Head Unit upgrade from an LS to a full Navigation HU

[Shane Duus 6]

I purchased the following from Amazon.com to get started.

Metra 99-3309B (full kit, not the 99-3309B-LC): $114.99 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUI5J6O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

Metra Antenna adapter (says it wont work on amazon, but it does): $10.99 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007WW64Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

DoubleDin HU Mounting screws: $.13.95 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FMSBDYC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00. These are way overpriced, and I could have probably gone to a hardware store, but i didn't have a lot of time, and was sick of not having the unit mounted properly.

Pumpkin Pure Android 4.4.4 Dual Core 800x480 Navigation Head Unit: $340.58 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VJRGA8E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I decided I wanted this head unit after a lot of reading. I am a pretty technical guy, so I thought I could work though any potential issues, of which I had very few. You can take a look at the offerings that the reseller Pumkin offers at http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=1&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A35ICIJD64TUP8&sshmPath= or at thier website: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-players/android-dvd-player/universal-android-dvd-player?SID=86k0js51381gqmj8eip21og2e4. They do have a Chevy Spark, Daewoo Matize specific unit, but the price was to high, and it didnt look like it had anything special on it. It is here: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-players/chevrolet-dvd-player/7-pure-android-4-2-car-stereo-dvd-player-navigation-system-with-gps-obd2-3g-wifi-1080p-dvr-bluetooth-for-chevrolet.html

So here is a breakdown of the Pumpkin and other Pure android based units:

All of the manufactures that I could find that use the Pure Android name are made by one of a handful of companies. This means you can choose the right look and style for you, and still be able to update and play if you wish. You can flash updated MCU images, and new Android ROMs at any time.

The MCU, which controls the radio, Bluetooth, DVD and hard buttons is specific to the company that manufactured the unti. This means you can only use MCU images from that manufacture. If you use the incorrect one, you will have problems.

The Android piece is shared among all the manufactures, and you can use a ROM made from any of the manufactures on any unit.

The Good:
WiFi tethering: Unit connects up fine to my Cell Phone and tethers perfectly, every time, without fail.
Bluetooth: While HU is connected to Cell phone's WiFi tether, it is also able to connect to both my Cell phone's Bluetooth for audio and cell, as well as my Bluetooth ODBII unit I use with the provided torque app.
Play Store: All apps work and I have not had any issues at all.
Radio: Signal in my part of the USA is fantastic. Sound is strong, and very little "hiss" for weaker stations
DVD player: mine worked when tested, but I do not use it, so I can not comment extensively.
USB: I connected a 64bit USB thumb drive and it has not given me any issues.
3g Dongle: I have not used this, but from reading at XDA forums, there are some issues with powering the device. A powered USB hub fixes this issue.
GPS: iGo app is not my favorite, so I simply downloaded Waze, and changed the setting in the GPS settings of android to use the Waze app when the Navigation button is pressed. You can do this with any GPS app, such as google maps; Which worked perfectly well with the satellite view as well.
Support: Awesome peer support over at XDA. Search XDA for "HuiFei - 2 DIN Pure Android 4.2.2/4.4.2/4.4.4 RK3066/RK3188 CarStereo Radio Head Unit" for updated Android images and firmware. There is a lot if information there. you can also upgrade from the RK3066 dual core processor to the RK1388 quad core for around $150 USD through resources on that site.

Bad:
Audio Quality:While the audio is crystal clear for all inputs (android apps, DVD, Tuner, Aux input), the tonal quality is not fantastic. I have an amp and sub woofer to assist in the tones of the unit, and some of the issues may revolve around the crummy factory speakers, so I can not say for sure that the issue is from the head unit itself. If you play with the EQ, you can get it to sound pretty good.
Tuner: Looses presets occasionally. Not sure why yet. Its not a huge issue for me.
Fitment: Unit is about 1/4" wider than USA standard DoubleDin HU. you WILL need to trim the bezel on your car to fit. If you do not want to do this, then this unit is not good for you!!!

I have waited a long time for a HU that could do everything I wanted it to do with out issue. this unit does them all, with only very minor annoyances. All of which I feel will be resolved with future firmware and ROM releases. The manufactures are constantly releasing updates and fixes, and are very hands on in the development and support.

Edited June 10, 2015 by Shane Duus

[Shane Duus 6]

Installation:

The installation, was a bit of a pain. Getting the factory dash bezel off to get the factory radio out was not easy. The plastic of the dash is very soft, and the bezel is REALLY secure. It does just pop off though, so persistence is key.

Once off, I unscrewed the 4 screws holding the deck to the dash, pulled out the FHU, and disconnected everything. I put the FHU away for safe keeping.

Next I opened the Pumpkin HU box, and pulled out the wiring harness and started joining the massive harness from the HU to the massive harness from the metra kit. It took a while, but is not to bad once you get rolling. Just make sure you read the metra instructions carefully.

I then used the special screws to mount the head unit to the plastic Metra braces. You need to screw them in tightly as the HU is wide, and the screws will stop the unit from sliding in. Once that was done, I went out to the car, and hooked up the antenna wires to the factory connections, and then hooked the metra harness to the car, slid it all in, made some minor adjustments to the metal backstop in the dash, routed the two USB and the ipod connection to the glove box, and then turned the car on to verify it all worked.

Luckily for me, it did

[Shane Duus 6]

From my reading I knew I was going to have to trim off about .25" off each side of the metra bezel. I grabbed a sharp xacto knife, flipped over the bezel, and slowly cut on the outside line of the trim. You will know what I mean when you see it. once that was removed, and after some very minor fitting, the bezel slid right over the deck. I had some difficulties wtih the bezel as I apparently received a first generation item that had some fitment issues. Metra was fantastic and sent me a new one with no issues. Just email their tech support, they are really quite good.

By the way, it did come with the connections to connect the AUX in jack built into the console to the HU. It has a hiss until the jack has a connection. I plan on installing a RCA ground loop isolation box the next time I get the dash out.

[Shane Duus 6]

I wanted to mention as well that Metra has had multiple revisions of the 99-3309 bezel. I somehow got a first generation that fit like poo. It is easy to tell if you have the first or second. on the backside of the bezel, if it is flat and flimsy, then you have gen 1. If it is fairly rigid and had raised ribs all through he back, you have gen 2.

My gen 1 fit so poorly, I emailed metra, and the immediately sent me a gen 2. Amazing customer service there! I will be fitting the new bezel today and will let you all know how much better it fits. I can tell you already the vents snap in rather than flop around when connected to the bezel, which is a great start.