Should I swap out the head unit once I get my 370z?
 

Right now I have a 2004 civic with an after market navigation made by pioneer. I noticed that the touring 370z doesn't allow you to swap out the bose head unit but the non-touring does. I'll be getting a 2010 370z 7AT with sport package by the end of this year. I like in-dash navigations alot more than portable ones because of the accuracy of the signal, screen size, and i don't have to hide it when parking somewhere. If I get an after market navi for the 370z it'll cost about $700 installs at my mechanic. I'm a little worried tho that he'll mess something up, is it possible he messes up when he does it and messes up the paddle shifters or mess up the AC, fan speed knob. I also feel a little bad throwing out the stock radio being that it's new and all. Should i just get a portable one? What you guys think? thanks for any suggestions

Its been done numerous times with no problems sir.

http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/5...am-ak370z.html

http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/

so it's easy right, he just basically unscrews the old one and plugs in the new one. can i still use the steering wheel volume controls?

A good portable GPS would be the easiest and most economical way to go. An in-dash Nav adds a little class……..personal choice!

Kenwood DNX6140 installed in my 370Z with Sirius and back up Cam (AK370Z)
Do not let this scare you into not doing it, but it is a bit more than just pulling one in and out. AK also got a back-up camera added.
You can have stereo wheel controls but you have to buy some extra parts.

I think it is a nice upgrade, wish I had done it first but I am adding performance parts. I am happy with just my MP3 to Aux connection for the time. Nav I have done without for years and will do so until it finally gets added.

It's just personal choice? i don't know cause i used to use a Garmin 260W portable for my civic and well most of the times it got me to my destination accurately there were a few times (once or twice) that it led me to the wrong destination. Aren't in-dash navis. more accurate?

Why would you think that?

Most in-dash systems just use Garmin/Tom-Tom/Navigon (spelling?) which means they are basically the same thing.

I'm a little worried about doing it cause well i don't know how good my mechanic would do it. Matt, the person who did it for him was good i'd assume. He also solders wires together and the wires become a mess at one point. I'm just afraid my mechanic would mess up and say something like, your AC doesn't work now, your missing wires, etc. I had this happen to me in the past it wasn't a good feeling. To top it off the car is going to be brand new, possibly less than 20 miles.

There is a dash kit made for the Touring model and the wiring harness is plug and play. If this person has EVER installed a radio they won't have any issues doing this.

I'm sure if you ask Bigaudiofanatic, he would be happy to field questions regarding installation. Hes a good guy, and pretty knowledgeable.

the Garmin i used to use got me lost a few times. I guess you're right tho, i'll probably just stick with portable gps, you use portable gps too? if so can you recommend me one

You should if you can
 

I have the Touring with Nav option. It looks really nice but it is so dumb compare to the Pioneer Avic Z2 I had on my truck. And for god's sake do not get Magellan.

the first thing that i removed from the z was the headunit...and it wasn't even a week old when i did it. :D

replaced with a non-nav dvd player from pioneer. no regrets. this car is one of the easier ones to do because the harness is nice and long. :)

If you buy the base 370Z, I would change the HU asap because the quality of that unit is really bad. Also note, with base unit, you do not need any dash kit. If you buy a touring 370Z, you need to spend $40 and get this dash kit http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/7...available.html. Try to get a good installer to install your unit. The problem you're currently having (a/c not working, poor wire connections) is due to poor install. Just use your current pioneer if it's in good shape, no need to buy a new HU. Hope this helps.