The LazyAssGeek’s

Can I change my system to factory NAV?

This question gets asked a LOT at Corvette Forum so instead of retyping every time I see it I’m creating this page so all I have to do is post a link!

The answer to the question “can I..” is yes, you can, though I still don’t have proof positive. Lots of folks buy them, lots of folks ask about it but none post “I did it!” I’m basing the yes on the fact that the system is designed for the car and if you have the correct pieces assembled, it will work. So really the question isn’t “can I” but “should I bother?”

The first point I’ll make is that regardless of the factory stereo you start with you MUST take the car to a dealer and have the NAV unit you install programmed. All of the factory stereos are VIN-locked and while the stereo will power up, it will only display a message about being locked until it is re-programmed. Be sure to have proof of purchase as some dealers may get finicky about doing the programming as the VIN-locking is an anti-theft measure.

If you have a Bose system then it’s not terribly complicated because the NAV requires Bose so you already have most of what you need. You only get the GPS antenna for NAV if you order it from the factory so you will need to add that antenna. I do not have a part number for this or any instructions as to how to hook it up and where to install it, except to say that in the factory cars it’s buried in the dash near where the dash speaker is.

If you have non-Bose, well you have more work to do. From what I have been told, the non-Bose cars do not contain the VSS wire in the harness. I also do not know if even were the VSS present if the NAV unit would run the Delco amplifier. So the only sure way I know would be to install the Bose amplifier and speakers, plus locate the VSS wire in the ECM and figure out which pin it needs to connect to in the factory harness.

So those are the basics on how, so let’s address the question of should you. In my far-less-than-humble opinion NO WAY. My ‘06 Vert has factory NAV and after living with it for over a year I am close to pulling it out of the dash and replacing it. The limitations of the factory system are infuriating:

• After nearly a year of promising release the PAL for iPod hookup is still not available
• There’s no option for Bluetooth
• You can only get XM from the factory
• You can’t get XM or Sirius NAV-traffic
• The lawyer nag screen is there EVERY time you start the car
• You cannot play DVD’s (in a coupe of very little concern, but still an issue for some folks)
• Sound quality is only fair-to-middlin’

My opinion on this is obviously rather strong, but given that I have a great deal of experience with the factory NAV, other factory NAVs and a fair number of aftermarket NAVs I think it’s not unfair the suggest it worth considering.

Can I? Yes.

Should I? NO WAY!