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Empty V

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181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

  My New Audio Modifications


Hey everyone, I'm still pretty new here and have learned a ton from everyone, thanks for being such a great source of info. I'd be a much poorer man without this forum! I used to have a really decent head unit in my 01 QX4(Pioneer DEH-BT9800) but being the electronics addict I am I had to upgrade to a Nav Unit a year later and re-do pretty much everything.

I had already put in a set of JL Audio component(mid range plus tweeter) speakers in the front a year ago but decided it's time for some new speakers in the back doors and subs. My old subs reached their 10th birthday last year and the box I built for them took up the entire trunk, and I'm too old for 12" subs now. So I was also forced to buy a new sub amp and an amp to power the door speakers. I built the sub box with 3/4" MDF with a partition in the middle and cut all the wood on a C&C router with respect to the air space required by subs. The great thing about C&C equipment is that the box is accurate down the the .001".

List of parts:

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Nav Unit with iPod Cable
XM Nav Traffic Unit
Pioneer Bluetooth Interface
Pioneer Backup Camera
JL Audio 10" Subs in the trunk
JL Audio for the front doors
Pioneer D-Series in the back doors
MTX Thunder Elite 400w amp for door speakers
MTX 600w Thunder Amp for the subs
Relay for amp triggers
Stinger 4AWG/8AWG Power Terminal Block and 150AMP Fuse

now for a few pics

My baby, you can see the backup camera right above the license plate

Sub Amp is in the little storage area under the carpet in the trunk



Modified by Empty V at 11:24 PM 2/17/2008


Modified by Empty V at 7:13 PM 2/18/2008

Modified by Empty V at 1:18 PM 2/19/2008



Audio Modifications on my 01 QX4
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/314727

Everyone keeps asking me "why do you keep putting money into your car?" and the only explanation I have is "because it's not worth anything" I don't get it either!

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Door Speaker amp in place of factory bose amp with relays remounted.

Power Terminal Block

Amp controls are easy to access through the vent with a small screwdriver

What it looks like through the vents

Subs

AVIC-D3 Deck
The knob on the bottom left is the sub gain control

Thanks for taking the time to check out my QX4!

Billy

Modified by Empty V at 11:29 PM 2/17/2008


Modified by Empty V at 11:41 PM 2/17/2008

Modified by Empty V at 4:47 PM 2/18/2008

audtatious
CIO



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20217 posts
2002 Maxima SE - 2008 G37s
Jeff/Louisville
10-27-2002

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Nice, how does it sound?

What JL's are you running in the doors? I'm running the XR650 components and they seem to do a pretty good job.








Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (audtatious)


Quote, originally posted by audtatious »
Nice, how does it sound?

What JL's are you running in the doors? I'm running the XR650 components and they seem to do a pretty good job.

I'm really happy with the way it sounds. I've got the VR650's in the front. BTW having the sub gain in the front is pretty slick, especially without that crappy looking metal case it came in with the overly bright LED.

Billy

audtatious
CIO



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20217 posts
2002 Maxima SE - 2008 G37s
Jeff/Louisville
10-27-2002

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


I have my sub amp directly off the headunits sub-out and do not adjust the gain during normal operation (tho I could if I bought the kit for the amp). Instead I have an in-dash PPI PAR-225 pre-amp for the front speakers and can simply turn down the gain of the front speakers for more bass. I'm only running a Kicker C10a right now anyway since my old JL 12w6v1 finally bit the big one.....
Empty V

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181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (audtatious)


My sub amp is wired the same way, this knob is wired to the amp and came with it for free. I've also got independent sub control through the head unit but this is so much easier. To do it through the deck I have to go through 3 menus and it's dangerous to do while driving because it's all touch screen and you have to take your eyes off the road to do it.

