New Aftermarket head unit kit option

[sonic525]

Will the RPK5-GM4101 & Kenwood DNX893S combo work with idatalink maestro? I am wondering if any extra features would be added.

[Grlym17]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

I rate this a number 5 mainly based on the fact that it is the ONLY kit to allow your Camaro to keep the flow of the interior fairly seamlessly, to include retaining the HVAC knobs. Also realize that this kit on here ( I bought it in Dec 2016 for about $225), is far more affordable than every other website. And if you got this far, you have already figured out that the GM approach to preventing you to upgrade within the OEM system to get the RS type MyLink stereo without hemorrhaging a budget....this is the ONLY way to go. After stating this, please allow me to be critical and a bit nit picky.

1. The instructions can be vague at times, at other times, not talk about critical steps at all. When you make the call (which I did once), it is explained that this kit was designed for you to buy and then take to a Pro Installer..."who just knows what to do". I have done this same type kit on a 2009 Ford Focus (in 2009...and details spoken in my review on Amazon), so I am clearly not an expert, but not completely unable. I also have comm and electronic background in my job. I state this for no other reason than to help gauge your skills relevant to this kit and the issues I had. All that aside, the techs are patient and kind and willing to help.

2. During installation, realize space is extremely limited in the Camaro. My strategy for making room was to cut out the back plates (as described in the instructions) and to push ALL cables, SWC to the sides of the hole under the dash (NOT to the top, above the stereo). Cutting the alignment pegs (as suggested is necessary) was needed and I ended up sinking screws in the left over holes to push the stereo up just a bit to align correctly.

3. HVAC and Hazard buttons and knobs. The HVAC knobs are much tighter in use on the kit, despite numerous re-alignment treatments I made. The hazard light button is not a switch like in the OEM. It is more like a pressure switch that makes you grit your teeth to activate and hope that it does not break anything. So far, nothing has broke. When disassembling the back of the OEM to move parts to the kit....know that not all Camaro models are identical as the instructions lead you to believe. I had about 2x the amount of screws to take off. The kit provides an HVAC cable for the kit (but not shown or talked about in the instructions). The molex connector is not keyed, so go by the PCB pin number and the pin number on the connector to align correctly. The activation of all buttons on the kit are noticeably slower than OEM, but all worked fine after some tweaking. Also, the HVAC knobs do not center on the kit (they sag about 2 mm lower).

4. WHAT stereo to use and will fit? It is designed for 1 DIN and 2 DIN use. I prefer the Pioneer AVH-X5800BS. It allows me maximal screen viewing and looks sharper. HOWEVER, the danger with this choice is that the Camaro and the kit allows for such limited depth for the stereo unit, that it is extremely tight on the stereo face to rotate out to expose the DVD slot. At times I have to gently nudge to help the motor. I still am not swayed from why I prefer this stereo, BUT I highly recommend anyone not as stubborn on appearance factor to get a deck that does not need the flip out face. You get less screen, but it will save you heartache in install and upkeep. After 5 hours (cradle to grave), I was able to finally get the the kit face to snap into the dash.

5. Cables - I am still not sure all the cables came with the kit. What I mean by this is, all the cables are there that they say should be there, but not all that you need. I found NO cable for the XM radio to the deck. And the diagram was wrong or using the SWC in my 2005 Camaro LS (no MyLink) edition. Even the labels on the SWC are not correct on one side. You will find that one connector can fit on one of two plug on one side, ended up working on the one that was NOT labeled for that plug. So you better test everything before fastening everything up.

6. Instructions - realize the online instructions are different than the ones they ship you and there are at moments, critical variances.The sellers assume only Pro Installers are using these kits, so little extra is needed. However, a bit of research, chalking off a potential whole day not needing the car should things go awry, and their rescue phone number should allow the average DIY to knock this out.

