Installing aftermarket amp - best location??

JLDs2003Vibe · Post by **JLDs2003Vibe** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 9:35 am

Going to be installing and aftermarket amp into my 'Base' Vibe. It did not have M & T so no factory amp. What's the best location to install the new one? It is a small, 2 channel amp (Kenwood KAC526 IIRC). I DON'T want to install it under the Passenger seat because I will have my CD Changer under there. I also don't want to install it anywhere in the rear cargo area.So far, my preferred location is under the drivers seat. I think it will fit OK but there are a couple things under there already (AC/DC inverter and something else?). I wonder if I'd get feedback through the amp/stereo - that close to the inverter?Is it possible to install under one of the back seats? I can't tell how much room is under there? Or, perhaps in the spare tire well area?I'd like the location to be easy to run the cables/wires to, get a good ground and be out of site if possible.Any suggestions are much appreciated - thanks gang!!!

joshuaeb09 · Post by **joshuaeb09** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:07 am

Not sure about the 2003's, but if you don't mind not having a spare you could more than fit the AMP and more back there. You might also have room under the passenger side of the dash if you get creative. I know I have tons of room behind my glovebox in my 09.

bigdaddyjosh · Post by **bigdaddyjosh** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:28 am

mine is under the passenger seat

LarryKingsShoes · Post by **LarryKingsShoes** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:53 am

I looked under the bench when I was installing my subwoofer and amp and it doesn't look like there is enough room to accommodate the height of an amp. I'd be worried about heat in such a tight space. You could try measuring it to see for sure but that might be kind of difficult. I think there are only four bolts that hold it down but it's hard to gauge how much space is under there, especially when someone sits there and the padding drops. You could try placing the amp under there and gently putting the bench back into the normal position to see if there is even enough clearance between the amp and the padding of the bench to allow it to shut. My guess is that it will end up being too tight of a fit and you'd be better off looking for a different place to mount the amp.The passenger side works well as a mounting point. Have you considered trying to find another spot to put your CD changer? I'm not sure how bulky the changer that you have is so that might not be an option.It's surprisingly tricky to find a spot to mount the amp in this car. I also didn't want to have mine visible in the cargo area, for obvious reasons. I lucked out and my mono block fit well under the passenger seat. Now that I am starting to consider amping my four speakers, I have to get creative. I'll probably find a five channel amp that fits under the passenger and sell my Kicker. I'll lose out on quite a bit of power going to my sub but it seems like the most elegant solution. Adding a CD changer to the mix complicates things further so I'm lucky to not have to worry about that.Good luck finding a spot. I'm sure with a bit of creativity and compromise, you'll find a good place to install the amp.

Waxler6942 · Post by **Waxler6942** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 9:44 am

I have mine under the backseat. On the driver side, seems to fit. It is a Directed 750D

JLDs2003Vibe · Post by **JLDs2003Vibe** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:22 pm

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think I may try for under the backseat then. Will let you know how it goes.

JLDs2003Vibe · Post by **JLDs2003Vibe** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:31 pm

Oh yeah, the CD changer I will install isn't helping my amp location search! LOL. Yep, I'm old school with the changer. Funny, it was hard to find a new changer. Kenwood was the only company I found that still sold head units and changers...

LarryKingsShoes · Post by **LarryKingsShoes** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:44 pm

That's cool that an amp managed to fit there. I may have to reconsider that as an option since it would be cheaper to install another amp, rather than selling my current one. I'm quite surprised but it's good that I was wrong about that one.I have a Kenwood but my unit doesn't have a CD player. I believe it does support their disc changers so I had half considered it. The placement issue hadn't really occurred to me. I enjoyed having six discs to choose from at any given moment. It may be old school but it sure is more convenient than constantly swapping discs! Hopefully everything fits nicely for you!

JLDs2003Vibe · Post by **JLDs2003Vibe** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:05 pm

Yeah, LarryKingsShoes, I will be sure and post the 'underseat' install info when I do it. The amp I'm putting in is pretty small and only about 2" high. I'll try and take some pics and measurements when I do. I like having a changer too. Especially for long road trips. Oh, also, I got my Kenwood head unit/Changer at Crutchfield. Have a good one everyone.

Installing aftermarket amp - best location??

Installing aftermarket amp - best location??

Re: Installing aftermarket amp - best location?? (JLDs2003Vibe)

Re: Installing aftermarket amp - best location?? (joshuaeb09)