searches & lots of helpful reading aside, some remaining questions I have (i plan on replacing the HU only for now as the $ allows)

1. with an aftermarket HU + BOSE/monsoon adapter (this?), will an aftermarket HU equalizer still work with factory speakers? the multiband equilizer on my stock BOSE unit is one of my favorite features and would be a great function to have (even if it's just a treb/bas/fad/bal adjustment on a new HU)

2. will i need a ir-remote control equipped HU to be able to use the steering wheel adapter for aftermarket HU's?

3. shopping list: new HU, BOSE adapter, power adapter, antenna adapter, dash kit. am i missing anything?

lastly, I'm a complete noob to car stereo and I've heard stuff about different ohms, and individually amped speakers for my '95 TransAm 10spkr system. Is the BOSE adapter truly plug&play? (on the parts page I noticed an A-cable & B-cable btwn the new HU and amp) btw, is my factory amp (Firebird) going to be located behind the HU as the diagram suggests?

sorry for all the questions, just wanna do this right w/o getting ripped off by a shop

thanks Brian

 

Yes the EQ will still work.

Yes. The PAC SWI-X works great.

Will you be adding any outboard amplifiers? If so, run your RCA cables now so you can add on later. Make sure the RCA cables use "twisted pair" construction. Also run at least a 4awg power cable too if you plan to add any amps in the future.

Yes, the PAC unit is plug and play. The factory amp will remain where it is. It doesn not go behind the HU