OK, don't get too excited. This is nothing compared to all the bling others have posted recently.

First of all thanks to the board and all who contribute to the database of installation resources that have accumulated here. Thanks to Bacchus in particular...your illustrated amp wiring instructions from the FAQ link were extremely helpful! I'm glad you took the time to document it for the rest of us.

According to prevailing wisdom on this site, I started backwards in that I did not begin by upgrading the stock HU (this will be phase 3!).

My current install consists of:

-Upgraded components in doors: Kenwood eXcelon KFC-Xr61P (man those magnets are tiny--at least it's an easy fit!)

-Amp: Kicker KX550.3

Even with the aid of detailed directions, it still took me several hours (which caused me to miss the free ice cream meet in Irvine!), but there were no major mishaps or screwups except that after I thought I was done, I turned it on and ....nothing. Turns out I had done a poor job with the connector for the remote turn on lead and had disconnected it when I put the head unit back in. At least it was easy to troubleshoot.

As long as I had everything apart I also ran two pairs of RCA cables so that I won't have to go through much work to complete phase 3.

The amp is crrently temporarily installed in the space to the left of the spare tire. I'll see if I want to keep it there, but for now it looks like a good spot because I lost no trunk space.

Phase two? Definitely a sub. It sounds OK now (especially since I only spent about $300 including the amp, speakers and wiring kit), but I won't be happy until I have some bass. Everything is prewired so I just need to drop it in.

I'm on a budget and am looking to maintain maximum trunk space. I don't have the time/motivation to build my own enclosure, so I'm keeping my eyes open for a used Stealthbox or Wlaurent enclosure. There have been a few up for sale lately, but I have just missed them. If anyone is looking to get rid of one of these, let me know!

If I can't find a used enclosure I'll either have to breakdown and send some cash to Wlaurent

, or one of my friends thinks he can build me a Wlaurent ripoff replica for cheaper. I can get a hookup for a discount on a new JL Stealthbox, but it would still be pretty pricey and unless I can find a used one, I don't think it's the best solution for bang-for the buck.

Sorry for the long post. Have a nice day!