Amp power wire and Component speakers for 2000 Accord Sedan

[BreakDanceKorea]

I'm still debating if I want to put my 4 channel amp/sub in the car, or if I just want upgrade the front and rear speakers, run them off the head unit, and call it a day. I was trying to get an idea for what difficulties I'd encounter and this is what I'm wondering about thus far:

Running the amp power wire through the firewall looks more difficult than it was on my old Civic. On the Civic, there was a convenient grommet on the passenger side. On this Accord, I see an inconvenient plastic grommet on the passenger side, but it looks like all of the AC/vent system stuff will be in the way on the other side of the firewall. I couldn't find anything on the driver's side, although someone in another thread mentioned there should be a place. One good image would be helpful, but Google didn't turn up anything.

The other obstacle would be the front stage. If I decide to proceed with the amp/sub, then the front amp channels will run a front stage and I'll remove the rear deck speakers from the car. But I'm not sure how difficult it will be to install a component set. The factory tweeter locations look to be a pain, and my research has shown no aftermarket bracket for aftermarket tweeters in those locations, so I'm thinking I'd simply desolder one wire from each factory tweeter, tape it off, and then leave them where they're at. Then I could use the existing factory wire going into the doors to wire to the crossovers (I really don't want to try to run new wire into the doors, and deal with breaking those factor wire harness plugs). But where is the best place for the tweeters to be mounted on the doors? And will I have trouble finding crossover mounting room in the doors? (I haven't decided on component set yet).

Another option would be a pair of coaxes for a front stage, like the Alpine SPR-60's, which have both high and low pass filters on them. I'm sure I'd have to cut some spacer rings for them since Crutchfield says they won't fit, but that's not a big deal.

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[bbeljefe]

If it were me there would be no debate. Yes, running wire in a modern car is difficult but, it can and is being done every day by everyone from professionals to complete novices.

The question to ask is, how important is good sound.... to you? The answer to that question will determine how much trouble you're willing to go through.

If you want a good sounding front stage, put the component tweets in the factory locations. Those locations weren't chosen out of convenience, they were chosen through researching where tweeters work best in that vehicle and you should capitalize on that research rather than just doing what seems easier.

On the other hand, if you don't really care how it sounds, just leave the system as is and save yourself all the worry. Or, if you only care a little bit about how it sounds but want to make it louder, then install the amp on the factory speakers. And if you want it louder and just a little better sounding, then add coaxials.

None of those is a right or wrong thing to do. It's just preference. But again, if you want a good sounding front stage, then do the work of running the wires.

You only have to run them once... if you do it correctly the first time. ;-)

 

[BreakDanceKorea]

If it were me there would be no debate. Yes, running wire in a modern car is difficult but, it can and is being done every day by everyone from professionals to complete novices.
The question to ask is, how important is good sound.... to you? The answer to that question will determine how much trouble you're willing to go through.

If you want a good sounding front stage, put the component tweets in the factory locations. Those locations weren't chosen out of convenience, they were chosen through researching where tweeters work best in that vehicle and you should capitalize on that research rather than just doing what seems easier.

On the other hand, if you don't really care how it sounds, just leave the system as is and save yourself all the worry. Or, if you only care a little bit about how it sounds but want to make it louder, then install the amp on the factory speakers. And if you want it louder and just a little better sounding, then add coaxials.

None of those is a right or wrong thing to do. It's just preference. But again, if you want a good sounding front stage, then do the work of running the wires.

You only have to run them once... if you do it correctly the first time. ;-)

The factory speakers sound like hammered dog shît. So at the very least, I'll replace the door and rear deck speakers with some reasonable alpine coaxes that can run efficiently off the head unit. But if I'm going to through the trouble to run the amp power wire/rca's/etc, then I'll definitely do just a front stage with a sub and remove the rear deck speakers.

