Busy weekend..... Can you hear me now? LOL!
02-22-2009, 12:19 PM
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Well it's been a busy couple of days. I set out to install a better audio system and wanted a different exhaust note....... and after some work in the garage I'm pretty happy.
For the audio system I wanted something louder and with more low end than the factory stuff. That said, I purchased an MTX REQ5 processor and Alpine PDX5 amplifier, and I already had a subwoofer box with a pair of 12" Rockford Fosgate subs. Since the PDX5 has no remote bass control I also purchased a remote mount line level controller. I am using the REQ5 to convert the speaker level signal to low level, and the PDX5 (5 channel) to drive the front door speakers at 75w each door, the in-floor factory subs with 75w per side, and the 12" subs with 300w single channel. The test slip that came with the amp shows 124X4 & 422X1 actual power at 14v. I won't get into much details as far as the install, but here are some pix. If anyone has any questions regarding the install, let me know.
Main power wire connection at battery and customary fuse/holder:
At this point, my wife freaked out......
Tapping into the front speaker wires, to 1) feed the front input on the REQ5 and 2) use the factory speaker wires through the doors to power the doors off of the PDX5.
For the audio system I wanted something louder and with more low end than the factory stuff. That said, I purchased an MTX REQ5 processor and Alpine PDX5 amplifier, and I already had a subwoofer box with a pair of 12" Rockford Fosgate subs. Since the PDX5 has no remote bass control I also purchased a remote mount line level controller. I am using the REQ5 to convert the speaker level signal to low level, and the PDX5 (5 channel) to drive the front door speakers at 75w each door, the in-floor factory subs with 75w per side, and the 12" subs with 300w single channel. The test slip that came with the amp shows 124X4 & 422X1 actual power at 14v. I won't get into much details as far as the install, but here are some pix. If anyone has any questions regarding the install, let me know.
Main power wire connection at battery and customary fuse/holder:
At this point, my wife freaked out......
Tapping into the front speaker wires, to 1) feed the front input on the REQ5 and 2) use the factory speaker wires through the doors to power the doors off of the PDX5.
02-22-2009, 12:22 PM
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Remote mounted control for the subwoofers:
Running signal and speaker wires from front to back:
Relocating the factory subwoofer amp:
The wire ties were tightened after the picture, of course........
Running signal and speaker wires from front to back:
Relocating the factory subwoofer amp:
The wire ties were tightened after the picture, of course........
02-22-2009, 12:25 PM
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Mounted the REQ5 on the factory subwoofer amp location and bracket:
Trimmed some of the insulation off the back trunk cover to allow for wiring pass thru:
Wiring up the Alpine PDX5:
Trimmed some of the insulation off the back trunk cover to allow for wiring pass thru:
Wiring up the Alpine PDX5:
02-22-2009, 12:31 PM
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Finished, for now...........
Next audio mod, waiting install:
Oh by the way, I figured out that the factory 8" subwoofers are powered by smoke. When tuning the system, I accidentally let the smoke out of one of them and it stopped working LOL! So, I ordered a set of Earthquake SWS-8 subs and will install them next week. Then, I can really crank up the amp on them and also crank up the amp once the MB Quarts are installed.
Next audio mod, waiting install:
Oh by the way, I figured out that the factory 8" subwoofers are powered by smoke. When tuning the system, I accidentally let the smoke out of one of them and it stopped working LOL! So, I ordered a set of Earthquake SWS-8 subs and will install them next week. Then, I can really crank up the amp on them and also crank up the amp once the MB Quarts are installed.
02-22-2009, 12:37 PM
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Now for the exhaust:
I debated for a few weeks on what to do here. After looking at Borla, RPI, and Magnaflow I decided to try something different, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. The local shop just started carrying Aero products, and I was hesitant at first but I think it turned out well.
We replaced just the rear muffler with an Aero unit. The sound is just a tad louder than stock but deeper and no drone. No resonation or any funny business. For tips, I picked a set of rounds that actually look like they belong on a Corvette Z06 but I think they look fine here too. SS304 stainless, we painted the back part of the muffler black so it doesn't stand out from behind but the rest is polished:
Total exhaust investment: $200.
I debated for a few weeks on what to do here. After looking at Borla, RPI, and Magnaflow I decided to try something different, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. The local shop just started carrying Aero products, and I was hesitant at first but I think it turned out well.
We replaced just the rear muffler with an Aero unit. The sound is just a tad louder than stock but deeper and no drone. No resonation or any funny business. For tips, I picked a set of rounds that actually look like they belong on a Corvette Z06 but I think they look fine here too. SS304 stainless, we painted the back part of the muffler black so it doesn't stand out from behind but the rest is polished:
Total exhaust investment: $200.
