Joe22

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Hey guys, I've always just looked at this site for info and stuff when I have questions but never post. Figured I'd share my little experience installing a system in my new Cobalt(New to me anyways) Might help someone like alot of threads have helped me. I'm really into car audio definitely not new to it. My truck im running 2x Lvl4XL DC Audio 18's of 2x Sundown Audio 1500s, 2x Kicker 350.4, Cliff Designs Components, C&D Batterys, plenty of 1/0 wire and all that good stuff..

Now my car.. It's a 2006 Cobalt SS 2.4, which is now my commuter

System is

Headunit: AVH-X5500BHS
Using PAC C2R-GM11B & Axxess ASWC-1. Also used the litle $20 Parking Brake bypass off ebay because it needs a really delayed module like that now days instead of just a regular relay. And also installed the CD-IU201S wire in the glove box for extra ipod, and Iphone pandora + other apps.

Now I know I didn't have to use the PAC module could use the basic harness, run my ignition, and run the pink factory amp turn on to ignition but I found the PAC on ebay for $50 and I know it had the ignition so it wouldn't turn off when I take out the key. Turns off when door opens just like factory which I wanted and it makes things easier.

Now the Axxess ASWC-1 I had problems with at first. Just used butt connectors to wire it up, did the auto program setup quickly but the Vol Up and Vol Down BOTH went up, and the Source button was Vol Down. I tried the manual programming and re-mapping but everything was the same. Called them up and they told me to try a few things, Solder my connections, Ground seperately to chassis, and run power to the constant instead of ignition. I did the first 2 with no success, then running the power to constant fixed it. I think because the PAC ignition has a 1amp max load, doesn't give enough power.

I read that some headunits don't need to remove the back bar but some do. Well mine did need to be removed. Headunit hit the back with about 1/2inch sticking out. I used a dremel to cut the plastic and unbolted the 3 screws for the metal bar.

Also used the Metra 95-3302S Dash kit. Silver is a little lighter than factory but it's close...


System will continue with

Speakers 6.5 and 6x9 - MB Quart ONX216 and ONX169 On the way

Speaker Amp - Kicker 350.4 (Already have) Cancel the kicker.. MB Quart 60.4 On the way

Subs - 2x Skar Audio VVX-10's (Already Have) Custom box I will have to build. 3cubes 30-33hz

Sub Amp - MB Quart 1600.1D On the way

I will update this as I progress.

Gelladuga69

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That silver dash kit blends in well. I may switch my black one to that.

tru2nrtt777

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So wheres the pics of the subs???? Sorry, I have a trio of Skar Ma-8's.

Joe22

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I'll post some pics of the subs tomorrow. I think i've decided on the Hifonics BRZ1700.1D amp too give me a little extra power, not sure how much the cobalt electrical system or sunroof can take lol so just need to order it and some Knu Konceptz RCA's. Heard alot of good things about Powerbass components for the price been checking them out. Not really want to spend the money on Focal or MB Quart. Thinking Kicker KS series, Powerbass, or Fosgate Power series.

Few things I did the other day too not stereo related. Shorty Antenna and Front Liscens Plate Removal. Need to black out my badge soon too, been windy lately so havn't done it.

tru2nrtt777

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You are worried about price of components when for the price of Fosgate T1's and Kicker you can get much louder, higher quality... Also why Hifonics? And what alternator do you have? I am assuming stock but the 90 amp or the 110?

Joe22

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Looks like I have the factory 115amp. I can actually get the Fosgates for pretty good price local. Hifonics too good price for good power. My first setup in my truck was hifonics brutus 2000 on 4 12"s. Never had a problem with it, sold to my buddy and he's still running it 5 years later. I was also talking to my local supplier and I can get MB Quart for better price than I though.. I can run all Onx series speakers and amps. 1600.1 for subs and 60.4 or 80.4 for speakers. Might pay the little more and do that.

tru2nrtt777

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I would, I love Fosgate to death but MB for good prices are definitely up there. I wouldn't waste time with kicker unless they had an insane deal, too pricey for what they offer.

