Ok, I figured this would be the place to turn to for this question. I'm not familiar with audio systems at all, but I really want some more bass added to my stock (EX) stereo setup. So far here's what I'm thinking.
-The stock HU is integrated with the HVAC controls which makes replacing it with an aftermarket HU a pain. I've seen the Metra dash kit and truly hate how it looks, plus all the added expense it incurs. I want to keep my STOCK HU. I know this will limit my sound quality, but i'm not making a show car - I just want some more bass. I might add better speakers at a later date in the stock location.
-I don't want or need a HUGE amount of bass. A friend of mine has an E46 sedan with two 12's hooked up to a 600w amp. This is way too much (both in consumed trunk space as well as crazy bass. Don't need/want that much.)
Here's what I'm thinking:
-8" pre-amped bazooka tube. They make decent bass, they're tiny, and you have a lot of options for where to put them. I want a pre-amped one for space and simplicity; if i get a different car I can just unhook it and go. I'm thinking it'll go in the front of the trunk facing rearwards for sound dispersion.
however, what I want to know is, what else do I need?
I know Bazooka makes quick-connect kits for stock head units, but they're a little sparse on the details. I've also heard about other setups - like the BassLink? Really don't know much about this stuff.
I know I'll need a power cord run to the positive battery terminal with a big fuse in line. I also know I'll need something to interface the sub with the head unit. If it's hooked up in this manner will I be able to control the sub seperately from the speakers? Ideally i'd link to crank the bass down on the speakers and up on the sub, but if it's hooked in like this I don't know how.
Sorry for the "noob level" audio question. I'm more of a gears and wrenches type. Any help as to what else I"d need to hook a pre-amped sub up to my stock audio system would be great, or if there's a better pre-amped sub or solution I haven't thought of (that doesn't include replacing the factory HU) I'm all ears. Thanks guys!
The Accord motors do well with some boost. You can make 300 whp with a home grown turbo set up. I'd be careful though. Adding just a rear sway bar will make your car less "neutral" and cause oversteer. It's best to upgrade both front and rear sway bars. I'd also reconsider other suspension upgrades. You don't have to go low, but a mild drop with a stiffer suspension will improve handling and the safety of your vehicle. There's no point in having more power if you can't control it or keep yourself safe.
you raise some good points, however I didn't find the handling balance to be all that "neutral" from the factory with the stock 13mm sway bar. too much body roll, not enough front end grip. I would actually prefer trailing throttle oversteer to terminal understeer. I agree that the whole suspension could use an upgrade (as long as I'm not scraping the oil pan) but I've always found sway bars are the best place to start with a stock suspension.
I don't think I'll go the coilover route with this car, I generally find the ride on most coilovers to be offensive and they're usually pretty noisy. The appeal of an "install and forget" setup like Bilstein HD's and H&R springs is hard to deny, that's probably the route I'll go when I have more money. I've updated my profile thusly.
as for power, I was really just kidding about the GT2860RS, I plan to keep this one for a long time and don't want to boost it. When I have the money (aka post-graduation with a job) I want to get a GMC Syclone/Typhoon for that purpose I've been researching the compatability between K20A2 head and my car's block, it sounds like an intriguing concept. More power is definetely in the works but above all must remain reliable.
welcome to the forum....I would say your car needs a bit of a drop but then i noticed no suspension upgrades in your future mods list.
jury's still out. I like the way it rides, right now I'm focussing on it needing more power. I have the 17mm rear sway bar in now, and it's quite a nice step up but I am already thinking maybe I should've gotten the 20mm!
quoc: me too! I've been having fun finding OEM upgrades for the car so far. I am always a fan of bolting on better manufacturer parts. The first thing about the car that bothered me was the shifter, so I went whole hog on that and now it is awesome Next will be some suspension work. I listed the RSB in the wrong heading, it's actually in my trunk right now - I found out you can't use the stock support bushing brackets with the bigger bushes of the TL bar, so I am waiting till tomorrow for my nearby Acura dealer to get the parts.
Mr Eazy: the mod bug bit me a long time ago My last car (Saab 900 Turbo) was pushing 17psi of boost through a straight pipe exhaust, among other things. The one before that (a VW Jetta that was junk) had a lot of suspension work done too. I can't leave well enough alone. Also, thanks for the heads up on the color.
Future Mods and Plans: TSX IM Hondata IM Gasket SRI Hawk pads Bilstein/H&R suspension TL-S F/R sway bars (27.5/20mm) TL 17" wheels (5-spoke) Honda Foglights
Car History: purchased at 33k miles from a local carmax. It's a grey color with tan cloth, 4cyl, 5-speed manual. Replaced my Saab 900 Turbo, who's transmission imitated a hand grenade
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I've been researching the compatability between K20A2 head and my car's block, it sounds like an intriguing concept. More power is definetely in the works but above all must remain reliable.
