joeyvaz
Member
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2024
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 13
- Location
- Saint Cloud FL
- First Name
- Joe
- Vehicle(s)
- 2021 Mustang GT
- Thread starter
- #1
My new to me 2021 GT PP1 came with the 8" SYNC 3, but I decided to swap it out for a couple of reasons: speakers distorting when volume was past 20-22, USB port under the radio was very loose causing phone to disconnect, and I wanted a bigger screen. After doing some research, I went with the Dynavin over the Tesla style screen and others. I wanted to keep my toggle switches vs having them converted to soft buttons on the other radio options.
Install took me a little over 2 1/2 hours. I was taking my time, but to be honest, about an hour was spent researching where some of the plugs went, how to get some of the OEM connectors off, and which OEM plugs weren't needed on the new unit. Getting the panels off, most of the plugs used, etc. were well documented in their install video, but not all. There is also a PDF of the parts, wiring diagram, manual, etc. on their site. Unfortunately, I didn't find them beforehand. It would have shaved at least 30 minutes from my install.
As far as the unit is concerned, I will post my findings as pros and cons, for ME:
Pros:
* Great fit and finish. Looks OEM once installed. Zero complaints there.
*Screen is larger and wider than OEM. It does make the cockpit look more modern in my opinion.
*Sound quality is definitely better than OEM. Higher power amplification, built in equalizer and DSP help tune the sound to my liking. No more distortion coming from my speakers. This unit is powering Hertz tweeters, Hertz 3.5" mids, and Hertz6.5" mid-bass speakers without breaking a sweat.
*Buttons for the AC and Steering wheel controls all work as they should. I read online some people were having issues-I did not.
*Call quality remains clear even with the included MIC you have to use. You cannot use the OEM mic with this unit.
*RCA outputs for external amplification makes installing a full system very easy. I added 6 channel RCAs at the time of install as I will be doing that in the coming weeks. So I won't need to pull the unit back out at that time.
* Having a larger screen works great with Android Auto. Waze and Pandora work much better on a larger screen. Toggling between the two apps is as simple as tapping the one you want on the large (left) side of the screen. I can now click thumb up or down right from the main screen. On the OEM unit, I had to switch to Pandora completely to have that option. Much easier while driving.
Cons:
* Instructions could be better. The QR code sent in the box takes you to their YT video, but the video is far from complete. QR codes for the PDFs I mentioned earlier would be much better.
* I was sent the wrong size Torx screw driver. No big deal as I have a garage full of tools.
* Plastic covers for the ribbon cables weren't in the box. I don't think the cable will back out, but we shall see.
* Teal colored jumper for the FM radio connection was missing. So right now I don't have the ability to play the radio. The original plug doesn't reach. Not a huge deal. I only listen to the radio in the event of an emergency while on the road. So I can know what is going on, basically.
* Remote turn on wire for external amps wasn't clearly identified, although it is on the wiring diagram. Those wires are typically dark blue, but the one I believe it to be is white. I have to test this before running the wire when I do the full install.
* Screen is easily washed out in the daytime. I have full tint even on my windshield and it still gets washed out. Brightness is set to full, but because the screen isn't recessed like the OEM one, light hits it easily. At night it looks great. I would not want to put this unit in a convertible.
Aside from wanting the screen to be brighter and have less glare, the unit is pretty awesome. Love the fit and finish and sound. After dealing with the install already, I can safely say I could do the install within an hour and a half if I had to do it again. Hopefully the info on the PDFs will help others. I will be calling Dynavin today about the ribbon cable clips, FM radio jumper, and confirmation on Remote wire. I will update this post once I speak to them in hopes this helps others with their installs. **LASTLY, make sure you have a good USB cable to use with wired Carplay or Android Auto. It needs to be a cable that not only charges, but capable of carrying data. I tried 4 cables before I found one that works flawlessly. They should have included one with the kit.
Install took me a little over 2 1/2 hours. I was taking my time, but to be honest, about an hour was spent researching where some of the plugs went, how to get some of the OEM connectors off, and which OEM plugs weren't needed on the new unit. Getting the panels off, most of the plugs used, etc. were well documented in their install video, but not all. There is also a PDF of the parts, wiring diagram, manual, etc. on their site. Unfortunately, I didn't find them beforehand. It would have shaved at least 30 minutes from my install.
As far as the unit is concerned, I will post my findings as pros and cons, for ME:
Pros:
* Great fit and finish. Looks OEM once installed. Zero complaints there.
*Screen is larger and wider than OEM. It does make the cockpit look more modern in my opinion.
*Sound quality is definitely better than OEM. Higher power amplification, built in equalizer and DSP help tune the sound to my liking. No more distortion coming from my speakers. This unit is powering Hertz tweeters, Hertz 3.5" mids, and Hertz6.5" mid-bass speakers without breaking a sweat.
*Buttons for the AC and Steering wheel controls all work as they should. I read online some people were having issues-I did not.
*Call quality remains clear even with the included MIC you have to use. You cannot use the OEM mic with this unit.
*RCA outputs for external amplification makes installing a full system very easy. I added 6 channel RCAs at the time of install as I will be doing that in the coming weeks. So I won't need to pull the unit back out at that time.
* Having a larger screen works great with Android Auto. Waze and Pandora work much better on a larger screen. Toggling between the two apps is as simple as tapping the one you want on the large (left) side of the screen. I can now click thumb up or down right from the main screen. On the OEM unit, I had to switch to Pandora completely to have that option. Much easier while driving.
Cons:
* Instructions could be better. The QR code sent in the box takes you to their YT video, but the video is far from complete. QR codes for the PDFs I mentioned earlier would be much better.
* I was sent the wrong size Torx screw driver. No big deal as I have a garage full of tools.
* Plastic covers for the ribbon cables weren't in the box. I don't think the cable will back out, but we shall see.
* Teal colored jumper for the FM radio connection was missing. So right now I don't have the ability to play the radio. The original plug doesn't reach. Not a huge deal. I only listen to the radio in the event of an emergency while on the road. So I can know what is going on, basically.
* Remote turn on wire for external amps wasn't clearly identified, although it is on the wiring diagram. Those wires are typically dark blue, but the one I believe it to be is white. I have to test this before running the wire when I do the full install.
* Screen is easily washed out in the daytime. I have full tint even on my windshield and it still gets washed out. Brightness is set to full, but because the screen isn't recessed like the OEM one, light hits it easily. At night it looks great. I would not want to put this unit in a convertible.
Aside from wanting the screen to be brighter and have less glare, the unit is pretty awesome. Love the fit and finish and sound. After dealing with the install already, I can safely say I could do the install within an hour and a half if I had to do it again. Hopefully the info on the PDFs will help others. I will be calling Dynavin today about the ribbon cable clips, FM radio jumper, and confirmation on Remote wire. I will update this post once I speak to them in hopes this helps others with their installs. **LASTLY, make sure you have a good USB cable to use with wired Carplay or Android Auto. It needs to be a cable that not only charges, but capable of carrying data. I tried 4 cables before I found one that works flawlessly. They should have included one with the kit.
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