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-   -   First mod - Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD (http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/34460-first-mod-pioneer-avh-p4300dvd.html)

Masa 04-08-2011 07:52 PM

First mod - Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD
 
5 Attachment(s)
Finally got tired of the OEM unit...

Interface is very fast and easy to navigate. Complete control of iPod and Pandora features through the touchscreen. Equalizer and audio control/setup are very impressive. :tup:

HKYStormFront 04-08-2011 08:02 PM

nice! i love my avic D3 even if it's getting a little long in the tooth now...

Boost_lee 04-09-2011 03:24 AM

I have the same headunit. Love it so far, especially for the price and screen size

AdobePhil 04-09-2011 02:28 PM

hahahaha, you listed to the exact same music I do. RHCP and JMT all day!

MuRdeReD_Out 04-10-2011 01:25 PM

looks nice man...are you still able to use the steering wheel controls with the pioneer? I just ordered one myself should be here sometime this week. Also did it fit flush or did you have to use the face plate?

Masa 04-10-2011 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuRdeReD_Out (Post 1045164)
looks nice man...are you still able to use the steering wheel controls with the pioneer? I just ordered one myself should be here sometime this week. Also did it fit flush or did you have to use the face plate?

Yup, had to get Pac SWI-JAC adapter to use steering wheel controls - as for the other harnesses I just used Scoche antenna adapter and vehicle harness. I strongly suggest you go to like Autozone or something and get a 12V relay to bypass the e-brake sensor on the head-unit as well that way you have full control at all times and not just when the vehicle is parked -- pretty simple to do.

As for fitment, no modifications were needed. It fits in flush and I did not have to use the faceplate that came with the unit or get a 3rd party bezel from Metra.

Sidenote - you DO NOT need the Pioneer brand iPod adapter that hooks into both USB & AUX at the same time, you can use the normal USB to 30pin connector you normally use to connect your iPod/iPhone to your PC/Mac and it works just fine - even in App mode. Just do what I did and get a black Dynex brand one for 5 bucks. :tup:

11Thumper 04-11-2011 01:18 AM

Looks great! I've been looking at these. How was the install? Did you remove the front panel and bolt it in or was it one of those metal trays with the tabs you bend, and then slide the deck into it?

Anyone worry about punks stealing these?

Masa 04-11-2011 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper (Post 1046219)
Looks great! I've been looking at these. How was the install? Did you remove the front panel and bolt it in or was it one of those metal trays with the tabs you bend, and then slide the deck into it?

Anyone worry about punks stealing these?

Install was pretty straight forward and quite easy - just a lot of parts to take off to actually get to the unit. From first hand experience I can tell you that the Pioneer AVH-P4300 and Alpine INA-W900 (guy I know put it in his Nismo 370Z) will fit flush into the factory space without the need of any modifications or bezel. Both units bolt right up to the factory bracket as well. Pretty much just followed this video to get the dash apart: http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/1...ll-videos.html

As for someone stealing it, yes and no. My car is garaged and I live in a good area so theft isn't a major concern at home but when I do park in the city there is that "what if" thought that always crosses your mind. But like anyone will tell you - if thieves want it bad enough they will get it no matter what. :shakes head:

11Thumper 04-11-2011 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1046282)
Install was pretty straight forward and quite easy - just a lot of parts to take off to actually get to the unit. From first hand experience I can tell you that the Pioneer AVH-P4300 and Alpine INA-W900 (guy I know put it in his Nismo 370Z) will fit flush into the factory space without the need of any modifications or bezel. Both units bolt right up to the factory bracket as well. Pretty much just followed this video to get the dash apart: http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/1...ll-videos.html

As for someone stealing it, yes and no. My car is garaged and I live in a good area so theft isn't a major concern at home but when I do park in the city there is that "what if" thought that always crosses your mind. But like anyone will tell you - if thieves want it bad enough they will get it no matter what. :shakes head:

Great, thanks! Since it bolts in I won't be quite as worried about issues and theft (well, not like it will stop anyone) down the road. I used to install stereos for friends and typically used those metal trays with tabs you bend, then slide the radio in. It got the job done but was never as secure as bolting it to the chassis. I like that this Pioneer unit will bolt to the chassis of the 370z with no issues.

I garage the car also (for now at least) but you're right...you can't stop a very determined thief. I would love to add the GPS feature but it's a ton of $ to throw down in addition to the deck, XM module and the adapter so I can use the steering wheel controls.

