Hyundai Sonata Accessories and Modifications
I replaced the entire sound system in my Sonata GLS. Although I liked the OEM head unit, the sound of the system was weak. I had the top end, double-din, CD/cassette, and six speakers, but the sound was not all that pleasing, especially compared to my girlfriend's Tiburon.
I debated replacing just the speakers, just the head unit, or doing both. I decided to have everything replaced by a local sound shop, and boy am I glad I did.
Let me say up front that the first reason I'm glad is that I didn't do it myself. In the past I've done my own installs, but the Hyundai is different than the Mopars I'm used to, so I didn't want to risk breaking something. The stereo shop techs took nearly eight hours to do the install—that's two guys for eight hours. I know because I watched them from the waiting room, and I'm really glad they had to deal with it. I'm sure they estimated about 4–6 hours total for the job, so you can see they ate the labor. Just the effort on removing the rear package shelf and removing/installing the speakers was enough to make me glad it wasn't me.
To their credit, they didn't break anything, and they did a good job.
The rounded Hyundai dash opening makes it difficult to get an exact fit, but I got a Pioneer FH-P4000 200 watt head unit with CD/cassette/AM/FM/XM and changer controls. It sits right behind the rounded opening with the gaps filled by some kind of matte material they put there. When the detachable face is in place, it fits inside the rounded dash enclosure for a very good look.
I replaced the factory speakers, which were simple paper speakers that had paper "buzzer" cones. They really looked cheap. In their place are Blaupunkt poly separates up front (6.5" in the doors with a crossover and composite tweeters in the pillars) and Blaupunkt poly tris in the back (6X9" in the back shelf).
In the trunk, there's a Pioneer 12 CD changer and an amplified Kenwood subwoofer. The changer and sub are components I already owned which the shop installed for me.
Let me tell you, the sound is terrific. The Sonata makes a good soundstage when quality components are installed in the factory positions, and the trunks is a good chamber for the sub. I'm not getting any rattles or harmonics out of the car, so life is good.
How much? Well, I spent $800 on this install, including the installation of components I already owned. I'm pretty sure the dealer got nipped on this one, so the next Sonata install might cost more. (I did tip the installers.)
Why did I replace the stereo so soon? I figure I'll be driving this car for at least three years, and I want to enjoy great sound every time I drive, instead of waiting for six months or a year, then regretting that I waited so long.
When (if) I sell the car will I reinstall the OEM stuff? Maybe the head unit, but not the speakers. It's just too much work to get them out.
I debated replacing just the speakers, just the head unit, or doing both. I decided to have everything replaced by a local sound shop, and boy am I glad I did.
Let me say up front that the first reason I'm glad is that I didn't do it myself. In the past I've done my own installs, but the Hyundai is different than the Mopars I'm used to, so I didn't want to risk breaking something. The stereo shop techs took nearly eight hours to do the install—that's two guys for eight hours. I know because I watched them from the waiting room, and I'm really glad they had to deal with it. I'm sure they estimated about 4–6 hours total for the job, so you can see they ate the labor. Just the effort on removing the rear package shelf and removing/installing the speakers was enough to make me glad it wasn't me.
To their credit, they didn't break anything, and they did a good job.
The rounded Hyundai dash opening makes it difficult to get an exact fit, but I got a Pioneer FH-P4000 200 watt head unit with CD/cassette/AM/FM/XM and changer controls. It sits right behind the rounded opening with the gaps filled by some kind of matte material they put there. When the detachable face is in place, it fits inside the rounded dash enclosure for a very good look.
I replaced the factory speakers, which were simple paper speakers that had paper "buzzer" cones. They really looked cheap. In their place are Blaupunkt poly separates up front (6.5" in the doors with a crossover and composite tweeters in the pillars) and Blaupunkt poly tris in the back (6X9" in the back shelf).
In the trunk, there's a Pioneer 12 CD changer and an amplified Kenwood subwoofer. The changer and sub are components I already owned which the shop installed for me.
Let me tell you, the sound is terrific. The Sonata makes a good soundstage when quality components are installed in the factory positions, and the trunks is a good chamber for the sub. I'm not getting any rattles or harmonics out of the car, so life is good.
How much? Well, I spent $800 on this install, including the installation of components I already owned. I'm pretty sure the dealer got nipped on this one, so the next Sonata install might cost more. (I did tip the installers.)
Why did I replace the stereo so soon? I figure I'll be driving this car for at least three years, and I want to enjoy great sound every time I drive, instead of waiting for six months or a year, then regretting that I waited so long.
When (if) I sell the car will I reinstall the OEM stuff? Maybe the head unit, but not the speakers. It's just too much work to get them out.
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Cool stuff...
http://hdkautosport.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
How about the front speakers How does it look?
did you remove the original cover with the 4" speakers and the back did you cut hole to fit the 6x9?
You might look at your rear speakers from underneath to see if you have 6.5' or 6x9", and this is easily done from the trunk.
Your post was very helpful in my planning to replace factory installed speakers.
Could you please let me know the specs of the speakers you chose in more detail?
