2008 silverado stereo swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

silverado84355 · 07-22-2008, 12:43 AM

Hey guys, I am looking into replacing the factory deck in my 08 but I am afraid of what might be involved. What "kit" do I need, if there is one, to still keep my Onstar,Steering wheel controls and such working? Is this possible or will something have to go? I've just never been a fan of the crappy factory decks. Thanks in advance for the help!

AceX · 07-22-2008, 02:45 AM

The factory deck really isn't all that bad...

There are a few different kits available, but there are several pieces that you will need. There's a module for the warning beeps, there's more complicaitons when using OnStar. If the truck came equiped with satellite radio, there's alot of variables to consider. My suggestion is to go to a local shop and talk to them. They may have exactly what you need.

Just know that it will not be cheap. GM has been using the radio to do all sorts of weird things for a while, so a simple swap, isn't really so simple anymore...

djracer · 08-22-2008, 03:03 PM

I put a basic head in an 08 van and my wholesale cost on the parts without xm or onstar was almost 200.00! OUCH!

Pyrotechnic · 09-19-2008, 08:48 PM

If you can get a nice 4 channel amp with speaker level inputs, you could replace all your speakers with nice ones and have a nice sounding system but still use the factory head unit.

AceX · 09-19-2008, 10:13 PM

That's what we did in my dad's '06. Added a Peripheral adapter to get RCA's, then ran those to two ARC Audio amps and used those to power the MB Quart speakers and Pioneer subs.

AC72 · 10-15-2008, 01:53 PM

I did this in my 95 and 99. replaced speakers, added amp/subs, sounded good. eventually put new deck in 99, sounds even better. I didn't have onstar though. I would call and talk to the guys @ crutchfield. if you buy the deck from them, they usually send you the install kit for free, along w/instructions. it was pretty straight forward. good luck and keep us up to date w/pix!

72BlckButy · 10-15-2008, 03:12 PM

Now I've got a question.... back a car or two ago, I took my vehicle in to have them add the rca's so I could keep the factory unit, but every time the vehicle would shut off you would hear a loud "thud" from the subs.

I have hooked up a ton of systems and never had this problem, but take it to an installer.... and what you do you get??? Problems!

I've thought about changing out the door speakers in my '08, but figured I would need to add an amp and what not.

Interested in more info on your install.

72BlckButy · 10-18-2008, 08:28 PM

bump for more info....

frostie_122 · 12-08-2008, 03:13 AM

putting a radio in that vehicle will need a few things. a gm lan module if you have onstar and bose. a antenna adapter. a dash kit, and if you have steering wheel controls a module for that.

We sell the Peripheral products.
-Dash kit#BKGMK317
-Harness#GMAHLANB (onstar and bose)
#GMAHLAN (onstar w/ no bose)
#GMCOL29 (no onstar no bose)
These should come with antenna adapter (#BAA20)
-Steering wheel audio controls module (if equipped)
#PES-then jvc, or ken, on sny, depending on radio brand.

That "thud" you hear is turn on/off pop. Could be caused by a number of things.

Hope this is helpful.

frostie_122 · 12-08-2008, 03:17 AM

...and if you are going to a professional shop and they added a hi to low convertor, also know as a line output convertor, they should be qualified to make it work correctly. In my years i have never had a vehicle left the bay with that going on.

07-22-2008, 12:43 AM	#1
silverado84355 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Carlsbad,NM Posts: 99	2008 silverado stereo swap Hey guys, I am looking into replacing the factory deck in my 08 but I am afraid of what might be involved. What "kit" do I need, if there is one, to still keep my Onstar,Steering wheel controls and such working? Is this possible or will something have to go? I've just never been a fan of the crappy factory decks. Thanks in advance for the help!

07-22-2008, 02:45 AM	#2
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap The factory deck really isn't all that bad... There are a few different kits available, but there are several pieces that you will need. There's a module for the warning beeps, there's more complicaitons when using OnStar. If the truck came equiped with satellite radio, there's alot of variables to consider. My suggestion is to go to a local shop and talk to them. They may have exactly what you need. Just know that it will not be cheap. GM has been using the radio to do all sorts of weird things for a while, so a simple swap, isn't really so simple anymore... __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

08-22-2008, 03:03 PM	#3
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap I put a basic head in an 08 van and my wholesale cost on the parts without xm or onstar was almost 200.00! OUCH! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

09-19-2008, 08:48 PM	#4
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap If you can get a nice 4 channel amp with speaker level inputs, you could replace all your speakers with nice ones and have a nice sounding system but still use the factory head unit. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

09-19-2008, 10:13 PM	#5
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap That's what we did in my dad's '06. Added a Peripheral adapter to get RCA's, then ran those to two ARC Audio amps and used those to power the MB Quart speakers and Pioneer subs. __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

10-15-2008, 01:53 PM	#6
AC72 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 135	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap I did this in my 95 and 99. replaced speakers, added amp/subs, sounded good. eventually put new deck in 99, sounds even better. I didn't have onstar though. I would call and talk to the guys @ crutchfield. if you buy the deck from them, they usually send you the install kit for free, along w/instructions. it was pretty straight forward. good luck and keep us up to date w/pix!

10-15-2008, 03:12 PM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap Now I've got a question.... back a car or two ago, I took my vehicle in to have them add the rca's so I could keep the factory unit, but every time the vehicle would shut off you would hear a loud "thud" from the subs. I have hooked up a ton of systems and never had this problem, but take it to an installer.... and what you do you get??? Problems! I've thought about changing out the door speakers in my '08, but figured I would need to add an amp and what not. Interested in more info on your install. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

10-18-2008, 08:28 PM	#8
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap bump for more info.... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-08-2008, 03:13 AM	#9
frostie_122 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: bend OR Posts: 141	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap putting a radio in that vehicle will need a few things. a gm lan module if you have onstar and bose. a antenna adapter. a dash kit, and if you have steering wheel controls a module for that. We sell the Peripheral products. -Dash kit#BKGMK317 -Harness#GMAHLANB (onstar and bose) #GMAHLAN (onstar w/ no bose) #GMCOL29 (no onstar no bose) These should come with antenna adapter (#BAA20) -Steering wheel audio controls module (if equipped) #PES-then jvc, or ken, on sny, depending on radio brand. That "thud" you hear is turn on/off pop. Could be caused by a number of things. Hope this is helpful. Last edited by frostie_122; 12-08-2008 at 03:14 AM.

12-08-2008, 03:17 AM	#10
frostie_122 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: bend OR Posts: 141	Re: 2008 silverado stereo swap ...and if you are going to a professional shop and they added a hi to low convertor, also know as a line output convertor, they should be qualified to make it work correctly. In my years i have never had a vehicle left the bay with that going on.



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