I've got a 1981 Corvette. Exhaust system needs to be replaced and going to replace with headers and side pipes. This is going to be my summer project. Before summer I'm going to replace the radio. Due to the future addition of the side pipes I wanted to add a system that would work well. I'm thinking about adding a bluetooth stereo. Power amp and subwoofer. My question is placement of the subwoofer. I really don't want to put it on the back storage area. I thought I read it in one of the forum's that someone placed it in the storage box behind the passenger seat. I would remove the insert and place insulation in it and keep it away from the electrical connection in the bottom. Does this make sense if it's insulated enough?

 

behind or under the passenger seat works.

 

I don't have access to my normal PC at the moment that has pics + detailed info but I tucked my Kenwood sub in the jack compartment. The original jack, handle and all that are still in there I just cut a thick piece of rigid pink insulation and glued a piece of matching carpet on top of it. There's enough slack to put it out of the way if I ever need the jack. I ran the wired remote for it up under the passenger seat and once adjusted I just leave it tucked away.

In a convertible with side pipes audio quality is a bit sketchy, I just wanted to be able to hear it and that arrangement works well. I tucked the amp in the glove compartment and two 6 x 9 speakers way in back in speaker boxes. You can't even see them.

A small tip that turned out to be handy - I put a switch on the blue control lead and the head unit doesn't pair with my phone until I turn that on. I hid it in the ash tray. My '69 is cold blooded and I normally let it sit and idle a bit before I go anywhere. I found that walking around the garage or stepping indoors for a moment while it's idling meant that the thing was pairing and repairing whenever I came into range. That can get really annoying.

Also, the Kenwood head unit has a wired remote with large buttons and an actual volume ****. Something to consider - I just pull it out from next to the seat and leave it on my lap. I go to a meet or show I just hide it, you can't tell the system is even in there. The old (refurbished) Delco is still in there along with it's kick panel speakers and works just like it always did.

 

Side pipes are your sound system. Enjoy the sweet V8 music, and don't waste money on audio gear.

If you do, consider a hidden Bluetooth amp, play music from your phone, and keep the stock radio face for appearance. There are several threads where folks have boxed in the jack compartment, and turned that into a subwoofer housing.

But with sidepipes, that will all be wasted effort.

 

I put a system in mine, I have the Kicker hide away sub, it’s meant for single cab pick up trucks.
Alpine also makes. “Slim” double din radio that can fit. They also have a compact amp that u can hide as well.

 

The Old School Bazooka tube subs would work good. The little 6 1/2 is small enough to maybe hide under the carpet in the back and would provide enough bass for the small Corvette cabin.

 

With side-pipes going on the car I personally wouldn't waste any money for the stereo unless you listen while the car is shut off or parked in the garage. Side pipes are NOISY and will overpower most stereos out there.

You will be listening to the Music from your engine and not from the speakers, unless you play the stereo so loud that every car at the intersection will be listening to your choice of music.

Invest in Ear Plugs and be sure to put an insulating cover on the side-pipes so your passengers can keep from being burned.

I am using Chambered Exhaust systems on both of my Corvettes. The chambered exhaust sounds like the side-pipes but all the sound and noise is going out the back of the car. When I bought mine I was able to choose from three noise levels and had them made in Aluminized Steel. Both systems are still on the Corvettes and still working without leaks. One thing about Chambered exhaust systems is that the noise is behind you allowing you to actually hear the stereo. On the highways the stereo works fine and I can use it while cruising.

Knowing the options helps people make the best decision.

 

At least your not going to use that crappy secret audio or that vintage want ever it is. Bluetooth amp 6x9s in kick panels and a sub is the only way to go

 

My car didn't come with a jack so the amp is installed inside that section. I have a convertable so no point in a subwoofer.

I'm so tempted to remove the Kenwwod I have installed to try this Apple/Google radio.

​​​​​​https://www.walmart.com/ip/Power-Aco...lspartner=wlpa

 

I guess a nice system would be good when the cars not running, and you can go old-school and open the door and play the tunes!

 

I got Feiro seats with speakers in the headrest, even with them and the dash amped, on the highway music is somewhat hearable. Anything above 45 the exhaust kinda just overpowers.
that’s with the windows down. Windows up it’s fine but I don’t have AC so.