Okay,I have been moving slow on this but we are closing in on the prize. Pioneer head unit arrived a while back. Today I finished off my wiring harness/adapter research and ordered the last of my parts.
So here's the list or trinkets so far:
Pioneer AVH-4201NEX double din head unit ( the wider double width stereo style our Vettes have). This is Pioneer's flagship model non navigation head unit. I will run nav through my phone app. This saves a ton of money due to the nav fees with the GPS companies. To go to the equivalent model with built in navigation, the cost jumps out to $1900. Here is a link to the information on the 4201 head unit
AVH-4201NEX - 2-DIN Flagship Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display and included ND-BC8 Back-Up Camera.
Canadian Pioneer site doesn't list this unit yet as it is a brand new model. I found my head unit locally for a killer price, at a new player in the electronics game. Unit is $1050.00 Canadian. I found this at Singh electronics for the killer sale price of $849.00 shipping included. Everyone but Singh and 2001 wanted $1049. The price was $897.00 at 2001 Audio Video, not sure on shipping. The model it replaced the 4200 was selling for $850.00 on sale at most places still!
Wiring harness with necessary adapters to keep chimes etc, on a non Bose, no Onstar, no steering wheel control C6 is RP3GM11. Which I found on Amazon for a great price of $84.00 shipping included. Some places want $170-$180.
Metra dash install kit from Crutchfield .This fits all C6's, part number 95-3304 for $13.99 shipping included. This the preferred go to install kit for all the audio, and vette shops. Perfect factory finish/color matching piece.
The necessary antennae adapter, part number 40-GM10 from Metra. Bought on Amazon again. Cost $8.10 shipping included.
So that should be everything we need. once things arrive I'll pick a day and have at it. Doesn't look like it will be too crazy to do. I'll post any snags or relevant details I find along the way. Along with a few photos etc.
Diligent online shopping saved me a bunch of money. About $320.00 from the average asking prices I first found. It also yielded the information on the new 4200 series soon to be released. I almost bought the previous gen head unit until I heard they were about to debut the new 4201.
Addressing the "can't switch head units with Bose" mentioned above, yes you can. You just have to have the right harness/adapter that allows for the factory Bose amp. The companies specify which harnesses are needed for a Bose system.
Stay tuned for more. Yes that pun was intentional : )