Aftermarket Car Stereo Upgrades

[sichang]

I have a 2002 Infiniti I35. I love the car but I have to say that the factory Bose Stereo stinks. I don't mean that it's not what I expected for a Bose - it just really sounds horrible.

I need to upgrade my head unit but do not want to significantly modify my dash. Anyone know where I can purchase a car stereo dash kit that fits the I35 along with a wiring harnass? I've searched far and wide and have not been able to find a manufacturer who makes a stereo dash kit for the I35...

[cjordanmcclain]

I'm with sichang, the factory system is not up to par. There is hope, kinda. According to my installer, the '02 I35 and '02 Maxima are built on the same chasis (duh!). Anyway, an install kit from the '02 Maxima will work in the '02 I35. There's also the possibility of it already being color coded. The catch is, at this point is, availability. Tweeter Electronics(HiFi Buys, etc) is still waiting on their shipment from Metra (www.metraonline.com). I've also seen the kit at www.scosche.com . I've gotten all of my components, and the radio chosen but I have to wait on getting this kit. Good luck!!!

[sichang]

Does that mean the wiring harnass isn't color coded to the I-35? What about the factory BOSE system? Does the wiring take advantage of the BOSE, or does it bypass the system entirely?

[cjordanmcclain]

What I meant when I stated "color coded" was simply that the plastic install shell should be matched to the color of the dash. In regards to a wiring harness or bypass......Each speaker (from what was explained to me) has it's own little amplifier on it that works in harmony with factory radio. Your system would sound even worse if you tried an aftermarket unit with the factory speakers, if you got any sound at all. As far as powering your new radio, connecting to the antenna, etc, I believe that will be fine with the wire harness. Other than that, I am taking everything out and using the factory speaker locations for my upgrade, with exception of the subwoofer. I'm using a JL Audio 12W3 D4 (rear firing) and the factory sub location will simply act as a flow-vent from the trunk to the interior of the car. I'm going to see my installer this afternoon for some measments, etc. I'll keep you posted.