Billy

Quote, originally posted by audtatious »
I have my sub amp directly off the headunits sub-out and do not adjust the gain during normal operation (tho I could if I bought the kit for the amp). Instead I have an in-dash PPI PAR-225 pre-amp for the front speakers and can simply turn down the gain of the front speakers for more bass. I'm only running a Kicker C10a right now anyway since my old JL 12w6v1 finally bit the big one.....

audtatious
CIO



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20217 posts
2002 Maxima SE - 2008 G37s
Jeff/Louisville
10-27-2002

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


I don't mess with mine after they are set altho I can sling through it quickly with the remote control. I simply adjust with the PPI gain knob
Qxxx4



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490 posts
1999.5 Infiniti QX4
Brampton ON
1-6-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (audtatious)


give us the stats, total parts cost and hours of labour...thats such a clean install you obviously have been doing this for a while! very nice work




http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2344399

KoukiS14
Pathfinder / QX4 Moderator



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1980 posts
99.5 QX4 & 05 Saabaru 2.5i
Lafayette IN
3-31-2003

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Qxxx4)


Holy crap. . I'm very impressed. .




WINNIPEGS_MOST_WANTED

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95 posts
2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Winnipeg MB
6-15-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Clean install - Very nice!
Empty V

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181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Qxxx4)


Thanks for the compliments everyone. I really am not into showing off my amps and subs so I try to keep everything clean and very low profile. Just to clarify I did not do all of the work myself. I designed and pieced all of the components together because I knew what I wanted, and I also built and wired the sub woofer box.

Breakdown, and some of this stuff I got at dealer cost so if you don't have access to a wholesale distributor it would be a little more expensive.

AVIC-D3X Package (AVIC-D3, bluetooth unit, remote and iPod Cable) - $699 +$200 mail in rebate
GEX-P10XMT XM Nav Traffic Tuner - $153
NDBC2 Pioneer Backup Camera - $179
SPK5241R Wiring Kit with 150amp Fuse - $47
Power Connecting Block - $7
TE-404 MTX Thunder Elite 4 Channel Amplifier - 207.00
TSD-1602R Pioneer D-Series Speakers - $86
600XD MTX Thunder Series 600w Subwoofer Amplifier - 180.00
JL Audio 10w1V2.8 woofers - $200
Sub Box materials - $45
JL Audio Component Door Speakers - $300
2 x 6meter Paired RCA's $38.00

Total ------------------- $1,943(rebate included)

Labor hours - 17

There's no way I would have spent this much money on my car audio video, so I sold my old system for about $700 in order to offset the cost. The majority of these products were purchased at cost so if it would be almost twice as much if I would have bought everything at retail, damn that's a lot of money, what a ripoff!

Billy

fueler



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2061 posts
1999.5 QX4
San Diego / Baja California
1-16-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Nice JL's!!

You have the older (97-99) 16" QX4 rims on your 2001






1999.5 Infiniti QX4 - Brembo discs, Hawk HPS pads, BFG's on Eagle Alloys, KYB GR2's, JimWolf intake
Empty V

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181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (fueler)


Thanks Fueler! What do the 01 rims look like? I had no idea that mine were not the style intended for the vehicle.

Billy

Quote, originally posted by fueler »
Nice JL's!!

You have the older (97-99) 16" QX4 rims on your 2001



Empty V

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181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Well we ran into a little problem. I'm getting a little bit of engine noise so we rerouted the cables and it's still present at around 3000rpm. I'm going to try grounding my RCA's form my amps and hopefully that will solve it.

Billy

fueler



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2061 posts
1999.5 QX4
San Diego / Baja California
1-16-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Quote, originally posted by Empty V »
Thanks Fueler! What do the 01 rims look like? I had no idea that mine were not the style intended for the vehicle.

