Where to install amp in FRS?
 

I bought a Rockford Fosgate P500X4D 500w 4-channel amp for my system and wanted to get your thoughts about where to install it. I still want to put it under the passenger seat because I want to avoid putting it in the trunk. But with it being 2-3/16" tall it needs to squeeze under the seat. There's a warning in the owners manual about giving it at least 1" of air space if you install it under the seat.

I plan on using it to push a 10" sub bridged on 2 of the channels and a set of components (6.5" and tweeters) for the other 2 channels. The birth certificate says 630 watts RMS but I don't think I'll be coming anywhere close to using all of its power.

My question is, if I don't plan on pushing this amp too hard (less than 1/2 gain most of the time), will I be risking much by wedging the amp under the passenger seat where the bottom of the seat will be in direct contact with the top of the amp? Not much ventilation down there, but it really seems as though these RF amps are underspec'd (and over engineered) in every way. It is quite a hefty amp with some quality heat sinks.

The other location I'm considering is under the trunk carpet anyway so ventilation won't be much better.

This is how i installed my amp.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/92298873/DSC_0445.JPG

I just bought the JL cs110 10" sub enclosure. Thinking about just screwing the RF amp to the top/back of the JL box. I also bought some MB Quart PVL216 components today. Thinking about putting those crossovers onto the JL box too. I know I know easy for a thief to steal and maybe an amp on a sub isn't the best but I think it'll be fine since its not a monster sub and should be hidden in the trunk.

Just use security screws and have it bolted to something metal.

Don't put the crossovers on the box please, mounting the amp on it would be fine though in my opinion.

Please explain why no crossovers on box. Too far away from where the speakers will be?

You mean have the amp bolted onto metal, then the box? Sorry, I'm a little confused, would this for better grounding or as a theft deterrent?

Its a lot of vibration for a xover, you run the risk of it getting them having a short life. Distance doesnt really matter. If you want cut some of the foam out behind the seat and mount them next to the oem amp. Its a good solid spot.

I'm saying, if you have a concern of theft. Mount the box with metal brackets to metal, and use security screws. Your common thief isn't carrying those bits around, and prolly isn't gonna bother to spend the time it would take to try ripping it out of there if you have it properly secured.

Maybe I can fit the crossovers where the stock 4" speakers are up on the dash. I will need to see how big they are first when I get them in. I would rather not cut into the stock material if possible even it it is just styrofoam.

could get a project box from radio shack and put them in there then under a seat also. then they would be safe from any elements.

Question about component speaker positioning. I've heard and am now reading in the MB Quart manual ideally you want the tweeter to be within 8" of the component woofer. My plan is to have them a lot further away than 8" from each other with the woofer being in the door and the tweeters being up in the dash.

How big of a deal is this? My MB Quarts also give an option of installing the tweeters right in top of the woofer (coaxial). But I feel this may take away some of the benefits of going with components.

Should I think about potentially just doing that? Thanks,