13' FR-S Audio Upgrade Build keeping base OEM HU
 

First Thread I start here with pictures and all.

Here are my goals;

I want to keep OEM HU.

Upgrade to a 4 channel AMP and dedicated sub AMP.

The plan is to convert the high levels at the HU via high quality LOC to RCA's then to a parametric EQ then to a 4 channel amp to drive the upgraded speakers. The subwoofer will be running off the already in place RCA outputs on the back of the HU.

Purchased a custom subwoofer enclosure for a 10" sub located in the passenger side. I still don't have the sub but went ahead and installed the amp (with no power yet) to at least use the time to my advantage. Here are the pics;

The amp is a Rockford Fosgate PBR300x1 which is 1 ohm capable and 300Watts rms. I plan on purchasing the 300x4 down the road and install it where the OEM amp is located.

Sub out of the shipping box;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psrvpjtg8o.jpg

Here it is in the middle of the trunk to show how big it is;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psqwoagirp.jpg

In place but not permanent;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...pshn5urlnz.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psfvuskavb.jpg

Measuring where to cut the foam;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...pswwhwutwq.jpg

Foam out;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...pssgn1srh9.jpg

Used these adhesive tie wrap holders to tie down the amp;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psiu5ay3yy.jpg

THe amp doesn't move at all and it is a tight fit. The tie wraps are rated for high temperature and 100+lbs;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psykcfskhy.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psfv4ge9iw.jpg

Foam back in place. Next week I'll start routing the 4Ga wire to the back and grounding the amp and fuse holders etc;
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...pssd6dg4xp.jpg

What are you using to keep the sub box in place?


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Cant wait to see more of this

Whats the name of the box?

Those new RF amps are the bomb! That little amp will actually do over rated power @ 14 volts. Nice choice for those who need to save space.

I made a foam piece out of the foam I removed to install the amp. It is essentially a triangle shape and goes below the sub pressing it tight against the pocket. Been using it that way for a week and so far no problems. It is difficult to remove.

If you don't mind can you post a pic, I was thinking of using velcro but if your idea worked would love to try!

http://www.ebay.com/usr/customsubenclosures

search on his store by FR-s

You need to have the sub first so that he can make it to specs (cutout, depth and volume)

I bought a 10" version and my sub is an RF DVC 2 ohm wired in parallel to load the amp ~1ohm.

Here are some pics of the install;

I routed the power cable 4gauge thru the passenger side and the sub RCA is routed thru the center console and below the rear seat etc.

The next step is replacing the OEM amp with a RF 4 channel version of this sub amp that I just installed. It can put out 300watts.

I plan on running it with a miniDSP and just use the front stage.

Silver flutes 6.5" in the door with custom baffles and VIFA XT25 tweeters in the dash


So far I think the sub sounds AWESOME. I keep it close to zero with the amp gain at 3/4 and the amp stays cool or barely warm to the touch.


Here is the knukoncepts cable that I used from the OEM preamp output

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psjjwid0j6.jpg

And of course a picture of the mess I made ... seriously thou it took me like 15 mins to take out the oem radio and do the preamps.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...psq4gbhwtx.jpg

I'll post it tomorrow, its dark right now and even with the flash it'll look crappy.

Ok thanks!!


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Any update on this build?

Any particular reason for keeping the stock HU? It sounds horrible in my opinion... I couldnt wait even a few weeks before replacing mine and I have the 2014 model which supposedly sounded better. Amps may help but there just aren't enough audio adjustments to get the sound I want. Project looks good though. Good luck!

Probably to keep the stock look and have less of a chance of getting his shit jacked (at least that's my reason, because there's a "shady area of town" just about every block in Houston)