Corvette Navigation
When I bought the Z06 in 2002, a navigation unit wasn’t available from the factory. Who needs one anyway? Just point it and floor it, right? Well after enough time with the latest high-tech equipment in my Chrysler SRT-8, I decided it was time for the ‘vette to be updated. The problem was that no aftermarket unit would fit. The stock GM unit is about a 1-1/2 DIN form factor. All aftermarket ones were either 2-DIN or (even worse) a standard 1-DIN with a motorized flip out/up display. Besides looking cheesy, that would block the air vents.
So I did a lot of digging on the ‘net and found a guy who got a full-height 2-DIN unit to fit, but had to painstakingly modify the dash bezel. The steps he describes seemed laborious, but I thought I’d take on the project. So I ordered the Kenwood DNX-5120, a 2-DIN model from my favorite place, Crutchfield and got busy.
Well after enough time, it proved more than a challenge than even I had time for. So I decided to just see what the experts would have to say. I dropped in on my local car audio shop and I was happily surprised. They said it’d be no problem. By the end of the day I had a fully installed unit with all the extras like a backup camera, iPod cable and Sirius radio. It just barely fits in the existing opening. The disc slot on top goes right up to the upper edge and the buttons on the bottom go right up to the bottom edge. Also, they had to dremel trim it just a hair.
The results are exactly as I had hoped. It looks like the car was built that way from the factory! Have a look.
If you get to Sonic, ask for Kevin (the mgr.) or Oscar (who did the work).
First Impressions
Right after I got it installed, I took a weekend trip to Harrisburg. I set the nav and a nice female voice guided me the way there. I don’t like how nav units tell you to ‘continue on the current road’ when you’re on a highway but not exiting. I suppose they’re afraid you’ll exit even when you weren’t told to do so. Also, I haven’t figured out how to turn down the volume of the nav voice yet. It’s rather loud.
The backup cam engages automatically when you go into reverse. The unit takes a little longer to boot than I’d like (10 seconds?); it seems like a long time when you’re waiting to begin backing up. Also the image is initially ‘correct’ but what I need is a reverse image as one would get in a rear-view mirror. It took some poking, but I disovered that a tap on the FNC (function) button swaps it.
I haven’t tried the iPod interface yet. Sirius works like a champ. I was a bit disappointed that it didnt’ come with the traffic receiver. That’s an additional option. Maybe it will be a gift from Santa Crutchfield this Xmas.
As another upgrade, I’ll need to install an after-market adapter between the unit and the door sub-woofers. Without it, the sub-woofers don’t woof. I supplied it to the shop, but it somehow didn’t make it in the installation.
