Lee Carter

Thanks for the reply! After doing the big 3 upgrade, and added a Optima bluetop, it really helped the voltage drop when cruising. I could hit the system pretty hard and it only drop ~.5 volts during the bass hits. I think when I first started the truck after installing it- the battery was lil low, making me think it didn't help. After driving the truck a bit and really banging on my lil 10's- the voltage doesn't drop as much. But still at idle it'll aventually settle to 12.8. Will have to get a DMM and check it on that.

Thanks for the correction- I was always told that, I apologize for the inaccurate info. I think the Kenwood KDC-HD455U is a much better deck than what you are currently running, for the system you are about to have.

welcome!

You could run a pair of RCA splitters(1 female to 2 male). I see that unit is has 2.5v preouts, so when you run splitters- you will be getting 1.25v to each plug. This shouldn't be an problem. Sample of splitter- not that I recommend the brand http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-RY6-Male-Female-Adaptor/dp/B0007LCKJQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378798605&sr=8-3&keywords=1+male+to+2+female+splitter If you run a splitter, you will have to use the amp gains to adjust your front/rear bias(fade), as obviously the radios fader wont work. I also suggest upgrading the deck though, the splitters will work. but you can buy a deck with multiple preouts for 100 or less. that is a fraction of what the IA amp and subs cost. Just Saying. EDIT- just saw you asked for suggestion, My Pioneer came from Walmart for less than 125, and it has f/r/sub preouts, and internal crossovers and sub control.

Sick looking setup, love the amp install.

Well a little update- Sub arrived today- easily the most impressive piece of audio equipment I have ever owned. Pics don't do these Subs justice. The box looked HUGE sitting on out table until I set the sub on it. DANNNG! Got the holes cut for the box and the top baffle done and on. the last pic is the sub and tool box are provide some press weight. Some pics- I guess tomorrow- We'll see if I resist the urge to throw it in the Zuk, for the ride to work this week uncarpeted.LOL

yeah- I know. I am praying it arrives in one piece.

To match my 1500.1, anyone have one laying around you'd sell? willing to pay ~200 shipped to south alabam.

ended up doing the amp trade in deal for a new one. thanks though.

Yeah, the 6yos slow you down- but they just wanna help. My 14 yo though, I put him to work.LOL In the 2rd pic- he it sweeping up the floor after we picked up the drop plastic. Never did make it to HF though- my moms b/f loaned me his router. One thing this has learned me- is that I better place, and a lot more tools, to do this kind of work.LOL But we are getting there.

Today's progress!! Gunnar(my oldest) and I got to work of the box. All together except for the top baffle. Pics- My lil man Max posing for one.LOL Now I need a circle jig. Hate to use a jigsaw- but I may have to.

Thanks guys. Got my boys today. Going to Harbor Frieght today to see if They have a trim router so I can get the box pieces trued up. hopefully, We'll get some work done.

Finished up the wiring today. Put the interior trim back together. The Big 3 definitely helped. Voltage not dropping near as bad. I think it looks real good too. Now to get the box done....Sub will be here Monday or Tuesday. Here are the pics from today. Included a pic of the 15 yr old GS Redlines. They doing work though....shake the Zuk pretty good.

Well worked all afternoon, but got the under hood electrical upgrade done! Big 3 and the power lead ran to the back. Still have to put the interior panels back on...no biggie, and hook up the Amp, and replace the Amp to ground wire. I think I didn't give the executioner wire it proper due. It must be true to gauge, I BARELY got it into the fuse blocks. it is very easy to work with too....I like it. If you don't need OFC- I highly recommend it. I paid 70 bucks shipped for 50' of it from CTSounds. The Sky High terminals and shrink wraps are kick ass...never spent the money to used shrink wrap...but it really cleans up the wiring. And the lil 16 dollar hammer crimper makes good tight connections. Maybe I'll step up to solder on my next install. I'll get some pics of the finished product tomorrow- it was too dark for my phone to get anything good when I was done. But here is some of the install pics from today.

I just realized how huge those pics are when you attach the using the forum tool. I am going to upload everything to the Bucket, the host them from there to make the thread easier to read. My Apologies. Been a busy guy today...update coming after I eat.

Actually- while laying some stuff out tonight- they are off slightly...like the saw wasn't exactly square. But they are off to the long side(like one side is dead on, the other ~1/8-3/16 long)- I believe I can straighten them out with a router. I am picking up a router on lend tomorrow. So tonight I am double checking all the wood, and marking the corrections needed. Prolly much better than if I had made the cuts myself.LOL had a package from CTSounds/Audio Tecknix when I got home. Bought some more items I need. an Idea on the wire thickness.

Thanks Nigel- I have 4 boys- 1 2yo, twin 6yo's, and my 14yo. I am twice divorced, but enjoy all the time I can with them. Got off work yesterday in Houma LA, went to Lowes, and they wouldn't cut the wood to spec- so I left there and went to the Home Depot down the street. and they hooked me up. also bought a compressor brad nailer combo! Somewhere in there a box is hiding.LOL Also had a stash of stuff waiting for me when I made it home to Alabam. The Executioner Audio Cable is pretty nice- though maybe not as thick as Knu, or Sky High. the outer diameter of the insulation it the same size as the Sky High 1awg terminals I bought....but I believe for this build it will be fine. May double run it Just in case(hell even then it is cheaper than 1 run of OFC 1awg). well off to town for some other supplies.

greeting from south alabam...

I hear you on that- I have 4 boys...a 2yo, twin 6yo's, and 14yo. Patience is a virtue I had to aquire.LOL

No- I am not sure. The HO Alt will be decided after the install and after the battery. Not sure where I could put a second battery. The 75' of wire it to do the electrical on the Zuk, and the big three on my Passat, and maybe the 'Burb. The Zuk has a 80 amp alternator, but the voltage takes huge hits on hard bass. Iraggi qouted me about 4 bills to build a 160 amp unit. But it may just need the wiring.(fingers crossed) Thanks Nem! The plan for the Burb will be much larger scale than the Zuk. 2 18's on ~4-5K watts. That'll be early next year. Planning a Winch bumper and a 12K winch before the Audio for it.

I figured with only about 1500 watts CCA would do. They(Executioner Audio) had it spec'd for 250 amps over 20'(Same as KnuKonceptz KCA)...but we all know that they can claim whatever they want to. Got a quote from Irragi for an Alt, gonna email Singer today. I figure a XS2400 and a 160-200amp Alt is in its near future. But trying to keep the costs down- I mean it is a 2500 dollar truck that I am giving to a 16 yo.LOL

that is sweet. Very nice build.

Love it!

Those Benz's are notorios for the brittle engine wiring...if you don't mind me asking, what did the new harness run you? was it hard to swap out. I would love to have one for a work car(I drive from nw FL to Houma LA for work 7on/7off), but the harness deal has kept me away from them.

Just read through tis whole thread today. Wow. Love how you show how versitile this hobby is...so many options depending on what you want to get out of it. Great reading- learned alot.