2001 Mach 460 HU replacement advice needed

Augy · Mar 3, 2008

I have a 2001 GT convertible with the Mach 460 stereo system. I want to replace the HU (my CD changer has finally gone belly up). I've read lots of threads and the Tech Aritcle (http://www.stangnet.com/Tech-Articles/Replacing-Your-2001-Mach-460-Head-Unit.html ) posted on this site. I just have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone can shed some light on for me.

I'm looking at a Pioneer DEH-P3000IB HU that has 2 pairs of preamp outputs and both low-pass and high-pass filters. If I get this from Crutchfield, they include a wiring harness that looks exactly like the Metra harness (from partsexpress.com) mentioned in the Tech Article. They also include the install kit with a filler for the hole created from pulling the double-din stock hU and replacing with a standard DIN HU.

I'm wondering if this would be a good HU and would the included harness and a install kit (dash filler) be all I would need for an easy swap? I'm thinking the harness supplied by Crutchfield would mean I don't need the Metra harness but in the article the writer states that the Metra is the "only" harness on the market that works. Has this changed since that article was written?

Would it sound at least as good as the stock unit?

Here is the link:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=130P3000IB&tp=5684

And while I'm at it, I also like these HU's from JVC nad Kenwood but am not sure if either has built-in high-pass and low-pass filters...

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=105KDAR480&tp=5684

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=113MP238&tp=5684

Sorry for all the questions. I am fairly handy with this type of thing and swapped a lot of radios out in my day...it's just that that was 25 years ago and things have changed a bit!

Thanks!

dec322 · Mar 8, 2008

Crutchfield knows what they are doing. You should trust their techs before you trust anything else you read on the internet. I've used them for multiple HU and their instructions and adapters are right on!

GL

COramprat · Mar 8, 2008

Is there a link to the Crutchfield supplied harness? I know the older Mach 460's required an amp interface but it my not be necessary anymore.

Augy · Mar 8, 2008

COramprat said:
Is there a link to the Crutchfield supplied harness? I know the older Mach 460's required an amp interface but it my not be necessary anymore.

Here is the link http://www.crutchfield.com/S-4DzRR8jHaeP/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=120705519&s=0&cc=01

If the link doesn't work, the Crutchfield part # is 120705519

Augy · Mar 8, 2008

dec322 said:
Crutchfield knows what they are doing. You should trust their techs before you trust anything else you read on the internet. I've used them for multiple HU and their instructions and adapters are right on!

GL

Agreed, I have dealt with them in the past and have always been very satisfied. I am inclined to trust them on this as well but there is so many posts and threads about how difficult it is to replace the HU on the Mach 460 that this just sounds 'to easy to be true'.

To make matters even more confusing, the following quote is taken directly from Crutchfields webpage (link follows)

"2001-and up models with the Mach 460 system are best either left alone or completely replaced, since the speaker setup is the same as in the 1995 and up models. Additionally, there are no adapters available for adding aftermarket receivers. If you don't like what you have, it's best to change the whole thing — amps and all!"

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/reviews/mustang_install.html

I need to ask a Crutchfield rep about this seemingly contradiction to what they have told me in correspondence. It might be outdated information.

2002whitegt · Mar 25, 2008

Just used their harness for my 2002 Gt with the mach 460.

I was worried about not being able to use my stock amps and speakers but crutchfield reassured me it was compatible and it is.

Don't worry crutchfield knows what they are doing.