At least the install is free. :driving:

kenchan 04-11-2011 02:32 PM

cool. :tup:

Masa 04-11-2011 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper (Post 1047035)
Great, thanks! Since it bolts in I won't be quite as worried about issues and theft (well, not like it will stop anyone) down the road. I used to install stereos for friends and typically used those metal trays with tabs you bend, then slide the radio in. It got the job done but was never as secure as bolting it to the chassis. I like that this Pioneer unit will bolt to the chassis of the 370z with no issues.

I garage the car also (for now at least) but you're right...you can't stop a very determined thief. I would love to add the GPS feature but it's a ton of $ to throw down in addition to the deck, XM module and the adapter so I can use the steering wheel controls.

At least the install is free. :driving:

Yea I hated those slide in trays. My Alpine CDA-9887 that I have installed in my Civic Si used one of those and I hated how it didn't feel secure. The factory holes for the screws didn't line up with the new unit so I ended up snaking about six zip ties through various holes in the unit and tied it down to the metal bracket on the car dash to give myself peace of mind. :rofl2:

In the Z, the dash pieces are all held in by standard phillips head screws but the actual head-unit is bolted into the bracket by a star head torque screw if that makes you feel better. :tup:

kenchan 04-11-2011 02:43 PM

torx screws.

Red__Zed 04-11-2011 04:30 PM

nice install.

2ndChance 04-12-2011 02:30 AM

Very clean install.. :tup:

I just bought the same unit! pretty cheap at $370 from ebay

Wondering why you got the pac-swi jack instead of pac-swi ps?

jack stands ford jvc, apine, clarion, kenwood
ps is pioneer, sony

Masa 04-12-2011 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndChance (Post 1048556)
Very clean install.. :tup:

I just bought the same unit! pretty cheap at $370 from ebay

Wondering why you got the pac-swi jack instead of pac-swi ps?

jack stands ford jvc, apine, clarion, kenwood
ps is pioneer, sony

Haha yea that's a brain fart on my behalf -- should be ps. I got mine off Amazon for $375 then suddenly the price went back up to $500 so I was pretty happy I pulled the trigger when I did.

kenchan 04-12-2011 11:30 AM

you brainfart often, masa...

11Thumper 04-13-2011 01:50 AM

Hey Masa,

I found these for less online than what Crutchfield sells it for. They include all the mounting hardware. Would I need any of that or just what comes in the box with the deck? I know I need a wiring harness and antenna adapter, no issue. But what about a bezel and such?

Thanks

Masa 04-13-2011 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper (Post 1050723)
Hey Masa,

I found these for less online than what Crutchfield sells it for. They include all the mounting hardware. Would I need any of that or just what comes in the box with the deck? I know I need a wiring harness and antenna adapter, no issue. But what about a bezel and such?

Thanks

All you really need is what comes in the box - I didn't even need to use bezel that came with the unit. I bought mine off Amazon and just got the Scoche wiring harness and antenna adapter from Best Buy for cheap. No additional dash kits or bezel/trim is needed.

Shadax 04-13-2011 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1051042)
All you really need is what comes in the box - I didn't even need to use bezel that came with the unit. I bought mine off Amazon and just got the Scoche wiring harness and antenna adapter from Best Buy for cheap. No additional dash kits or bezel/trim is needed.

I just bought this on Amazon for $399, no tax and $16 shipping to get it by Friday :D

So you used the factory dash kit? If I have this stock unit will I need a dash kit to install the Pioneer unit?:

http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...pit%20copy.jpg

Masa 04-13-2011 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadax (Post 1051290)
I just bought this on Amazon for $399, no tax and $16 shipping to get it by Friday :D

So you used the factory dash kit? If I have this stock unit will I need a dash kit to install the Pioneer unit?:

http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...pit%20copy.jpg

You won't need ANYTHING to install the new unit except wiring harness adapter and antenna adapter which you buy separately.

The unit comes in the box with:
AVH-P4300DVD (unit itself)
Pioneer wiring harness (you splice this to vehicle harness -- I used Scoche)
Remote
Black bezel trim (did not need to use this at all - unit fits flush w/out it)
Mounting scews (you will need to use these as the factory torx screws are a different thread)
Black USB Cable extension (this cable I think was about 4ft (?) but since I decided to mount my iPhone in the center cubby I did not need the extra length and put it aside -- I have seen others route the USB cable into the center console so the plug connector comes out in the arm rest compartment by the cupholder)

Simply pop out the OEM unit and bolt in the new one in it's place - no modifications needed to fit.

