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Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 03:55 PM
  #1  
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Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

I need help picking out an aftermarket head unit for my 86' Trans Am. There are so many to choose from and I'd like your help picking one thats gonna give me the best bang for my buck. I'm looking for one that has an aux input for my iPod but I'm not picky if its in the front or back of the head unit. I'm looking to spend no more than $150, not including the iPod cable I'll need, if possible.

Thanks
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 11:56 AM
  #2  
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Get it while it's hot!
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r8omQ5P...px?I=020DXZ475
----------
You also get 20 bucks off of the ipod adapter if you don't want to use the aux input on the front of the unit. Still got change left over for some cables, wiring or sound deadening.

Last edited by stereojnky; Jan 28, 2008 at 12:00 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 12:06 PM
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

the cheapest is not always the best IMO. Then again, the most expensive is not always the best. With that in mind, I recommend the Apine CDE-9872. Best buy has it along with several online companies, including crutchfield. The ipod cable can also be purchased for an extra 29 bucks....good luck
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 02:31 PM
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 400 SBC, H.O. 305
Transmission: TH400, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.73s, 10 Bolt/3.73s
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

I've found a head unit for a little more money, but most all of the reviews are 4 or 5 stars. The interface is appealing unlike alot of others I've seen. This is probably the one I'll go with unless someone recommends another.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...684&tab=review


Thanks for your help guys

Last edited by Stippy17; Jan 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM. Reason: Had an extra http:// in the link.
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 09:00 PM
  #5  
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

the link does not work.....is it a pioneer...?
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 10:44 PM
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Originally Posted by redkaz04
the link does not work.....is it a pioneer...?
Take the extra "http//" off of the link...
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Old Jan 29, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 400 SBC, H.O. 305
Transmission: TH400, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.73s, 10 Bolt/3.73s
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Originally Posted by redkaz04
the link does not work.....is it a pioneer...?

Yes it's a Pioneer DEH-P4900iB.

Sorry for the extra http:// guys..
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Old Jan 29, 2008 | 12:38 PM
  #8  
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

nothing wrong with that unit except the controls are harder to learn to use and a bit more complicated. The alpine i recommended has three big buttons on the face that were designed specifically for ipod use ....makes life easy..not to mention it is cheaper. just my 2cents
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Old Jan 29, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Get a bigger one that just a single din! Maybe this is superficial, but I picked up a 1.5 din head unit and I kind of wish I had gotten a double din. All that space is there, why not use it?
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 02:15 PM
  #10  
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 400 SBC, H.O. 305
Transmission: TH400, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.73s, 10 Bolt/3.73s
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Originally Posted by brandotron
Get a bigger one that just a single din! Maybe this is superficial, but I picked up a 1.5 din head unit and I kind of wish I had gotten a double din. All that space is there, why not use it?

According to Pioneer's website Firebird's are a 1.5 Din, not a Double Din. When I bought the car it already had an aftermarket head unit in it (Am and CD's work but FM doesn't & I've already replaced the Antenna, and I want a head unit that incorporates an Ipod) so I shouldn't have to mess with fitting the new one in there too much.
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 04:02 PM
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From: Silverado, CA
Car: 2002 Camaro z28
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Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock, stock, stock
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Originally Posted by Stippy17
According to Pioneer's website Firebird's are a 1.5 Din, not a Double Din. When I bought the car it already had an aftermarket head unit in it (Am and CD's work but FM doesn't & I've already replaced the Antenna, and I want a head unit that incorporates an Ipod) so I shouldn't have to mess with fitting the new one in there too much.
I followed the same Pioneer specs when I chose my 1.5 din and I have a good .25" on the top and bottom of my head unit. To each his own, but the next head unit I buy will be a double din. I might have to do a little fabbing for a bracket, but it should fit in the console with no problems.

Nice Trans Am, BTW.
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 08:33 PM
  #12  
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 400 SBC, H.O. 305
Transmission: TH400, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.73s, 10 Bolt/3.73s
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Originally Posted by brandotron
I followed the same Pioneer specs when I chose my 1.5 din and I have a good .25" on the top and bottom of my head unit. To each his own, but the next head unit I buy will be a double din. I might have to do a little fabbing for a bracket, but it should fit in the console with no problems.

Nice Trans Am, BTW.

Ok, I'll keep in mind those specs are off. Thanks for your help brandotron. And thanks lol, its definetely a work in progress and still has a long way to go but I'm 17 and excited to own and restore such a car.


I'll post pics up in a week or two once I buy the unit and install it.
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 09:03 PM
  #13  
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

well just about any pioneer or alpine will sound good so just pick one up get an amp an a sub an some new speakers an you got a nice sound system
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 10:48 PM
  #14  
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Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock, stock, stock
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit


Seriously, at the end of the day, just get a name brand and you'll be fine. GET AN AMP AN SUB. Even if you go cheap on it, it'll make your stereo sound ten times better.

Keep us posted if you do that 350 swap!
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 11:17 PM
  #15  
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Car: 91 RS, t-topped, man trans.
Engine: 350cid 350Hp crate motor
Transmission: t5 with new stock clutch and parts
Axle/Gears: 3.08 stock -RS
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

flip out screen from Jensen. NOt a big name but the head unit has a lot of features. I pod cable too! ..........for what i need my ultimate stereo to be this H.unit delivered!
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Old Jan 31, 2008 | 11:11 AM
  #16  
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Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Can't go wrong with a Pioneer. I've never gone back to any other make.
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Old Jan 31, 2008 | 11:36 AM
  #17  
Stippy17's Avatar
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 400 SBC, H.O. 305
Transmission: TH400, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.73s, 10 Bolt/3.73s
Re: Choosing An Aftermarket Head Unit

Thanks for all the help guys..I'll post pics up when it's installed in the car.

Originally Posted by brandotron
Seriously, at the end of the day, just get a name brand and you'll be fine. GET AN AMP AN SUB. Even if you go cheap on it, it'll make your stereo sound ten times better.

Keep us posted if you do that 350 swap!
Those are next on my list, just need to put the money aside little by little til I have enough. The car wont be on the road for a few more months still so I still have time. I'll def keep you posted on the swap too.
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