MKIV head unit differences through the years?

1231 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by TonyG, Mar 11, 2002

Steve Theodore

Discussion Starter · Mar 4, 2002

Let me apologize in advance for any ridiculous questions I may ask on this specific forum. I am not a car stereo guy by any stretch of the word, which will be readily apparant by my post.

First off, I was perfectly happy with my completely bone stock stereos on my 1994 and 1993.5 Supras...that probably tells you everything you need to know about my not being an audiophile compared to many of you. It was just fine for my needs.

My current Supra is a 1995 model and has a redesigned head unit whereas my 1993 and 1994 cars had the same one (that I was used to). Additionally my current one has chronic problems where it will essentially shut off when it gets too hot (usually only when playing a CD). Anyway, I'm looking to replace it with another factory MKIV head unit and figured that I'd get the newest one possible (97 or 98). My questions are as follow:

1. Will any MKIV head unit swap in for my existing one (I'm guessing yes)
2. Are there any other redesigns after 1995 that I should be aware of, or any other desireable features that I should pursue?
3. What is a fair price to pay for the head unit only out of a low mileage Supra? I've seen prices ranging from $80-$150 and am not sure what is reasonable.

I'm attaching a picture of my current (somewhat broken) head unit for reference sake. I'd consider going to an aftermarket stereo since I really don't care about having a tape player in the car, but have concerns over how well the antenna would work (and how the reception might be compared to stock). If you have any comments about that (or ideas for me), I'd certainly appreciate it.

Oh yeah...one last thing. My car has stock MKIV tweeters and midrange speakers up front, but separates in the back (replacing the factory rear speakers). They sound considerably worse to me than my old stock speakers, so I was planning to go back to 6 x 9's in their place. Anyway...comments? Please let me know.

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· #2 · Mar 5, 2002 (Edited)

Hmmm...to start off with I am fairly sure that any stereo from any year 93.5-98 Supra TT will work, but dont quote me on that since I have only personally seen the stereos in 94TTs. In your pic the actual face of the radio is different from mine, but it is a double din, so it should fit granted the wiring is set up the same. Personally...I would recommend buying an aftermarket headunit to replace your factory one. Even if you did strike a good deal on a headunit for about 100-150 bucks from a 98...it is still 4 years old regardless of the mileage on the car. Since your not looking for the loudest and best system on the market, you could get a new cd player at a decent price. Installation is not a big pain in the behind, and yes your antenna will work just as well with the aftermarket HU as it did with the stock...granted you hook the power antenna wire up during installation

As for the speakers...new speakers will probably provide a world of difference in the music you listen to. Even if your not big into stereos and sound, you would probably enjoy the improvement in sound by getting your factory components and rears replaced. You wont be able to get 6x9s in the rear without ALOT of work. Some good 6.5s will do just fine. If you have any questions or need some help with anything in the installation dept. shoot me an email. [email protected]

p.s. When you are really trying to learn something, there is never a dumb question

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Steve Theodore

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 5, 2002

Thanks a lot for responding. I am going to come up with some more specific questions and shoot them your way. I appreciate your time!

Steve T.

IntenseTT said:
Hmmm...to start off with I am fairly sure that any stereo from any year 93.5-98 Supra TT will work. Personally...I would recommend buying an aftermarket headunit to replace your factory one. Even if you did strike a good deal on a headunit for about 100-150 bucks from a 98...it is still 4 years old regardless of the mileage on the car. Since your not looking for the loudest and best system on the market, you could get a new cd player at a decent price. Installation is not a big pain in the behind, and yes your antenna will work just as well with the aftermarket HU as it did with the stock...granted you hook the power antenna wire up during installation

As for the speakers...new speakers will probably provide a world of difference in the music you listen to. Even if your not big into stereos and sound, you would probably enjoy the improvement in sound by getting your factory components and rears replaced. You wont be able to get 6x9s in the rear without ALOT of work. Some good 6.5s will do just fine. If you have any questions or need some help with anything in the installation dept. shoot me an email. [email protected]

p.s. When you are really trying to learn something, there is never a dumb question

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· #4 · Mar 5, 2002

No problem. I will try to help out anyway I can.

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TonyG

· #5 · Mar 11, 2002

Just put my 97 head unit on ebay

Here is a link for my head unit if interested its still really cheap

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&showTutorial=0&ed=1016315176&indexURL=0&rd=1

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Steve Theodore

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 11, 2002

Re: Just put my 97 head unit on ebay

Thanks a lot Tony...but these guys have talked me into going aftermarket with my setup. I'm going to start with a brand new single DIN sized unit.

Steve T.

TonyG said:
Here is a link for my head unit if interested its still really cheap

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&showTutorial=0&ed=1016315176&indexURL=0&rd=1

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TonyG

· #7 · Mar 11, 2002

Dont blame ya, I have to decided to go with an aftermarket, hence the sale of my oem. Gives me a little room below for some type of electronics

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