Joe22

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Ya i'm thinking MB Quart all around. Thats what i'm gonna do. Now time to hit up all my buddies to see who wants to buy my kicker 350.4 lol.

Joe22

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JshLnsctt

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What did you use for a parking brake bypass?

Joe22

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This little bad boy right here. All the new 2013 Pioneer decks need a increased time delay to ground out the brake now, seems to be a few seconds, not just right after the deck turns on like older but recent models. Then of course years ago you could just ground it at all times and it would work, wonder what they will come up with next..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GUARANTEED-to-work-PIONEER-AVH-X4500BT-AVH-X5500BHS-PARKING-BRAKE-VIDEO-BYPASS-/110988213467?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d769bcdb

Joe22

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Got the amps and some Knu wire/rca's but still waiting on speakers. Going to build the sub box this weekend. Speakers probably be here end of this week or beginning of next so I can finally install everything when they come.

tru2nrtt777

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How did you design the box? I always run mine through Winisd. BTW, like those VVXV1's. Have you seen the ZVX series? They are about as beasty as a Zcon.

Joe22

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I have a program that I've used for years designed by a guy on SMD. Yes these are the V1's. and Yes I have seen the ZVX series was just messing with some 18s the other day. My buddy bought 2 ZVX 18's for his tahoe and talked me into buying Skar Audio for my new cobalt since they were blowing out there V1's for good deal. The ZVX's are super stiff but not as beefy as my DC audio Lvl4 XL's. He's in the middle of his build right now I'm waiting to hear them all setup.

Joe22

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Little update.. Made the box. Usually just use MDF but decided to pay the $50 for a sheet of birch to save some weight. Ended up doing about 3cubes tuned to 30hz. Here it is all ugly before carpet. Component speakers should be here Tues-Wed. Hopefully Tues because I got Wed off work so I can install everything.

night_throne

iTrader: (1)

ive got that same 1600D on my subs your gonna love it pumps good clean power

09Cobalt_SS

that dash kit looks really nice, mine has a gap in it :/ where did you get that one? Also do they make a kit so you don't lose your steering wheel controls?

Joe22

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Nice thats good to hear! This is my first time running MB Quart amps. I've ran there speakers before but not amps.

Joe22

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I believe I ordered the dash kit with the deck from Onlinecarstereo.com, I don't have any gaps really but the dash kit is set back a little bit. I think I might throw a few some small washers behind it where the screws go when I hook up the RCA's to bring it forward a little and be flush. And yes I used the Metra Axxess ASWC-1 module to keep my steering wheel controls. Works great too!

Crav3

iTrader: (1)

Car looks great! And I didnt know yo could unbolt the metal in the back lol I pushed it til it bent -_- ... dash kit looks good im going to order one simce mine is lik two pieces and looks weird

tru2nrtt777

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Eh, not that much of a fan of SMD, ROE is a much slower forum but much better quality of people. SMD has too many haters.

Joe22

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Ya I agree with you. I actually havn't been on SMD in a few years, or any audio site for that matter. I like the vehicle forums like this better now days.

So I got everything installed except for a few little things. Gotta bolt the box down with some L brackets, Slice the carpet back farther to hide the sub wires(you'll see them in pics), and the biggest thing is to actually have time to tune it. Just did a quick tune on the settings and hooked everything up. Sounds really good already though. Few things I think I forgot to take pictures of is all the Headunit/Parking Brake Bypass/Module wires are all soldered, Bass knob is ran right next to the cigeratte lighter plug below the AC controls...

The battery I replaced because I have an extra from my truck right now. It's a Decka Intiminator, the top terminals do stick up a little and bulge the carpet up. The battery in there looks to be original, I'm not sure if it is or if it was replaced at the dealership. I bought the car earlier this year and there is no date code or anything just some letters and numbers if anytone knows what to look at for date code on it?

Joe22

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tru2nrtt777

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Gonna remove that stock pioneer sub buddy? lol. Looks good man.

Joe22

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Lol ya I was debating on taking it out. Is there any bolts sticking out or anything when I remove it? Or looks pretty empty like nothing was there?