Billy


2001+ come from the factory with 17" wheels like this


97-00 qx4's came with slightly smaller 16",




KoukiS14
Pathfinder / QX4 Moderator



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1980 posts
99.5 QX4 & 05 Saabaru 2.5i
Lafayette IN
3-31-2003

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (fueler)


Sure the 17s weren't an option (very popular, but an option)? I've seen a Qx4 in town with 16" wheels that was 01+.
Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (KoukiS14)


How can you tell if yours is an 2001 or 2001.5? They had a stepchild in 01 right? At least my service repair manual has two sets of PDF's.

Billy

pathfinder_top_gear5

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24 posts

Street Racers Lounge NY
1-10-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


very nice set up!




ubpsanity

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59 posts
2001 Pathfinder SE, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Kitchener Ontario
11-30-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Quote, originally posted by Empty V »
you can see the backup camera right above the license plate

Actually, I can't see it. Which is a good thing.

How did you run the wiring for your backup camera? Did you have to drill any holes, or was there a hole for you to use? I have one and I need to install it sometime, but the last time I checked, there was no way to easily get the wiring inside. Keep in mind, I have a Pathfinder, but I doubt there'd be much difference.

Also, the install looks really good.

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (ubpsanity)


Well that one was a little difficult. We started from the outside in. We drilled a hole right above the license plate where we mounted the camera and fished the wire up the tailgate and through the rubber grommet on the right side(where top of tailgate meets car the roof of the car). From there we made our way down the left side of the car, up the kick plate on the drivers area and into the dash. Running it through the door was the biggest pain the rest is simple.

Hope this helps!

Billy

Quote, originally posted by ubpsanity »

Actually, I can't see it. Which is a good thing.

How did you run the wiring for your backup camera? Did you have to drill any holes, or was there a hole for you to use? I have one and I need to install it sometime, but the last time I checked, there was no way to easily get the wiring inside. Keep in mind, I have a Pathfinder, but I doubt there'd be much difference.

Also, the install looks really good.


mcfizzle

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11 posts
S12 hatch, Pathfinder
Portland OR
2-22-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Very cool set up.

I was looking to get mine set up with a pretty good one too for a while... Never came to fruition now I gotta sell the Pathy, lol.

I was looking for...

Pioneer AVIC-D3 w/ Bluetooth, iPod and backup camera options
2x Infiniti Kappa Perfect components
Alpine PLV-7 powered sub enclosure

ubpsanity

Offline

59 posts
2001 Pathfinder SE, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Kitchener Ontario
11-30-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Quote, originally posted by Empty V »
Well that one was a little difficult. We started from the outside in. We drilled a hole right above the license plate where we mounted the camera and fished the wire up the tailgate and through the rubber grommet on the right side(where top of tailgate meets car the roof of the car). From there we made our way down the left side of the car, up the kick plate on the drivers area and into the dash. Running it through the door was the biggest pain the rest is simple.

Hope this helps!

Billy

No, it doesn't help, I was hoping you'd found some magic way of doing it :-)

Looks like that's what I will be doing in the spring. But thanks.. At least it isn't anywhere near a hard job.

99QX4
Dano's Assistant



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2151 posts
99.5 QX4, 07 G35
Long Island, NY
1-26-2003

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (ubpsanity)


Very nice...i've been trying to check out this post for a few days but the connection where i was at took too long to load all the pics, but now i'm home and finally get to see your work. Again, very nicely done.




Chris92SE



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151 posts
1992 Maxima
The Dalles Oregon
6-29-2006

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Stereo looks nice. I keep wanting to install a system in my QX4, but with the rising fuel costs, I am thinking about trading it in on a Rogue.

Do you have a cargo cover to conceal the subs? It seems like they are very visible and I would be worried about theft.

Those wheels are the standard wheels. According to information I have read, the 17s were an option with the premium package.

Premium Package =
17-inch wheels and tires,
wood/leather steering wheel
driver's memory seat
steering wheel-mounted audio controls

Sport Package =
front and rear heated seats
limited-slip differential







Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (ubpsanity)


Quote, originally posted by ubpsanity »

No, it doesn't help, I was hoping you'd found some magic way of doing it :-)

Looks like that's what I will be doing in the spring. But thanks.. At least it isn't anywhere near a hard job.

