All:

I bought the Infinity 63.1i and it took me about 3 hours to install.

Bad news: Removing all the plastic was the easy part. The difficult part was cutting the plastic speaker basket to hold the Infinity's.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A DRUMMEL OR SOMETHING TO CUT THE PLASTIC LIKE BUTTER. Otherwise you will be like me spending about 30 minutes with a pair of pliers cutters.

Good news: The Infinity 63.1i are absolutely AWESOME even without a new amp - yet.

I have a question for all. I bought a US Accoustic amp an it will not fit under the sit. I was thinking of putting it behind the driver seat but I have an OEM pocket bag hangin from the side.

Any ideas? I was thinking of just installing it on the side of the trunk.

When I go to install the amp, I do have to remove the deck right???

Thanks for your help.

 

Under the seat is obviously the most convenient in terms of wiring and placement, but if it won't fit...

The farther you go towards the back of the vehicle, the more time-consuming the install (with the trunk obviously being the longest). Behind the seat works if you don't plan on scooting it back all of the way. If it's a big puppy, your best bet might be the trunk.

As far as the basket goes, a coping saw works great (picked a really good Craftsman one up for like $10-$15) and leaves a clean cut (great for curves). the plastic is very soft, but cutters just don't have the usual muster since it's so thick.

Whether or not you have to remove the deck depends again on your type of installation, but if you can wiggle your hands in all the right places without a problem, no need to remove it.

 

MacGyver,

Preferrably I don't want to remove the deck....anyone is this possible?

I have a 2001 S2K so there should be RCAs right?

Anyone who can help greatly appreciated.
- Mark

 

Ooooooh, I getcha now...the stock radio doesn't have RCAs (unless they slapped some in there for the subwoofer), so you have a few choices for amps: replace the head unit and use it's RCAs, use a line-level converter, or buy an amp that has speaker-level inputs. If you replace the head unit, you may decide an amp isn't needed (personally, I can't see using an amp on the stock unit for anything more than a few months as a temporary solution, i.e., need more money). I just updated my webpage with my install, but the pics aren't up yet.

Sorry, thought you meant the convertible top deck...myyyyy baaaaaad.

 

just had my amp installed today. bought a mtx model 152. this amp comes with a switch for low line levels so i was able to use with stock head unit. it is rated at 37.5 watts per channel but comes with a bench test certificate that says 69 per channel. the main reason i bought it though was because of the size. it fit very snuggly in the tool well styrofoam tray. all that was needed was to poke a couple of holes in the side of the tray for the wires to mount to the amp. very nice and clean install.

 

Im not trying to sell my mod but lemme tell you how much of a difference your gonna see if you switch over to a aftermarket deck. I just heard from a guy that went from a Pioneer 720 to stock(yes reverse) and he said the sound seriously lacked!!! Distorted earlier and was not nearly as loud and didn't sound as clean.

That is just changing the deck not even putting in to the equation the line level converter which adds noise and supresses the potential volume and clarity that can be achieved.

 

It depends upon the install. Several of us have compared mine using the stock head unit plus amp/speakers with line level converters to a couple of installs with new high quality head units. My system is as good or better when playing CD's and is only inferior with FM because of the low quality of the stock tuner.

I clearly get more volume and clarity than one install (probably my components) so don't think it always a clear rule that good sound always requires the head unit swap.

 

I gotta back Pinky on this one guys. I just installed a Pioneer PEH-730 head unit. I bought the Pinkys mod second hand from Gui3. I had to change the connector as Gui was running a PEH-7200. Total head install time 45 minutes......very easy....plug and play. You can buy an aftermarket amp but then your FM will still suck! I changed my speakers to Kenwood KFC-XR 600's and would recommend them to anybody (unless you desire seperates). It completely fills the basket and is a perfect fit. The sound is awesome and can be tailored infinatum with the sound tailoring features of the Pioneer head. I installed stereos to work my way through college. I can honestly say the sound quality on this set-up is extraordinary. I might consider an underseat subwoofer when they become available but I really don't need it.

Thanks again Pinkster!!! (and you too Gui).

 

Guys...

Bottom line...can I install my amp in a 01' S2K without removing the head unit?

 

Mark,

See my second post for your options...