2002 Chevy Malibu Head Unit

I have a 2002 chevy Malibu and want to ditch the factory head unit. OE is cd with Radio Data System and speed controlled volume, no bose, no monsoon, no OnStar. I have checked with local install shops and even Circuit City and they are all telling me that I have to relocate and rewire the factory head unit because of "integrated electronics" Is this total bs or is it really true. I have done several installs and this just doesn't sound right. I know I had to have an adapter for my 99 GT, But its also got Mach460. I really dont want to use a line level converter to run the amps of the factory junk. Any help would be appreciated

Thank you in advance

Matt

Thanks Jeff, Reading through here you seem to have a wealth of info at your hands. I may be contacting you if i run into problems on this one. Im used to the older stuff.

Matt

hahahah I just wrote a nice lil message, but accidently pressed the "back" mouse button...any idea how often I do that?  lol anyways, I was gonna mention that if you want to keep your door chimes, you can get a special kit from most of the main kit companies out there that will let you relocate the factory radio and retain the door chimes and any other integrated electronics of the factory radio.

I'd recommend the Best Kits BHA2004T as it is the only one I have come across that lets you run the door chimes through the front left speaker.  All the other kits, though about 20 bucks less, still require you to mount and connect a small separate speaker underneath the driver's side of the dash in order to actually hear the chimes.  In the end you'd probably pay less just using the Best Kits one.  It's your call.

Personally I find the door chimes very helpful as I have quite a few times nearly locked myself out or left my headlights on; and I was only saved by my door chimes.  To some people this isn't worth the extra money, but to others it is.  Also some say that your "Service engine soon" light will come on if you don't relocate the factory radio.  I've not been able to verify if this is correct or not, but it's something to keep in mind.  If you're willing to take the risk and/or don't mind having the light on, and don't really care about the chimes, just follow Jeff's advice and you'll be good to go in no time.

This page explains a lil more about the Class 2 wiring system, in case you're interested. 

Thanks again guys, I think well get this done right.

Matt