So after a delay from a bad stereo shop, my Rockford Fosgate Overload is installed. For those that are interested, here are some install pics/tips:
I found this shop online with some great prices:
http://www.audiovideodimension.com/
They have been great to deal with...and their prices are fantastic. I purchased the RF Overload, a RF 8-ga amp wiring kit, and the PEQ remote. They even gave me 5% back on my purchase because they had a sale on RF items. Anyway, everything together was under $500!
So on with the install. First, here are some wiring diagrams that you'll need to look over to see where you need to tap:
For the best possible sound, I decided to tap into the rear speakers from the head deck, before it goes into the Bose amp. The signal is called "low-level" signals. (High-level or Speaker-level is after the amp) The Overload can take either, but if you use low-level, you have to use a remote turn on. Luckily, the Bose system has a separate amp for the OEM subwoofer and it has a remote turn on for the amp!
Here is a pic of where to splice into the harness. There are 2 connectors for the Bose amp, you want the larger one (B41 in the diagram).
I used 23-26 going into a cut RCA cable. It's very simple, you just cut one end of a short RCA cable and solder the left/right +/- together for each side. One cable is for the tip, the other is for the sleeve. Keep the same +/- orientation for each one and you'll be fine.
Now the power wire run...it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We decided to use the passenger side wiring harness behind the battery. You need to remove the plastic around the battery, including the lower windshield portion (see pic). Also, I used some electrical tape and silicon to seal up the wire.
Here is how I connected to the battery:
You need to remove the glove box (search for the cabin air filter replacement for that procedure). In fact, you might as well replace it while your in the area.
The wire will run down the side like this:
And down the side of the car in the sweet OEM wire trays:
For the sedan, I used mechanical fingers to get through the center pillar between the front/rear door. Then it goes into the rear seat area, (remove the rear seat bottom to make life easier...its just 2 quick connectors) still following the car wiring track:
To get into the trunk, mechanical fingers help to pull the wire through. Since the amp is on the other side, just route the wire behind the trunk cover:
You'll also notice the CAT 5 cable...this is for the PEQ which I will install later. The negative wire was easy because I used a bolt for the rear seat on the drivers side. (you just need a nut that fits, which I had in my junk drawer...a home depot run may be needed)
Here's the box mounted. We mounted it through the lower carpet with the underneath cut so the spare tire can be removed if needed:
Oh, and just to let you know, there isn't anything underneath the box to get in the way of the mounting screws...but you should check to be sure. FYI, the fuel tank is underneath the rear seat. I also used the rear seat to help keep in in place.
The install goes much faster with a friend...and one that fits in the trunk is a plus!!:
When I install the remote gain controller, I'll post up. As for the sound...100x better than OEM! Plenty of bass to shake the rear view mirror and rattle the trunk. Dynamat needs to be installed to help with that. If you know me, then you know what I had in my last car...and this upgrade is close to that output, but for much less $$!
Let me know if you have any questions!