Hi all,

New S owner here. I've started my install this weekend and things have been a little rough. I have two Soundstream Van Gogh 400.2 amps that I pulled out of my old car, and man they are a little big for the S's trunk.

Anyhow, I think I'm going to be able to get both the amps in the spare tire compartment with a little bit of ingenuity, but I had a queston. I'm thinking heat might be a problem in the summer so I would like to cut two holes in the plastic tire cover to put an intake and exhaust fan to help with the cooling, but I don't know what to get or where to get it...Also, how would I wire them??

Thanks!

 

Well, you may need more than just "ingenuity."

I think you are going to find it VERY tight trying to stack two amps on top of each other in the spare tire area.

I would look for some fans used for cooling of computers. They could be wired to be triggered from the remote amp turn on lead. You will probably need a relay. Some fans are based on 24volts, some off of 5volts. You may be ok powering them with 12volts, but mabey not.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yah, I know it might be tough. The amp on top will be staggered and upside down so I can easily access the amps settings with a shorty flathead, and we will be bolting to the existing spare tire mount.

Anyone have any specifics about doing something like this (the fans that is)?

Edit Add: The amp rack I'm making lays a lot flatter than the one that everyone seems to have. I've been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out how to make these amps fit, and so far this is the best alternative I've found versus having to buy new amps

 

Mounting the amp upside down may impact it's ability to cool.

 

The heatsinks are on the sides of these amps, but I'm still worried about it. Thats why I want to put an intake and exhaust fan to improve the circulation.

 

Since you have already nixed the spare, why not install one in the spare compartment and one on a vertical amp rack on the back of the trunk? Unless its 11" wide, it should fit.

As far as cooling, there are already vents from the passenger compartment into this area. You might want to look into installing a computer-type fan on the passenger side vent to just circulate the A/C into the area. Also, removing the insulation on the tray will also help cooling.

John

 

The amps are too big. That was my first intention, but after taking measurements and playing around a little, I determined that it wouldn't work. Worse case scenario will be having to buy one amp to mount in the trunk behind the driver's seat (like you suggested). I might have to do this if the two amps in the spare compartment thing doesn't work. Oh well, it will only be a waste of time if it fails

About the vent, I didn't know that. That is a really good idea (versus cutting wholes in the spare tire cover). Thanks!

So does anyone here actually know how to wire up a fan ?

 

*good time for PJK3 to chime in*

I dont really know, but PJK3 has wired some up in the past. Cant be that difficult. I would imagine wiring it up though a power source like the trunk light, with a kill switch wired in line with the amp remote turn on....not sure on the specifics.

*I am subliminally paging PJK3 to this thread*

You might want to check out his install. He actually put one in the tool-well area with a little false floor and some built-in fans. Check out his install. I think its the on the 1st page of the Install Gallery.

I think Pikkashoe also had one of these Van Gogh's a little while ago. Might want to pick his brain on mounting solutions. Here is my install.....the Hifonics amp is NOT small by any stretch!





Notice how its leaning out. If it were straight vertical, it would not fit.

Thats enough 'ing for now....

John

 

Well after much googling, I've stumbled on my answer and a goldmine of a website:

http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp#rtol

That answers the fan problem