I installed a new system in my 2004 convertible last year. The system includes new speakers, a subwoofer, amp and new double din NAV system. I love the sounds, etc., however I'm having problems with my Arc Audio amp.

The amp is installed in the trunk passenger side storage bin. The audio shop told me that they had installed many systems with the amp located there and attached to the custom lid/protector, thus eliminating the need to screw into the body of the car in order to mount the amp. I had requested that they keep as much trunk space as possible so that I had room for my golf clubs/cart bag.

Last August, I blew the first amp completely. It continued to drain the battery and as a result, the shop replaced it with a new amp. The new amp has a shut off when it overheats and it has now shut off twice after about an hour of driving. Today it shut down and after we parked for lunch, I opened up the storage section and let it cool down. After an hour, we started the car back up and it worked fine.

As a result, I think I need to remount the amp somewhere else to prevent it from overheating. I would appreciate some suggestions and pics. I thought about behind the passenger seat, however I have a set of nice Vette Essentials seat covers and I don't want a heated amp to damage the back of the passenger seat.

Pics below of current set up.

Thanks!

 

Non-verts have a lot of room on the rear vertical wall. Your amp should fit there even in a vert if you put it off to the side.

 

Heating problem might be due to lack of airflow around there and that it's upside down?

If you have a manual passenger seat, it'll fit under there.

 

I also wondered whether or not by mounting it upside down had anything to do with it.

I also have a heavy, Lloyds trunk mat on top of the compartment lids that may also be adding to the problem of overheating by acting as a blanket to keep the heat in.

I could always simply flip over the cover when I'm driving to allow more air, however that seems like more of a band-aid solution. My passenger seat is power so I can't install it underneath. Not too many areas in a vert to hide it. The back wall may be the best option.

 

Also
I am sure SRQ knows this
but at the time you bought that amp ARC had A LOT of issues with the XDI amps and issues with them like your having. I know I had a few with the XDI 805
Since then they have corrected the issues and they are fine

mount it behind waterfall as well

 

http://www.vettenuts.net/index.php?l...t_detail&p=294
You do need the newer type smaller amps, but this is the solution. I had mine behind the seats but was not car show good. The vette bin is perfect!

 

Thanks. This looks like a great idea, however I have a vert with chrome seat hoops. I don't think it will fit.

 

I have a amp rack/cover made for a vert for the arc amps in stock. It goes behind the seats in the cargo area.

 

I run a Kenwood 8140 HU with JL C5 650 components and a JL 10w3 in a stealth box powered with a JL 600/4 HD amp. The tweeters I mounted behind the door latches angled up and back. I run 1/150w to each door set and 2x150w (300w) to the sub. The amp sits right behind the bulkhead and I made a board covered with thin black carpet to match the stock carpet and the amp sits under that. The top of the covering board is even with the top of the bulkhead. If you didn't know what you were looking at, you wouldn't notice the carpeted board at all. Many vette people have missed it completely.

BTW: I'm looking for a sub with more punch right now. The 10w3 disappears going down the highway with the top down. If I raise the level, it will blast you out with the top up or when you slow down.