1986 TA with Performance Sound. If I purchase a wiring adaptor to plug a Monsoon HU to the 1986 wiring, will the Performance Sound amplifier with factory subwoofers work with the Monsoon HU? Thanks in advance, Charles

 

from the info I found over at LS1Tech, it just uses the standard 89+ radio wiring connector and should function like any newer model gm radio; most of the "monsoon" system is about the amp and speakers

 

Doubtful. The later model monsoon head units did not have any internal amplifier. The HU sent signal to an amp(s) in the vehicle. In late model 4th gens the amp was in the rear tire well and was voltage sensing. Meaning that you can't simply run a 12v turn on wire to the amp.

Long story short, its not worth your time. Look into picking up an Alpine KTP-445 compact 4 channel amp and a new deck. It'll perform better, have more features, and sound better.

 

No arguement from me about the quality of aftermarket being much better than OEM. Even though a Monsoon is not OE to an 86, it does look like a Pontiac radio. It has the correct (red) color readouts. I am trying to keep the car as stock as possible, because it shows in the 82-92 stock Firebird class. There are not many 1.5 din aftermarket systems, and I don't care for the look of a single din unit with a mounting kit. No way am I going to modify the car to fit a double din. I got a reply from Kevin at Replacement Radios, and he thinks that the non-Monsoon Delco will work with my OE system and the OE remote amplifier/subwoofers. After considering options, it looks like I will be having the OEM HU and amplifier refurbished. The OE speakers and subwoofers are still in great condition. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that the car is stored in a humidity and temp controled environment. The car does not see much time outdoors.

 

oops, must have overlooked the non-amplified part.
but if you're looking for an OE deck, grab anything pontiac from the late 90s; my 97 GTP deck was a perfect fit for my TA, just had to make very slight modification to the mounting tabs. CD player and in some cases, auxiliary input add-ons are available so you can use an mp3 player too

 

The non monsoon HU would be a better bet and should interface directly IIRC. About 10 years ago I had a GTA with the "performance sound." Pretty sure it uses high level inputs.

If you hook it up and the plugs mate listen for distortion. If there is alot of distortion at low volumes that means you need a low level input to the factory amp. Peripheral makes a part called the ISVE-61 that allows for easy integration into factory amps. I used to sell a ton of those to mustang guys looking to retain their old mach 460 setup.

 

The OE Delco has high level outputs. I think that the OE HU is the same regardless of if the vehicle has Performance Sound or not.

I have one of those high level/low level converters on my F-350 with a CD-6 Audiophile. It works perfectly with an aftermarket A-B amp and a D class subwoofer amp.

 

I have a pontiac factory cd player from an early 90`s car.Radio works fine but needs the cd mechanism refurbished.Its a bit dusty in the pic from sitting on my dresser for awhile

 

You can indeed use a fourth generation 97-2002 Pontiac monsoon cd player in your third gen,there is no difference between it and the normal 7 band eq head unit other than it having the word "monsoon" on the faceplate.
It also does indeed have an amplifier built into it,its the later models that dont.

 

Thanks for the info.

Is it feasable to upgrade from a Performance Sound amp to a Monsoon amp? It seems like there might be some compatibility issues with the amps?

 

I just got done doing this swap as well an im very pleased with it like above said grind down the metal tabs an installs like a glove

 

Did you swap the HU and are still using the Performance Sound amp? Or did you swap in the Monsoon amp as well? Thanks in advance.

 

Im still using the performance sound amp sounds pretty good but i really dont need it since it has the 7 equalizers tabs to change the sound an base but im kinda having a problem with it as well its way to hot an shorts out but once the radio is cool it will work again i still have power to the radio an everything just the clock display doesnt appear

 

wow, I didnt know these car came with a CD player in the early 90's!