I do recommend you pick up a 12v relay and splice the e-brake ground to that so you can access DVD/Nav/App mode while the car is in motion.

Shadax 04-13-2011 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1051380)
You won't need ANYTHING to install the new unit except wiring harness adapter and antenna adapter which you buy separately.

The unit comes in the box with:
AVH-P4300DVD (unit itself)
Pioneer wiring harness (you splice this to vehicle harness -- I used Scoche)
Remote
Black bezel trim (did not need to use this at all - unit fits flush w/out it)
Mounting scews (you will need to use these as the factory torx screws are a different thread)

Simply pop out the OEM unit and bolt in the new one in it's place - no modifications needed to fit.

I do recommend you pick up a 12v relay and splice the e-brake ground to that so you can access DVD/Nav/App mode while the car is in motion.

Awesome, greatly appreciate the info.

Masa 04-13-2011 11:55 AM

No prob! You will love the unit -- it is a great deal and screen size for the price.

Have you decided on aftermarket speakers yet? The stock ones don't do the HU any justice -- I ended up installing Polk DXi6500 components and it sounds worlds better.

Shadax 04-13-2011 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1051447)
No prob! You will love the unit -- it is a great deal and screen size for the price.

Have you decided on aftermarket speakers yet? The stock ones don't do the HU any justice -- I ended up installing Polk DXi6500 components and it sounds worlds better.

I've got a friend who's a huge audiophile who's gonna help me install everything else after. Next pay check we're doing the works; speakers, amp, sub.

Guard Dad 04-13-2011 08:54 PM

Hey, I'm really glad to see your post on this issue as I'm ordering parts for this exact mod in next day or so.

A couple of questions:

Was any sort of connector or special cable needed to complete the connection of the the new head unit to the car or does the SWI kit address those issues?

Does the OEM antenna connection require any sort of adapter to connect to the new head unit and if so what is it and where did you get it?

The new unit has a sub woofer output correct? and did you install rear speakers and/or a sub?

Did you install a back up camera or do you plan to in the future and if so, which one do you like?

Any other thoughts that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Masa 04-14-2011 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad (Post 1052610)
Hey, I'm really glad to see your post on this issue as I'm ordering parts for this exact mod in next day or so.

A couple of questions:

Was any sort of connector or special cable needed to complete the connection of the the new head unit to the car or does the SWI kit address those issues?

Does the OEM antenna connection require any sort of adapter to connect to the new head unit and if so what is it and where did you get it?

The new unit has a sub woofer output correct? and did you install rear speakers and/or a sub?

Did you install a back up camera or do you plan to in the future and if so, which one do you like?

Any other thoughts that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

- the SWI kit plugs right into the back and you just have to do some wiring to get it to work with the steering wheel

- yes you will need an antenna adapter, I used Scoche - standard black plug goes into the back of the unit and theres a blue wire you splice into the vehicle harness for the radio

- the unit does have a subwoofer output - I did not install rear speakers or a sub. I am using components up front only -- Polk DXi6500 and personally I find these are more than enough for me as I don't really blast my music to high volume.

- I didn't really see a need for a back up camera but there is a plug in the unit for it if you wish to add one later as well as another plug for the avic gps add on

My only recommendation is to do a relay bypass for the ebrake ground so you can access all the features of the unit whenever you want. :tup:

The harnesses I used were Pioneer harness (comes with unit) spliced to the Scoche NN04B for 2007+ Nissan vehicle harness and Scoche NAA2B antenna adapter. For the antenna adapter, you plug it straight to the OEM anetnna socket then the black wire goes into the HU and the blue wire you splice into the Scoche vehicle harness. If you don't your local radio reception is gonna suck. Also be sure to hook up the orange wires for the auto dimming - the screen is quite bright and i found it to be a distraction at night - much better when it dims with the rest of the interior lighting.

Shadax 04-14-2011 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1053265)

My only recommendation is to do a relay bypass for the ebrake ground so you can access all the features of the unit whenever you want. :tup:

Can you explain the relay hookup? I'm pretty savvy when it comes to electronics I just am not sure I understand the setup of the relay.