It's actually not as bad as it seems. Once you pop the plastic off that rear door it's pretty easy to fish the wire through. Good luck!

Billy

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Chris92SE)


Quote, originally posted by Chris92SE »
Stereo looks nice. I keep wanting to install a system in my QX4, but with the rising fuel costs, I am thinking about trading it in on a Rogue.

Do you have a cargo cover to conceal the subs? It seems like they are very visible and I would be worried about theft.

Those wheels are the standard wheels. According to information I have read, the 17s were an option with the premium package.

Premium Package =
17-inch wheels and tires,
wood/leather steering wheel
driver's memory seat
steering wheel-mounted audio controls

Sport Package =
front and rear heated seats
limited-slip differential


No cargo cover yet but my tint job is pretty dark, impossible to see through during the day unless you cup the window with your hands. when I bought the car used it didn't have the cover, such a bummer. I have to see if it will even clear the box, probably something I should have thought of before I designed it.

So I guess my cover is blown, now everyone knows I don't have the premium package I do have memory seats though!

Billy

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Quote, originally posted by KoukiS14 »
Holy crap. . I'm very impressed. .

Quote, originally posted by WINNIPEGS_MOST_WANTED »
Clean install - Very nice!

Quote, originally posted by pathfinder_top_gear5 »
very nice set up!

Quote, originally posted by mcfizzle »
Very cool set up.

I was looking to get mine set up with a pretty good one too for a while... Never came to fruition now I gotta sell the Pathy, lol.

I was looking for...

Pioneer AVIC-D3 w/ Bluetooth, iPod and backup camera options
2x Infiniti Kappa Perfect components
Alpine PLV-7 powered sub enclosure

Quote, originally posted by 99QX4 »
Very nice...i've been trying to check out this post for a few days but the connection where i was at took too long to load all the pics, but now i'm home and finally get to see your work. Again, very nicely done.

Thanks again everyone for the compliments and support, unfortunately I'm still not done though. My next and hopefully last step is to install sound proofing material all throughout the car.

and

The first one will be used for the doors and the 2nd one will be used under the carpet and above the headliner. I'm doing it more for the reason to lower the amount of road noise than to improve the sound system, luckily this will accomplish both.

Billy

SnowSurfLax



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485 posts
1999 QX4, 2006 M35
San Diego CA
4-15-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Let me know how the soundproofing goes. I'd like to eliminate more road noise myself.

As for a cargo cover, I have the exact color scheme as your QX and would gladly sell you the one I never use. Let me know if you're interested.



I'm an mp... uh, well, not anymore.
slickroger



Offline

304 posts
Nissan Pathfinder 2001
Brampton Ontario
1-6-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (SnowSurfLax)


very nice install!

i had my friends mother make a quilt cover for my sub box ill snap a picture and let you guys and gals see it. its a checkered flag setup. I have some wires to run in from the outside aswell.

I bought a chrome tip for my tailpipe it has 2 sets of LEDs on it blue and red. i plan on hooking the red up to my brake lights and the blue to my reverse lights. just curious if there is a way in the trunk from under the vehicle.

holla back at me



Doin it for R50's Everywhere
Check out my 2001 Pathfinder:http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3004068
NICO thread with some of my mods:http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/350117

catsnet

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7 posts
2001 QX4
Toronto Ont
12-21-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Billy
what did you use for the stereo kit (or did you fabricated one yourself)??
everything that I see on the market is single din size.
thanks
Alex
Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (SnowSurfLax)


Quote, originally posted by SnowSurfLax »
Let me know how the soundproofing goes. I'd like to eliminate more road noise myself.

As for a cargo cover, I have the exact color scheme as your QX and would gladly sell you the one I never use. Let me know if you're interested.

