I just wanted to thank everyone that helped me with my install / stereo questions. I finished my little project yesterday and am now just tuning the system to my liking.

A quick summary of what I did and lessons learned along the way:

(1) Already had an previously installed an Alpine 9856 headunit and iPod
(2) Memphis Audio MCH600 5 channel amplifier
(3) Memphis Audio 6.5 M Class components front
(4) Memphis Audio 6.5 M Class coaxials rear
(5) Memphis Audio 12" M Class subwoofer in a ~1 cubic ft. sealed box
(6) eDead80 sound deadening

I ran the rca cables (2 sets) down the center tunnel on the drivers side.

I ran a 4awg power line through the grommet on the passenger side of the firewall that also has my boost line / vacuum line as well as my oil pressure and temperature wires. I ran the power line along the side (under the carpet and plastic trim pieces) -- it is completely hidden and there are no bumps.

I ran the ground, also 4awg to the center bolt that holds the rear seat back down. I did sand the paint off around the bolt hole and was able to get a nice ground < 0.2 ohms with the cable.

I mounted the front crossovers under each respective front seat and ran the speaker wires along the tunnel and then over to the crossover (under the carpet) -- relatively easy since the carpet is really not held down by any glue. From the crossovers, I ran the speaker wires along the sides, up through the door and up the A pillar. I was a tad concerned about running the speaker wire through the door, but it really was rather straight forward with a coat hanger -- my recommendation is to start inside the car and push the the rod / hanger through the door boot, tape the wires to the hanger, and then pull through....

I wanted the system to be very clean / stealth, so I used the factory tweeter location (and so far have the tweeters set to -5 db) -- I don't like overly bright systems. Mounting the tweeters on the A pillar was a pain for me to get perfect, but is possible with patience -- I wanted the tweeters to align perfectly with the grill. I used an epoxy to hold the tweeter to the A pillar -- I hope it holds, but if not I can screw the tweeter to the pillar. (The only reason I did not go that route, was that I had trouble drilling the pillar and decided to test the epoxy . )

For all of the woofers, I made a 1/2 MDF spacer / baffle. Installing the fronts was straight forward, but the rears were a real pain in the neck . Basically I had to trim the factory plastic grill to get it back on and screwing the speaker / MDF down to the rear shelf is a really pain as there is very little space (with the rear window in place) to screw the rear two bolts.

I made an amp board and just free handed the shape to closely match the contours of the trunk. I also screwed in a piece of MDF to the cross-member behind the rear seats, so I could screw the amp board to something. (An obvious note -- don't cut MDF inside the car as it will likely spew dust everywhere and smoke up the car -- dohhhhhh!!! )

As far as sound goes -- unreal with the car off. The speakers are so clean and smooth. I enjoy music, but don't go nuts when it comes to equipment -- generally get stuff in the Boston Acoustic, Klipsch, Velodyne category. I honestly believe the Memphis Audio M Class speakers are in the same league or better than the Boston Acoustic Pro stuff. Bottom line, I am very happy with how the car sounds. I preface all of this with the fact that this is with the car off -- the noise of the exhaust just ruins acoustics IMHO and is a big issue with me right now -- fed up with the loud droning exhaust. I am going to drive the car today and will know how much the sound deadening helped with the loud exhaust, but I doubt it will address that issue. That said, there are no rattles when cranking the system beyond levels at which I could bear....

I still need to secure the subwoofer box.

(Sorry for no pictures...I have plenty, but have not yet reduced their size so as to be able to post...PITA...I'll post pictures later...)

 

sounds like a similiar setup to what I have. I put my crossovers for my Alpines in the doors (theres a square-ish) hole I was able to put them in and reduced wiring some. Not sure if your co's are bigger?
Just to share I did an all Alpine with rockford wiring and no subs, I prefer good highs over lows. Also put my tweeters in the factoring position but with screws. Interesting to see how the epoxy holds.

Sounds like a killer set up enjoy it!

O, and...

Get the pics asap!!!

 

Here are a few pictures after the installation was completed...I still need to decided on the subwoofer location, secure it, and hide the wire....

 

are those dual VC coaxials? I love the subs cone look. I have some extra memphis stickers and a decal if you want them

 

People keep telling me i should try out memphis, but im still skeptical.

 

Thanks guys...I don't like stickers ....In terms of quality the speakers and amp are awesome and definitely in the higher end / pro level (IMHO)....

 

haha alrighty, just thought i'd offer. A friend of mine used to own a memphis shop and , long story short, he was stupid about it and closed. so I got tones of stickers and decals and stuff from him

 

Very nice....looks like you did it right