PAC & Idatalink Maestro - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Valkyrie14 · 08-24-2022, 09:56 PM

So I have seen write ups on PAC, and writes ups on Idatalink, I even read a write up on a PAC that used a maestro.

I am still playing with the idea of an aftermarket HU (I have a FIX 86 and TWK 88 on the factory HU). I think an aftermarket HU will be an upgrade on my set up.

Some of you have had these setups now for years. What is the verdict? Is one better than the other? Does one do something the other doesn’t? What do I need for each one?

Cheap Guy · 08-25-2022, 03:50 PM

I’ve probably had the PAC kit longer than most on here and it’s been no problem. The main thing I would suggest is to get a short chassis radio to make the install much easier and make sure you have your door locks set up the way you want before removing the stock unit.

Valkyrie14 · 08-25-2022, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheap Guy

I’ve probably had the PAC kit longer than most on here and it’s been no problem. The main thing I would suggest is to get a short chassis radio to make the install much easier and make sure you have your door locks set up the way you want before removing the stock unit.

What do you mean by setting up the locks before removing stock unit? The door locks are connected to the head unit?

Cheap Guy · 08-26-2022, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkyrie14

What do you mean by setting up the locks before removing stock unit? The door locks are connected to the head unit?

Yes, the door lock and a few other settings are done through the stock head unit.

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67359

Valkyrie14 · 08-26-2022, 07:17 PM

Good to know, thanks.

bottletalk · 08-26-2022, 08:55 PM

The extra displays via idatalink/maestro are worth it alone, live engine data, radar detector tuning/alerts, front camera alerts, 3 outputs that you can control through second function steering controls(line lock, nos, ejector seat, etc), ez clean install....for me it seemed like a no brainer decision. No regrets and I'm still stoked on it!
All u need is the idatalink/maestro cam1 and an rr2 or a rr1 if u don't need the extras the rr2 gives u. All wiring included as long as u have a idatalink compatible deck. Check the website, on the top banner click maestro then enter ur info.
https://www.idatalink.com/product/

Valkyrie14 · 08-26-2022, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottletalk

The extra displays via idatalink/maestro are worth it alone, live engine data, radar detector tuning/alerts, front camera alerts, 3 outputs that you can control through second function steering controls(line lock, nos, ejector seat, etc), ez clean install....for me it seemed like a no brainer decision. No regrets and I'm still stoked on it!
All u need is the idatalink/maestro cam1 and an rr2 or a rr1 if u don't need the extras the rr2 gives u. All wiring included as long as u have a idatalink compatible deck. Check the website, on the top banner click maestro then enter ur info.
https://www.idatalink.com/product/

On Crutchfield there are a some adapters for t harness and antennas etc. Are any of those needed? Also, the RR2 is out of stock everywhere, what are the extras for the rr2 on the Camaro?

bottletalk · 08-26-2022, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkyrie14

On Crutchfield there are a some adapters for t harness and antennas etc. Are any of those needed? Also, the RR2 is out of stock everywhere, what are the extras for the rr2 on the Camaro?

u only need what the idatalink site states, enter ur info with the deck you have and everything that u need will be on the page. The cam1 comes with a t harness and the rr2 has everything else. The difference between them is the rr2 has 3 programmable outputs, radar integration, Bluetooth and future abilities....if u don't need this get the rr but I like my tech and radar so I went with the rr2.
if u shop around u can find a rr2.

Valkyrie14 · 09-01-2022, 07:06 AM

Yesterday I talked to two professional shops about PAC and Maestro. They both said they prefer Maestro, but did mention PAC has a nice kit for some cars. When I asked what was in their cars they both said Maestro. Neither drives a Camaro.

BAD DAB · 09-01-2022, 07:27 AM

I have had the PAC for at least 6 years with no issues.

SIM GhostrdrZ · 09-01-2022, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkyrie14

Yesterday I talked to two professional shops about PAC and Maestro. They both said they prefer Maestro, but did mention PAC has a nice kit for some cars. When I asked what was in their cars they both said Maestro. Neither drives a Camaro.

Do you like the OEM A/C knobs?
Or can you deal with digital A/C controls

There are others factors involved but I think that might be the biggest hurdle.

I didn’t like the paint match of the idatalink but I overcame that to paint silver to match dash trim instead of console cover. It’s tough to really see in my pic. The newer short chassis kenwoods work great for the Camaro install with either kit.

The idatalink requires soldiering to make a harness(not too bad) and setting up the kit for your individual likings of button features and your car, which is the cool feature of the idatalink.
I had mine originally in my V6 Camaro I drove more but it’s now in my Camaro I drive very little. It’s a nice setup for a driver.
Good luck

Valkyrie14 · 09-01-2022, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIM GhostrdrZ

Do you like the OEM A/C knobs?
Or can you deal with digital A/C controls

There are others factors involved but I think that might be the biggest hurdle.

I didn’t like the paint match of the idatalink but I overcame that to paint silver to match dash trim instead of console cover. It’s tough to really see in my pic. The newer short chassis kenwoods work great for the Camaro install with either kit.

