Educate me on the C5 Audio system
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
Educate me on the C5 Audio system
I am a big car audio guy and did a 3K watt system in my 2000. Fortunately when I bought it, it already had an aftermarket deck and speakers. All I had to do was swap out the hardware and had amps which was nothing. Now I will be starting from Scratch in a 01Z. So this is what I do know. There is a componant set up front and 5.25's in the rear of a FRC. I know it has a changer in the rear.
- Does the car have internal amplifiers???
- Can I just replace the speakers and use the existing wiring thst runs to the headunit? This will allow me not to have to rewire the doors mainly.
- I want to add a power antenna. I know there is a how to. Is there a parts list. the how tostates to use a switch. I plan on contolling it at the headunit.
- Will I need any special harnesses other then the HU harness? I am thinking interfaces or bypasses.
I don't plan to do anything wild this time. Maybe a nice 6.5 componant up front. 5.25 componants in the rear with a sub in the center dip and a 5 ch. to run it all off a new hu.
- Does the car have internal amplifiers???
- Can I just replace the speakers and use the existing wiring thst runs to the headunit? This will allow me not to have to rewire the doors mainly.
- I want to add a power antenna. I know there is a how to. Is there a parts list. the how tostates to use a switch. I plan on contolling it at the headunit.
- Will I need any special harnesses other then the HU harness? I am thinking interfaces or bypasses.
I don't plan to do anything wild this time. Maybe a nice 6.5 componant up front. 5.25 componants in the rear with a sub in the center dip and a 5 ch. to run it all off a new hu.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
A couple quick answers to the questions will sufice
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Well it's there, and more verbose but here you go:
- Does the car have internal amplifiers???
The front 8" speakers are amplified by a small onboard amplifier on each speaker plate
- Can I just replace the speakers and use the existing wiring thst runs to the headunit? This will allow me not to have to rewire the doors mainly.
I wouldn't. It's about the easiest car in the world to run wire in. Get some wire at walmart.
- I want to add a power antenna. I know there is a how to. Is there a parts list. the how tostates to use a switch. I plan on contolling it at the headunit.
Well you connect it to the blue lead on the HU, but I'm not sure of the other bits.
- Will I need any special harnesses other then the HU harness? I am thinking interfaces or bypasses.
No, just the small generic GM head unit harness. Available at walmart for like, $6. You will need to tap accessory power elsewhere.
I don't plan to do anything wild this time. Maybe a nice 6.5 componant up front. 5.25 componants in the rear with a sub in the center dip and a 5 ch. to run it all off a new hu.
You can run rears with the head unit's power, if you really want rears. That way you can focus money and power up front.
- Does the car have internal amplifiers???
The front 8" speakers are amplified by a small onboard amplifier on each speaker plate
- Can I just replace the speakers and use the existing wiring thst runs to the headunit? This will allow me not to have to rewire the doors mainly.
I wouldn't. It's about the easiest car in the world to run wire in. Get some wire at walmart.
- I want to add a power antenna. I know there is a how to. Is there a parts list. the how tostates to use a switch. I plan on contolling it at the headunit.
Well you connect it to the blue lead on the HU, but I'm not sure of the other bits.
- Will I need any special harnesses other then the HU harness? I am thinking interfaces or bypasses.
No, just the small generic GM head unit harness. Available at walmart for like, $6. You will need to tap accessory power elsewhere.
I don't plan to do anything wild this time. Maybe a nice 6.5 componant up front. 5.25 componants in the rear with a sub in the center dip and a 5 ch. to run it all off a new hu.
You can run rears with the head unit's power, if you really want rears. That way you can focus money and power up front.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
Perfect. This is exactly what I thought. For the power the blue wire is perfect. I can easily rerun the doors but walmart may only have 16-18 gauge and if I am going to do it, I might as well use 14ga. and if I have to push wiring to the back for the fronts, I might as well tap the rears and send them back to an amp as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
What up teddy,
Kale has answered most of your questions, as for the amp thing you need to ask yourself how loud you want it to be. I can put you in line for a nice 5 channel amp that will fit underneath the z06 passenger seat that will push your whole system. If you really wanted to keep the rears (I suggest against it) you could run them off of the HU power if you wanted. I personally recommend a HU with a built in crossover and EQ, but the amp I have in mind has some decent flexibility in the crossover department.
To be honest, unless you are pushing 1000w per side over 50' runs, you really don't need 14g wire. I do most everything with 16g myself /shrug
Shoot me a PM or give me a ring and you can swing by one night after you get off work and check out my install for ideas.
Fej
Kale has answered most of your questions, as for the amp thing you need to ask yourself how loud you want it to be. I can put you in line for a nice 5 channel amp that will fit underneath the z06 passenger seat that will push your whole system. If you really wanted to keep the rears (I suggest against it) you could run them off of the HU power if you wanted. I personally recommend a HU with a built in crossover and EQ, but the amp I have in mind has some decent flexibility in the crossover department.
To be honest, unless you are pushing 1000w per side over 50' runs, you really don't need 14g wire. I do most everything with 16g myself /shrug
Shoot me a PM or give me a ring and you can swing by one night after you get off work and check out my install for ideas.
Fej
