DIY Guide to Upgrading Your Muscle Car’s Stereo System

By FastMuscle | July 12, 2021

Whether you drive a Mustang or a Corvette, there’s nothing like blasting some music while you’re headed down the highway cruising at 65 mph. Experiencing your favorite album while driving is more than just a casual Sunday activity — it can help clear your mind and show off all the work you put into your muscle car.

It’s no secret that driving with music is more enjoyable than driving in silence, and your stereo system must be up to par with the rest of your vehicle.

Stereo systems tend to have primary outputs and limited volumes. When you upgrade your stereo yourself, you know that you’ll be able to bump to the bass while taking long road trips or even just a quick trip to the grocery store.

It may seem daunting to upgrade a stereo system, but there are some steps you can take to prepare yourself for the task better. It’s crucial to do some research before purchasing any stereo equipment — you want the system to align with your car’s specifications. With proper planning, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite music while enjoying a quick drive.

Here is a do-it-yourself guide to upgrading your car’s stereo system. Following this guide, you’ll have a new audio system set up and ready to go for your next drive.

Step 1: Remove and Replace the Current Head Unit

The head unit of your car is the crucial component of your audio system. It’s what allows you to tune into the radio, connect your smartphone, and now, more commonly, navigate to your destination.

Depending on the age and wear of your car, it may be time to upgrade your head unit to a more advanced version. Many head units available now also include Apple Carplay, so your streaming experience will be even more effortless. You’ll spend less time fumbling around with your smartphone and more time with your eyes on the road.

Step 2: Invest in Quality Speakers

Before making an impulse purchase and spending unnecessary amounts of money, you must identify what kind of audio quality you want for your car.

For example, traditional car speakers are only capable of so much, so spending a bit on higher-quality speakers may be necessary if you’re looking for a better listening experience. Thankfully, many speakers come with manuals with specifications and instructions on how to best use them in your car.

Step 3: Find a Subwoofer/Amp Combination

The best way to improve the sound quality of your speakers is to invest in a subwoofer and amplification system that can handle high amounts of audio output.

Finding a matching subwoofer and amplifier is the secret to finding the best bass for your car. You’ll be turning heads all over the road when other drivers hear the thud coming from your whip.

Step 4: Purchase Insulating Materials

To maintain quality audio, you’ll want to find some insulating material to buffer the soundwaves coming from your speakers. There are plenty of choices when it comes to sound-deadening materials, and it’s a priority for you to have the highest quality sound when you’re driving. A famous brand, Dynamat, has been in the car audio industry for years and sells many products that will suit your needs.

Another benefit of using insulation is that it reduces pesky, unwanted road noise and manages heat and vibration from the car. It’s challenging to come up with downsides to insulation, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your car’s audio system.

Step 5: Consider Your Music Source

Although it’s relatively common to stream music on apps like Apple Music or Spotify, there may be alternative music sources that can improve the quality of your music as it flows through your new and improved speakers. The signal of your receiver needs to be strong. Unfortunately, a Bluetooth connection isn’t the most optimal way to send that signal.

Consider using CDs (throwback, right?) or a direct USB stick to upload your audio files. This is a more direct connection that will optimize the sound quality of your music, so you can drive with peace of mind that your listening experience will be enjoyable.

Installing a New Audio System in Your Muscle Car

Upgrading your stereo system can be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for muscle car owners. It’s crucial to do some research beforehand to best match your new speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers to the size and width of your car. It can be a fun DIY project and will leave you happier in the long run.