As some of you may remember, I just inherited my mom's former car, an '02 Z-28. It has the Factory premium sound system, the "Monsoon" system. I've heard that its hard to replace parts in a vehicle with the Monsoon system as it has separate Amplifiers for the speakers. I'm told because of this the deck and speakers cannot be easily replaced with cheaper "off the shelf" alternatives.
Anyway, I wouldn't worry about replacing any of it, it really is a great sounding system, except that the passenger door speaker is blown and I'm left with no option to use my Creative Zen MP3 player.
The two things I'm hoping to do are:
1) Replace the blown speaker, but I need suggestions on a reasonably priced speaker (<$50 is my range, I'm told GM wants ~$150) that will work with a Monsoon system.
2) Be able to use my Creative Zen MP3 player. If upgrading the deck is not an easy option, I remember someone here using an adapter that plugged into the back of a factory GM stereo and turned the factory "CD changer" input into an AUX port. Anyone know about this?
Or, are the rumors about the Monsoon system, just that - rumors and I can use whatever speakers and deck I like?
------------------ "The flag should be displayed with the union down, as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
Read my Earthship thread in Totally O/T si vis pacem, para bellum
"The said constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." - Samuel Adams
What part of "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" is so hard to understand?!
[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 07-30-2009).]
Nothing else you can get one of those "in-line" modulators for the zen. Im about to do that myself for my Eldo, since its also got some custom stereo nonsense that is hooked to the ECM and i hate the cassette adaptors.
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05:06 PM
fierosound Member
Posts: 15155 From: Calgary, Canada Registered: Nov 1999
I originally used a P.I.E. GM9-AUX adapter with the Monsoon deck I installed in my Indy. This gives you 2 RCA inputs and you set your deck to AUX mode. Any MP3 can be connected if you have YOUR MP3 to RCA output adapter cable.
I originally used a P.I.E. GM9-AUX adapter with the Monsoon deck I installed in my Indy. This gives you 2 RCA inputs and you set your deck to AUX mode. Any MP3 can be connected if you have YOUR MP3 to RCA output adapter cable.
Except that's a Double DIN unit. The 2002 would be a 1.5 DIN unit meaning it wouldn't be a 'Plug 'n Play' and he'd be opening a big can of worms making it work.
Well, I considered an adapter from Replacement Radios but the price and the disclaimer about how not all radios will work with the adapter, even if it appears to have the correct connections on the back, made me decided to pass on it.
I decided to go with a wired FM Modulator. It plugs in series between the factory antenna and the antenna port on the back of the radio. Supposedly its better then a wireless modulator because its connected directly to the stereo and cuts off incoming antenna signal while its powered on so its not competing with all the radio stations in town. It should arrive via fed-ex tomorrow and I happen to have the day off, so I'll report back after install and testing. Oh yeah, it was only $17.50 w/ free shipping.
As for the blown door speaker - The cheaper ones I found on ebay were not Monsoon speakers, they were just regular Camaro speakers. The Monsoon speakers are all over $100 a set and I've read that these door speakers blow repeatedly no matter what replacement speakers people use (factory Monsoon speakers or any aftermarkets). In that case I think I might just by a set of "Dual" speakers from work (about $25 after my discount), and just replace the blown one to eliminate the rattle, at least for the trip. When (not if, I guess) that one blows I'll have the other one from the set...
[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 08-25-2009).]
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12:40 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Contact Replacement Radios. It was started by Kru, a member here. I've done business with him and he knows his stuff and stands behind his work. If you give him your exact situation, he can probably tell you what will work and what won't.
Crutchfield's got some good stuff, no doubt. But I'm trying to spend as little money as possible. I've decided I want to keep the stock look, so replacing the whole head-unit is out. As long as the modulator works out okay, I think I'll be set.
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01:08 PM
PFF
System Bot
wikid_one Member
Posts: 2838 From: Ocean City, MD Registered: Dec 2003
My family has had 3 vehicles with the Monsoon package, and in all 3 of them the amp didn't last very long. My mom's car (which pretty much never leaves the oldies station) had the amp replaced with an ebay model, but that one only lasted about 2 years as well. Just somethign to think about.
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01:40 PM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Well, I considered an adapter from Replacement Radios but the price and the disclaimer about how not all radios will work with the adapter, even if it appears to have the correct connections on the back, made me decided to pass on it.
I decided to go with a wired FM Modulator. It plugs in series between the factory antenna and the antenna port on the back of the radio. Supposedly its better then a wireless modulator because its connected directly to the stereo and cuts off incoming antenna signal while its powered on so its not competing with all the radio stations in town. It should arrive via fed-ex tomorrow and I happen to have the day off, so I'll report back after install and testing. Oh yeah, it was only $17.50 w/ free shipping.
