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2003-2008 Hyundai Tiburon

How to upgrade the stereo system in your Tiburon

Hyundai Tiburon

In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your Tiburon's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We'll tell you all about:

Then, use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Hyundai.

Overview of the Hyundai Tiburon

The 2003-08 Hyundai Tiburon was yet another indication that Hyundai was serious about making cars that people actually wanted. A lot of people bought brand-new Hyundai Excels back in the day, but let's face it, not many of those people were buying their dream car. The Tiburon was something completely different. This was no bargain-bin econobox, it was a sleek little sports coupe designed to capture the hearts and minds of people who'd probably never thought about buying a Hyundai before.

With a slippery shape, peppy engine, and agile handling, the Tiburon certainly came with everything needed to compete in the sports coupe segment, right down to the big rear wing available on the super-sporty models. All that good stuff was accompanied by a very nice list of available amenities, and the whole package still came in at a very affordable price. All in all, the Tiburon was proof that serious people can create a seriously fun car.

Today, the Tiburon remains an affordable, available choice for anyone looking for a sporty runabout with plenty of potential. Whether you're planning a full-on tuner treatment or just looking to make your daily drive a little more enjoyable, the Tiburon gives you plenty to work with. It's the kind of car you want to buy — not just because it's cheap, but because it's actually kind of cool. And if you want to make it even cooler by upgrading the stereo, you've come to the right place.

Hyundai Tiburon Infinity radio

The Hyundai Tiburon's AM/FM/CD/cassette receiver (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

A variety of stock systems were available in the Tiburon at various times during its run, including a base 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/cassette package, a 7-speaker Infinity system, and a 6-speaker Kenwood system that was standard across all trim levels by 2008.

If you're upgrading the gear on an Infinity-equipped car, the factory amp is located behind the left rear quarter trim panel, just forward of the speaker. It can be used with an aftermarket stereo, and you won't have to use an OEM interface.

Hyundai Tiburon Kenwood receiver

This Kenwood receiver was new for the 2008 model year (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

Though the Tiburon's stock radios changed a bit over the years, the basic removal and replacement process stayed largely the same.

The photo above shows a 2003-07 radio, but while the 2008 model looks different, it comes out the same way. You can replace the stock unit with a wide variety of single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket models. When you order from Crutchfield, you'll get a nice discount on the dash kit and wiring harness needed to install your new receiver.

Start by prying around the receiver/climate control trim panel to release six retaining clips. Pull out the trim panel, disconnect the wiring harnesses, and remove the trim. Remove the four Phillips screws securing the factory radio to the dash, then pull out the radio and disconnect it.

Installing the new unit depends a bit on the car and the receiver you're working with, but the differences are minor and the whole process is reasonably simple. There are minor differences in how you install a single-DIN receiver in a 2003-07 Tiburon and the 2008 model, for example, but they're very minor. On the other hand, if you're installing a double-DIN receiver in your car, the installation process remains consistent throughout.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

MasterSheet image
With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

The aftermarket dash kit used for some installations can interfere with receivers that have fold-down faces, so you may need to modify the kit or fabricate a spacer.

Note: If your car is equipped with the Kenwood EZ500 receiver, there is a jumper harness between the receiver and the factory harness. This jumper should be removed with the factory radio.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Hyundai Tiburon

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Tiburon's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Removing the factory speakers

Hyundai Tiburon front door

The Tiburon's front door contains a 6-3/4" woofer and a tweeter (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The Tiburon's factory front woofers are 6-3/4" models that can be replaced by same-size, 6-1/2", or 5-1/4" aftermarket speakers. This isn't an especially difficult swap, but you will be dealing with a lot of small steps on the way to the big goal.

Use care when you're prying away the plastic panels, and be sure to use a jar or tin can or something to keep all the screws together. You'll want to have them handy when you're putting everything back together.

Once the new speaker is connected and secure, test to make sure everything's working. If it is, use those screws you saved to put everything back together again.

Hyundai Tiburon front door tweeter

The Tiburon's tweeters are mounted in the sail panels (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front tweeters

The tweeters, found on most Tiburons, are 1-1/4", 4-ohm models that are glued to the inside of the sail panel. They can be replaced by similar-sized component tweeters, but you'll want to work very carefully. The glue is old, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's weak.