Thanks :D

Masa 04-14-2011 03:19 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Relay: 12VDC/1A SPDT Micro Relay - RadioShack.com

Diagram (Lol):

Guard Dad 04-15-2011 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1053265)
- the SWI kit plugs right into the back and you just have to do some wiring to get it to work with the steering wheel

- yes you will need an antenna adapter, I used Scoche - standard black plug goes into the back of the unit and theres a blue wire you splice into the vehicle harness for the radio

- the unit does have a subwoofer output - I did not install rear speakers or a sub. I am using components up front only -- Polk DXi6500 and personally I find these are more than enough for me as I don't really blast my music to high volume.

- I didn't really see a need for a back up camera but there is a plug in the unit for it if you wish to add one later as well as another plug for the avic gps add on

My only recommendation is to do a relay bypass for the ebrake ground so you can access all the features of the unit whenever you want. :tup:

The harnesses I used were Pioneer harness (comes with unit) spliced to the Scoche NN04B for 2007+ Nissan vehicle harness and Scoche NAA2B antenna adapter. For the antenna adapter, you plug it straight to the OEM anetnna socket then the black wire goes into the HU and the blue wire you splice into the Scoche vehicle harness. If you don't your local radio reception is gonna suck. Also be sure to hook up the orange wires for the auto dimming - the screen is quite bright and i found it to be a distraction at night - much better when it dims with the rest of the interior lighting.

Thanks for the great response. I've done several searches on the Scosche products with limited results, where did you buy them? Know of any on line sources?

Boost_lee 04-15-2011 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa (Post 1053996)

I used the same bypass on my headunit, works flawlessly.

Masa 04-15-2011 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad (Post 1054740)
Thanks for the great response. I've done several searches on the Scosche products with limited results, where did you buy them? Know of any on line sources?

You should be able to grab both on amazon for ~20.00USD.

MuRdeReD_Out 04-17-2011 10:26 AM

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7..._6436045_n.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...191504_n-1.jpg


Just got mine installed...love it so far!

Masa 04-18-2011 08:42 AM

Looks good, did you use a dash kit or use the factory dash? I notice there's a bezel in place...?

Guard Dad 04-18-2011 01:29 PM

Well I've taken the plunge and ordered the AVH-P4300DVD as well as the connector cables and steering wheel interface.

Many thanks Masa for your assistence, this head unit was already on my short list when I ran accross this thread and hearing of your positive experience gave me the confidence to pull the trigger.

I've already got Polk speakers in the door and dash (these will be connected directly to the new head unit) and I'm now considering sub woofer options. Affordability and space issues are very important. At first I was considering low profile self-powered subs (good prices-$100-250, manageable size but, I gather, so-so sound), then then self-powdered bazookas (good price, bulky but it could be removed if space was needed, probably better sound) and most recently a separate mono amp ($75-150) with a spare tire mounted single 10" sub woofer (under $100). The last option would require some fabrication for the enclosuer but would be very clean when completed. I've done some searches and it seems like many folks are putting a conventional speaker grill on the carpeted deck of the hatch (seems like the speaker might be subject to damage from luggage) while some other folks are doing some sort of under carpet placement (doesn't this compromise the sound quality?) with no grill but perhaps perforations in the carpet and the plastic carpet backer panel, any thoughts?

Masa 04-18-2011 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad (Post 1060007)
Well I've taken the plunge and ordered the AVH-P4300DVD as well as the connector cables and steering wheel interface.

Many thanks Masa for your assistence, this head unit was already on my short list when I ran accross this thread and hearing of your positive experience gave me the confidence to pull the trigger.

I've already got Polk speakers in the door and dash (these will be connected directly to the new head unit) and I'm now considering sub woofer options. Affordability and space issues are very important. At first I was considering low profile self-powered subs (good prices-$100-250, manageable size but, I gather, so-so sound), then then self-powdered bazookas (good price, bulky but it could be removed if space was needed, probably better sound) and most recently a separate mono amp ($75-150) with a spare tire mounted single 10" sub woofer (under $100). The last option would require some fabrication for the enclosuer but would be very clean when completed. I've done some searches and it seems like many folks are putting a conventional speaker grill on the carpeted deck of the hatch (seems like the speaker might be subject to damage from luggage) while some other folks are doing some sort of under carpet placement (doesn't this compromise the sound quality?) with no grill but perhaps perforations in the carpet and the plastic carpet backer panel, any thoughts?

