly store your original system in case you sell it someday, and the buyer wants it.

09-23-2008	#8
MB ZR1 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stonewall, Manitoba Posts: 80	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade The system is all in and sounding amazing. Well worth the cost of rewiring the car (in my opinion anyway). The only thing that looks different from stock is the deck. I did loose some space in the storage area with the amp install.

09-23-2008	#9
White Bullet Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gainesville GA Posts: 231	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade Congrats on a great setup. I believe that the best option if quality and quantity of sound are desired, then the complete replacement of the sound system is in order. When I in the past replaced my system I could never seem to overcome the fact the the new head unit did not blend in well with the rest of the dash for looks or back lighting. It's just me being to picky about the appearance of it. Enjoy the tunes. __________________ 1991 ZR1, White/Red.

09-23-2008	#10
GOLDCYLON Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 9,155	Re: Thinking of stereo upgrade Ah the Metra Pocket install kit I know it well. I went with the Pioneer Avic Nav Series __________________ GOLDCYLON - 91 ZR-1 #2014 GOLDCYLON - 90 ZR-1 #2794, 4L60e (Formerly Schrade's) GOLDCYLON - 11 CTS-V Arizona State Director 91 WHITE/BLACK #2014. 380 P&P&PCed,Ported Heads, Jeal Long tubes, Corsa Exhaust/FIKSE FM-5s /LED TLs, LED Headlights, Front Wilwood 6 piston narrowlite calipers and rear Wilwood caliper street shop mod,CNCed Coolant Pipes,TPI Cvr,Filter cover,Stainless Bolts, DRM/DOM PROM /ZFDOC mod build #102,DRLs,BMAD with stainless Debris Screen,Coplan Air Blaster, Pioneer APP Radio 4,Brey-Krause HB,Sub Bar,Fire extinguisher seat mount,DRM Coilovers,LEDs everywhere,Compass mirror (orange),V1 DIC hidden display, Homelink sun visor, Carbon Fiber top x3 and APSIS Carbon Fiber interior, APSIS CF Steering Wheel/NAPA Leather, Banski trailing arms, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension) ZFDoc drive shaft safety loop, raptor shift light (orange),AO engineering louver front plate, Console seat cushion, 96CE seats with black custom Sheepskins, ss billet catch can,Viper remote entry/alarm,Cragar Rear Louvers,LED side louver lights, Dewitts Radiator with SPAL fans and a Woods 160 T-Stat 90 RED/BLACK #2794. 4L60e Automatic Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless Headers, Corsa Exhaust, SAN Secondaries and Haibeck PROM, Exotic Muscle Coil overs, LED Interior Lights, LED Tail Lights, LED Headlights, 94 Sport seats with black custom Sheepskins , Cragar rear louvers, GS Front calipers, Banski Trailing arms, APSIS Carbon Fiber steering wheel, Front and Rear Baer Eradispeeds, DRLs, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension), Dewitt's Raditor with Dual SPAL fans and a Haibeck 170 T-Stat 11 RED/GREY CTS-V Last edited by GOLDCYLON; 09-24-2008 at 09:29 PM.