As for the blown door speaker - The cheaper ones I found on ebay were not Monsoon speakers, they were just regular Camaro speakers. The Monsoon speakers are all over $100 a set and I've read that these door speakers blow repeatedly no matter what replacement speakers people use (factory Monsoon speakers or any aftermarkets). In that case I think I might just by a set of "Dual" speakers from work (about $25 after my discount), and just replace the blown one to eliminate the rattle, at least for the trip. When (not if, I guess) that one blows I'll have the other one from the set...
$17? Where did you find that one, all the ones i have seen so far have been silly priced. For that ill buy one tomorrow for my Eldo and ditch the cassette adaptor.
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02:52 PM
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
$17? Where did you find that one, all the ones i have seen so far have been silly priced. For that ill buy one tomorrow for my Eldo and ditch the cassette adaptor.
It appears to be quite the bargain, but I wouldn't jump on it yet. I plan to install it as soon as FedEx drops it off so if you want to wait I'll let you know tomorrow evening if I think its worth the money.
[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 08-25-2009).]
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06:22 PM
Shad0wguy Member
Posts: 867 From: Long Island, NY Registered: Aug 2006
I don't know if the 02 is any different, but my 97 Camaro has the monsoon system, and I was able to put in an aftermarket headunit. All the speakers still work. The Camaro's monsoon is set up with an amp that powers the rear 4 speakers with the headunit powering the front 4.
It appears to be quite the bargain, but I wouldn't jump on it yet. I plan to install it as soon as FedEx drops it off so if you want to wait I'll let you know tomorrow evening if I think its worth the money.
Cool. ill hold off a day then not driving this week anyway
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06:41 PM
Raydar Member
Posts: 40747 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
They have Aux input adapters that are designed to work with your radio. I found one to work in my Sonoma. The headunit is identical to yours, except that it isn't a Monsoon. It did, however, have the CD changer jack. Just like yours.
My adapter had two types of connections on it. One for RCA cables (to use an adapter for a regular MP3 audio signal, which is what I used) and one for an iPod cable, which supposedly provided iPod control from the front panel of the radio.
It's not presently installed. (Sold the truck, but removed the adapter first.) I'll try to get pics, later.
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 08-25-2009).]
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07:13 PM
Aug 26th, 2009
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
They have Aux input adapters that are designed to work with your radio. I found one to work in my Sonoma. The headunit is identical to yours, except that it isn't a Monsoon. It did, however, have the CD changer jack. Just like yours.
My adapter had two types of connections on it. One for RCA cables (to use an adapter for a regular MP3 audio signal, which is what I used) and one for an iPod cable, which supposedly provided iPod control from the front panel of the radio.
It's not presently installed. (Sold the truck, but removed the adapter first.) I'll try to get pics, later.
Im sure they do have adaptors for everyone, but at 300 bucks might as well buy a decent after-market unit with an aux port.
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03:28 PM
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
Out of the box (Not shown are the GM antenna adapters I had to buy. About $12 from Autozone):
Before:
During:
Rockin' out:
I meant to wire the switch to a switched 12v but I think I got the always-hot. The switch wasn't my first choice, I'd rather have a lighted one as a reminder when its on or not, but I already had this switch and I wanted to do this install on the cheap...
The switch is held in by a piece of plastic hot-glued in. Hot glue works great for this sort of project because its not permanent. When its time to sell this car and I want to put in back to stock, I can push the switch out and the stock plastic piece will snap back in place.
First impressions : Its a little quieter then the broadcast stations, even with the MP3 player at full volume but still sounds great, no interference sitting in my driveway. I'm a little tight for gas right now (enough to get me to work and back until payday, but not much more), so a true test drive wasn't in the cards. I'll let y'all know if I notice any competing stations bleeding through.
[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 08-26-2009).]
Yup, the panel is just held on with a couple of clips. It just snaps on and off. I left the modulator on top on purpose. Its a 7 channel modulator so I figure if I do find there's some local interference with first station I set it to I want to be able to get to it easily to tweak.
I'm uploading a short video to youtube now but its going to take 1/2 hour to upload and who knows how long to process... I'll post a link when its done.
[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 08-26-2009).]
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05:54 PM
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
One thing that I do not know is if the ohm rating is very high on your stock speakers. On my Grand Am with Monsoon system, the door speakers were 16ohm instead of 4 or 8. I don't know how the stock deck will act with lower ohm speakers....if it makes any difference at all.
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09:12 PM
Aug 27th, 2009
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
If it is only the foam that is bad you may want to have it refurbished. They have done many Fiero sub speakers for me for about $25 each.. They do many of the bands. www.Speakerrepair.com
[This message has been edited by partfiero (edited 08-27-2009).]
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11:45 PM
OKflyboy Member
Posts: 6607 From: Not too far from Mexico Registered: Nov 2004
If it is only the foam that is bad you may want to have it refurbished. They have done many Fiero sub speakers for me for about $25 each.. They do many of the bands. www.Speakerrepair.com
I haven't taken it out for a good look yet, but I'll keep 'em in mind. Thanks!
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