The idatalink requires soldiering to make a harness(not too bad) and setting up the kit for your individual likings of button features and your car, which is the cool feature of the idatalink.
I had mine originally in my V6 Camaro I drove more but it’s now in my Camaro I drive very little. It’s a nice setup for a driver.
Good luck

One of the guys told me the Cam1 kit has a harness that doesn’t require soldering. I’m not afraid of soldering, but I will avoid it if I can. I’m looking at two different head units and leaning toward the maestro.

Current project is custom door panels. My wife said I have to finish that before starting anything else. Yes dear.

Valkyrie14 · 09-02-2022, 01:26 PM

Ordered a Sony AX6000 (released today) and Maestro Idatalink. Will post pictures later in the month.

bottletalk · 09-02-2022, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkyrie14

Ordered a Sony AX6000 (released today) and Maestro Idatalink. Will post pictures later in the month.

Nice, did u go with the rr or rr2?

08-24-2022, 09:56 PM	#1
Valkyrie14 Valkyrie14 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Posts: 962	PAC & Idatalink Maestro So I have seen write ups on PAC, and writes ups on Idatalink, I even read a write up on a PAC that used a maestro. I am still playing with the idea of an aftermarket HU (I have a FIX 86 and TWK 88 on the factory HU). I think an aftermarket HU will be an upgrade on my set up. Some of you have had these setups now for years. What is the verdict? Is one better than the other? Does one do something the other doesn’t? What do I need for each one? __________________ 2014 SS LS3/LSA Supercharger, 10% Super Damper, 2.55 upper, AGP Dual Pump, ID 1050 injectors, Pegasus solid rear cradle bushings, LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite E2 catch can, E85 corn fed, 160 Thermostat, Monster Twin Disk, MGW Short Throw shifter, Tick Clutch Master Cylinder, HP Tuners, JL Audio system.

08-25-2022, 03:50 PM	#2
Cheap Guy Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 679	I’ve probably had the PAC kit longer than most on here and it’s been no problem. The main thing I would suggest is to get a short chassis radio to make the install much easier and make sure you have your door locks set up the way you want before removing the stock unit. __________________ My Little Mid-Life Crisis Cure! First - 1997 Camaro 3800 Y87, M5, Green - Gone \| Second - 1997 LT1 Z28, M6, Silver - Sold \| Third - 1999 LS1 Z28, M6, Pewter, Almost Stock! - Sold Current - 2011 Camaro SS, M6, black, 1LE suspension parts - Current

08-26-2022, 07:17 PM	#5
Valkyrie14 Valkyrie14 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Posts: 962	Good to know, thanks. __________________ 2014 SS LS3/LSA Supercharger, 10% Super Damper, 2.55 upper, AGP Dual Pump, ID 1050 injectors, Pegasus solid rear cradle bushings, LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite E2 catch can, E85 corn fed, 160 Thermostat, Monster Twin Disk, MGW Short Throw shifter, Tick Clutch Master Cylinder, HP Tuners, JL Audio system.

09-01-2022, 07:06 AM	#9
Valkyrie14 Valkyrie14 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Posts: 962	Yesterday I talked to two professional shops about PAC and Maestro. They both said they prefer Maestro, but did mention PAC has a nice kit for some cars. When I asked what was in their cars they both said Maestro. Neither drives a Camaro. __________________ 2014 SS LS3/LSA Supercharger, 10% Super Damper, 2.55 upper, AGP Dual Pump, ID 1050 injectors, Pegasus solid rear cradle bushings, LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite E2 catch can, E85 corn fed, 160 Thermostat, Monster Twin Disk, MGW Short Throw shifter, Tick Clutch Master Cylinder, HP Tuners, JL Audio system.

09-01-2022, 07:27 AM	#10
BAD DAB Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black & Silver Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 8,228 View My Garage	I have had the PAC for at least 6 years with no issues. __________________ STAINLESS WORKS HEADERS-TUNED BY JANNETTY RACING-C.A.I. INTAKE-TAYLOR 409 WIRES-SOLO AXLE BACK EXHAUST-ELITE CATCH CAN

08-26-2022, 08:55 PM	#6
bottletalk Drives: 15 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: BC Posts: 732	The extra displays via idatalink/maestro are worth it alone, live engine data, radar detector tuning/alerts, front camera alerts, 3 outputs that you can control through second function steering controls(line lock, nos, ejector seat, etc), ez clean install....for me it seemed like a no brainer decision. No regrets and I'm still stoked on it! All u need is the idatalink/maestro cam1 and an rr2 or a rr1 if u don't need the extras the rr2 gives u. All wiring included as long as u have a idatalink compatible deck. Check the website, on the top banner click maestro then enter ur info. https://www.idatalink.com/product/

09-02-2022, 01:26 PM	#13
Valkyrie14 Valkyrie14 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Posts: 962	Ordered a Sony AX6000 (released today) and Maestro Idatalink. Will post pictures later in the month. __________________ 2014 SS LS3/LSA Supercharger, 10% Super Damper, 2.55 upper, AGP Dual Pump, ID 1050 injectors, Pegasus solid rear cradle bushings, LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite E2 catch can, E85 corn fed, 160 Thermostat, Monster Twin Disk, MGW Short Throw shifter, Tick Clutch Master Cylinder, HP Tuners, JL Audio system.