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Post by CoreyJ on Sept 12, 2015 15:20:02 GMT -5
After finally deciding that my stereo just doesn't pack enough punch I bought a nice 4 channel amp. I've read through the earlier posts about where to mount the amp. This amp would jut fit under the passenger seat but I'm leaning toward mounting it in the rear. A couple of guys said that they mounted the amp in the rear storage compartment. Does this provide enough ventilation? It seems to me that the amp would get pretty hot in there. Can someone who has done this offer any comments on how it worked out? Thanks!
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Post by dirk on Sept 13, 2015 23:57:17 GMT -5
I am in middle of making one of them an amp rack. Currently only running the sub amp in there, and not pushing it hard. No overheating yet, but does get hot. When I switch all 5 channels on I will have customized the cover with a couple of computer fans and grills. They run at 12 volt same as the car. I've used computer lights and automotive light bars interchangeably with no issues. Should be the same for the fans.
It also houses the surround sound/eq/crossover my capacitor and distribution blocks
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Post by CoreyJ on Sept 14, 2015 18:55:04 GMT -5
Hey Dirk, thanks for the reply. I've seen a couple of installs that used the computer fans. I don't have a huge amp in my forward compartment, just a 450.4 so I'll see how it goes. No sub for now. I got everything installed today and it looks pretty good. Of course, whenever I install anything there are always problems at fist. I had to move the ground wire connection and now the rear speakers are not working. I'll tackle that tomorrow and hope for the best.
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Post by dirk on Sept 14, 2015 21:14:23 GMT -5
I hear you, I actually run wires in the computer section of large 60 foot busses all day, but hardly ever get a chance to run all the wires in my rig.
Between work, a 17 year old, a 3 year old, a 4 month old, house work, yard work, and fix/build computers on side. I am lucky if I get 1 to 2 hours every couple of weeks to work on my ride. I always have a dozen things I am in middle of doing to it.
Like I have a new 3 way component set of speakers for the front to wire and install, have the wood and speakers for a shallow mount sub box that will go in other floor cubby (using temporary sub for now). I have a new 5 channel amp to replace the 2 currently installed, a new 6 farad capacitor to replace the 1 farad one. But did a nice custom install of the head unit, and the face/display/control for my Alpine DSP. Fitting 2 single DIN units in and making them look stock took a while. I've done a bit of sound deadening. And most of my amp rack is completed. Installed LED fog lamps, and just finished installing HIDs also. That is most of the electrical stuff doing/done. Also been tackling the surface rust underneath as time permits. Always something. But just take it one to 2 hours every week or 2. I know what I want when it's done. Just keep taking baby steps to get there.
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Post by ES_97Sport on Sept 15, 2015 16:49:48 GMT -5
Hey Dirk, thanks for the reply. I've seen a couple of installs that used the computer fans. I don't have a huge amp in my forward compartment, just a 450.4 so I'll see how it goes. No sub for now. I got everything installed today and it looks pretty good. Of course, whenever I install anything there are always problems at fist. I had to move the ground wire connection and now the rear speakers are not working. I'll tackle that tomorrow and hope for the best. Did you mount those in the rear cargo area in the floor gear compartment(s)? With the lids closed? BAD idea.  Those compartments are pretty well insulated. Without air flow your amp(s) going to bake. Fans alone will not work. You have to have a way to exhaust the heat. Edward |
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Post by dirk on Sept 15, 2015 19:20:32 GMT -5
Yeah any amp that gets pushed had while sealed in there will fry.
Currently just the single underpowered little amp that is barely being used in there now. Once I switch out my speakers again (put in cheap 2 ways 6.5s when I got it), and am running all 5 channels amp powered I will have 2 180mm computer fans running in a push pull configuration. And they will be installed into the fake floor covering the compartment. And the top side of it you will just see the custom aluminum fan grills. Besides the 2 fan grills and the sub woofer grill mounted flush into the floor of the cargo area, it will all look stock.
