Really need to install a Nav system

[The Car Stereo Company]

ok this is what i got to date.
Alpine INE-Z928HD The place said that they had one just installed it into a Raptor, they said the Sync did not work or user didn't care. They said to shop around for a install kit as the Alpine perfect fit was too much money.
Also got the the PAC unit for the Sync system and the unit that bypasses so you can operate the nav while driving, I think it is the same as the TR7.They went and picked the unit up and had it to me the next day, great service.
When I asked other places for availability of the Alpine they all suggested the Kenwood unit also.
Got an install kit bezel and mounting bracket, only problem had to get black and was cheap so I can experiment with that to see how it fits, not sure I can get the correct silver one to match my dash.
The only thing I am not sure about is do I need something for the steering wheel controls. I don't think so at the moment.
The install is another thing going to attempt next week looks like it's going to be fun and not in a good way..

pac and peripheral both use the same piece when it comes to the tr7. i will check and see whats going on with kenwood. any honest installer will tell you that kenwood is not as good as pioneer or alpine.

for steering wheel controls you need the "swi-jack" and need to program it to your vehicles steering wheel buttons. i just did one today with the z920.

i just recently disassembled a raptor, let me know if you need help.

 

[MrGreen33]

Learning lots of good stuff. AHA Radio and Pandora is something I want to use Would not need Sirus

Have not looked but can I use them with the Pioneer and or Alpine?

for the pioneer..

How To - AVIC-Z140BH - Bluetooth Streaming Audio - YouTube


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgaY7PMx9vk&feature=plcp


for the alpine


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNY-jebAs0


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sFxtDsGpC8

---------- Post added at 10:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 PM ----------

More info below...regarding Pandora, aHA and other apps...

- What's 'Appening?

 

[Fred]

Thanks great videos. These guys make it so easy to use. The Alpine dies look cool in the car. The guy from Alpine looks like the midget from Game of Thrones, creepy!

Anyway, good posts, I have been looking on YouTube and agree the Pioneer and Alpine are better units, but the Kenwood is easier to install specifically, with the Maestro kit designed specifically for the Ford and My Sync,

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

im not liking the alpine too much right now...... details later once i figure it out

 

[MrGreen33]

cool keep us posted busa...


almost forgot...

 

[cayenne]

Now if Metra or PAC would come out with something that would allow us to replace the factory NAVMand handle the air conditioning controls that would be great. I've invested a lot in a nice SQ install but the factory HU is now the limiting quality factor.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

ok last night i was too tired to type what i found out.......

the alpine, install = pain in the ass. its a double din size with an oversized face. so if you are trying to put this in any other vehicle other than whats available from alpine kits. you are in for one hell of a job. i will post pictures later.... my boss told the customer that the radio would fit no problem..........4hours later....... still havent put the radio in, but i did get the center console and dash back in........ and the radio fits, after a shitload of modifying and building.........then i finally got around to wiring it up.

after messing with the deck, i decided its not for me. i dont like the user interface, and the initial start up, required me to all alpine tech. if i have to call tech support just for a radio, i think its a load of crap.

so on to the controls, everything is on the touchscreen. i found it hard to navigate through all the menus to find what i wanted. if i was driving i probably would have wrecked while trying to locate "track up" on the radio. definitely takes time to get used to it.

so for anyone who cares what this installer thinks.........
it still has the alpine quality and the screen itself looks just like any other alpine. the unit is solid and well built, but i did not notice that big of a difference from the 8in screen compared to the 7in screen i did friday. i didnt get the impression "wow this screen is big"
unless you really really want an 8in screen you dont need it. its nice to have that extra inch on the screen but, ask yourself, is it really worth the extra $800 for a 1 inch bigger screen?
the 8in is $500 more than the z920 (6 in screen) which is almost the same in every way and then you need $300 for the alpine kit. my personal choice for alpine, i would have to go with the w910 instead. the new hd alpine is nice and im sure i will get used to it, but that 8in is not worth it in my opinion.

remember, this is my "first impression" review. it could change, if i find something new

 

[Fred]

I spoke with another dealer yesterday. They sell Pioneer and Alpine. The Alpine screen was cool on I liked the tilt option. I guess that is why the dash is so expensive.

The pioneer (z140) was my favorite. Liked the iPod/iPhone integration, worked great with pandora, Netfliks as well. The music integration was easy to learn and use. The searching function was easy to use as well. All in all a great unit. Did NOT like the fact that to use sync with the Pioneer need a completely separate module that is white and ugly as shit. I guess you would stick it in the glove box. The sales guy back peddled on the back up camera retention, built in mic. At the end he was fairly confident I could get everything to work but with how many harnesses, adapters, etc...? XM/Sirus needed a kit as well which was $150 just for the Sirus kit
The price would be around $2,200 with everything working and installed.

I still keep coming back to the Kenwood. The iDatalink Maestro integration basically seems to retain everything. It is $150 or $75 if I buy the Kenwood unit from Crutchfield. And they install as well.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

he quoted you retail prices. you can find another shop who will negotiate with you

 

[MrGreen33]

totally...







Yo can find the the pioneer z140 on line for like $850 give or take...do a Google shopping search... Then all the modules and dash kit, installation.. etc.. you should be in the neighbor hood of $1,500...plus or minus...out the door.