Ok so I'm debating changing my head unit out of my SS. I love the sound I get from the factory head unit, and I also have a very nice after market unit.
If I replace the head unit will I still the amplified sound or will I lose that? I'm not sure if it has an amplifier seperate from the head unit or how its setup.
I'm atleast willing to give it a shot

The second part of this is, if I don't like how the new head unit sounds I want to be able to switch it back. I want the ability to go with my stock sound system again. do I have to have a programming code for my stereo or anything like that to make it work?

Thanks in advance

 

You cant do either or with the HU and the speaks. I was told by "pro installers" that doing that will fry your new HU if you leave the monsoon crap in. I simply rewired the door speakers and sail panel speakers then hooked them into my new HU. Took all of a couple hours under the carport at 9pm with a flashlight. I believe it was truly worth it. If you want to leave the stock speakers youll need to disconnect them from your factory amps. Just get a HU that puts out enough watts to support them or buy a small amp and go that route. GL

 

how the heck would you re-wire the front speakers to the new HU? Like how would you get at those wires? Also I was able to get my front door panel off except the window lock wouldnt separate from the door. how do you do that? This is all being done on a 98 Firebird btw. I'm trying to get rid of that PITA monsoon.

 

Combining after-market gear with any of the POS Monsoon system is NOT recommended. And it has nothing to do with possibly frying any of the equipment. All of the components that make up the POS Monsoon system are of VERY POOR QUALITY. The HU and amp both put out a LOT of distortion. This is why the factory speakers are blowing all the time. In MY Personal opinion, if you want to upgrade the stereo, you should replace it all or don't even bother. My minimum requirements for a high quality after-market setup are...

* An HU that has all the features that you want or need. (MP3 compatability, changer controls, onboard crossover, etc.) Don't worry about which HU "sounds the best". There is no "best" and all the models that will fit your budget limitations will all have good sound.

* A 4 channel amp with as much power as you can afford. Avoid the ultra cheap brands of amps. They are cheap for a reason.

* A set of quality 2-way components for the front doors. Forget about 3-way, 4-way, etc. speakers. They are a waste of money. Since you have a Camaro you might want to look for a set of high quality co-axial type speakers. You don't have a factory tweeter location like Firebirds have.

* A subwoofer system consisting of the subwoofer and enclosure. There are many options here. Take a look at what Steve has to offer over at SubThump to see some enclosure options for F-body cars.

Thats it. You can always add rear speakers later if you want. I don't recommend them personally. Click my sig. below to see my car's setup.

 

I'm not interested in replacing it all, I just want to be able to use my IPOD

 

Why not get one of those adapters that plug into the factory HU and give you rca in capability. You can then plug in your ipod, or whatever external audio source you want to use via the rca's (you'll also need a 1/8" m stereo to dual rca out adapter).

These adapters go for ~50-80$ or so on ebay, a little more elsewhere.

 

Nice setup LS1RULZ. I ended up removing my back seats and fabricating/carpeting two flat panels on which to mount my amp and music keg and the 1 farid capacitor. I was weary of having it sit on the back end behind the seat so it was in plain view through the rear window. I also have used up my ditch in the back with an enclosure for my subs so I could not mount back there.

As far as upgrading the alternator, I couldn't agree more. I have not yet but will after I get the tranny rebuilt and my head/cam package done.

 

The speaks in the door panels were easy. Bought new wire, bent a hangar and fed the new wire through the grommet in the door and then hooked it up and left the other end of the wires were i was going to install the HU. Takes a bit of time and a lil patience, but the end result is absolutely no wires showing anywhere and excellent sound. The sail panels werent that hard either. If youre gonna go for the whole deal, which you kinda have to if you want to change HUs, then re-wire em all. Its alot easier running wires then tracking the old ones down and bypassing the amps. To get to the door speaks, unscrew the old ones and cut the wires...door panels are 99% of the time PITA to deal with anyways. ANd if you just want to use your ipod, buy the FM modulator attachment. Then set your radio to whatever station you choose. Explore your options...

 

I've already tried the FM mod. that thing sucks. you get terrible sound and hissing like it was playing from an old cassette or a crappy 8 track