Yet another HU install w/Monsoon

[HMPower]

So I took the plunge and decided to replace my stock head unit...I went thru Crutchfield to order, and selected the Pioneer FH-X700BT. My delivery arrived last night and I got to work wiring everything up between the harnesses and the PAC SOEM-4 adapter. Between reading posts on here and a quick call to Crutchfield support, I think I did it all right. The Metra harness they supplied ( 70-2003C) even had a blue/white wire to connect to the remote wire from the new HU harness, so I should be good to go. (Stay tuned for my "Not getting any sound" post )

My question for others who have done this - how did you fit that PAC into the dash - is there room in there for all this hardware? It's not exactly a small unit. I'm thinking a crowbar may be useful.

I haven't torn into the car yet, I'm saving that fun for the weekend. Is there room in there for all this fun?

[kaflex]

I replaced my factory with a Pioneer DEH-X8500BH, it's a single din radio, went through crutchfield also. first time i hooked it up i didn't connect that blue remote wire and had no sound, everything worked just no audio. my 03 vibe gt is the first car i had with a factory amp, so that wire needed to be connected. to make alittle more room for the wires, you could always cut them down shorter. I didn't, I just wiggled the wires so the radio will slide all the way back. as long as you matched all the colors to each other and have that blue remote connected if you have the factory amp, you're good to go.

[Derf]

Should be no issue finding space for the PAC SOEM-4
Link to video when I did my install, may provide some options and save time when routing other items for your new head unit (1/2 way through video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOGgu6NbOnA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So far the Vibe continue to amaze me at its simplicity, in many ways it appears somebody actually thought people should be able to work on their car.

[striker1211]

I didn't use the PAC and saved some money. Sure there is a hiss at 0 volume and it might make an audiophile vomit but the bass is VERY good. You just can't turn it up past 11 without distortion but by 10 your ears are bleeding anyway....

[HMPower]

Well, I connected everything up to the car saturday and it worked perfectly! Plenty of room for that PAC module behind the radio. The sound is awesome...amazing what a difference just changing the head unit makes. Now on to the speakers...

[kumquat]

I chuckled when I read about being worried about there being enough space. I think you could fit a body in there.

[HMPower]

No doubt. I was remembering from my last head unit install, when there was barely room for the extra wiring behind the radio.