08 Stereo Install Question

[eilliam]

Hi, I searched and couldn't quite find definite answers to my questions so here goes:

I got a new(to me) car. A 2008 Corolla S, Stock AM/FM/Disc unit, with 6 speakers(no disc changer). I want MP3 capabilities so I want to replace the head unit only.

With the 6 speaker system do I have an amp to bypass. If not, do I need to concern myself with the impedance of the stock speakers matching.

Basically If I can buy the stereo, harness, and install kit and just wire and swap I'm gonna go for it. If not, then I'm just going to buy an FM transmitter for my iPod. (I've installed about 10 systems before, just never on a Toyota)

If this stuff has already been answered please direct me to the thread, I was having issues finding it.

Thanks in advance
-eilliam

[gideon1331]

With the 6 speaker setup there is no amp to bypass. There was only a separate amp with the optional JBL system.

A simple Toyota radio harness adapter will allow you to connect an aftermarket deck to the plugs that go into the stock unit. The antenna plug will go right in with no adapter.

You shouldn't have to worry about the impedance of the stock speakers. I believe they are simple 4 ohm speakers. They will sound MUCH better with an aftermarket deck. The stock decks are ~100 watts, and the JBL system was 180 watts, but used the same speakers (albeit with 2 more passive tweeters in the rear) so the speakers match to an aftermarket unit much better than the regular stock ones.

Be careful removing the bolts that hold in the stock radio. There are 4 of them along the bottom far back in the dash. They are easily dropped and lost. Also, the plastic clips where the bolts go on the dash kits for aftermarket units tend to break easily, and if you don't have all 4 the assembly will tilt down slightly resulting in a slight gap between the top of the dash kit and the vent assembly...I learned this the hard way after breaking one of the clips.

[eilliam]

Thanks for the speedy reply, but now that you mention it, i never thought to look for 2 more speakers in the back. Is there a way to tell if I have the JBL package with the amp or not? The car has leather and several other extras, and I don't have the original information sheet that it was sold with.

[gideon1331]

If you had the JBL system you would have the 6 disc changer and a JBL logo on the stock unit. Hardly any corolla's were sold with it, just like the stability control option...I think they were both part of the same package on 05-08 models.

[eilliam]

Thanks again! I think i'm gonna buy a FM Transmitter for the moment, and start searching for the perfect head unit for this swap. Looking at some of the other posts, the install itself doesn't look very hard, compared to the other vehicles I've worked on.

[gideon1331]

The install is not bad at all. The instructions may tell you that the center stack panel (HVAC controlls) needs to be removed, but really it just needs to be tilted forward a bit and not removed completely.

Also, be careful when pulling the vent assembly out from around the stock deck. There are some spots where it catches and can rip the face off the stock deck if you're not careful.

[cambo16]

Haha, be careful, it's a slippery slope. I just bought a head unit and new rear speakers. I told myself I'd keep it simple since i'm 26 and not in high school anymore, but now i find myself looking at subwoofers and boxes and amps. I feel like i'm 16 again.