More specifically, it seems like that you installed Blaupunkt component system for tweeters and front speakers. If so, do you remember which model you bought? How about rear speakers? Since Blaupunkt has various kinds of speakers from high end to low end, I am wondering what kind of model you exactly chose.
Thanks in advance,
At the moment the model number of the front component speakers escapes me, but it was a step up from the PCxt series.
I should point out that these speakers, while very capable, still require the use of a competent, powered subwoofer to fill out the sound. In fact I've never been satisfied with 6x9s alone to provide the low end in car audio, 'though I came close with some JBLs in a Dodge Ram 1500 (along with a 300 watt JBL power amp). The 80 watt, tuned and ported 8" Kenwood I put in the Sonata's trunk works well. I can't compete with the hobbiests, but then I'm focusing on the sound INSIDE the car, not outside.
My girlfriend still thinks it's too loud and "thumps too much." I think it's nearly perfect.
I think they have a heated seat package, not sure if it's for the Sonata.
Has anyone ever put leather seat covers over cloth seats? I'm wondering how close they'd look and feel to the normal leather seats.
Tim
So how can I tell?
I have the package with the sunroof and abs, but nowhere on the Hyunda website do I see a package that cotains keyless entry. Ofcourse Im looking at the 2003 models
Hyundai spent considerable money supplying your car with a totally stainless steel exhaust system down wind from the cast iron exhaust manifold. As such it'll be long lived. Some of these performance exhuast systems are just aluminized mild steel, tuned for noise, and decorated with impressive decal logos, so be careful what you choose. Since your existing catalytic converter will still be in the system, it'll still be the final arbiter of how efficiently your revised exhaust system flows.
Be cautious about buying into the promise that replacing your current exhaust system will result in an instant 17% or more power gain. It's probably baloney. After exhaust system flow efficiency, there are two additional determinants of how much power your engine produces: the engine management computer's algorithms and how much air passes through the intake system. Unless you plan to change the latter and re-program the former (and know what you're doing), a new exhaust system will supply you with a satisfying burble and little else.
Hdk doesnt mention 2002 spoilers on their website
Do the 2001's fit the 2002's?
banshi
I discovered www.carxccessory.com via my insurance company (GEICO) to have some Sonata '04 items: rear spoiler wing, 24 piece wood (real burl, or other materials) interior kit, K & N filters....
Anybody know?
Thanks!
gmccoy
Alpine IVA-D300 indash monitor for my car and I was going to install it myself
because I've done monitors before. The problem is I don't know where to begin to
take my dash apart so I can put in the new stereo. Does anyone know how to take
apart the dash to do this? Also I was wondering if I need to buy a radio adapter
for my new cd player, or if hyundai's don't need one. It also looks like my car
is a double din, but I found a kit by metra for my car, and it was single din.
Does anyone also know if I don't need a car kit? Please reply if you can help me. Really appreciated.
listen to my stereo with the doors open because of that annoying alarm!
thanks
As for a car kit, I don't know for sure but would think a kit is needed.
Regards!
If you are planning on doing a nice custom system or just want to do it own your own visit this site.
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The second question is regarding strut bar for the sonata. I would like to know if anyone did this, if it helped the car's handling ability at all, and if so in what way. Reason I am asking is because I've been getting conflicting answers about strut bars. Some tuners are telling me "it makes no real difference in stabalizing the car in turns and reducing body roll" to "it makes a world of difference". I realize underbody sway bars are the mods that really have a guaranteed impact but that also costs significantly more then the strut bar.
Thank You
Thanx
I would recommend putting some sound deadening material on the rear deck before installing your speakers. If you're upgrading the power any, that rear deck cover will vibrate against the rear deck and drive you nuts.
All in all, it took me about an hour and 15 minutes to replace the rear speakers...from start to finish.
Good luck!
They put black ones on my Sonata.
I would prefer the white ones I saw on another Sonata at another dealer.
Thanks,
S
Black.
06 Sonata Hitches
I recall asking my dealer about cost for flaps + installation. I got a top of the head quote of $166.00 for flaps and installation.
I know there's a dedicated web site for Sonata parts that sells those guards for about $43.00. I'm not sure however if installation instructions are included and if the it requires special tools and procedures to install.
I'd like to be able to install them myself.
It will require a ninety degree phillips head screwdriver of some sort such as the ratcheting one I used or possibly a stubby because there is just a couple inches between the tire and the mudguard. You could turn each front out of the way and install the fronts then remove each rear wheel to do the rears but it would be much easier not to. With the ninety degree screwdriver its a half hour job.
As I believe I stated in my original posting on this subject, while visiting my dealer, I asked a Service Writer about the approximate cost of purchase and installation. His ballpark figure was $168!!
Having spent a lot of time looking at my car, I thought all you had to do is removed the existing screws, place mud guard in place and re-install the screws. I'm still baffled how someone suggested $168.00 for purchase and installation of the mud guards! :confuse:
I'll be placing an order shortly and do it myself.
Thanks again for your reply. It is appreciated!