The following threads helped me out alot

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=482713&highlight=Metra+harness

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=724560

Supradude26 · Mar 26, 2008

I just installed a new headunit for a customer in his 2001 Mustang with the Mach system the other day at work. The harness that I used is the same as the one in this link: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cvNjqQ86FXn/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=120705519&s=0&cc=01 and it worked, HOWEVER, one of the remote turn on leads and amp signal ground wires need to be reversed on the smaller of the two plugs. I do not beleive that there is a harness that woks "perfectly". The speaker wires on the main plug only drive the tweeters, and they have no caps or crossovers on them so if you turn the bass up or play the system at higher volumes there will be a lot of distortion. The easiest way to fix this is to add "bass blockers" to the four positive speaker wires. http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=761&i=127BB5&search=bass+blockers&tp=3216. This method will work, but if you are truly looking for better than stock sound the only way to do it right is to replace the speakers as well as the HU. If you do change the speakers, you can simply hook them up to the wires that are currently hooked up to the stock tweeters, then there is no amp bypass needed because they don't run off a factory amp.

Purchasing a deck that has built in crossovers usually doesn't help on the Mach system because the proper crossover frequencies are not available. I beleive that the Pioneer deck that you are looking at has a crossover points that are selectable up to 200hz, which is not high enough. 1500hz is closer to what you need for the stock speakers.

When I installed a new deck in my 2003, which has the same stock mach system as the 2001, I tired multiple methods using the stock amps/speakers, and was never satisfied with the sound until I changed the speakers out. Even if you were to replace them with some lower price speakers ($75.00/pair range) you will get much better sound. I hope this info helps and didn't further confuse you...

GoBlue · Mar 26, 2008

dude, dont buy from crutchfield unless you have to. shop the internet and you will find awsome deals. try onlinecarstereo.com, thats where I bought 90 percent of my stuff/.

Augy · Apr 4, 2008

Supradude26 said:
I just installed a new headunit for a customer in his 2001 Mustang with the Mach system the other day at work. The harness that I used is the same as the one in this link: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cvNjqQ86FXn/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=120705519&s=0&cc=01 and it worked, HOWEVER, one of the remote turn on leads and amp signal ground wires need to be reversed on the smaller of the two plugs. I do not beleive that there is a harness that woks "perfectly". The speaker wires on the main plug only drive the tweeters, and they have no caps or crossovers on them so if you turn the bass up or play the system at higher volumes there will be a lot of distortion. The easiest way to fix this is to add "bass blockers" to the four positive speaker wires. http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=761&i=127BB5&search=bass+blockers&tp=3216. This method will work, but if you are truly looking for better than stock sound the only way to do it right is to replace the speakers as well as the HU. If you do change the speakers, you can simply hook them up to the wires that are currently hooked up to the stock tweeters, then there is no amp bypass needed because they don't run off a factory amp.

Purchasing a deck that has built in crossovers usually doesn't help on the Mach system because the proper crossover frequencies are not available. I beleive that the Pioneer deck that you are looking at has a crossover points that are selectable up to 200hz, which is not high enough. 1500hz is closer to what you need for the stock speakers.

When I installed a new deck in my 2003, which has the same stock mach system as the 2001, I tired multiple methods using the stock amps/speakers, and was never satisfied with the sound until I changed the speakers out. Even if you were to replace them with some lower price speakers ($75.00/pair range) you will get much better sound. I hope this info helps and didn't further confuse you...

Thanks for all the information...it helps a ton. I am thinking I'll just save my pennies for a complete overhaul (speakers, HU, etc.). When I do finally make a decision, all this information will be a tremendous help. Thanks for taking the time to share!

Augy · Apr 4, 2008

2002whitegt said:
Just used their harness for my 2002 Gt with the mach 460.

I was worried about not being able to use my stock amps and speakers but crutchfield reassured me it was compatible and it is.

Don't worry crutchfield knows what they are doing.

The following threads helped me out alot

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=482713&highlight=Metra+harness

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=724560

That is good to know...I've always had good luck with them.

Augy · Apr 4, 2008

GoBlue said:
dude, dont buy from crutchfield unless you have to. shop the internet and you will find awsome deals. try onlinecarstereo.com, thats where I bought 90 percent of my stuff/.

Thanks, I'll have to take a look.

2001 Mach 460 HU replacement advice needed

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