I'm currently shopping to replace my factory cassette head unit with a factory CD head unit (I'm happy with the stock function and want to keep the steering wheel controls).

I know the Pontiac Monsoon 'system' came with an amp and more speakers... but are the head units identical? Can I swap a Monsoon unit with my AC/Delco unit? And would there be any advantage to that (any easier to install an amp & sub later)? TIA -

Yup. The Monsoon unit is a direct swap. To tel the truth all that'* different between a Monsoon Cd player and the 7-band EQ CD player is that it says Monsoon. My brother has one in his 1998 GP SE (he'* currently working on putting the MONSOON amp in too which is a really easy install) and I had one in my 1992 SE as well as in my 1994 SLE for a short time.
Good luck.

Grrrreat! Since you have knowledge of the Monsoon amp, what are the specs of those? Would it be any more compatible with the Monsoon head unit than an aftermarket amp?

Hmm. I believe it should work with an after market deck, but the quality of the sound will depend on how many ohms, and watts the deck feeds to the Monsoon amp. My breother was showing me all he had to do was run a main power wire, otherwise he just had to plug the harness (factory harness he got with the amp) in line with his deck. Can't remember all to well, but I'll have to check in with my brother when he'* got it in (he'* hoping to put it in this Saturday and I want to help so I know how it works).

I will be sure to take pics and have detailed instructions on the install typed up for Techinfo.


One thing will say about these Monsoon Stereo equipped GM cars is there sound blows the BOSE Stereo equipped SSEi'* systems out of the water. I listened to the factory stock Monsoon system in a couple Buick Regal GS'* at the Minnesota Club Grand Prix Meet/Mod Day and I was totally astounded. The volume and the clarity at the higher volumes without loss of BASS (which made them sound like they had a couple 10"*) was simply incredible. If I could get one of those systems in my Bonneville'*, aftermarket decks, amps and subs would be obsolete.