DIY: Installing Pioneer AVIC Z150BH Aftermarket Head Unit

[tiz22]

Originally Posted by peace_noel

@tiz22 how much is the Z150 cost?

Pioneer has it at $1,200 it's pretty much top of the line I believe.

I got it off eBay for $845 but got slapped with a $100 customs fee (from now on I'll be telling sellers to keep the price off the outside of the box)
Still, at $950 it's a pretty good deal...No complaints with it so far GPS is quick and accurate and touch screen is very responsive/quick

[tiz22]

Originally Posted by Tman08

Glad to see another looking to do the same. While most don't like it, I'm looking to replace the stock BRZ unit with this...due to the basic buttons and phone/music I'll be only using it for.

No regrets here. It's a great HU

[j2digit]

one question, since you originally had a bespoke unit, why didn't you just use the existing mic and connections rather than putting another one by your gauges? i believe the mic is located in the dome light section. just wondering as I am pondering changing out my HU too.

thanks

[tiz22]

The OEM mic is difficult to tap into (apparently because it's amplified?)
I researched a lot into whether I would try to tap into that mic or use the one it came with and most people said using OEM is not worth it as the mic you will get in your new head unit is most likely better quality (and they were right).

The new mic in the new location provided much better sound quality, less wind noise (as it's not in my roof liner) and doesn't blast the door chimes into the other person's ear like the OEM does.

If you want a more stealthy look than what I did, it is possible to route the new mic up into the OEM location and you can simply a. remove old mic or b. tape it up out the way
But again...I didn't want the wind noise nor did I really want to spend the time routing the cable up there.

Totally up to you but it is possible if that's what you're going for.

Originally Posted by j2digit

one question, since you originally had a bespoke unit, why didn't you just use the existing mic and connections rather than putting another one by your gauges? i believe the mic is located in the dome light section. just wondering as I am pondering changing out my HU too.

thanks

[j2digit]

Originally Posted by tiz22

The OEM mic is difficult to tap into (apparently because it's amplified?)
I researched a lot into whether I would try to tap into that mic or use the one it came with and most people said using OEM is not worth it as the mic you will get in your new head unit is most likely better quality (and they were right).

Totally up to you but it is possible if that's what you're going for.

Thanks, better is the way to go. Cool install again sir

[tiz22]

Updated with e-brake bypass method (No additional adapters needed!!)

[iniguez310]

Great post man! Just wondering since the OEM is a Pioneer unit as well, do the OEM USB and AUX ports work with the new head unit?? I have a Pioneer AVH-3500BHS that i have been wanting to install in my FR-S, thanks!

[tiz22]

Originally Posted by iniguez310

Great post man! Just wondering since the OEM is a Pioneer unit as well, do the OEM USB and AUX ports work with the new head unit?? I have a Pioneer AVH-3500BHS that i have been wanting to install in my FR-S, thanks!

You can retain the stock USB port no problem...
You just need this adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-AX-TO...ht_1715wt_1399

The AUX port is a little harder but it's super simple to just run another AUX cord from the back of your new Pioneer unit to your glovebox or something like that so you can still have AUX connection (Just harder to get it in stock location)...Don't know why you'd really care to keep that one though as it's not the most stealthy location anyway

Hope that helps

[Bt216]

Built in gps? Don't have to buy a module or anything? I want it

[tiz22]

Originally Posted by Bt216

Built in gps? Don't have to buy a module or anything? I want it

Yup totally built in...I lazily put the antenna in the glove box (mounted to the side) and it connects in less than a second...Very nice interface...No complaints whatsoever

Definitely worth going all out on the head unit

[Bt216]

Im thinking of buying it and running the aux cable under the center console. ..

[tiz22]

Originally Posted by Bt216

Im thinking of buying it and running the aux cable under the center console. ..

I referenced a guy's DIY in my first post that runs his iPhone cables through the console into his center console...It definitely works well but with no hole in the center console you have to drill your own hole and then somehow make it look good..

I chose not to do it because
a. Couldn't think of a clean enough solution
b. I have an armrest over my center console and didn't want to open/close it every time I needed access to my phone
c. I never use AUX anymore now that I have the iPhone/iPod hookup + bluetooth + USB ... AUX is last on my list for how I connect (but still in my glovebox in case I ever need it!)

[Bt216]

Yea I know bu today I was looking and I can just run it through the center console and have the cable come out of the side of the console ...is loose enough

[iniguez310]

Originally Posted by tiz22

You can retain the stock USB port no problem...
You just need this adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-AX-TO...ht_1715wt_1399

The AUX port is a little harder but it's super simple to just run another AUX cord from the back of your new Pioneer unit to your glovebox or something like that so you can still have AUX connection (Just harder to get it in stock location)...Don't know why you'd really care to keep that one though as it's not the most stealthy location anyway

Hope that helps

It does help thanks man!! I just wanted to do that since i kinda want to keep the "stock look" lol