How easy is it to install an amplifier/subwoofer

[BigWill]

Hi there, almost got everything I need to get the install underway (minus amp and box) and just got wondering, is it relatively easy/hard to install an amp (Don't really want to shell out more money for installation costs).
Gonna be running OAWG

Thanks

 

[edewer]

relatively easy yeah. first time i did it with the crap instructions from the amp and it took me a couple of hours, but now i could probably do it in 20 minutes or so!

somewhere like www.talkaudio.co.uk should have a decent guide somewhere on it

 

[BigWill]

I'm on talkaudio, but I thought I'd ask people with the same car just to know exactly what I'm doing

 

[edewer]

should be pretty easy anyways i would think. head unit can be a pain to fit back in once you attach all the wiring as its a very tight fit behind there. aside from that thought all the sill clips come relatively easily and should be able to run wiring down both sides to the boot. earthing to one of the seatbelt mounts is fine

ed

 

[BigWill]

I had a first attempt just to run the power cable along the sills, the back one comes off easily, but i can't budge the front door sills, maybe I'm incredibly weak I dunno

 

[tom_ibiza]

what sort of amp(s) are you running if you need 0AWG??? u will probably have to drill to get 0AWG through........

i run 4AWG myself

 

[BigWill]

its 1500 wrms at 2 ohms and poverty said to get the best out the amp you need 0awg

 

[tom_ibiza]

that is very true but i have a feeling you will struggle to get 0awg through from the car to the engine bay, and does your amp take 0awg cable if not you will have to buy a reducer what make and model amp is it?

 

[RichieRich]

a high powerd 4awg should be fine just make sure u dont cut many of the copper strands.. they should be powerful enough... and if i was you i wouldt use the seatbelt mounts....

 

[BigWill]

Well i've been advised from loads of people on talk audio i need 0awg, and it's already sitting here anyway, and then a distro block to 4awg for the final run to the amp. I've asked someone who has a mk4 golf (pretty much the same engine bay, maybe same grommet placement etc.) and he said 0awg was easy to run it along. Just gonna take some time (and cursing )

Anyone fancy helping me

 

[tom_ibiza]

where in kent are you based? im just up in essex if ur in north kent?

 

[tom167]

asked someone who has a mk4 golf (pretty much the same engine bay, maybe same grommet placement etc.)

Ours are the same as the polo not the golf

 

[BigWill]

Sorry Tom, I still have a vague knowledge of VAG

and tomibiza, I'm about 3 miles from dartford bridge going into essex

 

[Poverty]

He needs 0 gauge for that amp trust me!!!! My mate has the same amp at 1500rms, and was running 4 gauge at first and it doesnt sound very good and was getting serious voltage drop issues. Once he got the 0 gauge in the voltage drop issues stopped!

Youl will probably have to drill a hole Will, I have done so to get my 4 gauge and 8 gauge wire through the same hole! Getting the side panels off c

 

[Poverty]

He needs 0 gauge for that amp trust me!!!! My mate has the same amp at 1500rms, and was running 4 gauge at first and it doesnt sound very good and was getting serious voltage drop issues. Once he got the 0 gauge in the voltage drop issues stopped!

Youl will probably have to drill a hole Will, I have done so to get my 4 gauge and 8 gauge wire through the same hole! Getting the side panels off can be a bit tricky the first time you do it as your scared of breaking things but just give it a good tug, would be a good idea to get spare clips from seat though as I lost a few and broke a few and now the rattles are doing my nut in big time.

Think there are a couple amp install guides on scn iirc, have you got crimpers?

 

[BigWill]

I've got "A" crimper, not really sufficient for 0awg though, it was hard enough crimping the 8awg speaker cable I got tday!
And where abouts do I need to drill this hole?
If you mean where the grommet is, there is just enough space for it to squeeze through that

 

[Poverty]

I've got "A" crimper, not really sufficient for 0awg though, it was hard enough crimping the 8awg speaker cable I got tday!
And where abouts do I need to drill this hole?
If you mean where the grommet is, there is just enough space for it to squeeze through that

I never found the grommet on my car, so I just drilled away but if it fits through the grommet use that!

 

[RichieRich]

bigwill, the engine bays are totally different, the grommets are in different places.. there is a guide on scn for the ibiza with decent pics, if i lived nearer i could do it in about 20 mins if the cable fits through... the grommets you should be looking for are top right hand side of the engine bay above the strut, it goes through one then 10 ish cm's later goes through anyother this is the awkward one two people make it easier, go under the dash (take out the glove box if u want) pull back the carpet a bit to get ur hand behind have the other person push the cable so u know were abouts the hole is... then pull it through without any cutting thats if it fits through

 

[tom167]

Sorry Tom, I still have a vague knowledge of VAG

Dont worry will soon become an obsession lol

 

[Poverty]

when are you looking to get fitted mate, am doing my mate? Should doing my mates focus next sunday so if you want you can pop down then and we will do both cars at the same time!

My mate running 4 subs with 1500rms will probably be there also so you can have a listen to his car and have a all over body massage from the bass lol.