I have a 1992 Camaro Convertible RS. When I bought it the installed aftermarket Kenwood HU wasn't working. I bought a cheap factory radio that I've been using for the time being, but I would like to get to work on my audio system. My plan is to use a OEM Bose HU (I want to keep the car looking stock), and upgrade the factory speakers. I purchased a Bose unit from a fellow TGO member, which was pulled from an 87 Camaro. My first problem is that the connections are completely different than the ones for my current harness. IIRC, the connections were changed in 88, but I don't know if the pre-88 connections are the same for Bose/non-Bose HUs (I attached a photo of the back of the 87 Bose unit I want to install). I have found the correct harness for the large connector and what I believe to be the power connector, but I have no idea what the black wire up top and the red one are for... So First I need to figure out how to wire the 87 Bose HU up to my 92 Harness. The antenna jack is also different. If I'm not mistaken the 87 Bose HU takes what's called a Motorola antenna jack? If that is correct that won't be a problem because the hidden antenna I am purchasing is a "Motorola jack" style.

EDIT: My other option would be to purchase this unit (second attached picture) I found on ebay, it seems to have the 89-92 connections. My current harness has three connectors (one with power, ground, etc one for front speakers and one for rear speakers) but there is a space for a fourth connector...does the bose radio use this for the amps or something?

My second problem is that from what I understand the Bose speakers were each individually amplified. Therefore, if I simply hook up the Bose HU I will only get very little sound at the highest level. If I'm not mistaken, I can easily add an amplifier to remedy this problem. I know very little when it comes to car audio in terms of what provides the best quality, etc. (I know someone will post that I should just get an aftermarket HU, but I'm firm on the Bose. I've had top-of-the-line HUs installed in previous vehicles and could not notice any sound quality change. I am perfectly happy with the sound quality of the current speakers and radio but I figure an upgrade wouldn't hurt) Basically, I would like some advice on what I should look for when selecting an amp (wattage, channels, anything else of importance). Also, advice on how to wire it up would be appreciated although I'm sure I can find information about that by searching. I also need to know if I should get one amp or two, which ties in to my next question.

I would like to upgrade the stock speakers. The rears are round (remember, it's a convertible) But I'm not sure what size. From what I've read, round speakers are much better than oval, is this correct? For the rear speakers (the ones next to the rear seats) should I use mid-range or subs? As far as the dash speakers are concerned - if it makes a big difference to go with round instead of oval I'll do that. I'd like to know what the best size would be for these that will provide maximum quality while not having to modify stuff too much, and definitely not losing functionality (i.e. of vents). Should the dash speakers be mid-range?

Should I add additional speakers besides those four? I can't sacrifice any trunk space because it's a convertible, so I certainly can't make a huge sub box or anything like that. I was thinking about getting kick-panel speakers I found on ebay. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/82-92...fAudioQ5fVideo) I've also seen people mount tweeters in the a-pillars or triangle window ones. I have also seen people mount speakers in the doors but I don't see how that would be possible with power windows. I would like to at least have two tweeters, two mid-range, and a sub.

Final questions; should I be upgrading the current speaker wires? Are there any brands you would recommend/and brands I should stay away from?


I know this is a TON of questions, but I HAVE searched. For some of the questions I have not found answers, for others I have found inconsistent information. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you could find a stock bose wiring harness it would really make things easier. I will make a suggestion on the speaker amp thing. Cadillac STS and SLS's made during the 1990's and early 2000's use a similar set up. I took the front door speakers from one and removed the speaker amp combo and installed them in my factory kick panel housing. The Cadillac uses 100 watt amps instead of the 25 watt amps that come in the Camaro. I decided to go further and use a set of 6 X 9 Cadillac rear deck speaker/amp combos in the pillar. Does the convertible have any place you could mount these? If not you will still be pleasantly surprised with the improvement just using the Round speakers/amps in you stock enclosures. The Cadillac uses a smaller plug than my Iroc so I had to wire the plug from the camaro speaker to the Cady speaker.

 

After doing a lot of thinking, I've decided to go with all aftermarket. I think I'll be much happier than with the stock setup...I'm really missing my Kenwood DDX-512 I had installed in my last car. I still know pretty much nothing about upgrading the speakers, where to add more, what amp(s) to get, where to locate things, etc..

 

Since your car isn't a Bose car to start with you are probably better off. Good Luick!

 

90-91 Cadillac sevilles, eldorados, and posible devilles with Bose systems have the newer connector on the stereo, just get one and swap the Camaro face and ***** over.