My In-Dash Navi Selection and Installation Review
 

Navi Selection
So it was between the Pioneer Z3, Pioneer F90BT, and Kenwood DNX8120. I really wanted a 7” at first, but just couldn’t find a good one. Z3 requires me to get additional module for the iPod and Bluetooth and DNX8120 also requires me to get an iPod cable tough not very expensive. However, the big decision point for me are the resolution and prices. Both the Z3 and DNX8120 are 7” with 480x3?? where F90BT is 800x480. Both DNX8120 and Z3 are over $1k and F90BT is well under that.

Installation
I’ve never installed an aftermarket head unit myself and this is my first real aftermarket unit. (Well, I replaced my radio in my Mazda before, but it was free install, and more of a direct replacement.) So I went to an installer near by my work instead.

The shop is CK Auto Image. I went into the shop several times prior to the install and asked many questions and looked at the unit prior to install. He never pressured me to buy and was very knowledgeable as well. Ken is the owner of the shop and he did an excellent job of installing the system for me while I waited, watched, and learned how the whole thing works. Ken really took his time and was very careful throughout the entire install and answered all the questions I had. The unit looks and works great however the dash kit from Metra was sub-standard. :( Of course this not something Ken can fix, the kit just sucks. Maybe later down the road I’ll get the JDM DD dash kit. But right now, it’s good enough for me. I liked that he tapped the wires and did not cut any just in case if I have to go back to my OEM unit or change to something else. After the install, I had some problems using my wife’s iPod and he had us come right in and took care of us (somehow the iPod was empty).

He promised to give some nice discount if you go in and mention Leo or Detail Addict too!

CK Auto Image
3700 Thomas Rd #107
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 330-0888
www.ckautoimage.com

Before
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0008.jpg

The shop
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0009.jpg

Ken inspecting the dash kit prior to install
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0013.jpg

Remove stock unit and trims
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0020.jpg

Stock vs Metra dash
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0026.jpg

Mic install
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0030.jpg

Testing the speakers and locating the wires
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0040.jpg

Running the wires
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0047.jpg

Unit and trims back in
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0056.jpg

Installed!
http://www.detailaddict.com/images/g...9/DSC_0058.jpg

Very nice, congrats!

thanks! my wife loves it too! she's been playing with it ever since we got the unit! lol

looks awesome! :thumbup:

Very nice congrats on your new system.

I'm thinking of doing this too but whats better..the factory navi or a aftermarket one? and yours looks great.

thanks! :)

thanks!
I like the OEM fitment but I love the aftermarket features. I purposely got an Evo X w/SSS only and NO Navi. Now I have voice command, Bluetooth, and iPod interface. And much cheaper than paying for the stock Navi too! :)

so did he just tap the wires in for your stock amp to work or did you get an aftermarket amp? how much was the install and navi?

no, i had to loose the stock amp and sub in the trunk until I get an aftermarket amp... :(

very nice! I've been waiting for pics of an aftermarket navi installed in a X. I've heard the scosche kit fits a lot better than the metra. Enjoy!

That's the same unit I put in my wife's Outlander. Looks great. The only thing I don't like about that is the LONG boot up times every time you start the car.

congrats on the new nav... getting one soon...

yeah, I know... but I was told that metra is 'usually' a better brand... :( oh well... but I don't think i'll try out the scoshe dash kit at all... if I am going for another dash kit, it'll be the JDM OEM one... :)

yeah, I know what you mean, but so far, I am able to live with it. :)


thanks! and I hope you enjoy yours when you do get one. :)

where did you order your metra kit??

Ken ordered it for me... he called his local warehouse/distributors and none carried one (i guess evo x is too new and/or very few people order it) so he had to order it from metra direct.