Hey I think the "Premium Speaker Upgrade" kit is available again

[Martin]

I just got a notice from Amazon that it's in stock, so I put the order in for shits and giggles. Doesn't seem to come with the buckets that protect the sub-woofers, but it appears to have everything else. Ships Amazon Prime, and no tax.

https://www.amazon.com/2013-2016-Dodge-Premium-Speaker-Upgrade/dp/B01LE37TQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1488142399&sr=1-1&keywords=82213535

[Wagnut ACR]

I saw that too. Let us know if it works for you. I'm already deaf so I need a few extra speakers

[1ststrike]

Thanks good to know.

[99RT10]

How many speakers are in this upgrade? I assume the speaker position is already in place? Plug&play? Would you get better quality sound from the aftermarket?

[ViperSmith]

How many speakers are in this upgrade? I assume the speaker position is already in place? Plug&play? Would you get better quality sound from the aftermarket?

12 to 18 upgrade. You need a dealer to run the firmware upgrade.

[Martin]

It seems to be an easy upgrade - the kit is actually what the dealers used to do a dealer installed option upgrade from the standard 12 speaker Harmon Kardon system to the 18 speaker premium setup. Might be able to do better with other aftermarket speakers, but that could be a crap-shoot. The head unit and amp are supposedly tuned to sound the "best" with the HK speakers, so I'm not sure I'd have the balls to do a mix and match between the installed 12 speakers and some aftermarket units. The only other thing that's important to get are the buckets that protect the rear of the subwoofers from the elements. From what I can see, FCA stopped installing them altogether, so getting a set of them that protects all the speakers would be a good move long term.

We'll see if these are actually "in stock" now. The price is definitely right - paying $550 for an upgrade kit that I would have otherwise paid $2000 for as a manufacturer installed option seems like a no-brainer.

[wrh3]

It didn't come with buckets before, I had to purchase those separately....GOOD NEWS for those waiting! :D

[sadil]

The most important thing are those speaker grills that are included!

[Charged]

When I pulled it up it didn't show prime. Just bought a 14 last week. From what I've heard the wiring is right there though already correct? And where you can buy said protected buckets for woofers? This would be sweet if you literally just pop covers off, plug in, then take to dealer.

[Snorman]

Allow me to take this moment to say how much I liked my 18-speaker system pumping while sitting in the hot pit this weekend during various black flags at Road Atlanta waiting for various black flag tow-offs or clean ups.
S.

[Mark1107]

Is there a 3 speaker to 9 speaker or 18 speaker upgrade tutorial? I have 3 speakers in my ACR and am considering an upgrade.

[wrh3]

When I pulled it up it didn't show prime. Just bought a 14 last week. From what I've heard the wiring is right there though already correct? And where you can buy said protected buckets for woofers? This would be sweet if you literally just pop covers off, plug in, then take to dealer.

P/N 05035339AA (some have used generic 6x9 foam baffles) , I took some pics when I installed mine here: http://billswebspace.com/viper.html#ViperGenVSpeakerUpgrade


Is there a 3 speaker to 9 speaker or 18 speaker upgrade tutorial? I have 3 speakers in my ACR and am considering an upgrade.

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/11299-ACR-amp-18-Speakers?p=178589

[ViperJon]

^^^^ Bill's website above was a treasure trove of info on the install, helped me tremendously. Anyone doing this that has any questions feel free to ask I did the 3 speaker to 18 speaker upgrade as detailed in several threads. The Mopar baffles are really nice. Pricey but you should have baffles.

[TitanSnake]

It's honestly the easiest install I think I have ever done. The only hard part is wedging yourself under the dash to find the jumper to go from base to full audio. Also, remember that there is another screw on the door panel behind the plastic airbag emblem that was not mentioned in the instructions supplied with the upgrade kit.

[ViperJon]

I will bet that it's not available since shipping is from "AutoTruckToys". I spoke to HK themselves as well as a lot of Mopar parts guys and they doubted it will EVER be available. Mark at Woodhouse would know.

[Martin]

When I was doing a search months ago for the kit, AutoTruckToys was one of the places that had a good price on the kit - but it was showing out of stock. I've bought from them before, and they're legit - not a huge distributor, but they always had what I needed (often drop shipped directly from the manufacturer).

