Hi everyone...I've been doing a ton of research on the board and I can't decide on how big to go with the stereo.

This car is very light and I want to keep it that way. So my instincts say:

1.) Change HU...use DCI
2.) Add component speakers to the front (run off factory wiring w/ harness adapters)
3.) Use small 2ch amp for sub
4.) Throw sub in trunk.

Will this set-up be loud enough? I haven't owned a convertable before. So my goal is to hear music clearly at highway speed with the top down. I want a good range of sound too. I'm not looking to rattle the block.

Now here's what I currently have to use from the 350z I just got rid of:

1.) 4ch JVC 100 w/ch RMS amp
2.) 2ch JL Audio 200 w/ch rms amp
3.) All the monster cable I need, power cable, power/ground blocks, etc...
4.) A Clarion HU that doesn't fit the S...trying to sell it
5.) Clarion CD Changer
6.) Sirius receiver + antenna
7.) Infiniti Kappa 60.5i Components
8.) Infiniti Kappa 62.5 two-ways
9.) Alpine S-Type DVC 10" sub in enclosure (fits the S trunk perfectly)

So, do I save weight and make an easy install? Or do I go big, get more sound but spend more time/money?

Sorry for being long winded. Thanks!

 

Here is my take:

What do you want to do with the car?

Dp you want to drive it on the street, with some trips to the track? If so, then I would use as much of that equipment you have above. Reuse that 4 channel for the front speakers, and that 2ch for your amp. When you go to the track you can remove the amps and sub and then your weight gain is minimized when it matters.

If you are looking for show, then weight is not really a concern.

Just for the street? Don't worry too much about weight. You won't really notice it on the street every day.

Over-all. If it makes you feel any better, you can pull out the spare tire to save some weight there. Once you fill the well with a sub, you can't carry a flat with you anymore. So if you DO get a flat tire, you would either have to: A. Call a tow truck/repair service. B: Change the tire yourself and leave the full sized rim and flat tire on the side of the road and HOPE you can get it later, or you would have to put the full size wheel on the passenger seat. In all practicality, the spare becomes worthless to you. Get a cell phone, a can of fix-a-flat and mabey a small compressor or foot pump.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. I guess I want as close to a factory look as possible....all will be hidden but the sub and Cd changer. Also, I'm looking for a fairly quick install, I spent 14hrs on the Z...I'm a little impatient right now. I want a great stereo right away.

Also, with my current HU not fitting, I have to seel that off and buy a new one. On top of that, my rear speakers won't fit the SPods or the Lucid Panels...so what do I do with them? I guess sell those too and replace them with smaller ones? I'm wondering if I can just get away with two components in the front. If so, then I really don't need the four channel amp. In my other car, I have the speakers running off just the HU and it's pretty loud.

I think what I'll do is wire for the heavy system and install the light. If it's not enough, then all I have to do is hop in the trunk and plug in a few more things. Of course, I'll have to run new speaker wire at that point but it shouldn't be too tough with eveything else already done.

Still don't know what to do about the rear speakers...

 

I suggest you find some local member before you make this change one way or the other. You may find that you'll do a bunch of work to your car and you still won't be happy. If you can from a Z hardtop then you might want to think about that compared to a conv. Very different. But I would hunt down a few people in your local club and give setups a listen then decide.

 

I am not the right person to talk to about specific components. I don't know anything about your current components.

That said, I believe if you have high quality speakers you CAN get away with just the fronts. However, I doubt that you will be able to drive very nice speakers with just the HU and get the performance you want. Now, I would not have suggested you run out and get a 4ch amp, but since you have one you can use that. The nice thing is that if you choose to add rear speakers down the road you are all set.

Also, I think you should leave yourself more than 14hrs for install, just to be safe. The car is VERY tight for running wireing into the doors. You will also have to come up with some sort of adapter for the door speakers, but mounting up the tweeters will probably take the most time.

If you have never done an S2k it may take some time you are not expecting. Obviously I have no idea what your actual experience is. I only mention it because most people are a little surprised how long it takes to do an S2000.

 

Thanks for the advice guys!