For my 2005 GT, with Shaker 500, which wiring solution should I choose? Metra is cheaper, and PAC is recommended by Crutchfield...

PAC C2R-FRD1. This radio replacement interface lets you replace the factory radio in select 2005-up Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles that use the MSCAN databus. You'll still be able to use factory features like Rear Seat Entertainment, Rear Seat Controls, and the THXII amplifier.

vs.

Metra 70-5521. This innovative product for car radio installations allows you to wire anaftermarket radio into a car without cutting and splicing the factory radioharness. Save time, money, and guarantee a safe and secure connection. Wheninstalling your stereo, don't settle for less than Metra.Turbowire Features:High impact, OEM quality, ABS plastic molded connector for the perfect fitOEM quality terminals, makes the most secure connection possible between the terminals and the connectorNew GSXL wire provides more flexibility, power handling and heat resistancePrecision hand assembled terminals are pressure-inserted into the plug (this makes it almost impossible to pull a wire out)Pre-stripped end leads allow for easy connectionsWires are color-coded using the aftermarket radio industry standard (E.I.A. Color Code)A handy chart on the back of the package allows you to easily make all of the radio's wire connections

 

2008 is when they started to us the databus that goes through the radio in the mustangs= no switch power at the radio. You do not have rear enterainment/controls and the THXII isnt on the mustangs it something that comes on the Lincoln's suvs and Mercurys... I have yet seen it yet on a mustang unless it is come on the 2010 ones... But maybe I am wrong.

Anyways in your case just use the metra harness and dont waste your money on the PAC harness

 

Great, thank you, also, do I need a special tool to remove the radio or the trim around the radio? Where do you suggest I order from, any recommendations?

 

Phillips head screw driver, and 9/32 or 7mm socket. Other then that you dont really need any special tools...Just remember when you take off the side trim(beside the radio) you have to reach back there and disconnect the climate control harness first before the radio trim will come out.

This should help to get the radio out....
http://documents.victorytechnologies...oduct/2467.pdf

 

I recommend the PAC harness. The CAN bus is used. Radio turn off when doors open. Subwoofer circuit voltage at 5 volts. Wire hookup all there. Makes wiring very easy. E-bay has them cheap.

 

still using metra on all s197's IMO its not worth spending the extra money for the other

 

So with Metra you lose the door cut off feature, and what else? Do you need to use your own 5 amp (or is it volt) capacitor?

 

No the door turn off will still work, and yes to the 5 volt for the shaker system amp turn on.

 

u use a 5 volt regulator super simple and cost like 2 dollars at radioshack

u will not loose door cut off on an 05 mustang either

literally u match the colors up, connect the remote wire via the regulator which is outlined in a few of the stickys