C5 Subwoofer Install How To?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
C5 Subwoofer Install How To?
Does anyone know the correct steps taken to correctly install a subwoofer with factory bose system? Or know of a good thread? My search didn't find much.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
The short answer...
You either need to tap into the speaker level signals at the bass speakers in the doors and run the wires to your speaker level inputs, or install an AOEM-Vet1 behind the radio to have a line-level source.
Since you're keeping the stock HU, you can look at post #9 of the C5 FAQ to see how to pick up a switched power source that stays on with RAP (for the amp trigger, not the main power).
That will give you signal and switched power. Ground the amp on a seat mounting bolt, get constant power from the battery (with a fuse installed) or possibly the 3-wire pigtail in the passenger floorboard if it isn't very big (20a fuse comes stock).
Check out C5 FAQ for sub and amp selection and mounting info.
You either need to tap into the speaker level signals at the bass speakers in the doors and run the wires to your speaker level inputs, or install an AOEM-Vet1 behind the radio to have a line-level source.
Since you're keeping the stock HU, you can look at post #9 of the C5 FAQ to see how to pick up a switched power source that stays on with RAP (for the amp trigger, not the main power).
That will give you signal and switched power. Ground the amp on a seat mounting bolt, get constant power from the battery (with a fuse installed) or possibly the 3-wire pigtail in the passenger floorboard if it isn't very big (20a fuse comes stock).
Check out C5 FAQ for sub and amp selection and mounting info.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
The short answer...
You either need to tap into the speaker level signals at the bass speakers in the doors and run the wires to your speaker level inputs, or install an AOEM-Vet1 behind the radio to have a line-level source.
Since you're keeping the stock HU, you can look at post #9 of the C5 FAQ to see how to pick up a switched power source that stays on with RAP (for the amp trigger, not the main power).
That will give you signal and switched power. Ground the amp on a seat mounting bolt, get constant power from the battery (with a fuse installed) or possibly the 3-wire pigtail in the passenger floorboard if it isn't very big (20a fuse comes stock).
Check out C5 FAQ for sub and amp selection and mounting info.
You either need to tap into the speaker level signals at the bass speakers in the doors and run the wires to your speaker level inputs, or install an AOEM-Vet1 behind the radio to have a line-level source.
Since you're keeping the stock HU, you can look at post #9 of the C5 FAQ to see how to pick up a switched power source that stays on with RAP (for the amp trigger, not the main power).
That will give you signal and switched power. Ground the amp on a seat mounting bolt, get constant power from the battery (with a fuse installed) or possibly the 3-wire pigtail in the passenger floorboard if it isn't very big (20a fuse comes stock).
Check out C5 FAQ for sub and amp selection and mounting info.
I think I uderstand RAP.
Ground the amp. ok
What is the deal with the three pigtail fuse? Doesn't an amp kit come with a fuse for the power cable?
Do you know a good place to run the wires? Like a good place through the firewall.
Also do you have any tips on relocating the cd changer?
I've done two sub/amp install in my previous vehicles but this just seems harder.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Why do you have to?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati OH
Thanks for your help!
I was thinking of doing a stealth box in the cargo area and was under the impression that you have to move the 12 disc CD changer to a different compartment. Well I guess if my 12in Kicker Comp will fit in a stealth box. Is this correct?
Also, you wouldn't happen to know the measurements of one of those stealth boxes? It would be sweet if I could just build my own.
I was thinking of doing a stealth box in the cargo area and was under the impression that you have to move the 12 disc CD changer to a different compartment. Well I guess if my 12in Kicker Comp will fit in a stealth box. Is this correct?
Also, you wouldn't happen to know the measurements of one of those stealth boxes? It would be sweet if I could just build my own.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Your changer should be in the passenger side cubby, right? The sub box goes in the center. If the changer is in the center just unbolt it and relocate it to pass side. If attaching it is too much trouble, I had mine just wedged in with some foam and it did fine.
Click here for DIY box plans.
Click here to see what size subs should fit in the boxes.
Click here for DIY box plans.
Click here to see what size subs should fit in the boxes.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: bellefonte pa
just finished a sub install tonight. I learned the best tip ever on this forum the other day. That is to put a switch inline with the remote turn on wire. I put mine in the center console. This is a must do!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
really depends on the size of ur system if its way overpowering the stock system then yes, otherwise no
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
