So, I was thinking of getting another stock stereo for my Formula, but the sound is really, well, 1997. I'd like to put a more modern radio in, like the 6 disc in dash one from my Subaru.

I've contacted Crutchfield, who had no solution, so the only other thing I can think of is finding pinouts from each stereo and splicing wires. Before I go messing around like that, does anyone know a better source than Crutchfield for custom harnesses?

Actually I've seen adapters to go from the monsoon system to various aftermarket systems on the circuit city web site. They have a configuration tool.

Cool- I'll check that out- thanks!

I found this on the circuit city site- http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Metra-1988-...roductDetail.do

Would that let me do what I need?

I get, from the description, that it connects to the harness in the Pontiac and makes it universal- then I'd need something that went from universal to the Subaru radio- is that correct?

That's what it looks like to me. Kind of like going over your shoulder to scratch your a$$ huh?

Perfect analogy! It'll be worth it- I live in the North East and put the car up for most of the winter- if it rains and washed the salt off the roads, I take a winter blast in it. Listening to that 1997 stereo after listening to the one in my Subaru really got me thinking that I need to make this a winter project to enjoy for the Spring. Thanks!

Let me know how that works out, I've had my eye on some of their adapters for a future upgrade myself. I don't want to do it unless I can make it look like it came with the car. Yea you're right the old skool technology is kind of a drag.

Will do- I'm probably gonna hit the Circuit City near me and ask in person instead of emailing them to make sure. I know that the bezel around the radio will have to be modified, but that's not a big deal in the age of everyone owning a Dremel. I'm also going to look into using solvent to take the Subaru lettering off the radio and have a vinyl Pontiac sticker made to go there instead. I'll also use bulb condoms to change the color of the stereo to red. I did that in my WRX- it's a pain to take the stereo apart and get at all the little bulbs, but it was worth it to change it from the stock (ugly) green lighting to red.

This might not work if you have the Monsoon system (works great if not Monsoon). I also find it very strange that Crutchfield couldn't help find a harness that fits your car.

I found it strange too- then again, when they wrote back to me, they told me they had nothing for my "Ford"....

I just checked Crutchfield's web site, and it looks like the harness is the same for Monsoon and non-Monsoon systems.

OK, so I got the adapters and connected the stereo (it's a Subaru 6 disc in dash changer with cassette as well from a WRX, matching red backlighting) and it works really nicely. Sounds really badass with the amp and upgraded speakers the previous owner had in it.

I'm just working on fitting it in the dash- it's a little taller than the stocker, so I'm going to have to cut that plastic bracing to fit it in. It's also a little less wide than the stocker, so I'll have to put some plastic or foam in there to make it look finished.

I'll also have to fab a bracket to hold the stereo in place as well as Dremel the stereo bezel a bit for a neat fit.

I have a piece of pinstriping over the SUBARU logo on the radio until I can figure out how to get it off without scratching the clear plastic. I'll also try and locate an appropriately sized PONTIAC vinyl sticker to go in place of the logo.

Cool, good to hear the adapters worked out. Post up some pics when you get er done. I'm sure we'd all like to see how it looks.

Will do

I put a 2002 WRX stereo with red lighting in my 1997 Firebird Formula. This thing sounds badass.

Well, these are the almost done pix- still need to do some smoothing and finishing on the bezel, but it's nice to not hear that 11 year old stereo.





Comments? Advice? Someone wanna make fun of me for not just getting a Blaupunkt?

Looks great man, it fits in good with the styling of the car. Now get out the vacuum for god's sake, lol.

I know, I know- I can't get myself in gear for car cleaning when it's 12 degrees out

looks really nice man i agree . . . shopvac lol . so how much did the job cost you $ wise besides pulling your subaru stereo ? - SRCamaroguy97

Just found this. You might be interested in to get your steering wheel controls back.

PAC Steering Wheel Control Interface.

Thanks, but mine doesn't have them. How hard would it be to swap in a wheel with the controls? I had them in my GTP and I really miss having them.