That said, this could be a mistake and you might be right that the kit is still unavailable. I figure it can't hurt to put the order in, though - if they get enough interest, Mopar may just work with HK to do another run. If not, we can always put the parts together (minus the door grills) piecemeal.

[mjorgensen]

Not yet available to order in "the system", just looked this morning.

[ViperJon]

Not enough demand to warrant a run probably. Besides, anyone with an ounce of creativity can make the upper speaker grills easily.
Except for the grills being unavailable it's cheaper to buy the parts separate anyway.

[Martin]

Not enough demand to warrant a run probably. Besides, anyone with an ounce of creativity can make the upper speaker grills easily.
Except for the grills being unavailable it's cheaper to buy the parts separate anyway.

If someone like XTreme were to put together the grills, that would solve the problem in a heartbeat. I for one would rather go the separate part route because (I think) the kit includes an extra speaker that isn't necessary yet we're still paying $100 or so for it. But, that said, I'll wait and see if my Amazon order gets cancelled or not. If it does, there are always other avenues to pursue - but if they fulfil, that would be the path of least resistance.

[Policy Limits]

I had the 18 in the GTS and have the 12 speaker in the ACR-E GTC and can't tell a huge difference. Then again, I hit the mute button mucho

[ACRSNK]

I had the 18 in the GTS and have the 12 speaker in the ACR-E GTC and can't tell a huge difference. Then again, I hit the mute button mucho

That's good to know. I was just going to post asking if anyone had the 18 and the 12, or went from one to the other and could notice a significant difference.

[cashcorn]

Are the upper door speakers & grills available? Are they plug & play or is a visit to the dealer necessary? thanks

[darbgnik]

Are the upper door speakers & grills available? Are they plug & play or is a visit to the dealer necessary? thanks

The upper door speaker grilles are only available in the above kit. Those door speakers are indeed plug and play though, and don't require a trip to the dealer if you have the 12 speaker stereo already.

[mjorgensen]

I believe the grills come with the handle Bezel, BUT you can only get the right side, the left side is not available and not even priced... Probably a glitch, but would have to jump through hoops to get corrected. The basic black bezels for the high performance stereo option are $105 each.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

VAPOR-WARE, not Viper-Ware.

[ViperJon]

I believe the grills come with the handle Bezel, BUT you can only get the right side, the left side is not available and not even priced... Probably a glitch, but would have to jump through hoops to get corrected. The basic black bezels for the high performance stereo option are $105 each.

I don't think so Mark. There is no part number for the upper door speaker grills as a separate item or any indication they are part of the bezel. The blanks may be part of the bezel but you already have those. If you just want to add the upper door speakers you can buy those separately but again have to fab your own grills.

^^^ Jon B and I went through this EXTENSIVELY! Jon's motto of it fits on a Viper he can get it....not this time. :)

[AZTVR]

Allow me to take this moment to say how much I liked my 18-speaker system pumping while sitting in the hot pit this weekend during various black flags at Road Atlanta waiting for various black flag tow-offs or clean ups. S.

I bet that Lady Gaga & ABBA never sounded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuUNmGtiCA) better !

[mjorgensen]

I don't think so Mark. There is no part number for the upper door speaker grills as a separate item or any indication they are part of the bezel. The blanks may be part of the bezel but you already have those. If you just want to add the upper door speakers you can buy those separately but again have to fab your own grills.

^^^ Jon B and I went through this EXTENSIVELY! Jon's motto of it fits on a Viper he can get it....not this time. :)

OK I have never ordered one, but since they designate with speaker or delete that it doesn't have something different. I would just get the block off plates cut out the whole inside and cover around edges with thin grill cloth.

[ViperJon]

OK I have never ordered one, but since they designate with speaker or delete that it doesn't have something different. I would just get the block off plates cut out the whole inside and cover around edges with thin grill cloth.