I started the soundproofing a few hours ago. I ended up buying a couple of dynamat bulk packs because that's all my distributor had in stock. So far just to do the tailgate it's taken me about 2 hours but a lot of that is figuring out how to work with the material properly. I've pulled off the driver's side rear door and that looks a heck of a lot easier. It's much more wide open in there so less pieces will be needed. I'm hoping that the front door will be just as easy, I doubt it though. I'll take a few pics with my iPhone and upload them soon.

Thanks!

Billy

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (catsnet)


Hey Alex, we ripped a bracket out of a 2001 pathfinder which worked out perfectly. That was one of the biggest physical issues we ran into. For a second I thought I would have had to take my D3 deck back, that would have been a real bummer. I'm not sure but you might be able to get one from a nissan dealer. So far from my research none of the companies like scosche make a mounting solution for this application. I'm quickly finding a lot of things like this pop up, I'm guessing it's from the QX4's limited production life.

Billy

Quote, originally posted by catsnet »
Billy
what did you use for the stereo kit (or did you fabricated one yourself)??
everything that I see on the market is single din size.
thanks
Alex


Modified by Empty V at 10:36 AM 3/1/2008

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (slickroger)


Can't help you out there. Don't want to sound like a jerk but I wouldn't feel right contributing to a modification like that, sorry bro you're on your own.

Billy

Quote, originally posted by slickroger »
very nice install!

i had my friends mother make a quilt cover for my sub box ill snap a picture and let you guys and gals see it. its a checkered flag setup. I have some wires to run in from the outside aswell.

I bought a chrome tip for my tailpipe it has 2 sets of LEDs on it blue and red. i plan on hooking the red up to my brake lights and the blue to my reverse lights. just curious if there is a way in the trunk from under the vehicle.

holla back at me


fueler



Offline

2061 posts
1999.5 QX4
San Diego / Baja California
1-16-2007

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


^^^ hahahha great answer


hey empty v you still want that cargo cover


Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


here's a few pics I took with my phone of the rear driver's side door and tailgate.

Sorry for the poor quality, not my normal camera.

Billy

Empty V

Offline

181 posts
2001 Infinity QX4
Thousand Oaks CA
1-21-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (fueler)


Quote, originally posted by fueler »
^^^ hahahha great answer


hey empty v you still want that cargo cover

LOL thanks! Looks like I might be down in your area March 15th, I'll find out in the next day or two. I'll send you an email.

Billy

slickroger



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304 posts
Nissan Pathfinder 2001
Brampton Ontario
1-6-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)



locodonkey

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2 posts
2001 Infiniti QX4
Tucson AZ
5-2-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (Empty V)


Regarding the Pathfinder din chassis:

I am dealing with this issue myself - do you know the part numbers for the bracket(s). I called local dealer, he said its two parts a right and left, numbers being 280394w400/280384w400. Does this sound right or was it just one part for your. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Regards

LocoPathfinder

Offline

13 posts
2002 Pathfinder SE
Abby BC
7-28-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (slickroger)


very very nice!! you guys have very nice set ups!!! i need to post some pics of my whip
tresk21

Offline

11 posts
2002 Nissan Pathfinder
Auburn AL
7-30-2008

 « Re: My New Audio Modifications (locodonkey)


Quote, originally posted by locodonkey »
Regarding the Pathfinder din chassis:

I am dealing with this issue myself - do you know the part numbers for the bracket(s). I called local dealer, he said its two parts a right and left, numbers being 280394w400/280384w400. Does this sound right or was it just one part for your. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Regards


I'm planning on adding a DD radio as well. I'm new to owning a Pathy, but I install car electronics for a living. The brackets usually come in two pieces. When you're installing, even a din sized radio, sometimes you have to remove them from the factory deck and use them. So if I had to bet, I'd say those are the right part numbers.


And BTW... NICE install... I was thinking of doing the same thing with my sub amp as soon as I saw that compartment:)

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