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Are there any negatives to upgrading a factory HU?

post #1 of 4
7/2/07 at 3:43pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,


I was contemplating upgrading the audio in my 2003 Impala LS and was curious if there are any negatives to upgrading the factory CD/cassette deck? Will I still be able to use the steering wheel controls in a new unit? I know some of my diagnostics are controlled through the radio. For instance, I let one of my tires pressure get too low and the "Low Tire Pressure" warning came on. However, filling up the tire wasn't enough to get rid of the warning, I had to use the radio to reset it using certain key sequences to access a menu. Will I still be able to do this kind of thing?

Any input would be terrific!

How limiting would it be for me to NOT upgrade the head unit and just upgrading the speakers, adding proper amplifier, sub, etc.?

Thanks,
George
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post #2 of 4
7/3/07 at 7:11am

Re: Are there any negatives to upgrading a factory HU?

Because auto makers are integrating everything through the head unit, it becomes very difficult to upgrade. My '04 Maxima had a combination radio display/climate display along with a non-standard radio opening. Only in the last year has Metra Electronics come out with an install kit that allows a normal DIN radio to be put in the dash. You still have to relocate the factory brains behind the dash though.

My new Lexus has a simple radio/CD changer/XM but it is a non-standard size also. I'm going to upgrade the speakers first, amp 2nd and sub 3rd. It will be a moderately difficult undertaking but I've done this enough that I can pull it off.

Finally, I learned all of these details by visiting forums dedicated to the cars I own. No one can answer your specific head unit questions unless they have an Impala as well. As for just upgrading amps and speakers, yes that will make a big difference if you choose wisely. Most factory speakers are the lowest quality that they can squeeze into the openings in the car. Parts Express regularly sells overstock speakers for 99 cents each. And they are making a profit on them!

-Robert
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post #3 of 4
7/3/07 at 9:46pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Are there any negatives to upgrading a factory HU?

Thanks for the advice, Robert, I went to an Impala forum and posted this question.
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post #4 of 4
7/22/07 at 3:58pm

Re: Are there any negatives to upgrading a factory HU?

Personally. If you don't want to upgrade the other parts of your stereo, I wouldn't recommend getting a h/u player. You would lose all of your factory controls. You wouldn't get the full benefits of a full stereo system and lose the factory parts.
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