[GTakacs]

Sound system into Variant with the least amount os space robbing....

I am getting a 2003 Variant and this is what I am planning on installing:

- Kenwood KDC-MP919 single DIN HU
- Kenwood KTC-SR901 Sirius Satellite Tuner 7-1/4"W x 1-1/4"H x 8-5/16"D
- Infinity Reference 605cs 6-1/2" components front and rear
- Infinity Kappa Perfect 10.1d subwoofer (needs 0.6 cu ft space)
- Lightning Audio Strike S5.700 amplifier. 10.25”W x 2.25”H x 19.8”L

I figure the HU and the speakers with the crossovers should not be an issue to install. It's the amplifier, Sirius tuner, and subwoofer that I am concerned about. What would be the best way to mount these componenst so I would lose the least amount of trunk space of my 2003 Wagon. I'd prefer to keep my spare tire.

I was thinking about mounting the amplifier and tuner on the back of the seat but in that case I would not be able to fold the seats down and haul extra stuff should the need arise, the amp is a huge piece so I would not even be able to fold the seats separately probably. I was also thinking about making a custom box for the sub in the right corner of the car, but I'm not sure if that is the best way or should I mount it in the spare tire somehow. Luckily the sub only needs 0.6 cu ft of sealed space.

Please give me ideas as what and where to mount these components as I would want to get the most trunk space with the least amount of obstruction.

Thanks!

 

[Espaz11]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

I'd ditch that Lightning amp and get a Fosgate 300s, it's smaller and much cleaner sounding.

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (Espaz11)

Thanks for the bump (your otherwise useless post

)!

Lightning Audio =Rockford Fosgate without the price tag, same company same products. It sounds plenty good for my ears!

And if you'd read the specs of my amp you'd know that the 300s is not even close to what the L/A S5.700 is capable of. I'm running 2x75W into the fronts (4 ohm) , 2x45W (4 ohm) into the rears and 1x350W (4 ohm DVC running at 2 ohm) into the sub. If you can give me all this with a smaller footprint and a price tag of $200, I'll buy it!

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

Could someone measure the usable rear seat back surface width for amplifier mounting purposes? If I can mount the 19" onto the passengerside of the rear seat without it interfering with the driver side half ( I can still fold them separately), I'll probably mount it there and enclose it somehow.

I'm still open for options!

<![CDATA[Could someone measure the usable rear seat back surface width for amplifier mounting purposes? If I can mount the 19" onto the passengerside of the rear seat without it interfering with the driver side half ( I can still fold them separately), I'll probably mount it there and enclose it somehow.

I'm still open for options!

[Modified by GTakacs, 4:00 PM 1/28/2003]

 

[stealthx32]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

How about under the front passenger seat? You can add a cooling fan if you want, but it shouldn't be necessary. Variants are tough to hide stuff in persay. I have my amp mounted under my rear deck, and it takes very little space, even though the footprint is kinda big. How about ripping apart the side trunk liner and hiding an amp back there? There was someone with a GTI that took a piece of plywood, screwed an amp onto that, added hinges and had the amp fold out from the side of the trunk. Requires some creativity. Though you do have a monstrously large amp.

Ever think about splitting it up into 2 amps? You could do one on each side of the trunk with a custom fiberglass "enclosure" and carpet it to match the OEM carpet.

For the sub, why not an Image Dynamics IDQ10 v2? Requires .25 to .50 cu ft of space, and it's one of the most accurate subs on the market. Don't expect the bass to be overwhelming (though it still might be because you have a Variant).

 

[mnelson]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (stealthx32)

I Found this guys Variant setup while doing some resarch on the net. Talk about a sick stealth install:


http://www.sounds-good-stereo.com/me_me1201.html

 

[OCTICK]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (mnelson)

You can have them build out one of the sides like a enclosure. Might not have to build it out that far. You can probably hide 2 amps. A large one in the first aid cubby and a small one in the changer cubby.

<![CDATA[You can have them build out one of the sides like a enclosure. Might not have to build it out that far. You can probably hide 2 amps. A large one in the first aid cubby and a small one in the changer cubby.

[Modified by OCTICK, 3:02 PM 1/28/2003]

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (mnelson)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I Found this guys Variant setup while doing some resarch on the net. Talk about a sick stealth install:
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah I have found that one myself I was planning on mounting my amp the same way he did on the back of the seat and cover it up with something. I just wanted to confirm that a 20" amp will in fact fit on the passenger side seat half and will not hang over to the other side so I can still fold the seat down if needed.

So far that was the best way I've seen it done while retaining most of the usable area of the trunk. I won't have my Passat Wagon for another 3 months at least (special order) I was just planning ahead that's all. I guess I'll figure it all out once I actually have the car.

Oh and before people start to give mor eadvice as what amp/sub to get I already own all of the above equipent and I am not planning on replacing any of the items any time soon.

Keep the ideas rolling (and a measurement of the seat would be nice too)!

 

[stealthx32]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

You could of course get a custom one built and molded like Ron did at Rich's CarTunes (http://www.cartunes.com).

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (stealthx32)

really nice install! Though remember, I'm getting a WAGON so wagon pictures would be more of interest to me!

 

[Bmpassat]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

IIRC the sirrius tuner is relatively small,and should be able to behidden behind the glove box in the dash. It is where I mounted the brain for nokia car kit, and from kenwood's website the tuner looks about the same size.

Pete

 

[OCTICK]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (Bmpassat)

Or you can hide it under the floor board on the front passenger side?
There is a vacant space that is filled with a styrofoam block. Something for a 4 Motion car. Empty if you don't have 4 motion.

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (Bmpassat)

Yeah, I think I will be able to mount the Sirius tuner (if nowhere else) in the CD changer compartment. So I guess I should rephrase my original question: Where would you mount that huge amp in a wagon to minimize space loss and allow for seat folding? I'm planning on making my custom box for the sub into the right corner.

 

[GTakacs]

Re: Sound system into Variant with the least amount os ... (GTakacs)

How big is that hole? Will it fit the 20" long amp? If it does, I'm all for it!