Adding subs... 460 confusion

Acer2428 · 03-13-2004, 09:38 PM

Hi all:

I have a 98 GT w/ the Mach 460 system in it. I think the right fron speaker is torn already. I would like to replace the two front speakers (5"x7") with inifinits which doesn;t seem to be a problem, but I'd also like to:

Add a new head unit
Replace the front speakers
Add 2 10" subs.

I would not install it myself. What do I need? I would like to spend less than $500. Can I leave the mach system alone and add a sub w/ a different amp? Will the new head unit sound like crap?

WHY IS THE DAMN MACH SYSTEM SO CONFUSING!!!!

Thanks all,

Sam

2000GT4.6 · 03-14-2004, 07:20 PM

I would call before you order it, but crutchfield has a wiring harness that SUPPOSEDLY will integrate a new headunit with your factory setup.

HOWEVER its the only thing I recommend buying from crutchfield. They are extremely high priced compared to most online shops.

For good stereo buys, try www.ikesound.com or www.cbrstereo.com both places have good prices and sometimes free shipping.

Acer2428 · 03-14-2004, 08:34 PM

Thanks for the info. Crutchfield says it's all I need. But I forgot to ask one thing. If the reciever has an amp, most likely an 'MOSFET50" amp, can I just bypass the Ford amp and skip the $50 connector piece?

Krusher · 03-14-2004, 08:56 PM

yes you can just bypass the amp... That's one of the best things to do in a mach 460... get a new head unit and new speakers and bypass that amp... I hate the 460... so unupgradable... its a pos. My recommednation is to completely rewire the whole stereo system... even more so if you're planning to do aftermarket amps and subs......

Acer2428 · 03-14-2004, 09:06 PM

I really don't wanna spend the money on new amps... but if I have to...

Why new speakers? Besides the ripped one, they sound fine. I'm confused about amps. 2 channel? Mono? How do I bypass the ford amp? I want to save $$ and do the install myself.

I don't have a lot of money, nor do I feel the need ot make others liksten to my music, but I want a nice system, maybe 1 sub instead of 2... dunno.

Thanks again, but basically I need a dumbed-down answer... I know, I know.

So what I have gathered so far is:

I should get a new head unit
Replace the torn speaker
Buy the adapter kit from Cruthfield?
What's the best way to add the subs (can have those intalled by pros).

P.S. Tweeter wants $100 to install new speakers (parts not included) in the doors (bottom L&R). Does that sound right? I tried to pop off the speaker cover, but it wouldn;t budge. Do you have to remove the door panel to get to it?

THANKS AGAIN!

Krusher · 03-14-2004, 09:43 PM

stock speakers are ****... you're better off replacing them with cheap walmart brand $30 ones.... but if you want good sound get some eclipses or alpines or clarion or bostons or even polk if you can afford them.

Krusher · 03-14-2004, 09:45 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Acer2428

I really don't wanna spend the money on new amps... but if I have to...

Why new speakers? Besides the ripped one, they sound fine. I'm confused about amps. 2 channel? Mono? How do I bypass the ford amp? I want to save $$ and do the install myself.

I don't have a lot of money, nor do I feel the need ot make others liksten to my music, but I want a nice system, maybe 1 sub instead of 2... dunno.

Thanks again, but basically I need a dumbed-down answer... I know, I know.

So what I have gathered so far is:

I should get a new head unit
Replace the torn speaker
Buy the adapter kit from Cruthfield?
What's the best way to add the subs (can have those intalled by pros).

P.S. Tweeter wants $100 to install new speakers (parts not included) in the doors (bottom L&R). Does that sound right? I tried to pop off the speaker cover, but it wouldn;t budge. Do you have to remove the door panel to get to it?

THANKS AGAIN!

screw anyone who says you can't install the stuff yourself... it is so easy... if you must, get a haynes or chiltons from pep boys and it will show you step by step diagrams on how to take the doors off and replace the speakers... and rewiring??? dam... that's even easier... just pull up some carpet and start running your wire... keep the power on the other side of your rcas... or do what I did and run two powers down the sides and your racs/speaker wire up the middle.

And go to this site:

Amps for dummies

Acer2428 · 03-15-2004, 01:56 AM

Thanks so much, Krusher and others.

If I get a head unit w/ an integrated amp, do I still need that adapter from Crutchfield? I assume not. I'm going to pay Tweeter a visit and ask them some more questions. Also, I have a hayne's and will look at taking the door panel off, although it makes me semi-nervous to do so.

How would I wire the head unit to bypass the stock amp? I

Krusher · 03-15-2004, 02:04 AM

The "adapter" is to hook the head unit up to the factory wires without having to find out which wire goes with which... if you're planning a complete system swap with new wire and everything you don't need the adaptor since the only factory wires you will probably need to use is the positive power and the ignition wire... everything else will be rewired.

Also... 99.9% of head units come with integrated amps... the amp is the little piece on the back that produces sound without an external amp... There are a few that don't have this and they need an external amp to produce sound.

I take the door off all the time... it's not a big deal... I think your car has two screws and one plastic "screw"... take them out as well as the tweeter and you'll be able to take the door off.

Acer2428 · 03-15-2004, 08:36 PM

Not planning a system swap. All I want is a new head unit, replace a torn speaker or two, and add one or two 12" subs in the rear. Can anyone make a parts list for me? I assume all I need for that is

A. The speakers
B. Head Unit
C. Adapter
D. Mono Amp? 2 Channel?
E. Subs and Box
F. CB RADIO! haha. I love those things. It will go where the CD player was.

Thanks Again,

Sam