amp install with factory head unit

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

Does any one know of a way to install an aftermarket amplifier for subs with the factory head unit. The car is a 98 GST. I do not want to install an aftermarket deck. I looked around for kits to make it easier but no luck. any help is appreciated thanks

 

[jepherz]

Get one of these:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-U9j8qq...11&g=721&I=101PL2&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=

 

[Attack Eagle]

yeah but 30 bucks is about the cost of 3 of them, retail.
try something in the 9-12 buck range.
factory systems are low powered even after the amp less than 18 w rms

 

[1G/TS-ituner]

pepboys sells RCA adapter boxes for around the 10-15$ range, you just have to tap into your speaker wires in the back of the factory unit itself for an output signal...although if your looking for quality sound, you wont get it unless you go for a decent headunit just FYI

 

[jepherz]

Thanks for clarifying my post, and then again...

 

[greyforestgst]

but why?
the factory deck is atrocious

 

[Bigglesworth87]

Seriously, save your money buy a nice Alpine or kenwood and hook the amp up to that as well as a nice 10 inch sub and you are set....You will love the way it sounds

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

i have a nice pioneer but i want to keep it factory from the outside looking in.
no gauges no indiglo all go

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

i like things that i can hide the box wont be easy but it is covered by the rear lid.

 

[Bigglesworth87]

I used to have like a custom box that goes into the inside of the area of the trunk on the left side it was even covered in the same color carpet as the trunk. you can probably find something like that on here or ebay.

 

[1991gs-t]

Its called a hi/lo converter....you can get them for ~ 15bux almost any audio shop. All it does is take the signal from an actual speaker and convert it into RCA so you can plug directly into your amp. If you want to keep the stock deck, this is pretty much the best way to go. Hope this helps.

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

thanks for all the input! The two audio/performance shops around me were no help.

 

[fr33b1rth]

don't forget to figure out what wire is the antenna (or amp on) lead, unless you have a power antenna and then it's easy. Without the remote turn on lead the amp(s) won't turn on.

 

[WhiteCloud]

I hooked up an external amp and sub to my factory headunit. You need exactly what these guys are telling you--a "line-out converter" or an "RCA adapter/converter." If these car audio shops you are going to don't know what this part is, they are incompetent. I got mine at at high-end car audio store called "Sound Advice"--it cost me about $25 if I remember correctly.

I strongly disagree with people who put down the factory stereo. The bass response of the factory speakers is atrocious, but the mids and highs (particularly the highs) are quite decent IMO. If you are not an "audiophile" so to speak, and you just want something that will sound good, just install the line out converter and plug your amp into that. The install is very straightforward. You just tap into certain positive and negative L and R wires as described in the instructions. You can find a factory stereo wiring diagram that shows which wires in which pins in the harness are which charges and go to which channels here:

http://www.installdr.com

I was very pleased with the results. When I turn the stereo up it is plenty loud for me...it is uncomfortably loud without distorting IMO. My whole setup cost me $140, and I installed it on the factory system.

-Lineout converter-$25 (quality does make a difference here, so buy the more expensive one or you will sacrifice sizeable sound quality)
-320 watt max Dual amplifier at Best Buy for $70
-one Pioneer 10" 300 watt max sub at Circuit City (I bought 2 for $60, sold one, so I paid $30 )
-wiring kit from Walmart ($15)

I don't think the car is the place for the highest quality audio, what with my exhaust that has no resonators or cat . If you are just looking for something to add good bass to your tunes, not to rock the wheels off the car, do this setup.

I suggest turning the bass dial on the factory headunit all the way down, then turning your amp all the way up (well, depending on your power ). Don't blow your subs, just adjust the volume slowly. The goal here is to let the amp power the sub for all the bass, and get practically none out of the door speakers. I also have mids set fairly low, and highs set 3/4 of the way up or so. Let me know if you have any trouble, I'd be glad to try and help.

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

thanks for all the input this project will be started this weekend. hopefully?