C5 stereo project and thoroughly confused..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
C5 stereo project and thoroughly confused..
Ok, so I read through all the FAQ's, searched and searched some more... all I did was confuse myself more. So here's a couple questions.
I'm planning to revamp my whole audio system when I get back from IRAQ (less than a month away now
) from the HU to subs/amp.
With the head unit I understand that I need to buy the wiring harness to plug into the factory harness. Givin that, I plan to replace the door and rear speakers in my Z too and read that I have to run new speaker wires because of the bose amps? Or can I just plug the harness in and swap speakers out and let them run off the factory amps? Also what is with the extra power source needed for the aftermarket HU? Every other system I've done(non-bose) was a no brainer, but I am utterly confused on this one. If anyone can break it down I'd appreciate it greatly!! And if anyone is in the florida panhandle area, any help would be rewarded with all the alcohol you can consume-maybe even something grilled to go with it... Thanks!
I'm planning to revamp my whole audio system when I get back from IRAQ (less than a month away now
) from the HU to subs/amp.With the head unit I understand that I need to buy the wiring harness to plug into the factory harness. Givin that, I plan to replace the door and rear speakers in my Z too and read that I have to run new speaker wires because of the bose amps? Or can I just plug the harness in and swap speakers out and let them run off the factory amps? Also what is with the extra power source needed for the aftermarket HU? Every other system I've done(non-bose) was a no brainer, but I am utterly confused on this one. If anyone can break it down I'd appreciate it greatly!! And if anyone is in the florida panhandle area, any help would be rewarded with all the alcohol you can consume-maybe even something grilled to go with it... Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
the extra 'power wire' is just the acc wire. when you remove the factory headunit it turns off the power to the acc wire in the stock h/u wire loom. it's pretty simple. dont sweat that, it's just an extra step... not a hard one.
you'll have to run new wires but it's really simple, dont sweat that either. the c5 has been the esiest car i've ever worked on.
while you're upgrading. if you're amping the front components then i'd think twice about using rear speakers. our cars dont need them. only put them if you really really are passionate about them.. your soundstage; in the traditional definiton of the word, will improve.
you'll have to run new wires but it's really simple, dont sweat that either. the c5 has been the esiest car i've ever worked on.
while you're upgrading. if you're amping the front components then i'd think twice about using rear speakers. our cars dont need them. only put them if you really really are passionate about them.. your soundstage; in the traditional definiton of the word, will improve.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
OK yes you do need the standard GM wiring harness and a GM antenna adapter. The wire you need is very simple, basically on newer GM cars when you remove the stock radio the switched ignition wire the wire that tells the radio to turn on and off with the car dies, so you tap in in the passenger footweel at the fuse box, very easy dont sweat it.
Now the bose amps are in the doors and are only for the bose subs.
If you do not plan on amping your speakers running speaker wire isnt necessary there is no reason to some people will claim that you need to but unless you are amping the speakers save yourself the trouble. If you aren't amping I would recommend some nice coaxials front and back my personaly opinion is polks.
Do you plan on amping your speakers? Is a sub something you plan on?
Now the bose amps are in the doors and are only for the bose subs.
If you do not plan on amping your speakers running speaker wire isnt necessary there is no reason to some people will claim that you need to but unless you are amping the speakers save yourself the trouble. If you aren't amping I would recommend some nice coaxials front and back my personaly opinion is polks.
Do you plan on amping your speakers? Is a sub something you plan on?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
I don't plan on amping my fronts/rears, not for now at least... H/U should/will have enough power for those unless I decide to go w/components later on. I am planning on subs, either 2 JL8W7's or 10W7's in a custom box(where the partition goes), but that'll be easy.
About the bose amps... can I just gut them out and wire the speaker wires direct to the new speakers?
About the bose amps... can I just gut them out and wire the speaker wires direct to the new speakers?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
yes you can when u remove the entire assmebly from the door it will leave you with a hole in the door that you will have to make a speaker plate for out of 1/4" mdf. When you unplug the bose enclosure there will be a plug with 6 wires in it I believe and I can figure out which 2 wires it is you need to tap into.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
yea if u could figure it out i'd save me a couple hours of if anyone else knows offhand??? I'm guessing that's why people just run new wires, which would probably take less time really. Are the rears the same deal?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
running wires is very simple if you want to do it actually. The rears its just 2 wires on each speaker. For the front its very easy to figure it out u just undo 4 small bolts on the bose enclusore to remove the tweeter and you will see 2 wires, the wires are the same color at the connector and those are the 2 wires you use
