Boombacloud's BRZ Audio Build...Need Help/Advice

[boombacloud]

I've been a long time lurker, and this is only my second or third post, but the first since I just got my GBS BRZ Limited last Friday. For Christmas, I got some goodies to add to/replace the OEM speakers. However, I'm a total moron when it comes to installing this stuff and the needed peripherals to do so. I've browsed and searched in here for a couple of days, but I'm still confused as to what to get for supporting installation peripherals. Below is what I have already, but what else do I need?

• Keeping the stock nav unit for now.

• Hertz ESK 163L 3-way components

• JL 8" Microsub

• JL XD700/5 amp

• (2) Dynamat Door Kits

• Door Spacers (courtesy of P.Henry)

• PAC SNI-35 Line out Converter

Now I know I need an amp power kit. I've heard good things about the Knuconcepts wires, so I thought I'd go with one of theirs, but which one? Don't seem to have any specific kits for a 5 channel amp. Not sure if 4 gauge is sufficient or if I need more.

Is that line out converter sufficient? or do I need more or something else entirely. I am trying to avoid more expensive LOCs and sound processors if possible.

Can I just cannibalize the stock speaker wires or should I just run better wire? If I can use the stock wiring, does that mean I will need to cut off the factory harnesses and splice the new speakers off those existing wires? I know there is a metra harness for the door speakers, but it seems like those don't do anything for the dash mids/tweets, or do they? Are there similar harnesses for the dash speakers? Or is it a similar story here with cutting off the stock harnesses and splicing off of the stock wiring.

I just had back surgery about 5 weeks ago and was just cleared to drive again. Is this too much hunched over work for someone in my condition? Should I just bite the bullet and get someone to install all this for me?

Thanks in advance for reading and any advice you might offer, good or bad.

[WolfSongX]

You probably should get some basic reading done on some of these subjects, most 12 volt audio sites can give you the answers you need. You won't find much in the way of BRZ specific info or writeups since the car is still very early to market.
As far as doing the work yourself, audio installation generally means a lot of contortionism to get into a tight spot in the right position to work on something. I have a serious back issue myself, and audio installation is something I need to be careful with. If you can afford to stop when you have trouble and rest before you hurt yourself, then you're fine, but if the car is your daily driver and you have to push yourself to get it back together to drive to work in the morning, then you could really aggrivate your condition.
The Knuconceptz stuff is good, used it in my last two builds. Their 4 gauge kit is pretty good and if you have the bank then their Kollosus Fleks copper wire is awesome. With another company's product I might suggest going to 2 or 0 to be sure, but the Fleks wire has the capacity, properly fused you should be fine if you keep the total run as short as possible. You might check the total amperage draw on what you're planning to install, there are some sites out there that can help you calculate the max draw, and help you to size your fuse accordingly.
My back issues limit what I can do these days, so I no longr can cite stuff off the top of my head any more... but I might be able to see if I can get my old desktop fired up to get some links for you...
Hope this helps...