Cargo compartment makes a perfect stock looking amp rack, but must have fresh air going in and out of it
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Post by ES_97Sport on Sept 16, 2015 17:10:01 GMT -5
... Cargo compartment makes a perfect stock looking amp rack, but must have fresh air going in and out of it That is does, but definitely needs air flow. I figured out long ago not to put anything that would melt in there during the summer. Edward |
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Post by pinstryper on Oct 5, 2015 19:49:42 GMT -5
Who did you go with for HID's. I am not having great luck with mine.
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Post by dirk on Oct 5, 2015 23:21:16 GMT -5
I just got a set of Kensun cheapies from Amazon. I know there are a lot of better ones, but for the price and first time doing HIDs figured worth it. I got the 55W ones not the 35W ones. I had an issue with taking apart the bulb to get it to mount in our MS dust cap. But they responded quickly with detailed directions and diagram so I knew I wouldn't destroy the bulb installing it. I then ran into one bulb wouldn't switch from low to high beam, was always on low beam. After another email they responded in about 48 hours with a tracking # for my new bulb, 2 days after that I got 2 new bulbs in, and so far so good. They might not be the highest quality out there, and only time will tell how well they hold up, but for under 40.00 it was worth a shot. And their customer service is great.
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Post by MonteroSportHonduras on Dec 4, 2015 8:28:03 GMT -5
I just got a set of Kensun cheapies from Amazon. I know there are a lot of better ones, but for the price and first time doing HIDs figured worth it. I got the 55W ones not the 35W ones. I had an issue with taking apart the bulb to get it to mount in our MS dust cap. But they responded quickly with detailed directions and diagram so I knew I wouldn't destroy the bulb installing it. I then ran into one bulb wouldn't switch from low to high beam, was always on low beam. After another email they responded in about 48 hours with a tracking # for my new bulb, 2 days after that I got 2 new bulbs in, and so far so good. They might not be the highest quality out there, and only time will tell how well they hold up, but for under 40.00 it was worth a shot. And their customer service is great. Sorry to hijack the thread. are those 55w HIDs working fine with the stock headlights? I read somewhere that they could melt the housing. |
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Post by dirk on Dec 4, 2015 11:13:48 GMT -5
Thus far no problems, stock halogen bulbs run hotter and draw more power so melting is not a problem. I did have an issue with 1 of the bulbs though, one wouldn't switch to high beam mode, and when I replaced it it would turn off by itself over hard bumps and switching between high and low beams. 3rd bulb though has been perfect. I do always have to keep my lenses clean or it disperses the light too much. (Bad for oncoming traffic) but if kept polished and clean they are quite nice.
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Post by nugget on Dec 13, 2015 3:25:43 GMT -5
I just got a set of Kensun cheapies from Amazon. I know there are a lot of better ones, but for the price and first time doing HIDs figured worth it. I got the 55W ones not the 35W ones. I had an issue with taking apart the bulb to get it to mount in our MS dust cap. But they responded quickly with detailed directions and diagram so I knew I wouldn't destroy the bulb installing it. I then ran into one bulb wouldn't switch from low to high beam, was always on low beam. After another email they responded in about 48 hours with a tracking # for my new bulb, 2 days after that I got 2 new bulbs in, and so far so good. They might not be the highest quality out there, and only time will tell how well they hold up, but for under 40.00 it was worth a shot. And their customer service is great. which did you get exactly? did you go for the 5000 or 6000? do you still have the directions and diagrams they sent? |
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Post by dirk on Dec 13, 2015 19:50:28 GMT -5
I went with the 5K, the 6K look a little blueish. Nice for show, but slightly less light output, and the higher up you go on light temp/frequency the reactive your eyes are. Blue lights are more blinding than a red light to on coming traffic.
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Those compartments are pretty well insulated. Without air flow your amp(s) going to bake. 
