My stereo upgrade is done (at least for this week). The members here have been a great help. I don't think I would have done it myself if the information I found here wasn't available.

I started with the single cd "premium" sound system. First to go were the door speakers. I replaced the fronts with Boston Acoustics SX60 component speakers and the rears with SX65 coaxials. Dynamat Xtreme in all four doors, the rear hatch, and sub area (more to come).

Next up was an Audio Control LC6I six channel output converter. This allowed me to use the OEM head unit front and rear channels and get front, rear, and subwoofer outputs for new amplifiers. It also provided a remote subwoofer level control (mounted under the hand brake thanks ng8650). I added a Boston Acoustics GT40 for the front and rear seat speakers, and a Boston Acoustics GT20 running in bridged mono for the sub. All mounted under/to the Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover. I went for a steath installation and none of the changes can be seen with the rear compartment cover and carpet in place and it's easy to get to the spare tire. Tuning the system is easy with the cover up as shown below.



Next up was the sub. I ran with the factory one for a while and it was ok driving one voice coil with the GT20 but I thought it could be better. I removed the OEM sub box using instructions found here (thanks captain howdy and Mach2), stuffed the enclosure with poly-fill and installed a CDT Audio EF 8 Carbon Fiber 8" Audiophile Subwoofer. Only mod required was to slightly rotate the new sub in the enclosure and make new mounting holes as the new and old didn't line up. I also used Dynamat Xtreme on and behind the box (tks Navyflyer11). It's still getting broken in but I love it. Clean and strong but not overpowering. Much better than the original. I'm very happy with the outcome. 3000 miles on all but the new sub without a hitch.



Sorry about the picture quality. Never claimed to be a photographer.

Thanks again to all of to for all your help.

 

Nice set-up!

 

NICE! Very similar to my soon to be set up. I have all the stuff to put in just no time. How does a different sub sound in that little box? I have a Precision Power ax606.2 art series and a set of boston z series to install. I also bought a resonant engineering 8" To go in the factory box. What can i sound can I expect compared to the factory 8"?

 

I can say the I too replaced my 8". I used an audiobahn. While its not a window-shaker, the bass is much better than the OEM. I set mine up so that I can use the 8" when I need the room in back for storage and need to remove my sub box.

 

I had trouble for the most part even knowing the factory sub was there. The new one to me seems tight and accurate. I didn't want one that overpowered everything else. It will (or at least did) rattle the license plate, and I like being able to adjust it from the drivers seat. The LED varies with the level.



There is not much depth for mounting which is one of the reasons I went with the sub I did. It barely fits depth wise "Mounting depth: 3.5". Anyting deeper will require a spacer and may contact the interior plastic with out modifying it like GDZHHR has done.

 

Mine was done this way for looks over functionality. My sub would have worked with the original grill intact. Just didn't like having a Pioneer grill fronting an audiobahn sub.

 

Nice work 50I

Ng

 

Watch the heat on those amps. They usually don't last very long when mounted upside-down.

 

Awesome job 501scool! Looks very professional wish i could hear it! If you don't mind sharing... what was the approximate cost for the total job?

 

I just realized how old this post is. LOL oops