Yall,

I've decided that it's time to upgrade the C5's stereo. Here's the question. I visited a high end shop here and they quoted me 3k to change the speakers and add a stealth box. For now I want to keep the stock HU as I'm not ready to modify the bezel to add nav and would like to keep the stock look. 3k seems like a ton of cash. If i spend that, i'd like to do it right.

For now, my plan is, a JL Audio Stealth box, focal components in the front, coaxils in the back (maybe JL?), an Alpine PDX-4.150 for the speakers, and an Alpine PDX-2.150 for the sub.

2 questions. Is this a good plan or can I do something close for cheaper? Also, have very limited electrical and audio knowledge. I need a hobby and would like to try something myself. I couldnt tell you the difference between 4 and 2 ohms, so is this something I can install ,yself ? Will i destroy my car?

Sorry for the long winded post. Thanks for your help!

Cheers,
John

 

I'm a bit tired at the moment, so I'm not going to be able to get as detailed as I normally like. I'll be better tomorrow. The PDX amps are pretty cool and great for space conscious cars (I'm trying one out in my friend's miata). You can't go wrong with Focal components, but they do have a few different lines (Access, PolyGlass, K2 Power), which one were you thinking of going with? Also, the rear speakers aren't really important, especially in such a small car as ours. I have to have rears because I'm going 5.1, but that's a whole different animal.... The stealthbox is....well...convenient. It's a much less ballsy sub than I need for my tastes, but it may suit you just fine. If you give some feedback into what you like, we can help you better. As for the headunit, that's the weakest link if you want to keep it. After market headunits wouldn't sell if they weren't, well, better in everything. Also, you don't have to modify your dash if you want nav, there are plenty of single DIN screens, DVD player + screen, and DVD + Nav + screen (Eclipse AVN7000 comes to mind). Give us some info and you can help us help you.

Short Answer: If you like convenience over *****, keep stealthbox. Your stock headunit will be holding your system back. Get the best components you can afford (Focal 165 K2P are GREAT). Save some cash, delete the rears, they don't do much at all, especially in our small cabins.

Awesome AND Convenient:
Alpine or Eclipse H/U
Focal 165 K2P
JL Stealthbox
PDX 150.4
DONE

I'll make other recommendations as you describe your needs, but the above combo should get you through the day....

-- Chris

 

I find the stealthbox to be way overpriced, you can get a subthump box and a sub for way less. I also think the PDX amps are hella expensive, you can get an amp with a slightly bigger footprint for way less.

 

well said

 

Thanks for the help yall. I have more questions. =) I primarily listen to country so that's the music I am building this for.

The focals I am thinking about using for the fronts are the Focal 160-V2. Is this a good choice, or should I be looking at something different?

As for a head unit, I'm not crazy about the flip ups, as it never looks stock and will block the ac vent. If i want to eliminate the weak link, and ignoring Nav is there a decent and resonably priced HU I should go with for now? I dont want to spend a fortune, as I hope to upgrade to nav in the future.

I want to use the small alpine amps because I am hoping to hide them in one of the side compartments. I dont want to have a ton of equipment showing. Is there something cheaper and as good that i can hide in the side compartments?

I'm not looking for a ton of bass and i got a good deal on a lightly used stealth box. So for now, I think that's the route I'm going to go. I assume I can always upgrade later, right?

And the big question is, is this something I can install myself? I've never done any stereo work other than pulling a deck on my boat and plugging a new one in. I am a bit concerned about running a power line through the firewall, but i really like doing things myself and learning something new. What's yalls thoughts? Is it realistic that i can do this?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for yalls input!


John

 

John...congrats on wanting to learn about doing stereo installs. I think you can do it if you have some mechanical skills and some basic tools. I won't profess to be the greatest installer for Vettes because all I have done so far is add a sub to mine. But there is a ton of good info here and knowledgable people that will help you along the way.

As for running the power wiring....piece of cake. I used the C5 sticky to see where to go through the firewall. It was just like the sticky said. Remove the battery and you will see the taped up bundle of wires. Unwrap the tap, slide the power wire through, re-wrap the tape. I ran my power wire along the pass. side under the moldings (they pop out real easy). I did the ground wire to the pass. seat rear bolt.

I'm sure others will chime in about the amps and Focals to use. You will save a ton of money by doing the install yourself, so I think you should definitely be able to afford the Alpine pdx amps you want. Plus you'll save space.

 

I sell flush C5 enclosures for $210 shipped here on my site. I also sell the door plates for $40 shipped per pair, if you need those as well.
Wiring a stereo in a C5 is not too difficult, just takes a little patience. I say that being a Car Audio Installer, but the C5 help section is a great help for those looking to DIY, and for great info.

I have included a few pics, including a shot of the boot I go through when doing C5 amp installs. Hope this helps!!