First install on my new '03!

[Aero540T]

Equipment:
HU - Alpine CDA9815 with iPod adapter
Subwoofer Amp - Lanzar Opti2000D (running at .5 ohms)
Subwoofers - Two Ascendant Audio Avalanche 12s
Wiring - 0 gauge power/ground, and so far only 1 of the Big 3 done in 0 gauge (negative battery to ground)

Waiting on the midbasses to arrive, but this is the rest that will eventually go in the vehicle:
Midbasses - Mpyre Audio 6.5 inch mids
Midbass Amp - JBL Px600.2
Tweeters - Peerless RDC2000 (basically the tweeters that come in the Adire Koda comp set)
Tweeter Amp - Aura Sound 2150

So on Saturday I had a friend help me install the HU in my Explorer, took a while, but I got that, and all three RCAs ran, plus my iPod adapter all wired up. I think it looks pretty good. I'll say that even tho I'm still using the stock speakers, it's a world of difference in loudness, punch, and just basically it sounds a hell of a lot better than the stock cd player. Then again the cd player has a decent amp in it already (27 watts RMS each)

I mounted the iPod adapter underneath the passenger seat and ran the wires underneath the center console up into the glove box where my mini resides...no wires show or anything, I was pretty proud of myself hehe.

I think it turned out pretty well and looks good.

Temporary amp "mounting"...I had to get it set up, right now I don't care about aesthetics. It's basically sitting right behind the box.

The subs...don't mind the ragged box, it got beat up in my previous car...I'll probably carpet it in the end, but for now it's set. I know for sure I need to anchor it somehow because it slides around on verrrry slow turns...annoying.
Oh, almost forgot...the box is ~3.5 cubic feet tuned to 30hz common chamber, braced with steel rods and I've fiberglass resined the inside nice and smooth.

Now I will say, compared to my Taurus, this is insane...it doesn't hit the low low bass notes (~30hz) nearly as well as in the Taurus, but I attribute that to the smaller cabin area. In the Ex, the slightly higher notes pound away at my chest and ears...I'll have to be gentle. In the end, I love it, and I love this car.
Next saturday I will be getting my 2 way alarm re-installed (from my Taurus) and probably the front windows lightly tinted, as in 35%...it should look great.

Also, this is my first install completely done by myself! Minus my friend helping wire up the HU of course.

 

[NightRock]

Nice one looking very fresh

 

[davesexplorer]

Nice lookin! I'd clean those wires up though... You said it doesn't hit the lows quite good enough, what is the box tuned to?

 

[Aero540T]

Nice lookin! I'd clean those wires up though... You said it doesn't hit the lows quite good enough, what is the box tuned to?

Oh, definitely it'll get cleaned up I was just sick of having my subs sitting in my room and not in my car for 6 months (had to get my subs fixed, then my amp fixed, then I crashed my car) so I was getting impatient. But yeah my box is ~3.5 tuned to 30hz, I may need to adjust the SSF but still I think it's just because of the large cabin area compared to my Taurus that makes it hard to get the low notes as loud. Thanks tho! It really does sound great

I'm getting the alarm done and the tint as well today...will post pics soon

 

[DOZIER]

Nice setup. Be sure to keep that cargo cover pulled over the subs so passer bye's can't look into the truck and see the system. You also might want to think about going darker on the rear windows when you tint them on the truck. Great job. Also congradulations on the purchase of a new "X", and welcome to the forum!

 

[Aero540T]

Nice setup. Be sure to keep that cargo cover pulled over the subs so passer bye's can't look into the truck and see the system. You also might want to think about going darker on the rear windows when you tint them on the truck. Great job. Also congradulations on the purchase of a new "X", and welcome to the forum!

Hey man thanks for the compliment, I just got 35% on the fronts and left the rear where it was at...I couldn't justify the cost to get it darker all the way around especially on a college student budget but I'm still loving the look. Oh and got my 2-way alarm installed as well. BTW, this is a great forum, will definitely come in handy...

 

[Parmgeddon]

Looks good....how did you ever come out on your mids?

 

[Aero540T]

Looks good....how did you ever come out on your mids?

Thanks, I haven't heard a thing on the Mpyre mids unfortunately...which I guess isn't too bad as I'd like to save up a few more pennies at the moment anyway haha. Hopefully by Christmas I'll have a K&N intake and Magnaflow exhaust...

 

[dannyb420]

where did you get that filler "thing" for above the Head unit? I want to install a head unit similiar and would like the additional storage.

Thanks

 

[Aero540T]

where did you get that filler "thing" for above the Head unit? I want to install a head unit similiar and would like the additional storage.

Thanks

it came with the install kit, in fact it's all one piece
this is the one i believe
http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/F...LN_NAVIGATOR_2003__RADIO_DASH_KIT_p_5951.html