I just don't want my car sitting in the driveway, undriveable, while I try to figure the dynamics of this install out by trial and error. I don't have the luxury of a garage or an extra car to drive while I take my time. So that's where the hesitation comes in. I've done several full installs in Civics before, but they were a bit easier to figure out as far as installation goes.

How important is good sound to me? I'm not sure anymore--I'm older now and have a lot more going on. I can't invest the time/money like I could years ago. I'd like to think just changing out the factory speakers would be enough to make me happy these days, but I wouldn't know until I did it.

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

O...k..

Are you sure you even want to change your system?

Idk man... it's alot of work.. Then if you screw something up your really screwed...

I'd re think this...

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[BreakDanceKorea]

O...k..Are you sure you even want to change your system?

Idk man... it's alot of work.. Then if you screw something up your really screwed...

I'd re think this...

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I'm not sure if I want to run amp power wire or install a component set. That's why I posted this thread--was hoping someone would have a picture of where the power wire is supposed to go through the firewall, or suggestions on the best way to install a component set for my gen accord.

 

[BreakDanceKorea]

O...k..Are you sure you even want to change your system?

Idk man... it's alot of work.. Then if you screw something up your really screwed...

I'd re think this...

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I'm not sure if I want to run amp power wire or install a component set. That's why I posted this thread--was hoping someone would have a picture of where the power wire is supposed to go through the firewall, or suggestions on the best way to install a component set for my gen accord.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

I'm not sure if I want to run amp power wire or install a component set. That's why I posted this thread--was hoping someone would have a picture of where the power wire is supposed to go through the firewall, or suggestions on the best way to install a component set for my gen accord.

What side of the car is the battery on? If worse comes to worst just drill a hole (make sure you won't hit anything on the other side, such as fuel, brake, or vacuum lines) and plug it up with silicone. That's what I have to do with my 2 runs of 0ga. running between my batteries.

 

[BreakDanceKorea]

What side of the car is the battery on? If worse comes to worst just drill a hole (make sure you won't hit anything on the other side, such as fuel, brake, or vacuum lines) and plug it up with silicone. That's what I have to do with my 2 runs of 0ga. running between my batteries.

Battery is on the driver side. But yeah, how would I even know if I'd hit anything until I drilled? I really don't want to drill through.

I posted my amp and sub on craigslist, and if they'll sell, I'm just gonna do the 4 speaker replacement and call it a day.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

Battery is on the driver side. But yeah, how would I even know if I'd hit anything until I drilled? I really don't want to drill through.
I posted my amp and sub on craigslist, and if they'll sell, I'm just gonna do the 4 speaker replacement and call it a day.

By looking... Pull the car up on ramps and take a look.

 

[shauncox26]

If it is like my accord right below the brake booster assembly is a grommet that cam be used but it is difficult with one person. Inside under the dash next to the brake pedal will be a break in ur factory damping material which u can pull back to access the interior portion of the grommet. U can either cut a portion of the grommet away or route the wire in beside it and push it back closed. It's easier said than done by one person but with two people one on inside one on out should be peace of cake. Hope this helps can't get pics of mine as it is dark as **** and no light source.

 

[BreakDanceKorea]

By looking... Pull the car up on ramps and take a look.

No ramps. I realize a lot of people on here have garages, large tool chests, and even houses, but I live in a studio apartment.

If it is like my accord right below the brake booster assembly is a grommet that cam be used but it is difficult with one person. Inside under the dash next to the brake pedal will be a break in ur factory damping material which u can pull back to access the interior portion of the grommet. U can either cut a portion of the grommet away or route the wire in beside it and push it back closed. It's easier said than done by one person but with two people one on inside one on out should be peace of cake. Hope this helps can't get pics of mine as it is dark as **** and no light source.

Thanks. That actually would be helpful, but I've decided not to pursue this hobby anymore. Just don't have the time.

Thanks for the input everyone, but I'm out...permanently.

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

Lold hard at entire thread.