What type of Polks do you have? I have DXi6500 components on the front door and dash, nothing on the rear speaker cut outs and no sub and I find them to be quite loud and plenty powerful for me. The thought of rear speakers - let alone a sub would be overkill to me personally. Then again, not sure how loud you like to play your music. :tup:

Once you get the Pioneer unit in place and wired in try putting the equalizer to 'Powerful', Loudness to 'Low' and Bass Boost to +1. That's the setting I have on and it sounds great without rears and a sub.

As for sub enclosures, I have seen many fabricated boxes, a lot of people seem to like to mount the amp and a small 8" sub right behind the seats where the shelves are.

Guard Dad 04-18-2011 04:42 PM

Polk DB6501 (as I recall) 6.5" in the door and the tweeters in the dash. They are WAY better than stock but at only 6.5 inches they can't do justice to the very low ranges. I have no rear speakers now but I'll be adding some 3.5" Infinity 2-ways at the currently unused factory openings. If I don't like them I'll just turn them down. I know that many folks don't like rear speakers but once I've got the seats out (I'll be adding sound deadener) I might as well put them in and see what happens.

I'm not into super loud audio so max volume is usually not an issue. The factory head unit drives the Polk's just fine for my needs so I figure that the front and rear output of the AVH-P4300DVD will be fine for me. I do like the sound of a little extra low bass (I really hate mid bass, it always sounds boomy to me) hence my interest in a sub. I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, I want something that still allows me to take the Z on the occasional 2-3 day weekend without having to UPS our bags to the hotel.

The sub behind the seats is of some interest because that space is not that useful. The spare tire sub is kind of cool because I have a nice home shop (I'm a contractor) so fabricating a sub box to nest into the spare tire is a no-brainer and the idea of a 10" sub is appealing and the kind of stealthy aspect of the spare tire sub is appealing as well. But if a spare tire sub is really bad acoustically or has some other significant limitation I'll have to consider some sort of alternative.

11Thumper 04-19-2011 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad (Post 1060433)
Polk DB6501 (as I recall) 6.5" in the door and the tweeters in the dash. They are WAY better than stock but at only 6.5 inches they can't do justice to the very low ranges. I have no rear speakers now but I'll be adding some 3.5" Infinity 2-ways at the currently unused factory openings. If I don't like them I'll just turn them down. I know that many folks don't like rear speakers but once I've got the seats out (I'll be adding sound deadener) I might as well put them in and see what happens.

I'm not into super loud audio so max volume is usually not an issue. The factory head unit drives the Polk's just fine for my needs so I figure that the front and rear output of the AVH-P4300DVD will be fine for me. I do like the sound of a little extra low bass (I really hate mid bass, it always sounds boomy to me) hence my interest in a sub. I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, I want something that still allows me to take the Z on the occasional 2-3 day weekend without having to UPS our bags to the hotel.

The sub behind the seats is of some interest because that space is not that useful. The spare tire sub is kind of cool because I have a nice home shop (I'm a contractor) so fabricating a sub box to nest into the spare tire is a no-brainer and the idea of a 10" sub is appealing and the kind of stealthy aspect of the spare tire sub is appealing as well. But if a spare tire sub is really bad acoustically or has some other significant limitation I'll have to consider some sort of alternative.

For the rear speakers...are there wires there already? I see the grills but obviously there are no speakers there. Is it hard to install speakers there?

Guard Dad 04-19-2011 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper (Post 1062650)
For the rear speakers...are there wires there already? I see the grills but obviously there are no speakers there. Is it hard to install speakers there?

It's my understanding that Base Model Z's aren't wired for rear speakers. It really doesn't matter if you are installing a new system because you'll be upgrading those wires anyway.

I haven't done the rear speaker install yet but I would expect it to be straight forward.

NismoZ370 05-30-2011 03:36 PM

Thanks for all your guys input if i dont get the AVH-P4200 for sale on here, im definitely going to get the 4300.

Does anyone know the major differences between the 4200 and 4300?

fuct 06-01-2011 03:57 PM

i have the 4200 series and cannot get my evo 4G to connect to it. also the touch screen will not opperate if its too cold inside the car. this happened to me during houston winters, so watch out you yankees...

Masa 06-02-2011 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NismoZ370 (Post 1141569)
Thanks for all your guys input if i dont get the AVH-P4200 for sale on here, im definitely going to get the 4300.

Does anyone know the major differences between the 4200 and 4300?

From what I read, the major difference is processing speed. The interface is smoother and responds faster on the 4300.


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