Resources :
(These sites gave me confidence enough to buy the kit in the first place)

GREAT REVIEW:
http://www.tampabaycamaros.com/pac-a...4101-hands-on/
http://www.tampabaycamaros.com/new-d...h-gen-camaros/

AD that started my initial desire for this kit


http://www.pac-audio.com/downloads/R...s_06172016.pdf

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=26

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466180

[chevysquid]

I'm about to install mine with a Pioneer 5200nex, but I'm still unsure about how I can keep the XM radio. The pac module has a port labeled xm audio, is there a car side connector which plugs in there? I bought the sxv300 vehicle connect tuner, is it required? I saw in a previous post someone mentioned a fakra to smb antenna adapter. I have a 2011 non mylink car. Can anyone clear this last part up for me? I think I'm good with everything else. Thanks in advance!

[cwahl]

I worked with PAC support about my temperate gauge display failing. They now have me reaching out to Phastek for a new unit. I'm not too happy about replacing the display only a week into ownership.

[tone100]

I just installed my in a 2015 this past weekend. I used a Kenwood DDX593. I bought a new XM tuner for $30 and just popped the clip off the factory antenna wire and it plugged right in. I cut out the plastic hump in the back and mounted the main PAC module on the left side of the glove box. That way I can just pop the glovebox out if I need to access it.

It was tough getting all of the wires dressed and out of the way to allow enough mounting depth.

[Grlym17]

Originally Posted by chevysquid

I'm about to install mine with a Pioneer 5200nex, but I'm still unsure about how I can keep the XM radio. The pac module has a port labeled xm audio, is there a car side connector which plugs in there? I bought the sxv300 vehicle connect tuner, is it required? I saw in a previous post someone mentioned a fakra to smb antenna adapter. I have a 2011 non mylink car. Can anyone clear this last part up for me? I think I'm good with everything else. Thanks in advance!

I could not find an xm conn cite in the kit that connectered to the swc box or to the radio. I am not using xm, so I did not really chase down this problem sorry

[GVA 45TH 2SS]

Originally Posted by chevysquid

I'm about to install mine with a Pioneer 5200nex, but I'm still unsure about how I can keep the XM radio. The pac module has a port labeled xm audio, is there a car side connector which plugs in there? I bought the sxv300 vehicle connect tuner, is it required? I saw in a previous post someone mentioned a fakra to smb antenna adapter. I have a 2011 non mylink car. Can anyone clear this last part up for me? I think I'm good with everything else. Thanks in advance!

Yes you need the adapter cable and the sxv300 for XM audio.
I got mine from Double D mods. Im not sure of the part #, he sent what I needed

[Blubird68]

LOL @ Robert Esche

[Leo72793]

Originally Posted by sonic525

Will the RPK5-GM4101 & Kenwood DNX893S combo work with idatalink maestro? I am wondering if any extra features would be added.

How did you run active with the tweeters??

[Jonesm24]

I had an issue with my Hvac/ trim piece. The connector for the controls that is soldered onto the circuit board was not connected and it left me without my heater functions. I originally contacted the company that I ordered everything from (sonicelectronix.com) and they basically told me to pound sand and that it would be anywhere from 2-6 weeks before they could get me a replacement piece. I asked them to please contact PAC to to see if we could expedite the process and told me they don't contact manufacturers.... Now, being I paid them for said product, that would make me their customer. But they are not willing to go to bat for their customers... So I had to contact PAC myself and explain the situation, and they went the extra mile to track down the needed parts and expressed shipped them. They worked in this for at least a few hrs to accommodate a vendors customer who purchased their product. JayMac in customer service for PAC audio did a fantastic job and I highly recommend PAC based on customer service alone!

[frenchsquared]

Thanks everyone for the reviews. I am just not willing to put one of these in my Z/28. The quality just isn't there yet. Hopefully they will improve over time.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by frenchsquared

Thanks everyone for the reviews. I am just not willing to put one of these in my Z/28. The quality just isn't there yet. Hopefully they will improve over time.

We'll agree to disagree.

Anything remotely being considered as a potential 'issue' was caused by lack of installation knowledge. Even at their worst, the only thing that can factually be stated about them is they were a minor inconvenience.

[CreeperRS]

Originally Posted by Snoman

We'll agree to disagree.

Anything remotely being considered as a potential 'issue' was caused by lack of installation knowledge. Even at their worst, the only thing that can factually be stated about them is they were a minor inconvenience.

[Smokenflyy]

Does this come with a wiring harness for an aftermarket headunit? Just prdered it ans want to know if i need to go out and get a wiring harmess for the install. Thanks