That's a good idea. How about cutting them out, filing them smooth, painting them black and adding color matched grill cloth? :) :)

http://i.imgur.com/GtWGawe.jpg

[mjorgensen]

That's a good idea. How about cutting them out, filing them smooth, painting them black and adding color matched grill cloth? :) :)

http://i.imgur.com/GtWGawe.jpg

:United_States:

[darbgnik]

That's a good idea. How about cutting them out, filing them smooth, painting them black and adding color matched grill cloth? :) :)

http://i.imgur.com/GtWGawe.jpg

Yup, that would work, I just pulled out my old block off plates out of curiosity, and they are thin stamped steel. A guy could do it very carefully with a hole say, trying not to bend them. Seems to me a guy could make one too, using the old ones as templates, with a pencil, tin snips, and a pair of pliers, out of a thin metal 6x9 speaker grille or equivalent.

Either way, a guy wouldn't be denied.

[cashcorn]

^^ good idea, i like it! i've always wanted to order the upper door speakers. speakers are stocked? roughly$$

[Charged]

Just let us know if they actually showed up!

[Snorman]

I bet that Lady Gaga & ABBA never sounded (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuUNmGtiCA) better !Pretty funny coming from a wrinkled up old ex-Gen II Viper owner.
Tell me again why you're posting here? So you really need to validate your existence by telling everybody you were the "custodian" for a 15 year old car for a few years?
S.

[ViperJon]

^^ good idea, i like it! i've always wanted to order the upper door speakers. speakers are stocked? roughly$$

About $45-50 each.

[ACRSNK]

Pretty funny coming from a wrinkled up old ex-Gen II Viper owner.
Tell me again why you're posting here? So you really need to validate your existence by telling everybody you were the "custodian" for a 15 year old car for a few years?
S.

I'm pretty sure he is posting here because that's what people do on a forum. Wrinkled up old ex-Gen II Viper owner...Really???

[AZTVR]

Pretty funny coming from a wrinkled up old ex-Gen II Viper owner.
Tell me again why you're posting here? So you really need to validate your existence by telling everybody you were the "custodian" for a 15 year old car for a few years?
S.

That was supposed to be a friendly joke. A reference to the Stig. Definitely not an insult. Have a nice day.

Sorry, the Top Gear race car driver joke was a bit obscure. I thought that you would think that it was funny.

[Snorman]

That was supposed to be a friendly joke. A reference to the Stig. Definitely not an insult. Have a nice day.

Sorry, the Top Gear race car driver joke was a bit obscure. I thought that you would think that it was funny.
It looked like an attempt at being insulting to me, but if I took it wrong, my apologies.
S.

[AZTVR]

It looked like an attempt at being insulting to me, but if I took it wrong, my apologies.
S.

It was not intended as an insult in the least. I don't know you and have no reason to insult you. I am an HPDE track enthusiast and sold the Viper to focus on a more affordable and easier car to drive on the track. I am just a casual track day guy, and no "Stig"; but, admire those that have those skills. The torque is a powerful drug and that is why I am actively seeking a Gen V Viper; but, admit that I am a bottom feeder on the price scale. However, the Gen V Viper that I recently tried to buy in a private sale ended up selling (not a trade-in) to a dealer for less than what I had offered; so, that has made the value equation a bit confusing for me.

Have fun !,
Jim

[ViperGeorge]

It was not intended as an insult in the least. I don't know you and have no reason to insult you. I am an HPDE track enthusiast and sold the Viper to focus on a more affordable and easier car to drive on the track. I am just a casual track day guy, and no "Stig"; but, admire those that have those skills. The torque is a powerful drug and that is why I am actively seeking a Gen V Viper; but, admit that I am a bottom feeder on the price scale. However, the Gen V Viper that I recently tried to buy in a private sale ended up selling (not a trade-in) to a dealer for less than what I had offered; so, that has made the value equation a bit confusing for me.

Have fun !,
Jim

In some states, trading in a car can reduce your tax liability on the new car. So someone could theoretically trade a car in for less than you offered because they would save money on taxes which would then make it a better deal for them. Depends how much less of course. Good luck in your hunt for a Viper though.

[AZTVR]

In some states, trading in a car can reduce your tax liability on the new car. Good point; but, I don't think that he traded it in, since he has since said that he is looking for another car. But, I don't know for sure. In any event, I am still looking for the right car.

