'87 FC - Audio System Upgrade
 

Considering doing one of two things, budget is approximately $150-$200 at most.

Goal: Upgrade to a bluetooth system consisting of either:

1. Replacing head unit/receiver with a touch display - capable of connecting with a smartphone - EX:
2. Just throwing a speaker in the trunk and connecting via the smartphone - EX:
Would speakers need to be upgraded as well from your experience?
Would love to hear the experience you have had and the best approach to keeping it a simple and clean upgrade.

Much Appreciated!
-Elliott

I'd suggest going with a non-touchscreen headunit, given the location of the stock stereo (in front of the shifter). There are quite a few out there such as my Pioneer KW-XR810 that have Bluetooth functionality. If you're set on a touchscreen unit, I have an Android 6.0 headunit from China in my Expedition. Since its stereo location is in the middle of the dashboard, a touchscreen one made sense here. Having access to all of the apps from Google Play is a BIG plus if you're into stuff like video game music. Plus, it's got a front USB port, input for reverse camera, 3.5mm input jack, a bunch of RCA inputs/outputs, SD card reader (and another one for offline GPS maps) and can screenshare with your phone too. Found it on ebay for $150 shipped.

Something else to think about about touchscreens in a FC is that a loose shifter can easily make your hand hit the screen when shifting to 3rd or 5th. First stereo I got for my FC (VR3 Labs VR500CS-BT) had bluetooth calling on it through its keypad. Every time I put it in 5th, it kept calling the same person. A touchscreen might not be so lucky.

As for speakers, my car still has the factory ones in it. Sound quality is a subjective thing, and what sounds good to me might not sound good to you. The bigger fish, so to speak, is your alternator. A simple headunit can easily overtax a stock S4 alternator, making for dim lights and other maladies. I'd recommend upgrading to a FD or Taurus Alt at the same time you do any stereo stuff.

Wow Thank you, Much Appreciated!