Well, I just took the plundge and placed my order for an empeg to put in my 98 Chevy Corvette. It's been a couple of years since I was really into the car audio scene and I have a couple of questions. First off the car has the "Bose Gold" system installed in it which for now provides adequate sound. I'm sure I'll be updating this later but don't have the funds to do so now. I would like to simply remove the stock head unit and replace it with the Empeg. Is this possible (I know I need a DIN adapter plate and all) but I haven't seen anything to connect the factory system into an aftermarket head unit with only line level outs as the Empeg has. Secondly, do any of you out there have any experiance installing an empeg in this vintage of Bose equipped car. I have noticed that unlike the earlier car stereo's that I have delt with, the head unit on this car is actually tied in through the ECM so that a malfunction in the head unit will actually throw an error code to the diagnostics center. I was wondering if there was a way to disable the diagnostics for the radio, or if it will simply be nullified when it is removed from the car (wishful thinking). Thanks in advance for any advise you may have.
John

Crutchfield should be able to help you with an adpater that lets you connect an aftermarket head unit to a Bose audio system. They'll probably also have a DIN adapter kit, as well. And while you're at it, they'll probably be able to get you a master sheet that shows you how to safely dismantle the dash on the vette.

Check the FAQ forum of this BBS for the "what are the most common installation problems" thread for more details on installation.

Make sure you've got your digital camera ready, we want to see photos of the installation when you're done with it. We love install porn here on the BBS.

And congratulations on your new toy!

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Tony Fabris

Oh, and in case you've never dealt with Crutchfield before, you must CALL them and speak to them to get the best information. The web store doesn't necessarily list everything they carry. Their phone reps are very knowledgeable and should be able to help you.



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Tony Fabris

Tony,
Thanks for the fast reply. I called Crutchfield today and the only adapter that they offer kills the speakers in the doors and only accepts speaker level inputs, so I seem to be back to square one. I guess my other option at this time is to dig out my old 50x4 amp and install a couple component sets right now and forget about the Bose system. I hate to do this because 1. the excess weight it will add to the car, and 2. I don't think I will be able to find a component set that I will find sonically appealing without the use of a sub where as the Bose system was pretty well balanced. Anyway, though I'd let everyone know where I stand.... perhaps a trip to the local audio shop will proove helpful. Thanks againf for your suggestions.
John

Ok, I've been shopping around on the net and managed to find a site www.linkmeup.com they carry a line of Bose OEM adapters that look like it will work for me. I went out and pulled tha car apart and decided rather quickly that I didn't have the time right now to update the whole system and didn't have the money to pay someone else to do it. As it stands I'm going to call the company with the adapter tomorow and make sure that it will work but I can't see why it wouldn't, they don't offer an OEM harness for this new of a Vette but since I have all of the service manuals I at least won't have to guess at the pin outs while I'm installing it. If anyone has more suggestions I'd be glad to hear them. Thanks for your help.
John

Sorry Crutchfield couldn't help you. I thought for sure they'd have an OEM adapter for a car that was three years old.

Glad you found another source.

My only other suggestion would be to use that 50x4 amp to drive your factory speakers, since you seem to like the way they sound.

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Tony Fabris