[Martin]

Update on my speaker kit order - I got notified that it's shipping soon... Not sure if that's BS or not, but now the place I ordered it from is showing "out of stock" and MoparParts is showing it in stock. But, get this, the price on it is over $1700! I have a feeling there are a few kits out there, and the Viper tax is in full force on the few that are floating around.

Keeping my fingers crossed that they actually do ship the kit, or it comes back into production in larger numbers soon. This is the first time in about six months that I've actually seen it in-stock anywhere, and the fact that some places are price gouging on it tells me that there are a few out there and the vendors are hoping people are desperate enough to pay that kind of money.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LE37TQE/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[ViperJon]

I paid $1349.00 for ALL 10 required speakers (to go from 3 to 18) PLUS four top quality Mopar buckets for the subs PLUS THE AMP ITSELF!
What an unconscionable rip-off.

[Martin]

I paid $1349.00 for ALL 10 required speakers (to go from 3 to 18) PLUS four top quality Mopar buckets for the subs PLUS THE AMP ITSELF!
What an unconscionable rip-off.

I agree. I think some vendors are noting that demand is there, and if they still have a kit floating around, they're going to see what they can get for it. I paid about $550 for the one I ordered through Amazon last week - which was about $80 more than the prices I saw six months ago. But, it came with free shipping and no tax, so I figured it was a wash. Now, if they just deliver it, I'll be happy. If not, I'm going the individual parts route like you did. I even think there are a few door speaker grills out there from crashed cars being parted out. Those things really are the hardest pieces to find.

[ViperJon]

I even think there are a few door speaker grills out there from crashed cars being parted out. Those things really are the hardest pieces to find.

You would think so, but there isn't. Well....let me correct that. You can possibly get them but you also have to buy the entire $$$Door$$$$ too.....they won't part them out. That gets a little pricey. :) Not to beat a dead horse but I exhausted every avenue including Jon B and salvage places.

[Jet Slicker]

Bumping this thread! Was the Amazon kit ever delivered? Is there any place that currently stocks the 18 speaker kit? If not, ViperJon could you please provide the individual part numbers for the remaining speakers? I believe I have the part number for the buckets. I tried looking through your threads/posts but couldn't find the speaker part numbers.

I'm sure many people are in the same boat I'm in. Any extra contributing info on part sourcing would be great!

[Martin]

My order hasn't been fulfilled yet - it's still showing "ready to ship" which I think is BS. Last I checked, the kit was showing "available" but the price was about $21,000 - I had to laugh at that one.

I called around a bit and heard that another batch of the kits should be hitting the streets (and dealers) this summer. Presently, all production is going into the cars being built, and once that's done, we should see the upgrade kits again.

[Jet Slicker]

Ok gotcha. Positive update for sure, but I was hoping to get the kit in the next month. I'll contact ViperJon for an individual parts list.


My order hasn't been fulfilled yet - it's still showing "ready to ship" which I think is BS. Last I checked, the kit was showing "available" but the price was about $21,000 - I had to laugh at that one.

I called around a bit and heard that another batch of the kits should be hitting the streets (and dealers) this summer. Presently, all production is going into the cars being built, and once that's done, we should see the upgrade kits again.

[Martin]

Ok gotcha. Positive update for sure, but I was hoping to get the kit in the next month. I'll contact ViperJon for an individual parts list.

The biggest bummer about the parts list is that crucial pieces aren't available - the door speaker grills. There have been some suggestions on how to make your own, but I'd much rather go with factory parts. I'm going to sit tight and wait for the kit to become available again - the 12 speaker setup really isn't bad, and I would rather listen to the car anyhow. If someone were to come up with a nice aftermarket swap for those door speaker grills, I'd buy them.

[Smokin]

If you have a 3 speaker system the other 6x9 speakers are also unavailable. All that is available is the amp.

[Policy Limits]

Metallica + Viper = win. Megadeth will do too. Ha.

[ViperJon]

If you have a 3 speaker system the other 6x9 speakers are also unavailable. All that is available is the amp.

Part numbers often change. You need to research the speaker number from 2013's on up. The speakers themselves have not changed but part numbers may have and may still be available. The amp is the only part number that most correlate to car year.