You'll need to fabricate a speaker mounting bracket or spacer to install the new tweeters, or you can use our universal backstrap to keep them in place. A wiring harness is not available, so you'll either need to splice the vehicle's speaker wires to your new speaker wires, or (better idea) use a set of Posi-Products connectors to make an easier, better connection.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver

Hyundai Tiburon rear side speakers

The Tiburon's rear side speakers aren't exactly easy to get to (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear side speakers

The Tiburon's rear seat isn't a great place for most adults, but it's a fine place for a pair of speakers. The stock 6"x9", 2-ohm models can be replaced with same-size, 6-1/2" or 5-1/4" models. You'll need adapter brackets, which are included free with your speaker purchase.

Reaching and removing the factory speakers isn't a technical challenge as much as it's a time challenge. There's nothing awfully complex to be done, there's just a lot of things that need doing. If you're an average DIY-er, you can probably handle the work, but don't be in a hurry to be someplace else that afternoon. You will be removing a sizable portion of the rear seat area, so be patient, take your time, and do it right.

Be sure to "listen-test" your new speakers before you go to the trouble of reassembling everything. You'll also want to double-check the seats and seat belts to make sure they're safe and secure.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Torx T20 driver, socket wrench, extension, 12mm socket, and Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Hyundai Tiburon

Hyundai Tiberon subwoofer

The factory sub isn't pretty, but at least it's easy to remove (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Hyundai Tiburon

Infinity-equipped Tiburons feature a subwoofer on the driver's side of the rear cargo area. The factory installation is somewhat awkward-looking, but it does the job. If you want something that does a better job, you'll need to remove and replace the entire assembly.

We ordinarily suggest simply replacing the factory sub, but this car is a bit different. The subwoofer is actually glued into the enclosure, which is itself glued together with some seriously industrial-strength stuff. It's a solid package, to say the least, so attempting to replace the sub will most likely damage the sub, the box, or both. It's a lot easier to remove the enclosure (it comes out in one piece), store it someplace safe, and start over.

If you want to design your own component subwoofer system and mount a sub box in the rear hatch, you have a 33" W x 16" H x 27"/32" D (top to bottom) space to work with. On the other hand, if you're looking to add bass without taking up the entire cargo area, you can also opt for a powered subwoofer. Either way, you'll get the bass boost you want. You can always re-install the factory sub when it's time to sell the car.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Other options for your Tiburon

There are plenty of other ways to improve your Tiburon. Here are some of the ways Crutchfield can help.

boom mat speaker baffles

A set of speaker baffles will minimize rattling in the doors, plus they'll protect the speakers

Noise damping

Like a lot of entry-level sports coupes, the Tiburon can be a noisy, rattly place — especially if it's been driven with, er, enthusiasm in the past. If you're looking to seal in your sound and seal out road noise and rattles, install Dynamat in the doors when you replace your front speakers.

A set of speaker baffles is another way to ensure that your speakers give you the performance you want without the rattling and booming you don't.

Add an amp (or two)

A new 4-channel amplifier will help you get the most out of your new speakers. You'll get cleaner power (and a lot more of it), which will result in much, much better sound. A mono amp can provide the juice you need for your new rear deck subwoofer, too. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

Security

Installing a security system in your Tiburon isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

Let's get started!

Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your car or truck. If you have questions, give us a shout via phone, chat, or email

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Mike from Hastings

    Posted on 5/1/2017

    Tyler, I suggest installing a 2 din head unit instead of having the 4 cylinder base model stereo trim.

  • Commenter image

    Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

    Posted on 3/29/2017

    Tyler, That's actually a stock piece that came with the factory Kenwood radio. Check with a dealership or look around online to see if anyone has one for sale. Good luck!

  • Tyler gentry

    Posted on 3/28/2017

    Where did you get that custom Hyundai tiburon single din kit shown in the picture I want on

  • Commenter image

    Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

    Posted on 7/6/2015

    Kristen, When you enter your vehicle info into our Outfit My Car tool, our system will match you up with the dash kit and wiring harness needed to install your new receiver. You'll get a very nifty discount on those parts, too.

  • Kristen Grogan from Sierra Vista, az

    Posted on 7/4/2015

    Do I need to buy a different installation kit for a BOSS BV9386NV for a 2008 hyundai tiburon?

  • Kristen Grogan from Sierra Vista, az

    Posted on 7/4/2015

    Do I need to buy a different installation kit for a BOSS BV9386NV for a 2008 hyundai tiburon?

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