Thread: Newbie needs help.

Originally Posted by TDCRacing

I can tell you that that is not a bose head unit.

Actually TD that is the stocker Delco HU that came with most Bose speaker packages. My 03 GTX came with the Bose sound system and had that exact same HU. I switched it out in favor of the 5 channel EQ stock model though. The Treb and Bass only sliders really dont bring out the performance of the bose speakers, not that they are high end by any means. But the 5 band EQ stocker really made up for what that HU lacked.

However in the 97-03 models you had two choices of stereo HU's, the one pictured above and the 5 band EQ version. Neither HU was "stamped" as a bose HU, but most of the ones that had the bose speaker setup in it had the HU pictured above.

Just my observation on what I have seen over the years in regards to the stock HU's in the 97-03 GPs.

Originally Posted by Brammer

So I've been browsing this forum looking for my answer and so far nothing. I pick up my new car tomorrow ('02 GP GT) and I've got my radio/amp/subs sitting here from my previous car and I'm itching to get it all in. The Grand Prix has OnStar, steering wheel controls and it has this radio :

Where do I need to start? I have my Head unit, my amp, etc I know how to wire it all. What I'm lost about is what adapters do I need for OnStar, what adapters do I need for the steering wheel controls? If I have the bose system, would it be better to let the bose amp take care of the speakers and wire my amp for subs or what?

Thanks for the info!

-Eric B.

Well I can tell you right now, you can forget about using your OnStar on your GP, the makers of the OnStar unit for the 03 and before were phased out and they, GM, did not offer an upgrade to the digital Onstar that they are using now. I actually removed my OnStar unit from the trunk once I got the letter from GM saying there was no upgrade option available.

As for your choice on a HU, Amps, speakers etc, it really boils down to preference, performance, and the cost factor of al the components you wish to add to your system. Just about any HU will work with your system. You just have to make sure the DIN size is correct first and foremost. The couplers offered to keep certain features like your steering column controls and even OnStar come at a steep price.

The coupler that will keep your OnStar and all its chimes runs in the neighborhood around $75 to $100 bucks. And frankly that is not worth it seeing that your OnStar in your car has been phased out, like I described above. Crutchfield is an excellent source for aftermarket HUs and speakers, but they can get pricey on the high end scale of things. What I have done is go to Crutchfield and look at what they have, get the part numbers I am interested in and then shoot over to FleaBay to see what the difference in cost is.

Obviously its a time consuming task, but in the end it will help you gauge how much you are wanting to spend on your new system. Also you have to factor in the type of music you listen to and honestly goto various car audio forums and ask around and get opinions. Not everyone will agree what is right for you, but it will give you options and ideas on what path you wish to head

Good Luck sir!

Originally Posted by TDCRacing

Thanks for that correction! lol.....I though for sure all of the bose heas units came with an equilizer. All of the one's I have seen (except this one) have.


Thanks for the info James!

Like you sir............just trying to help