Replacing Factory Radio?

[j1mmyr1chter]

I have a 2010 SHO and it does not have the nav unit, just the basic radio controls. Has anybody tried installing an after market head unit in this car? Has anybody done it while maintaining all the features of the stock unit (e.g. Sync controls)? I have seen a dash kit thats supposed to be for the SHO, but it really didn't look right, as it appeared to have a slot for the after market radio that would put it right in the slot where my A/C controls are??

I also have to say (contrary to most opinions on this forum that I have seen) that I really enjoy the center channel up front. Other people have stated that they hear nothing coming from this speaker, and others have even installed gauge pods over the speaker, but I hear a LOT coming from this speaker and would like to retain it while upgrading the audio in the car. It really moves the sound stage forward, where it should be. Anybody know of a 5 channel amp that doesn't use the fifth channel for subs only? I havent bought audio gear in many years, so I am just not sure if anyone already has amps that accommodate a center channel. Many thanks for any input / advice you guys might have.

 

[Billm0066]

Do you have your radio set on surround sound? The center channel should not be used if that is set to off. At least nothing comes out of mine until I turn surround sound on. Sorry I cant be much help on changing the radio.

 

[TonyTheTIger57]

WHats the need to change out the nice stereo that FORD installed?

 

[j1mmyr1chter]

In my experience with factory head units, no matter how 'high end' they may be, they simply cant hold up to aftermarket performance. In addition to that, you usually cannot find a true low level output from a factory unit to feed an aftermarket amp (you usually have to install a noisy inline high / low level converter). Its usually more prudent to just get rid of it and install a higher end aftermarket unit. Anybody know anything about this factory system? Can ya get to low level outputs out of the thing to hook up your own amp? Is Sync tied into the amp portion of the system?

 

[Showgun]

Wow, is something wrong with yours? Mine sounds awesome.
Just askin'.
Good luck with a fix-up or change-over.
C.

 

[dogstar]

there is not alot of amps on the market that you are looking for but i found one on e-bay.http://compare.ebay.com/like/220892569609?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y. To keep the sync, you will need the interface by pac (PAC MS-FRD1 ). I would get a good nav unit, replace factory speakers and add a 10'' sub.

 

[halo3kbb]

Forgive me if this answer has already been given somewhere else, but I'd like to piggy back off of j1mmyr1chter's question. I'd like to know if anybody successfully migrated from the Ford Stock radio to the Ford Stock NAV unit, successfully, and what parts/steps were taken to make it successful. More importantly, how much $ do I have to hit the piggy bank for. The appeal to have NAV *AND* HD-Radio is too much not to want to migrate it out.

 

[j1mmyr1chter]

Thanks dogstar. Looks like a pretty nice piece of gear. I just wonder what the distortion spec is at the 50 watt rms rating? I was looking for a bit more power than that, but if its very cleanly rated, that 50 watts could be good usable power. Wonder why that refurb in your link is sooo much cheaper than a new one? I will look into the PAC kit for Sync. Many thanks for the direction! Now, to find speakers that fit the locations...

 

[dogstar]

Thanks dogstar. Looks like a pretty nice piece of gear. I just wonder what the distortion spec is at the 50 watt rms rating? I was looking for a bit more power than that, but if its very cleanly rated, that 50 watts could be good usable power. Wonder why that refurb in your link is sooo much cheaper than a new one? I will look into the PAC kit for Sync. Many thanks for the direction! Now, to find speakers that fit the locations...

I have a 78' F100 with a cheap $100 JVC stereo in, i think something like 45 watts per channel going to two Infinity Kappa 6 1/2 woofers and a Kenwood amp feeding a JL 10'' sub. I tell you it is very loud. 50 watts is plenty of power. I use to have a Z24 Cavalier with the same stereo in it with 4 Kicker 12's.The Jvc stereo had enough power to keep up with my 12's.

 

[Nick G]

Hands down the best radio was in my 99 Grand Cherokee with the infinity sound system.

 

[SM105K]

Hands down the best radio was in my 99 Grand Cherokee with the infinity sound system.

Holy brought back from the 10 year grave Batman.

 

[rubydist]

Forgive me if this answer has already been given somewhere else, but I'd like to piggy back off of j1mmyr1chter's question. I'd like to know if anybody successfully migrated from the Ford Stock radio to the Ford Stock NAV unit, successfully, and what parts/steps were taken to make it successful. More importantly, how much $ do I have to hit the piggy bank for. The appeal to have NAV *AND* HD-Radio is too much not to want to migrate it out.

iirc, all the hardware is the same, its just a software change to "turn on" the navi part of the system. There are aftermarket guys who have hacked this, but I have forgotten the name of the places that have done it. I think a good Google search should reveal them for you.

 

[RoketRdr]

iirc, all the hardware is the same, its just a software change to "turn on" the navi part of the system. There are aftermarket guys who have hacked this, but I have forgotten the name of the places that have done it. I think a good Google search should reveal them for you.

Actually its a hardware issue that also requires some software changes via ForScan or IDS. Would be better off going aftermarket with a Maestro interface. And like SM105K says...holy necro thread revival.