Stock BA system replacement

[VeeGeeTea]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

My current stock BA system seems to be showing signs of going out or wearing out.

I am looking to replace the entire system. Any recommendations? I am not an audiophile by any means, but can respect a decent speaker system.

I've read in this sub-forum and seems many recommend replacing the amp first. Any recommendations?

Any recommendations on speakers?

I am not looking to break the bank and never turn up my radio past 20.

Are you picky with how your speakers sound? If so then I recommend you invest in a few pairs of Rockford Fosgate (http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/) speakers.

They're more expensive compared to Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood, Sony, etc. But they do sound a lot better and has wider dynamic ranges.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

After a few weeks of research I am looking at either Alpine PDR-F50 or Pioneer GM-D8604 for amp replacement with the FARK harness.

I am looking at door speakers and rear deck speakers now.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

So I know I want coax speakers for rear deck, but for the front do I want coax or component? I've read that many aftermarket tweeters do not fit.

[JimE]

Component typically sound better. Highs are directional and easily lost, so tweeters should be ear level (this applies to all audio, not just car audio).

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

Will a component speaker for the front door be a plug and play?

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

Picked out a few amps.

Alpine PDR-F50
Alpine PDR-V75
Alpine PDX-V9
JL Audio XD400/4
Rockford Fosgate R400-4D

Looking for something to fit in stock BA amp location.

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

After a few weeks of research I am looking at either Alpine PDR-F50 or Pioneer GM-D8604 for amp replacement with the FARK harness.

I am looking at door speakers and rear deck speakers now.

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

Will a component speaker for the front door be a plug and play?

For a 4 channel replacement, you want the PDX-F4 over the PDR-F50. If you have any inkling for a sub, there is no better choice than the PDX-V9 for it's quality, simplicity and more importantly....price.

2-way Components for the front fit just fine and a simple 2-way or 3-way "component" (it's all frame/basket 6x9) for the rear will work well and sound great.

You need to find a high quality local stereo shop and listen to whatever your ears enjoy. I recommend the JL-C5 series, Hertz or Focal. Retail will run $400-600/pr but Amazon/eBay will save you 40% or more. For a more tuned ear I recommend Phoenix Gold Ti2 series (or Elite) or if you can even find a set, the Infinity Kappa series (rare) though unfortunately, you cannot "test listen" these - though extremely well proven / reviews available from those in the know.

At this point you'll still have to make the largest decision, DIY or retail at double the expense (or more) for the convenience. Head units are pretty much all the same today - start lining them up and choosing what features you want---and do your homework on Metra or Scosche dash kit. Both have their pros and cons.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

Will a component speaker for the front door be a plug and play?

hmm, thought you saw my system at Bowling Green.

Front components are mostly plug n play, you'll need to mount a crossover assembly and purchase mounting adapters.

Sent you a PM of my build.

[Dega Man]

Originally Posted by Snoman

For a 4 channel replacement, you want the PDX-F4 over the PDR-F50. If you have any inkling for a sub, there is no better choice than the PDX-V9 for it's quality, simplicity and more importantly....price.

2-way Components for the front fit just fine and a simple 2-way or 3-way "component" (it's all frame/basket 6x9) for the rear will work well and sound great.

You need to find a high quality local stereo shop and listen to whatever your ears enjoy. I recommend the JL-C5 series, Hertz or Focal. Retail will run $400-600/pr but Amazon/eBay will save you 40% or more. For a more tuned ear I recommend Phoenix Gold Ti2 series (or Elite) or if you can even find a set, the Infinity Kappa series (rare) though unfortunately, you cannot "test listen" these - though extremely well proven / reviews available from those in the know.

At this point you'll still have to make the largest decision, DIY or retail at double the expense (or more) for the convenience. Head units are pretty much all the same today - start lining them up and choosing what features you want---and do your homework on Metra or Scosche dash kit. Both have their pros and cons.

I would recommend the PDX-F6 over the PDX-F4 just because of the greater power and same physical dimensions. As Snoman states you can't go wrong with any of the Alpine PDX series. However I did have the PDR-F50 and it is not a slouch by any mean.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have narrowed it down to 3 amps now. I have no intention of adding a subwoofer to the car and I am keeping the stock headunit.

Alpine PDX-F4
Alpine PDX-F6
Pioneer GM-D8604

I am worried about stock amp fitment on them. Any feedback?

I talked to a local shop that has done amazing work for years. He recommends coax speakers for the front door due to easier to install and concern of tweeters fitting in stock location.

[Dega Man]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have narrowed it down to 3 amps now. I have no intention of adding a subwoofer to the car and I am keeping the stock headunit.

Alpine PDX-F4
Alpine PDX-F6
Pioneer GM-D8604

I am worried about stock amp fitment on them. Any feedback?

