Monsoon Stereo Question (1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am)

5943 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by ZumpTA, 9 d ago

Toff32

Discussion Starter · Nov 28, 2010

Hi, I recently bought a 1996 Trans Am and it has an aftermarket Pioneer stereo in it. The radio works fine, but I would like to go with a more stockish look. I have been looking at a few good deals on Monsoon radio's on ebay, but not sure how they will work out with the speakers/wiring on my car. The listings state that they will work on a '93 to '02 model T/A. I have no idea what the original unit was in my car, but weren't there two models.. a standard, and the Monsoon in the newer models?

Will the Monsoon connectors work with my factory connectors, and agree with my stock speaker configuration and steering wheel controls? I just don't want to spend money on a unit, only to find out that it doesn't work right with my stock setup, lol. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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Injuneer

· #2 · Nov 28, 2010

Check with "1993TranAm"..... he's a walking encyclopedia on the GM head units. All 4th Gen came with a "standard" stereo unit - cassette or CD in the early years, and two "slider" tone controls. You only got the upgraded "Delco 2001" (93-96) or "Monsoon" (97 and up) if the optional system was ordered. They had a 7-band equalizer. In the early years, there were both cassette and CD versions available.

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1993TransAm

· #3 · Nov 28, 2010

Hi James,
1997 was the first year for Monsoon systems in the Firebirds, however, a Monsoon head unit will work in your vehicle without any wiring changes and it will interface with the steering wheel controls, assuming that they themselves are in working order.
The Monsoon head units were identical to the base head units other than the Monsoon LCD display trim plate. There was one other minor difference in the late Monsoon CD players, but nothing that prevents you from putting one in your car.
Since you have a Trans Am, I am assuming that you have the 10-speaker (RPO code "UW2") configuration in your vehicle. There is an amplifier in that setup, however, it is only a 2-channel low-pass amplifier for the subwoofers located behind the front seats.

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Toff32

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 28, 2010

Thanks a lot for the information guys, I really appreciate it! Looks like I will definitely be installing a Monsoon stereo in the very near future.

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Toff32

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 9, 2010

Just wanted to say thanks again, guys. My Monsoon came in today, and I installed shortly after I got home from work. Plugged right up and works great. The aftermarket unit that was in it when I got the car worked good, but I don't know,.... I just like the factory look a whole lot better. Also, now the stereo illumination is matching all the instrument/controls color.

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FBN Firebird Nation

· #6 · Dec 9, 2010

Great to hear.

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Injuneer

· #7 · Dec 9, 2010

Stock (or "stockish") units look a lot better than the aftermarket stuff. The aftermarket stuff always looks like its a cut and paste.

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1993TransAm

· #8 · Dec 9, 2010

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USAFPILOT

· #9 · 10 d ago

Sorry to revise this old thread...I have a 1994 Firehawk with the 10spkr stereo. I would like to purchase one of Haws Motorsports rehabbed monsoon head units that incorporates blue tooth. I am guessing like above it will still work with an even older car. I know I have the pre monsoon era 10 speaker system with the amp in the sail panel vs the trunk area. My steering wheel controls are currently shot, but if I can find a replacement airbag cover I intend to get them working.

Also, I really need to get new speakers all around, and I don't think I can get the correct ohms rated stuff anymore. Will O blow the Monsoon head unit running 4ohm speakers all throughout?

Thanks

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Injuneer

· #10 · 10 d ago

For anyone trying to help you, they should be aware of this related post, as well:

1994 Trans Am stereo upgrade to 2002 monsoon

I have a 1994 trans am with the 10 speaker system and cassette. I want to purchase a head unit from a 2002 Monsoon system that has CD and ability to add an auxilary input for MP3 player. Also want to upgrade the speakers. Have questions. 1. will the 2002 Monsoon head unit plug into my 1994...

www.firebirdnation.com

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ZumpTA

· #11 · 9 d ago

There used to be a company on the internet called Key Audio or Kee Audio; something like that. Anyway, they sell/sold OEM replacements for all 4 corners including the Dual Voice Coil subwoofers in the sail panels. Never dealt with this company, but back 15/20 years ago people did successfully order from them and were happy with the speakers. If that company still exists today, or are still "trustworthy", I do not know.

Pull the speakers, they should have the resistance stamped on the magnet. I think the corners were 4 or 6 Ohm, and I think the Subs were 2 Ohm, but I do not know if the subs coils are wired separately for 2 Ohm, or if they are in series making them 4Ohm... I highly doubt they are wired in parallel though.

4 ohm speakers should be fine for the head unit/amplifier. I think that's really what it is. If it's 6, 4 isn't far off, it'll just run hotter and maybe have a little shorter service life. 2 would definitely cause it to go into protect (if it has that ability) or burn up if driving the system hard. If it's a 4 Ohm system, 4, 6, and 8 Ohm drivers are no problem whatsoever. 4 is of course optimal, and 6 and 8 wouldn't be as loud as 4, but they won't present anywhere near the load on the amp either.

The sail panel subs really aren't that great. Personally, if I were going to stay OEM, I'd save the money on those subs and supplement the system with a single subwoofer enclosure that fits in the cubby hole on the drivers side in the hatch area. An 8 or 10" sub in that location running about 250w would do far more for you than those two weak ass 6.5" sail panel subs that are not only in the wrong location for such a speaker and also face the wrong direction, they are positioned mere inches from the ears of any rear seat passengers. Poor design at best!

The full range portion of the OEM system is pretty good, but those subwoofers shouldn't have ever been installed where they are. They really do let the system down as-is. At low volume, they are OK at best, but put any meaningful volume to them and the bass quickly becomes what could only be described as "port flutter" and distortion.

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