Noob trying to reinstall original head unit

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May 22, 2008 | 12:35 AM

morbid

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From: Virginia

Noob trying to reinstall original head unit

I purchased an sc300 with no radio in the dash. I bought a stock head unit hoping it would be plug and play, but it happens the plugs on the stock radio are different then the ones that were in the dash. Are the radios of sc300 years different from eachother, or did the previous owner just change the harness to install an aftermarket headunit? What do I need to do to be able to use my factory radio? I can take pictures if that would help you guys answer my question. Thanks for any help.

May 22, 2008 | 12:45 AM

Black_SC

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Quote:

Originally Posted by morbid

most likely changed the wiring to install the aftermarket....but i could be wrong.

May 22, 2008 | 12:53 AM

Kaydee

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aftermarket units require rewiring...so i'm guessing you'd have to rewire it back??

May 22, 2008 | 03:49 AM

morbid

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Is there a writeup or guide anywhere or something that could help me rewire it back? Worst comes to worst I could take it somewhere and have them do it for me, but I would rather do it myself.

May 22, 2008 | 04:31 AM

tritron

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You could take picture of wiring and post here. There two diffrent radios pioneer and nakamichi.

May 22, 2008 | 04:40 AM

RolxuSC400

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From: VA

Depends if they cheesed and cut the wires...in that case ud need a new harness.

Also, factory radio's, Pioneer or Nak, had an amp in the trunk. Check that out if it hasnt been replaced then could tell you what unit was in there before it was removed but the factory head unit will require the amp again to work correctly I believe. The amp, if you dont already know, is located in the rear fender well on passenger side.

Good luck.

May 22, 2008 | 04:30 PM

One_jZ_SC3

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save the headache and just get another after market head unit

May 22, 2008 | 05:10 PM

Dx3

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From: Tulsa, Oklahoma

There is more than one Pioneer radio - so you may just have gotten unlucky and gotten the wrong one.

So, you could have the stock harness still in there but now just need the right stock headunit...

Jonny

May 23, 2008 | 11:00 PM

#10

kratos

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sc3VVTI

save the headache and just get another after market head unit

Amen to that. Especially if it has been re-wired for an aftermarket deck. The old radios are kind of ***-tastic and any new deck will most likely be cheaper and have newer and better options like MP3 and Ipod control.

Best bet for you is to go to your local independant car audio retailer (not the big box store!) and ask for advice there. They can also do the install and make sure it all works well for you.

You gonna be in vancouver, Canada anytime soon?

Jun 14, 2008 | 10:07 AM

#11

morbid

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From: Virginia

I decided to get an aftermaket deck. Quick question, anyone have a link to a writeup that will show me how to install 6.5's in the front doors? Are any of you running just front speakers? A lot of 240sx owners do this, wondering how it sound on a SC because I'd rather not get better rear speakers if it doesn't really make a difference.

Jun 14, 2008 | 11:17 PM

#12

kratos

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Quote:

Originally Posted by morbid

I would strongly suggest that you don't do the 6.5 plate modification. Due to the restrictions of the grille, you won't be able to fully appreciate the sound of a 6.5. In fact, it will be muddy and muffled at best. Trust me, I have done this.

Instead, you should be dremeling out your stock 4" holes for a pair of 5.25's. That will be the best sound without getting kick panel or door pods (fibreglass).

Jun 15, 2008 | 06:31 AM

#13

morbid

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The reason I asked about the 6.5's is because I have an unopened pair of 6.5 kickers that I was going to use in my last car but I sold it and got my SC. So I should just sell them and go with some 5.25's?

Jun 15, 2008 | 07:18 PM

#14

kratos

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Yes I would suggest that route. I had tries the Kicker SS65's in a plate and those were the ones that sounded like a$$.
I replaced them with the Alpine Type X 5.25's and it was like night and day.

Jun 15, 2008 | 07:46 PM

#15

5sp_jzz30

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plate solution is not the best. do what kratos suggested. i did that similar setup in my friends mk3 supra with old school boston components and it sounds great.

i have ran front only speakers in 3 of my last cars. the system install took time and i did it in parts after work. doing the fronts only works great if you have a nice set of front speakers. a speaker amp wouldnt hurt either.

i have a set of older infinity kappa perfects in 5.25" size with a polk 400.4 4 ch amp and it sounds great. just with the fronts it was awesome. i later added a pair of 5.25" infinity reference series components. infinity is not the greatest but i got both sets of components for 50 bucks so i couldnt really pass that up