2018 radio in 2017?

[COBlue]

I got a great deal on a 2017 BRZ, knowing that the radio was sub-par. As expected, it looks like the 2018 unit is decent. Anyone know if it's a close enough match to get a 2018 unit and drop it into my 2017?

[trippinbillies40]

A great aftermarket unit will cost you significantly less money. Just a heads up.

[COBlue]

That's where I started, but:
1) I can't find a trim kit to fit the '17 BRZ
2) I can't find a double-din radio for it - I've been told by Crutchfield and CarToys that the '17 BRZ doesn't have the depth for standard double-dins (and I don't want a pop-up single-din)
3) I can get a deal on an '18 radio if it fits (although admittedly it may still be more than I'm willing vs. my current phone-holder setup)

If anyone has found a double-din radio that fits the '17 BRZ that'd be great.

Thanks!

[Scython]

I'd be interested in finding out if the 2018 H.U can be retro-fitted into older models. If we could retain the OEM mic and USB port simply by plug and play, that would be great.

Keep us posted!

[Benji]

After reading everything about the stock headunits being trash (even on the 17) I was actually reasonably surprised at crap mine wasn't.

I don't think it's actually that bad, I just think they try and expect too much of the stock speakers by extending them too low to make it sound "better" but only at low volumes. If they hadn't sent so much low frequency to the door speakers and reserved that for the optional extra sub, I don't actually think it would be that bad at all. I really want to demo the Subaru sub but I don't want to pay $500+ to find out.

I too was waiting for the 18's specifically for Android Auto but based on what everyone was saying, it wouldn't be that great experience anyway (compared to something like SYNC3 on Fords) and so would want to change the head unit regardless. Kenwood/Pioneer/etc also announced wireless Android Auto head units coming out at the end of the month which I would prefer so I just got a 17.

[jorgerendonjr]

I really want this radio regardless of the price
If someone has a part number that they can share that will be appreciated

[NeverInTime]

Poke around the Electronics/Audio subforum, there's some information for people who have done double-din installs. Here's some of the stuff that people have already done to fit standard double-din radios in BRZs;

Double-din adapters for stock opening:http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122274

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/43320 or
https://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-8202...ca3dfbb1618f22

Canadian dash trim with standard rectangular opening: https://parts.subaru.com/p/__Limited...6077CA200.html or
https://www.mysubarustore.com/oem-pa...bly-66077ca200
Clip for center trim part https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/...909130092.html

Diagram for the dash parts:

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Scython

I'd be interested in finding out if the 2018 H.U can be retro-fitted into older models. If we could retain the OEM mic and USB port simply by plug and play, that would be great.

Keep us posted!

I can't speak for a '18 in a '17 but I have the 2014 radio in my 2013 FRS. It was a straight plug and play. It would all depend on if the wiring harness is different, which you should be able to tell from a photo of the back of each.

[g e]

Originally Posted by Benji

After reading everything about the stock headunits being trash (even on the 17) I was actually reasonably surprised at crap mine wasn't.

I don't think it's actually that bad, I just think they try and expect too much of the stock speakers by extending them too low to make it sound "better" but only at low volumes. If they hadn't sent so much low frequency to the door speakers and reserved that for the optional extra sub, I don't actually think it would be that bad at all. I really want to demo the Subaru sub but I don't want to pay $500+ to find out.

I too was waiting for the 18's specifically for Android Auto but based on what everyone was saying, it wouldn't be that great experience anyway (compared to something like SYNC3 on Fords) and so would want to change the head unit regardless. Kenwood/Pioneer/etc also announced wireless Android Auto head units coming out at the end of the month which I would prefer so I just got a 17.

I agree with you on sound of the stock sound system. In my experience it has improved over time

I was way underwhelmed with it in the beginning. Tweaked the EQ curves incessantly. I finally threw in the towel and went back to flat frequency response.

I was surprised that I liked it! After a while I still liked it so I did not change the EQ curves again and just enjoyed the music (all CD/redbook).

It doesn't play loud or deep but it has nice resolution and not an etched hi end.

I still hate the user interface for all headunit functions. One shouldn't have to take eyes off road to advance tracks. Bring back physical switches and buttons!!

My other hobby is my home stereo and it is significantly higher acquisition dollars. New $ for new $ the stereo system cost double my 2013 BRZ limited. I know what well produced music sounds like.

The BRZ is a humble unit but far from an awful musical experience.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by g e

I agree with you on sound of the stock sound system. In my experience it has improved over time

I was way underwhelmed with it in the beginning. Tweaked the EQ curves incessantly. I finally threw in the towel and went back to flat frequency response.

I was surprised that I liked it! After a while I still liked it so I did not change the EQ curves again and just enjoyed the music (all CD/redbook).

It doesn't play loud or deep but it has nice resolution and not an etched hi end.

I still hate the user interface for all headunit functions. One shouldn't have to take eyes off road to advance tracks. Bring back physical switches and buttons!!

My other hobby is my home stereo and it is significantly higher acquisition dollars. New $ for new $ the stereo system cost double my 2013 BRZ limited. I know what well produced music sounds like.

The BRZ is a humble unit but far from an awful musical experience.

You put it into words WAY better than I did! Thank you!
@jorgerendonjr why do you want the stock 18 unit so bad over the significantly better after market options? What does the 18 HU have over those?

[jorgerendonjr]

Originally Posted by Benji

You put it into words WAY better than I did! Thank you!
@jorgerendonjr why do you want the stock 18 unit so bad over the significantly better after market options? What does the 18 HU have over those?

I like oem finish, my 2015 frs has 2017 subaru radio, now with the 2018 model having a new radio I want to upgrade

[Benji]

Originally Posted by jorgerendonjr

I like oem finish, my 2015 frs has 2017 subaru radio, now with the 2018 model having a new radio I want to upgrade

I get it! I do but with head units like the Kenwood DDX917WS have the perfect fit and as far as I understand it, retain all factory functions doesn't it?

[PhyrraM]

Originally Posted by Benji

I get it! I do but with head units like the Kenwood DDX917WS have the perfect fit and as far as I understand it, retain all factory functions doesn't it?

I haven't fully priced it out yet, but that radio (not a USA model), the Canadian dash trim to make it look OEM, and the adapters needed to retain all the OEM functions likely push the total cost to near $1000 before install. And then it's still got the "controls" on the "wrong" side (agreed, minor thing).

[Benji]

Originally Posted by PhyrraM

I haven't fully priced it out yet, but that radio (not a USA model), the Canadian dash trim to make it look OEM, and the adapters needed to retain all the OEM functions likely push the total cost to near $1000 before install. And then it's still got the "controls" on the "wrong" side (agreed, minor thing).

Valid point although you'll be doing much the same thing trying to retrofit an 18 HU wouldn't you? I don't believe it's standard double DIN is it?

The controls being on the wrong side I was curious about until I got my BRZ and then saw how close everything was, now I seriously doubt I'd have an issue with it at all and in fact, may prefer it since your hand won't be in the way of the screen when you're using the controls.