Stereo base 4.3" head unit upgrade: Ideas? Plans?***

[davekro]

Bump....
Just so I don't lose track of this thread.

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[zzachattack2]

I actually am changing everything! The headunit, sync module, and screen will be replaced with my hardware. Like I said I will be building a desktop pc that will control everything the current system does. I will be using a desktop board that has 8 channel audio. That means I will have aux in, mic in, front speakers, rear speakers, sub out, and optical audio out. On top of this I plan to use around a 500 watt amp with at least upgraded door speakers.

The functionality I will gain is literally endless on top of being a touch screen! Because it is windows os any app that a windows pc will run will run on my headunit. All of the functionality of the stock headunit will be retained as well.

Features I will gain:

Navigation
60Gb hard drive storage for media
Airplay
Carplay (if app is released)
OBD II integration
Internet (when connected to phone)
Sat radio
HD FM radio

Stock features retained:

Steering wheel controls
Volume knob/ tuner knob controls
Bluetooth audio/Handsfree
USB
Aux 3.5 jack
Voice control
Outside Ambient air temp

I will loose applink... But that is easily fixed by downloading the apps for pc.

Good luck! I went the CarPC route in my Jeep; it's no trivial undertaking.

Some advise: make sure you purchase a quality, bright, TFT display. And best of luck with bluetooth, I could never quite get it nailed down as good as a factory or aftermarket HU.

Definitely not going the CarPC route this time, not enough to be gained over the premium system, though the Sync3 would have been nice. :/ Complete audio upgrade is definitely on the menu though.

 

[davekro]

Good luck! I went the CarPC route in my Jeep; it's no trivial undertaking.

Some advise: make sure you purchase a quality, bright, TFT display. And best of luck with bluetooth, I could never quite get it nailed down as good as a factory or aftermarket HU.

Definitely not going the CarPC route this time, not enough to be gained over the premium system, though the Sync3 would have been nice. :/ Complete audio upgrade is definitely on the menu though.

Which OEM stereo system do you have currently. What do you have in mind for your upgrade as far as head unit, amplifier, Etc

I have the base system with the 4.3 inch screenand also interested in can you to Tampa and speaker upgrades, but not sure how to start, given the challenge with the center stack and aftermarket head unit challenge.

 

[zzachattack2]

Which OEM stereo system do you have currently. What do you have in mind for your upgrade as far as head unit, amplifier, Etc

I have the base system with the 4.3 inch screenand also interested in can you to Tampa and speaker upgrades, but not sure how to start, given the challenge with the center stack and aftermarket head unit challenge.

The premium 400a system, thus I am not planning on replacing the center stack. Courtesy of some other folk's research on this board, it looks like it has line-level differential outputs going to the stock amp. I plan on feeding those into a DSP (miniDSP 2x4 balanced) before going to a JL Audio HD900/5 amp. Possibly bridge 2x channels for each the left and right channels depending on which components I go with (not sure which yet, have my eyes on Hertz HSK 165 XL though) and likely a single JL Audio 12w6 sub. I won't be running any speakers on the rear deck. And I don't expect to start on this project for a couple months.

IF I had the 4.3in basic audio system, I'd personally wait until the aftermarket develops a solution to integrate a nice 7/8in touchscreen head-unit. I imagine something should come to market before the end of the year. After that, I'd move forward with adding the amps, speakers, subs, etc.

 

[zackmd1]

Well for those interested.... The BASE radio bezel cost $428 from Ford... And that is will a discount... :doh::eyebulge:

Might be awhile before I attempt my radio project...

 

[Shotgun76]

Well for those interested.... The BASE radio bezel cost $428 from Ford... And that is will a discount... :doh::eyebulge:

Might be awhile before I attempt my radio project...

What about using a bezel from MFT equipped car? Already has a provision for a large screen and certainly shouldn't have a full length circuit board

 

[zackmd1]

What about using a bezel from MFT equipped car? Already has a provision for a large screen and certainly shouldn't have a full length circuit board

Didn't get a price on that but I am sure it is still around the $300-400 range. Problem with MTF bezel on a base car is the climate controls. The dual zone climate controls will not play nice with the single zone unit our base models have.

 

[tman9227]

Any updates yet on aftermarket touchscreens?

 

[los1223]

I'll be keeping my eyes on this thread :eyebulge:

 

[Stam616]

I'll be watching

 

[CherubAbaddon]

same, im dying to get the 8100 nex

 

[BlackPP]

subscribing... awesome project.

 

[Gmacguyver]

Sooooo..... I've played around with the 4100nex as well as all the way up the the 8100nex and they are pretty much on point!!!! For android users you will need lollipop 5.0 to run android auto and download the app from the play store. As for the dash kit for the Stangs, I havent heard anything yet. I haven't seen the factory radio stack for any premium models either but Zackmd1's post on the depth issue for the base audio system is a bit of a concern. Most DDin stereo chassis are about 6 - 7in deep.

 

[zackmd1]

Interesting..... Very interesting.... :clap2:

[ame]

 

[Iceman2733]

Interesting..... Very interesting.... :clap2:

I sent an email will update when they respond

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