DFWCorvettes.com
Picture Archive
Auto Profiles
login  logout
Authors Vette
create account
Kenwood DNX8120 Install in my 2008 Corvette Z06
           
 
Second Page
 
           
Before Install
           
After Install
           
Purpose

When I ordered the Z06, I ordered it without factory navigation and opted for the 6-disc system instead. Since the factory navigation system did not have any of the features I wanted, I didn't think it would be worth the extra dollars. My intentions all along were to upgrade the factory 6-disc head unit to an after market head unit. I am perfectly happy with the factory speaker system, I simply wanted a feature rich head unit.

I had the following requirements:

  • Full iPod control
  • Bluetooth integration with my cell phone
  • Diskless navigation (for speed)
  • Factory look (very important)
  • Simple install
  • Retain all factory functions

The Kenwood DNX8120 met and surpassed what I was originally looking for. The only thing you will lose with this installation is radio and navigation (if you have factory NAV) information on the HUD. I didn't find radio information useful on the HUD so this was no loss to me.

           
Parts List
  • Kenwood DNX8120 (Head Unit)
  • Kenwood KCA-iP300V (iPod interface)
  • PAC SWI-JACK (needed if you have steering controls and you want to keep them)
  • Metra 95-3304 (dash kit)
  • Metra 40GM10 (antenna adapter)
  • Peripheral GHAHCM (chime module to retain factory chime alerts)
  • Peripheral GMAH24B (Interface to factory Bose amp and OnStar.)
Price
The total price for the parts above is in the $1200-$1300 range when purchased from E-Bay. I was able to sell my factory 6-disc head unit for $350 so the total cost is around $900. A factory navigation unit should fetch around $700 which would make the upgrade cost only $500.
           
The Car
The host car is my 2008 Corvette Z06 (2LZ package). It has the Bose premium 7 speaker system. If you don't have the premium 7 speaker option, there may be some minor differences (if any) with your install. Be sure you check the audio forums at CorvetteForum.com with questions.
           
The Kenwood DNX8120
The feature list for this unit go on and on. It is a complete entertainment system. Here a few.
  • 6.95” Color Touchscreen Display (bigger than factory)
  • Built-in Garmin Navigation With USA, Canada, PR, Alaska, Hawaii Mapping (Hard to beat the simplicity of the Garmin)
  • Built-In Bluetooth Technology
  • Downloads your cell's phonebook and SMS text messages
  • New GUI with Changeable Skin and Customizable Start-up
  • Fastest Access to iPod Audio/Video with High-speed iPod Control
  • 5.1 Decoding/Playback with (5V) RCA Preouts (L,C,R, LS,RS,Sub)
  • 2 Relay Control Outputs for garage doors, lighting, trunk, etc. (I used this to control the NPP exhaust valve)
  • SAT Ready (Requires CA-SR20V + Sirius SC-C1 Tuner or KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner)
  • HD Radio Ready
  • Remote Control Included
  • TV Tuner ready
  • Reads all of the popular DVD/CD formats, even VCD
  • Plays MP3's from a USB stick
  • Backup camera option
Installation --Next Page
 
           
DFWCorvettes.com
Contact Webmaster