I finally got my new stereo system installed. I first wanted to sincerely thank members Xtreme5053 (Chris) and NCRDave for their help in choosing the correct system. I wanted to especially thank NCRDave for building the custom box for the sub.

Here are the spec's:

Vehicle: 2003 Z06
HeadUnit: Alpine CDA-9857
Subwoofer: Alpine SWR 1242D Type R 12"
Enclosure: Custom enclosure by NCRDave
Amp for woofer: Alpine MRD-M1005 1000w @ 2 ohms
Component: Alpine SPX-177R Type X 6.5" 2 way
Component mounts: Custom by NCRDave
Amp for component: Alpine MRV-F545 125w/channel 4 channel
Custom Z06 Face plate w/ Blue LED
Cap: 8F Soundstream
Dynamat Xtreme in doors
Rear speaker delete

The system absolutely pounds. I am really glad that I ripped the entire blose out and started from scratch. I am also very, very happy that I went with the upgraded amps and components (per Xtreme5053's recommendations).

I really can't say enough about how well it sounds. It is very clear, the soundstage (to my untrained ears) sounds perfect and the bass POUNDS. It really came out beyond my expectations.

The only thing I need to try to fix is that the rear trunk seems to be rattling on very hard bass notes. I am having difficulting isolating exactly where it is coming from, because when I open the trunk it stops. It doesn't happen all the time, only on the higher, REALLY HARD hitting bass notes. It is a rattle and again sounds like it may be coming literally from the trunk hatch door itself (not sure exactly where), but I can't really tell. Anyone have any idea?

Anyhow, here are some pics:

 

looks awesome, where do u get thar illuminated case for the HU?

 

very cool and congrats. now go and enjoy

 

lookin hott... i really like that sub grill

 

 

Sweet install - very clean!

Love the Soundstream grill

 

Thanks for the replies.

Alegre323: The vendor I bought it off of is not a sponsored vendor here and therefore I do not think I can post the link. PM me if you want to order one and I would be happy to give you the site.

EG: Truth be told, I am one of the "lurkers" that follows your posts in various threads here. I saw the Soundstream grille on YOUR CAR in a pic a while ago and immediately made note of it. In fact, I think you had said something to the effect of being unhappy that you weren't going to be able to use it on your new setup. So I give credit to you for the grille

I also wanted to again publically thank the two forum members who took alot of time out of their day(s) to help me in my project. These were people I never knew and I am very thankful for their help. It means alot and I am sure it would have been a big hack without them. NCRDave must have responded to 20-30 emails from me with various stupid questions of mine and he was always patient and polite and did an incredible job on the enclosure. I would recommend him to anyone. Xtreme5053 (Chris) somehow understood what I really wanted despite my inability to convey it effectively and convinced me of my course of action, of which I couldn't be happier. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=mordeth

By the way, I gotta get a better picture of the HU and face plate. The blue LED's are MUCH brighter than the picture shows and it really stands out in a good way. Also, the buttons on the Alpine unit are the same Blue color so it goes pretty well all in all.

My next potential project over the winter (I am in upstate NY) is twin turbos. If anyone followed my brief trials in convincing my wife of the stereo upgrade (it cost me a new living room set, damnit), I am sure the total cost of the TT install is going to exceed 10's of thousands of dollars. You see, she likes to play this little game where anytime I spend money on my Vette, she then automatically spends an equal or greater amount on some item she claims she needs, ussually some household item that doesn't need replacing, at least by my reckoning. The way I see it (and I think she plans it this way) is that it essentially doubles the cost of anything I do, thus discouraging me from doing it. Her logical yet annoying response to my counter objections is always exactly the same as what I tell her "You don't need it, you just want it". It get's frustrating when she uses my own arguments against me, gets her way and gives me hell to pay to boot. In any event, when the necessary (in my own delusional mind) TT upgrade does happen, I am sure the necessary (in her unforgiving mind) kitchen/bath upgrade will also happen. Ahh well, such is life...

Anthony

 

Looks fantastic!

 

Nice job! Looks great. Thanks for sharing!

 

Very trick install what are your thought on the alpine amps and sub and speakers

 

That is a great looking install. It looks like you built a false floor and must be hiding a lot of the wiring under it. That is super clean and is how I would like mine to look someday.

Is the center piece simply a fuse/distro block or something more? I noticed it has a voltage display (so I kinda wondered if it was part of a capacitor too).

That is a great HU mount too. Glad to see you got it backlight in blue.

 

Wow, that looks AMAZING man....!!! Glad I could help you out. I'm thinking about a TT setup as well...but prob not for another year or so. (I'm just glad I don't have the wife doubling factor...lol) Cheers to a very clean setup and another happy owner!

Chris

 

pentavolvo: I am very happy with the Alpine equipment. The sub POUNDS like nobody's business. It literally shakes the whole car. Maybe I am ignorant, but I am unsure as to how it could be any louder without being obscene and causing hearing loss.... The amps are doing their job very well, and the front Alpine Type X components are NOT drowned out at all by the sub. There was some tweaking that was necessary to get the tweeters to sound right, and now - perfect.


Duramax Dave: The center piece is an 8 farad capacitor. It acts as both the capacitor and the distribution block. It has an Amperage Meter and a Charging status indicator. Here is a closer pic.

 

Mordeth

Thanks for the info...that rocks. I might have to do some looking for something like that. Not that I really need it, but it sure looks good.

Glad to hear the sub is pounding hard and you can still hear everything. You did a good job!

 

I guess you liked the box.... Does it rattle your brain yet? Give it time... it happens!!

BTW, thanks for the great compliments!! I am really happy it all turned out great for you!! Send me some pics...ones of the plates as well... I'll put them up on the site and in the store.

Install looks great!! Great Job!! Again, glad to be of help, and if you have any other questions, feel free to give me a ring or drop me an email!!

I will be at the National Corvette Homecoming next weekend, Aug. 11th-13th in Bowling Green, KY. email me if you are planning on going... I am looking for a nice vette with a complete stereo in it to show off in my vendor booth... keep in touch!!!

 

freaking sweet. great job !

 

But you really do need twin turbos, unlike that completely unnecessary household stuff. Maybe you can talk her into a $3-5,000 diamond ring upgrade to match your $10,000 car maintenance item. Then you can take her out in the car somewhere to show off her new ring. You can't do that with a bathroom.

Dog

 

NCRDave: Thanks again for everything. If you ever need a recommendation, I am your guy.... I don't think I will be making it to Bowling Green, but I will definately keep in touch. Shoot me and email and let me know how it goes.

meldog21: Not a bad idea. She does like diamonds too...

Here is another pic of the faceplate at night. It is kind of blurry, but you get the idea...

 

Mordeth, I just placed a sub box order with NCR Dave. I can't
wait to hear it pound. Your system looks good and I'm sure it
sounds good as well. I'm contemplating if I should go with the
soundstream cap. I'll probably do without a cap until I have
dimming issues. The amp will push 300w and the sub amp 500w.
I'm not at the 1000w range quite yet.

 

Looks awesome
That Cap/Dis block is titttsssss