Thread: 06 GXP w/monsoon radio upgrade

Hell all,

I want to replace my stock 6-disc monsoon radio with a touch screen with Bluetooth capabilities. I dont want to spend that much but wanted to see what I could get that will work with the factory chimes and alerts. Any ideas or recommendations?

Just about any radio you could do that but I would go for a quality unit which isn't going to be super cheap. Something like kenwood, pioneer, alpine etc I would avoid lowered companies like Jensen, Dual etc. $300-500+

Your going to need a GM-04 module to cheap the chimes and monsoon working without any additional works. $100 or so

Then your going to need a module to retain the steering wheel controls depending on what CD player you get. $50-70.

Not sure how much your wanting to spend but that's a estimate on what your going to be looking at. Of course shopping around could give you a better deal.

And you'll need the dash kit, radio antenna etc but those are both pretty cheap.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Just about any radio you could do that but I would go for a quality unit which isn't going to be super cheap. Something like kenwood, pioneer, alpine etc I would avoid lowered companies like Jensen, Dual etc. $300-500+

Your going to need a GM-04 module to cheap the chimes and monsoon working without any additional works. $100 or so

Then your going to need a module to retain the steering wheel controls depending on what CD player you get. $50-70.

Not sure how much your wanting to spend but that's a estimate on what your going to be looking at. Of course shopping around could give you a better deal.

And you'll need the dash kit, radio antenna etc but those are both pretty cheap.

What a pain in the rear. My stock unit was just fine for me until I cant get the CDs to eject any longer. I only listen to XM but it is nice to have something that works right, and that I can plug my phone into if I want. Are you running an aftermarket or stock? If aftermarket, where did you get it?

Lmao pain indeed. I'm running everything aftermarket.. I did away with the Monsoon years ago. You can grab a stock 6 disk used monsoon radio from someone for usually a $100 or so then you need the dealer to unlock the radio which is $70-100 and you'll be back to normal for under $200 or so. Most of my stuff I either bought locally or from crutchfield/amazon etc

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Lmao pain indeed. I'm running everything aftermarket.. I did away with the Monsoon years ago. You can grab a stock 6 disk used monsoon radio from someone for usually a $100 or so then you need the dealer to unlock the radio which is $70-100 and you'll be back to normal for under $200 or so. Most of my stuff I either bought locally or from crutchfield/amazon etc

Yeah i was going to just buy a used one on ebay but they I was worried when they say that it was not guaranteed to work. Do I have to match the part numbers or will all radios like mine work? Luckily, I work at a GM dealership so I am sure I can get a good deal on programming.

I think I still have my stock one in my garage, worked flawless when I pulled it when I went aftermarket if your interested. eBay usually a hit or miss. I believe as long as it's the stock 6 disk monsoon it'll work just fine.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

I think I still have my stock one in my garage, worked flawless when I pulled it when I went aftermarket if your interested. eBay usually a hit or miss. I believe as long as it's the stock 6 disk monsoon it'll work just fine.

Can you post or send me pics of your stock unit? (Radio not your unit lol) lol

Any issues with the buttons wearing?

Originally Posted by douger

REDCMPG has pretty much told you what you need to do to install a head unit. Picking one will be your next task.

Do you want navigation capabilities? Smartphone integration? Got kids that sit in the back you'd like to play a movie for? Do you appreciate sound quality to the degree that you'll be looking to ditch the Monsoon amp? Consider all of that when you're looking for a head unit.

I'm kind of partial to Pioneer products. Arguably, they produce the best sound of all of the mainstream - not esoteric - head units available. And you're shopping at the right time. The new lineup should be released sometime next month. I think dollar for dollar they have the most feature rich systems available. Clarion and Kenwood also make units worthy of consideration.

If you're interested in navigation, I'd consider a unit that will let you display mapping from your smartphone. The maps there are always up to date, and you can shave almost half off the cost of the head unit. See it work before you drop your money. For all of my love of Pioneer, I am not happy with their "app mode." The 2014 models are supposed to handle that differently.

I want to get a NAV unit but I just cant see spending that money on this car. I put one in my GTO that gets driven like 1,000 a year and for some reason I can see spending money on that car. lol...I know doesnt make sense.

I do like the stock head unit for it fits my needs other than I can plug my phone into it to listen to internet radio. But I guess if I wanted aftermarket, I would want a base touchscreen with DVD capabilities, Bluetooth and of course, the AUX port. NAV is not necessary.

Pictures of my unit? Perv. Yup just sent you one.

It's cleared!

App mode is garbage atm they need to really improve it a kit more before it's worth switching too

Appradio is pretty useless at this point in time.. pioneer needs to really work on it so I wouldn't buy a new HU at this point just for that. However I'm a huge fan of their AVH line up. I have 2 so far and love them.

I agree with the App radios not really being ready for prime time yet. I also agree with REDCOMPG about the Pioneer stuff. Have owned a few over the years always rock solid and a good bang for the buck. I'm running an AVH-P3400BH DVD Receiver. Nice unit at a moderate price and has blue tooth. Problem with the Monsoon systems is there is nothing good about it and it is hard to get rid of unless you gut the audio system and start over. If you were happy with the way it sounded, buy a used head unit like REDCOMPG suggested and your max outlay will be $200.
Here is a link to my install, it may put enough fear in you to just live with what you have - http://www.crutchfield.com/learn/sho...grandprix.html