I talked to a local shop that has done amazing work for years. He recommends coax speakers for the front door due to easier to install and concern of tweeters fitting in stock location.

If you do a thread search for Alpine PDR-F50 to Alpine PDX-F6 you will see a attachment with a photo of the PDX-F6 mounted in my car on the ******** mounting board in the stock location. I had to use longer screws and nylon spacers up top to tilt the amp which is no problem and everything button up clean and perfect.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

...

Alpine PDX-F4
Alpine PDX-F6
...

I am worried about stock amp fitment on them. Any feedback?

I talked to a local shop that has done amazing work for years. He recommends coax speakers for the front door due to easier to install and concern of tweeters fitting in stock location.

eh, you need to be cautious with Pioneer, unless it's a budget thing you...just know you are buying a cheap product compared to one of the top 5 available (Alpine)


Both Alpine will fit stock location, though sounds like your 'local shop' wants to bill you an hour for custom work. Same with your front coax.

They do this, it's normal...and 100% pure profit. Is known as "upsell talk" preping you for "You want what? Oh my! yea, thats a real PITA, I don't recommend that but if you want.......my shop rates are $150/hr and thats like a 3hr job!" What are you going to do about it? Watch him work? He'll claim his insurance won't let you in the shop and he knows he has you by the balls.

A Coax install into the Camaro takes 30 min and 20 min of THAT is removing the door panels off both doors and putting them back together.

"Your shop" has no experience working inside Camaros, has little to no custom work experience, an idiot or an absolute genius sales-tool. Most of us with any experience in a Camaro can install quality separates, even add 2 sheets of Dynomat and Crossover assembly in both doors in 1-2 hours, which is the same time he is budgeting and/or charging you already.

The OEM tweeter housing fits all 3/4" and most 1" aftermarket tweeters.

Unfortunately, your choices are shop somewhere else, DIY, pay it or confront the shop on a grey area and create an awkward situation.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

Originally Posted by Snoman

Both Alpine will fit stock location, though sounds like your 'local shop' wants to bill you an hour for custom work. Same with your front coax.

They do this, it's normal...and 100% pure profit. Is known as "upsell talk" preping you for "You want what? Oh my! yea, thats a real PITA, I don't recommend that but if you want.......my shop rates are $150/hr and thats like a 3hr job!"

A Coax install into the Camaro takes 30 min and 20 min of THAT is removing the door panels off both doors and putting them back together.

"Your shop" has no experience working inside Camaros, has little to no custom work experience, an idiot or an absolute genius sales-tool. Most of us with any experience in a Camaro can install quality separates, even add 2 sheets of Dynomat and Crossover assembly in both doors in 1-2 hours, which is the same time he is budgeting and/or charging you already.

The OEM tweeter housing fits all 3/4" and most 1" aftermarket tweeters.

Unfortunately, your choices are shop somewhere else, DIY, pay it or confront the shop on a grey area and create an awkward situation.

He told me up front they have not done many Camaro's. He remembers one he did using the FARK kit and said it made it very easy. He complained that the Camaro's are not as friendly as other vehicles. I think they are used to working on trucks and suv's. He also said it would take them all day to do an install which I find hard to believe. I don't plan on having them do it, but used them for info on models and such. I plan installing everything myself.


From Sub Thump I know I need the FARK kit, amp mount, and Camaro Speaker Replacement Harness (72-5600). Should I look at buying their speaker mount kits? (5G-6X9Mount, 82-3010, and 5G-6.5Adapter.

[Snoman]

Originally Posted by Lgndryhr

...He also said it would take them all day to do an install which I find hard to believe.... I plan installing everything myself.

From Sub Thump I know I need the FARK kit, amp mount, and Camaro Speaker Replacement Harness (72-5600). Should I look at buying their speaker mount kits? (5G-6X9Mount, 82-3010, and 5G-6.5Adapter.

They would need your car for the day to install 4 speakers, Fark, rewire the rears and wire the 4 channel for power and RCAs. Billing should be standard rates; FREE if you buy the equipment from them or $300 tops ($100/hr x 3)

The front adapter is required unless you want to tear apart the OEM brackets, clean them and hope they fit. The rear is optional (I made my own) but they are dirt cheap.

[GoldCartridgeGamer]

Originally Posted by Snoman

They would need your car for the day to install 4 speakers, Fark, rewire the rears and wire the 4 channel for power and RCAs. Billing should be standard rates; FREE if you buy the equipment from them or $300 tops ($100/hr x 3)

The front adapter is required unless you want to tear apart the OEM brackets, clean them and hope they fit. The rear is optional (I made my own) but they are dirt cheap.

Which front adapter do I need?