Hello everyone!! I am the new owner of a 97 Z-28, (and thus a new member of this wonderful site), and I need some advice on selecting, buying, and installing a new sound system.

Alright, hear goes. I would like a nice sounding system, but with a very stealth look. I would like to keep the factory radio, and replace all the speakers, while adding a sub or two and would like to do it on a budget. I have seen the stealth boxes from http://www.subthump.com and from what I have read on this board, that is the way to go.

So can anyone give me an idea of what I need to fill in these speakers spots, (the doors, the rear pillars, and the stealth sub box), as well as what kid of amp or amps I would need. I am not a rich guy, so i am looking for the most bang for the buck. I am not looking to win a bass contests, but I would like some thump when I need it. I am more concerned with overall sound quality than with booming bass. I am also looking for easy installation as I will be doing it myself.

Any help you guys can give me would bew great. Thanks

 

You might find some info here: www.installdr.com

 

Keeping the factory deck will definatly limit the sound. All I currently have is...

Pioneer 7200
Fosgate 6.5" Components
Fosgate 500s
Fosgate 12" HX2

Sounds damn good with very little money installed. I would like to have a small 2ch amp added to power the components; but now it sounds good and I want speed. So it can wait.

 

welcome to the board. For the speaker, I say start to demo different speakers and see what you like and what your budget will allow. If you are looking for an amp, I've got mine for sale. It's a Phoenix Gold XS6600 amp. It's a 6 channel that will drive all of your speakers and your sub also. The specs are in my sig and pics also. I'm selling it for $400+shipping. BTW, I'm getting a stealth box also. Oh yeah, I'm selling my amp box and sub if you are interested

 

So keeping the factory HU will affect the sound alot? I know that it wouldn't be as good as an aftermarket, but I kinda want the "stock" look to any peering eyes.

 

you can keep the stock hu, you'll just have to buy a PAC. Also, aftermarket HU usually comes w/ a detachable face anyway.

 

Thanks for the info so far. What about speakers? What are some good speakers that fit in the factory sports?. Is Rockford the way to go?

 

I would suggest for you to demo different speakers especially if you can sample them in the same car as you. It all depends on your presonal preference and how much money you have will determing what you will get. Though....FOCAL

 

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the board. For speakers, I also like Focal. I picked up a used set of focal comps for 200 so that may be something to consider looking for. Not sure if it will work or how will sound with the factory HU, but anything is better than the stock speakers. I would suggest as soon as you possibly can to replace the factory deck. If you're worried about theft, get yourself one of those motorized retractible faceplates. Kenwood and Alpine have those. I'm going to run one of those in my next setup.

For the sub, as was mentioned above, try to demo as many as possible. Remember, that space is very small. Most of the stealthboxes available have .5-.6 cu.ft. so find a sub that will work with that amount. If you were into used at all, I know somebody selling a slightly used e10k sub. Which will absolutely pound in the stealths I carry. I've had 3 or 4 guys use that combination. But alpines and rockfords are very good as well as Image dynamics. Even JLs will pound.

Amps are pretty open. Lot of good used amps floating around right now. Just make sure you can feed the sub a good 300-400 watts.

 

Gotta make a third vote for Focal. You can get the 165A set for like $150 new, but I recommend stepping up to the PolyKev line. Search Ebay for the cheapest prices on just about anything. I also gotta make another vote for replacing the factory headunit. The aftermarket head unit will have higher voltage pre-outs which will resist induced noise much better. You also wil not have to use a LOC to get RCAs. Again, less noise and money saved there.