MP3 adapter to factory GM Bose unit-not TTA

[Turbota6]

OK, slightly off topic but just wondering what anyone might be using for an adapter on their GM factory head unit to an MP3 player with a standard 3.5mm audio plug? This is not for a TTA but my DD, '97 Bonneville SSEi with Factory Bose single CD player. I know there are the FM transmitters but I've been told they don't work well in my area. I used to have all kinds of aftermarket head units, amps, & speakers growing up but I've been out of that scene for a long time. Any help would be appreciated. TIA :headbang:

 

[Quiky One]

OK, slightly off topic but just wondering what anyone might be using for an adapter on their GM factory head unit to an MP3 player with a standard 3.5mm audio plug? This is not for a TTA but my DD, '97 Bonneville SSEi with Factory Bose single CD player. I know there are the FM transmitters but I've been told they don't work well in my area. I used to have all kinds of aftermarket head units, amps, & speakers growing up but I've been out of that scene for a long time. Any help would be appreciated. TIA :headbang:

I'm pretty sure the G8's come standard with one :hump:

 

[Turbota6]

(In Homer Simpson voice) Why you little.... :bash:

I might be looking at a couple G8's in the next few weeks. When are you getting back to school? There's a car show next Sunday on the 14th.

I'm pretty sure the G8's come standard with one :hump:

 

[andre#4]

You can put those in radios easily. There are people who do it as a service, and also people on ebay selling radios with them already installed. you just splice into the line input inside the radio. Then decide where to mount the 3.5mm jack for the input. or not mount it at all. Let it hang.

 

[Turbota6]

I used to be more into the car audio scene and yes, this would be easy or built in on an aftermarket radio. But where would one splice in on a factory head unit? It's a Bose single CD so I don't know for sure but I don't think there's a line input.

In any case, I decided to try one of the FM transmitters today from Best Buy. It was only $30 and if I don't like it I can always bring it back. Seems to work OK, not great, volume is a little on the low side but acceptable. Will see how I like it over time.

You can put those in radios easily. There are people who do it as a service, and also people on ebay selling radios with them already installed. you just splice into the line input inside the radio. Then decide where to mount the 3.5mm jack for the input. or not mount it at all. Let it hang.

 

[TTA 1077]

As a G8 owner, yes they do have the input on the factory radio and in the rear seat console as well, but factory radio setup sucks. Your HVAC control display is incorporated into the head unit, so if you change your radio out you loose the ability to monitor your adjustments. There is a guy on eBay who will take your GM radio and install an aux input and tune up your head unit. As a matter of fact, I just purchased a second ETR radio for the TTA and going to send it off to him to have 1 installed for my Sirius radio.

 

[TTA579]

I used to be more into the car audio scene and yes, this would be easy or built in on an aftermarket radio. But where would one splice in on a factory head unit? It's a Bose single CD so I don't know for sure but I don't think there's a line input.

In any case, I decided to try one of the FM transmitters today from Best Buy. It was only $30 and if I don't like it I can always bring it back. Seems to work OK, not great, volume is a little on the low side but acceptable. Will see how I like it over time.

I found instructions on LS1 tech on modifying CD players with line-in inputs. Also, CD players from 97-02 that have the ability to control CD changers can accept line-in inputs with a small adapter.

I have a Monsoon CD player out of 2002 Trans Am I'm modifying for TTA use.

 

[Turbota6]

Ah yes, I remember not really being impressed with the stereo in the G8 GT rental car I had before. Was expecting more from it since it is a Blaupunkt but not so much. I totally expected to come home from that trip, hop in my old SSEi and say that it was horrible and I need a G8...but it didn't happen. The Bose system still sounds pretty good and the car rides & handles good and will still light the tires with > 200k.

One of the things I don't like about the FM adapter is that the outlet has a USB port to plug your phone/MP3 player but it doesn't seem to charge it while in use. I could be wrong as that outlet is a little finicky.

Got a link to this seller on eBay?

As a G8 owner, yes they do have the input on the factory radio and in the rear seat console as well, but factory radio setup sucks. Your HVAC control display is incorporated into the head unit, so if you change your radio out you loose the ability to monitor your adjustments. There is a guy on eBay who will take your GM radio and install an aux input and tune up your head unit. As a matter of fact, I just purchased a second ETR radio for the TTA and going to send it off to him to have 1 installed for my Sirius radio.

 

[Turbota6]

I'll have to do some digging and see if a CD changer was even an option in '97. The car is pretty much loaded with about every available option from that year but just has the single CD. Otherwise I'll pull it out to take a look when I get a chance.

I found instructions on LS1 tech on modifying CD players with line-in inputs. Also, CD players from 97-02 that have the ability to control CD changers can accept line-in inputs with a small adapter.

I have a Monsoon CD player out of 2002 Trans Am I'm modifying for TTA use.