ES300JAX

Hello All:

My '99 ES300 was recently totalled and I purchased a 1991 LS400. The car is IMMACULATE but the only drawback is that the car has the standard Pioneer system WITHOUT CD button (only am/fm/tape). Was this car prewired so that I can buy a new unit with CD button and install changer in the trunk?

If not, what are my options for CD playback in the first generation LS? I tend not to like the look of aftermarket units and would like to stay as close to factory as possible. Many thanks.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no CD button means no prewire

buy an aftermarket unit and call it a day

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Go all out with the AVIC D3 Navigation system.

mobilyte

iTrader: (3)

i talked to the parts dept at my dealership about adding the cd changer to my LS a few years ago. they told me the 90 was not prewired, but 91+ was. i never looked further into it as far as factory prewiring.

you will need:
1) 90-92 headunit with cd button, i dont know if there is any fitment issues between the standard and leather trim option units
2) compatible cd changer (90-94 LS, 93-?? GS, 92-?? SC, or 92-96 ES), the ES 6-disc changer is supposed to be the most reliable
3a) wiring loom, a little pricey even through vendors/members parting out cars or
3b) 3 different molex connectors that fit the headunit and changer to make your own loom, a service tech dug around the storage area and found some used spares for me

Suneet

I think it would be cheaper to go with an aftermarket deck, but you will lose the sub functionality. There is a way to hack around this, as was discussed in a thread earlier, but will take a little more effort on your part.. (wiring the sub RCA outputs of the aftermarket deck to connect to the wires that run the sub signal to the factory sub amp).. and its not 100% clear if it will work. There may be some power wires that need to be conected too, etc, but its a good bet you can figure it out.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

trust me, the 1st gen cd changer was meriocre at best when it worked perfectly, and the reliability isnt really there.

mobilyte

iTrader: (3)

that is why i have and recommend the ES changer, i wouldnt rely on any 15+ year old cd player. given the mounting location of the 1LS changer, it's no coincidence that a lot of those units look pretty banged up.

the op wants to avoid aftermarket and keep it stock, i dont understand suggesting a nav headunit and appropriate amp/speakers that would end up costing half as much of the car's value.

maybe the op read pd's writeup on hardwiring the ipod and wants to go that route

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

yea, but as i stated in my writeup u need to have an HU with a CD button, and a working changer.

best bet is to get a decent aftermarket deck (cd/mp3 only, not nav) that has an aux. in (most do) and use that.

Bradster

I had a similar situation..90 LS400 with the stock Pioneer stereo w/o cd..i purchased from someone on this board a 1990 Pioneer HU with cd control and a Lexus 1996 dated Pioneer trunk mounted 6 cd changer...no cables were included and the local car audio shop swapped head units and installed the cd player and i've been set ever since..am i missing something here?