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Capability of OEM stereo

Hpiracr28

Hpiracr28

New member
I've been wanting to upgrade the stereo on my GP for some time now, but finding a head unit I like and one that is user friendly is difficult. I like that the OEM radio has an individual slider for the bass and treble. Most head units require you to go through a plethora of setting to change the treble or bass. I think the stock sounds great for a stock radio. I've got an old JVC head unit which is easier than other head units I've messed with, but I still can't get myself to replace the stock. So on to my question...can a powered subwoofer be hooked up to the stock deck in my 2001 grand prix se, and can the stock deck power the sub efficiently and with enough power?
 


I just went through the same thing as you, and you'll be glad to know that yes, you can get great sound with the factory system, depending on what you are after. I just finished upgrading stock GT system to Bose+CD changer (I know, why bose? Because I got the amp free, that's why... lol) with sub.

If you are a true audiophile, you can also go with a bass processor to get extra umph, but I've never had big enough speakers to need one.

I'll post some pictures, but I'm currently running a JBL amp powering a 800 Watt RMS Kicker Comp R that will blow my neighbors away! Very crisp punchy base with stock head-unit.

You don't have to go crazy like me however, you only need to pick up a cheap hi-lo converter like this: http://dblink.net/?product=hlc5r-hi-lo-converter. I found mine in the junkyard for $2.

This model eliminates having to run a separate remote on wire which is nice.

All you need to do is hook this up to the rear speaker wires and run power and ground to the trunk. This model uses RCA out, so even better, just hook everything up, and done!

I'll try to do a write up as soon as I get everything perfect, but feel free to PM me! Good luck!
 
My powered sub is an old MTX 12". Probably 200 or 300 watts. Nothing crazy but it can hit pretty hard and sound great. I just hate to get rid of the stock radio. I think it looks better and more complete with the stock one. I am terrible when it comes to wiring, so I'm going to take a stab at my understanding of this wiring process, but mine may be different since I have an internal amp, and idk what the wires look like coming out of it. But a power wire from the battery to the internal amp, a ground wire, but then what does the amp speaker wire hook up to?
 
Not to fear! Here's a link to all the schematics you will ever need for your stereo! http://www.autozone.com/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?pageId=0996b43f80cb3c0f

The colors might be different, but the connector pin positions should be the same!

If I'm looking at this right though:

Speakers Converter
LR- Yellow L+ Green
LR+ Brown L- Green/White
RR- Light Blue R- Grey/White
RR+ Dark Blue R+ Grey

Then, you will need to run a 15amp fused line off your positive amp feed (power wire you run from front) and ground for the converter. You do this so that a surge doesn't blow out your converter.

Run a power line to your positive battery terminal (I recommend getting a side terminal extension like this: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...0/6280471-P?searchTerm=side+terminal+extender) to make things more secure and easier to remove accessories.

Then a ground line. I added a bolt to the rear strut bolt facing inward. Your amp most likely has a "Line-in" RCA port for input to the amp. You will connect a RCA cable from the converter to this. If it does not have this, you will have to get an RCA adapter: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/272731413606?chn=ps&dispItem=1, but I doubt it.

Easiest wire path is through passenger footwell firewall hole, under the carpet by the passenger side, up behind the rear seat.

I'll try to take some pictures and shoot a how-to video eventually.

There will be a blue wire from the converter, this is your remote (amp on) wire.
 
Are you looking for internal radio schematics or just the wiring colors? I would recommend hooking the adapter into the rear speaker wires in the trunk. Saves you from running all those extra wires for no reason. The colors I listed in the above post are the colors for your rear deck to the listed adapter. Should be all you need!
 


Didn't mean to hijack the thread.
But, Yeah, I'm more interested in the connections behind the dash going to and from the factory stereo.
I'm considering wiring in an Antenna/Aux bipass device, so thought the schematics might be handy.
 
If you're thinking about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/PAC-AAI-GM9-...001EAWOE0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8, it will not work unless you have an external cd changer. Your better option is to add aux internally like this write-up: https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-electronics/1751293-aux-input-factory-delco-head-best-method.html, and: http://www.grandprixforums.net/threads/84009-How-to-Install-a-DIY-aux-Input-Jack-in-a-97-03-Radio

If you're looking to add an aftermarket amp, tell me if you have bose system or not, and what year and I'll see if I can come up with the schematics for you.
 
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