2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Need help wiring Stereo real quick

[EBottema]

I have already completely installed my new headunit running my speakers with the adapter harnesses they sell at the local electronic stores. I decided to run an amp and tonightI will be working on it a bit. Do I need to cut all the speaker wires that are spliced in at the back of the headunit? I would rather just leave them be since the harnesses that hook to the speakers will be disconnected. Should I just plug the RCA's into the back of the headunit and be done with it or Do i need to cut all those speaker wires out?



Thanks

Erik

 

[EBottema]

Also, where is the best place to run the 8 gauge amp wire through the firewall? I have a 5spd so the clutch hole wont work. Anywhere on the firewall other than the main harness plug or should i just drill?

 

[tp0d]

If you arent using the speaker outputs from the head, you should tape them all indiv. and bundle them up to keep them out of the way. The factory side of the speakers can just hang, or you can bundle them also. Not too much room in that cavity, so ya might want to bundle and tuck.



What kind of RCAs did you get? I had a relatively cheap pair on, and experienced noise problems. Went to a set of twisted pair + shielded, no more noise. I believe I was getting alternator noise from somewhere. . A ground loop isolator is a good thing to put in also, while you got it apart.



As for the firewall, I used my clutch hole. (heh) as for another, I guess you could look up thru behind the pedals... not sure if theres another around... if you drill your own, make sure you get a good grommet to protect the insulation on the wire. Ive seen many 60 amp fuses toast because of this. A heavy wrapping of good rubber e-tape will help out there, still need a grommet to seal out water.



good luck



-j

 

[DESL PWR]

EBottema,



What size amp are you planning on running? Are you connecting this to your stock speakers? The speakers in that 96 are definately past their time. You will get night and day performance out of replacing them. Also if you plan running some big watts to those speakers, you may want to just run your own 12-14g wire directly from the amp to the speakers. The stock wires are maybe 18g, not big enough to handle any sizeable power increase. On a side note, do not run your RCA wire directly next to that power supply or you may get some excess noise. I ran my power supply under the left door step moulding and my rca cable along the center hump.