Relacing 200w stock amp in my '04?

[MidKnight]

Hello all.I am now the proud new owner of an 04 Vibe (29k miles!). The first thing I usually start thinking about after getting a new car is replacing the speakers and head unit. Amps are normally out, but in this case my understanding is that my unit (premium audio option) already has a 200w amp below the passenger seat. My question is, because there's an amp already there, is all the wiring there that an aftermarket amp would need? Is it just an easy switching out of the stock amp for an aftermarket?Thank you in advance for any/all information you can throw my way.

[moonstonemike]

Unfortunately it isn't a strait switch the stock amp has two big connectors with multiple wires going into each, you would need to cut and install new connectors on all the wires.

[MidKnight]

So, pretty much I would disconnect the existing amp, cut the connectors off, then match colors of wires to terminals on the new amp and I'm done?That sounds pretty slick. Maybe it's time to look for some used amps on Craigslist. I think that's a quick way to improve the sound of the Vibe. Here's another question:How does an aftermarket head unit integrate with the existing/replacement amp?

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by MidKnight »So, pretty much I would disconnect the existing amp, cut the connectors off, then match colors of wires to terminals on the new amp and I'm done?That sounds pretty slick. Maybe it's time to look for some used amps on Craigslist. I think that's a quick way to improve the sound of the Vibe. Here's another question:How does an aftermarket head unit integrate with the existing/replacement amp?Hi and welcome to GV...!It's STILL not as simple as cutting the plugs and wiring the amp up... There isn't enough power in the stock harness... Even though they SAY it's a 200w amp, it's not... you would be lucky to get a solid 100w out of it.. IF you ran a new power wire for it, then you could pull it off.. as long as the new amp had speaker level inputs.. (no RCAs in the stock system)you would have all the input/output wires in one place though... Installing a HU is easy.. I, Bluecrush and Keithvibe have install tutorials here, so you should have a look, I think we have most of the factory systems covered.. I did the basic system, BC the M&T IIRC and Keith, the other...

[MidKnight]

So, if I tried to run a new amp off the stock harness I could burn the original power wire?Thanks!

[Sublimewind]

that or constantly blow fuses, but I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time... lol... In all of my audio experience, I've never seen a stock anything that can hold a candle ot the aftermarket.. Personally I wouldn't try it... BUT, amp wiring kits aren't expensive and a 8awg kit would work for a lower power amplifier..