2001+ Civic install thoughts; 2k+

[PollyCranopolis 10+ year member]

I'n the process of buying a newer Civic to replace my old 92' LX. I've test drove a few, and an leaning towards a nice 02' EX, 5spd. Red, w/75k miles. Of course, I'm already planning the install in my head. Here are some of my imediate thoughts..

1. How to run power through the firewall, so I won't have to run it inside the door jams, and pinch wires like I am in my 92'

2. New sub setup in the works; Getting rid of my 2 PG Titanium 15's (too much space, single 4ohm vc, horrible cancelation). They are also sealed. Thoughts: A. Replace with 1 CV Stroker 12'. B. Add 2000w + Ported enclosure

3. Proper power; I currently have everything (RF851x + Concept 2410) run of an 80 amp fuse block that never blows. If I have any intentions of getting a full 2k from the Concept, some electrical system upgrades will be needed.

4. Stock tweeter mounts exist in the windows corners; will 1" tweets fit in the pods? Will 6'1/2's fit in the doors (without heavy panel modification).

I'm assuming theres at least a few people on here that own one of these late model Civic's (2001-2006). Any thoughts regarding the points mentioned above, or suggestions from personal expeirience would be appreciated.

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[davidfre21 5,000+ posts]

its a honda, should be all kinda of grommets to run through

how much u sellin those titaniums for?

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

easy to drill a hole through the firewall.

 

[PollyCranopolis 10+ year member]

easy to drill a hole through the firewall.

I'm guessing that would be done from the cabin, as there really no room to get a drill in behind the motor. Just leary about ****ing somthing up when I pop through the firewall into the engine compartment. There are a lot of hoses and components run in and snapped onto the firewall.

 

[9512ds 5,000+ posts]

I almost took on an 01 before I bought my Jeep. They are very nice rides, and from what I saw were easy to do audio work in.

 

[Spooby 10+ year member]

On #2, do you think it was possibly because of a bad enclosure design?

On #3, start with 0awg and work your way from there.

On #4 and #1, check out this link: Click here.

 

[PollyCranopolis 10+ year member]

I almost took on an 01 before I bought my Jeep. They are very nice rides, and from what I saw were easy to do audio work in.

Yeah, this 02' is 2dr, black interior. Little bit of wear on the window switch plate, and a chocolate stain on the back seat. Other than that, pretty emaculant.

I'm going with the EX, as they have the most powerful of the 1.7's, (127hp) and the 15' rims. Still a little expensive though. About $9,800, and not near as plush or luxurious inside as a loaded 04' EX(smoked rims, fancy guages, etc). I could almost buy a new Hyndai gas saver off the lot new for a couple grand more. My price range is only 10k though.

My 92'LX with 220k has made me a believer.

I did see some pretty nice 03' Si's on ebay, with under 80k, selling for around 10. Problem is, they are located a good 1,000 miles away.

 

[PollyCranopolis 10+ year member]

On #2, do you think it was possibly because of a bad enclosure design?
On #3, start with 0awg and work your way from there.

On #4 and #1, check out this link: Click here.

#2 Had them sealed in a 1.5 cf box, just as the manual recommends. Each sub is single 4 ohm vc, so I can't get them wired to the 1 ohm load the amp needs to run full power. There is about 2 1/2 inches of space between the subs and the trunk lid, and about 10 inches on each side to blow back into the cabin. I can say the 150lb weight in the trunk has inproved my handeling. ]

I would probably sell both PG's and box for about $300. I have the original sub boxes as well, and the manuals.

This was taken right after I got them im. Had them temp secured with some 2x4 pieces to prevent shifting. You may notice a couple dings in the cone on the left sub. Apparently some ******* at a party decided to touch the cone while they were hitting full tilt. It's 100% cosmetic however, and did nothing to effect the performance of the sub. The most these have ever gotten is 600w apiece sealed.

 

[9512ds 5,000+ posts]

Yea, I was going to take over my mom's 01 EX coupe. Luckily, I got to test drive for a month since it was our car, and I decided it just wasnt really what I wanted since I'm a big guy.

Now I don't think I could give up 4 wheel drive in the snow

 

[M@nJo 10+ year member]

i recommend you check out the 01+ civic forums. http://www.7thgencivic.com

1) their IS a firewall where you can run power wire through. ive ran 4ga easily and currently run 2ga. here is the DIY link: http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19973

and here is a big sticky based on car audio for the 01+ civics: http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210136

2)just thought id put that ive ran 2 15's in a sealed box in my civic coupe. i was able to still fit 2-3 grocery bags though haha

3) the civic has small grounding points and the big-3 is highly recommended when upgrading your audio system. some of the og members on that forum run 1200wrms daily on stock electricals and havent had a problem since. not that they blast their music every time they drive. but definately consider an HO alt as the OEM is 70a.

4)not sure on tweet pod sizes. most 6.5" speakers fit easily but those with thicker magnet/coils may need spacers. if i remember correctly, a 1" spacer is larger you can use in the 01+ civics or it'll touch the door panel when putting it back on.

and also, the OEM batt is group51. i was able to fit in a optima yellow D34 with a super tight fit. the tie down latch needed some tugging //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[PollyCranopolis 10+ year member]

Yea, I was going to take over my mom's 01 EX coupe. Luckily, I got to test drive for a month since it was our car, and I decided it just wasnt really what I wanted since I'm a big guy.
Now I don't think I could give up 4 wheel drive in the snow

was thinking of going the turck route as well. Heres the link to the thread I posted when looking for a pickup.

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191604

We get alot of snow around here somtimes, and I'm sick of getting stuck at home cause I can't travel without 4 wheel drive.

The more I thought about it however, I started to come away from the truck idea

*Though sometimes scary, my Civic has always done good in the snow, and for the most part I've been able to get where I'm going with minimum issues.

*I need a vehicle soon, before my civic finally craps out (250K) and dont have months to search for a Tacoma I can afford (really, the only truck I want).

*Considering I put about 30K a year on my vehicles, and do alot of around town driving, The cost to operate a decent truck is a big consideration. My buddies 00' Ranger 3.0 5spd barely gets 19mpg highway. Going from 38mpg to 19 sucks ***.

Just re evaluated my needs a little, and figured a high-quality small car would be the best way to go in my situation considering I'm still a college student with very little time and money. I'll admit I hate not being able to haul anything if I need to. I'm 6ft, 170 lbs, so space isnt so much an issue.

 

[davidfre21 5,000+ posts]

hmm ones if those would be nice for the bug, but i think i must resist the urge //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

those were good subs a couple years back

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

I'm guessing that would be done from the cabin, as there really no room to get a drill in behind the motor. Just leary about ****ing somthing up when I pop through the firewall into the engine compartment. There are a lot of hoses and components run in and snapped onto the firewall.

correct. there may be a cut out out on the lining on the firewall. behind the pedals. exposing the firewall. and its usually clear to drill through that area.

 

[9512ds 5,000+ posts]

im 6'1" 235 and it was more a width thing when in the car the seats werent wide enough.

I love my jeep and plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. But, I know I would've been just as happy had I gotten the civic, so either way you are making a good decision