I was looking into possibly purchasing Steve's Shaker 500 to replace the standard radio in my 05. I called a couple of local sterio installation places today and was told it was not feasible. The first guy (don't think he knew too much, he also kept correcting me that it was a Mach system) told me he would not touch it. The second guy I spoke with was at least knowledgable about Mustangs and was familiar with the Shaker System. He said the wiring is totally different and that the car would have to be totally rewired?? He said it would be much cheaper to go with an aftermarket system.
Does anyone know exactly what is involved if you wanted to replace with a Shaker. I don't really understand what the difference would be to go aftermarket. If the info I am getting is correct, then would you not have to rewire the car for an aftermarket system as well? Feedback anyone?

 

Boy, That's a good question. You would think for the most part it would be a good swap. I don't know the answers though...what I would do, is call your Ford dealer and explain the situation to them that you have a stock stereo system and would like to know what would be invloved if you wanted to upgrade to a Shaker 500 system, then you should now everything you need to purchase to do so (you will probably need more that just the head unit)

Just my 2 cents.

Mike

 

Ford is famous for installing all the wiring needed for the top of the line system in every car, as it is cheaper. When I worked in car audio I did this in an expedition and an explorer - upgraded to the top of the line factory system and the pieces just bolted right in. I believe the 500 uses the internal radio amp, the 1000 would be a totally different story...once audio shops get to work on these cars they will know what works and what does not...

 

Knowing a good deal about stereos, but not a lot about the one's in the '05s, I'd think it would be a quick pull and plug install with no problems. My question is... why? You just want a 6-disc changer? Are there any other differences between the head units? I haven't paid much attention to them, I know I'm going AM.

 

Actually it is an option I would have ordered had pricing been released when I ordered my car. I did not get it, and a couple of other options, that I would now if ordering, because I did not want to price myself out of the car.

I thought it would be an easy switch also. Tomorrow I am going to call my dealership.

 

and the Ford Dealership also advised against it. They said it would end up costing me a fortune and I could have electrical problems. Oh well I still don't understand what the difference would be if I was going aftermarket.

 

If you are going aftermarket with the base stereo all you have to do is get the dash kit and the wiring harness. You wire up your new headunit to the harness and plug it into the factory plug and your set. You do not have to worry about bypassing amps or anything like that. Its simple as plug and play.

-Ken

 

The speakers are totally different too. The base system has standard speakers, the Shaker 500 and 1000 have premium speakers. So just replacing the headunit is not going to improve your sound, only giving you the ability of the changer. And the risk of blowing your stock speakers, although I don't consider that a big risk.

>>>and the Ford Dealership also advised against it. They said it would end up costing me a fortune and I could have electrical problems. Oh well I still don't understand what the difference would be if I was going aftermarket.>>>

This proves again that dealers usually know jack sh!t about stereo's B)

Like Ken said replacing the stock system with aftermarket stuff is just plug and play. If you're going to spend some money I'd say get a decent aftermarket headunit with a 10 cd mp3 changer and some Infinity or likewise speakers. You'll be a lot happier with the sound Q and it will probably be a lot more reliable too, considering the trouble people are having with those Shaker cd players.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys!!

 

Eric's post >>> The speakers are totally different too. The base system has standard speakers, the Shaker 500 and 1000 have premium speakers. So just replacing the headunit is not going to improve your sound, only giving you the ability of the changer. And the risk of blowing your stock speakers, although I don't consider that a big risk. <<<


The stock speakers are ok, but they are just stock speakers. A new, good headunit will actually push the speakers to the limit and show their limits.

Eric's post again >>> Like Ken said replacing the stock system with aftermarket stuff is just plug and play. If you're going to spend some money I'd say get a decent aftermarket headunit with a 10 cd mp3 changer and some Infinity or likewise speakers. You'll be a lot happier with the sound Q and it will probably be a lot more reliable too, considering the trouble people are having with those Shaker cd players.<<<

I put in my new head unit, sub and amp myself. I had Kappas put in the stock locations. The system is sweet and can pound out the bass when I want it to. It's a clean system and the head unit takes all the CD's that I give it. I love it.



-Ken