Just got an 04 STi, and i want to upgrade the sound middle of the line. What do i need to do this? Any ideas or options would be appreciated.

Sadly i took some things from my old truck and they should be able to help me wire up a system. I have a Rockford 350s amp, a Rockford 750s amp and two memphis audio 12's to work with. So i need to buy components and a better headunit. What sizes and difficulty of install. Should any bestbuy/circuit city be able to install stuff on my car successfully? Sorry i'm such a noob heres a picture of my car.

http://kylebrower.net/pics/WRX%20STi/sti3.jpg

well if you want to be simple about it, get some upgraded door speakers, middle price range, drive them with the 350s and drive your subs with the 750.

or get component MBquarts and a better newer amp(6 channel)

either way you're going to need at least 4g power wire with those amps.

but i'm just a n00b so anybody have better ideas?

I can only suggest Infinites for the door (fit perfect and sound beautyful) powered by a rockford 350 amp. I got the infinity shallow mount speakers powered by a california profile 400 watt amp. Really nice set up when it comes to door speakers

http://www.thezeb.com/p-CDT-Audio-CL-61A-6-1-2-inch-Component-System-101083.htm

Those are a GREAT deal and you will find ALOT of people that like them. head over to www.iaperformace.com and get a set of spacers and they will drop into your doors. If you insist on getting rear speakers I guess find something or just run your power off the HU to the stockers....

As for a HU...most people here like Alpine. I also like eclipse.

Lots of power is fine and maybe those will fit under your seats.

Get with raamaudio on this board to get some sound deadening...you are REALLY gonna need it.

And then lose one of the suns unless you are dead set on going deaf.

As for CC/BB doing the install....not in my car. Find a good independant shop or get together with some of the guys on here around your area...this aint rocket science.

i have done several sti's mild or wild car audio installs. you can have it look stock or some show with out adding weight. i did 8" memphis seperates in my front doors. fiberglased the lower door panel and it only added about 2.5 lbs. everyone that looks at them thinks there stock and i just cut a larger hole. ( ha ha ) thats how good they look. they are refinished in black vinyl. it has a good amount of bass responce even when i dont have a sub. it may be enough for you if you dont want to add a sub to your car.

i think dylan has seen it after it was done. call for info or pics if you want to see them 847-487-8900

dave galloway
excel audio
615 w liberty st
wauconda il 60084

ditto they fit well in my STI with the spacers and sound great to boot, I did the rammatt at the same time. Pioneer Premier HU for the source and I like it but YMMV.

Thanks for the great help guys (make a noob feel welcome) but i have some questions. I am looking at the stereo thats in there and the front door panel seems to be loose where the speakers are, how can i fix this???? I will update it with infinity components (probably the kappas) but what size will drop right in front and rear? Also what about tweaters, i guess i should take some pictures of the hack job thats in there right now... Then i'll amp them with the 350s and i have a blaukpant(worthless) H/U that could probably amp the rear enough for now, i'm looking to go in steps. Maybe i'll sell the two 12's in the truck box and just start over. I've got the money, i just dont want to blow it.

Sorry for the noobness, here is my old ride
http://www.kylebrower.net/pics/forsale/truck3.jpg
http://www.kylebrower.net/pics/forsale/truck1.jpg

ditto they fit well in my STI with the spacers and sound great to boot, I did the rammatt at the same time. Pioneer Premier HU for the source and I like it but YMMV.

YMMV??? Your mind might Vary? is that what it means?

your mileage may vary....its a way of saying your results may not be the same as mine.

http://www.thezeb.com/p-CDT-Audio-CL-61A-6-1-2-inch-Component-System-101083.htm

Those are a GREAT deal and you will find ALOT of people that like them. head over to www.iaperformace.com and get a set of spacers and they will drop into your doors. If you insist on getting rear speakers I guess find something or just run your power off the HU to the stockers....



As for CC/BB doing the install....not in my car. Find a good independant shop or get together with some of the guys on here around your area...this aint rocket science.

I am thinking about ordering those right now, but i cant seem to find the spacer set your talking about, could you give me a link? Also can i amp those speakers with a 350s (900watts, but rockford lies so its probably 700watts?).

I am thinking about ordering those right now, but i cant seem to find the spacer set your talking about, could you give me a link?

https://w109.webminders.com/iaperformance/catalog.asp?action=showCatalog&typeNumber=59&sectionNumber=71

You need the large thick adapters for that application. I have those speakers and used the IA adapters and had no problems with the install. That's somewhat amazing considering it was my first attempt at car audio work ;-) I'm driving them directly through the factory wiring with an Alpine 9833 and they sound pretty good, although I have an Arc Audio KAR 400.4 on the way and will probably give a shot at bi-amping.

FYI that kit also comes with some door clips that space out the bottom of the door panel a bit further than stock which I used with great success. The speakers don't hit the door panel during full excursion and I didn't have to shave off the trim (shown on that page) either. Great product!

I definitely need to move the tweeters from the stock location though, it really sucks. I'm eying up those A-pillars Bryan!!! I might need to send Mr. Baked Cookies a PM :-)

- Josh

https://w109.webminders.com/iaperformance/catalog.asp?action=showCatalog&typeNumber=59&sectionNumber=71

You need the large thick adapters for that application. I have those speakers and used the IA adapters and had no problems with the install. That's somewhat amazing considering it was my first attempt at car audio work ;-) I'm driving them directly through the factory wiring with an Alpine 9833 and they sound pretty good, although I have an Arc Audio KAR 400.4 on the way and will probably give a shot at bi-amping.

FYI that kit also comes with some door clips that space out the bottom of the door panel a bit further than stock which I used with great success. The speakers don't hit the door panel during full excursion and I didn't have to shave off the trim (shown on that page) either. Great product!

I definitely need to move the tweeters from the stock location though, it really sucks. I'm eying up those A-pillars Bryan!!! I might need to send Mr. Baked Cookies a PM :-)

- Josh

Cool josh, do you know of a schematic on how to take off the door panel correctly. I just want to do it right the first time. I've installed systems before.

Also how hard will it be to amp these bad boys with my 350s, its 2 channel but i think it will be good. Whats a good location to place the amp??

Cool josh, do you know of a schematic on how to take off the door panel correctly. I just want to do it right the first time. I've installed systems before.

Also how hard will it be to amp these bad boys with my 350s, its 2 channel but i think it will be good. Whats a good location to place the amp??

Search around on the door panel removal. There are some pictures on the IA site for one:

http://www.iaperformance.com/gallery.asp?photoNumber=193

Also, you may already have something like this, but I bought this tool from crutchfield and it definitely helped me out:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1x7jeRsM1e1/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=820&I=18187650

Basically, it goes like this:

- remove screw in handle area and pop out handle trim
- remove screw in power window/lock area and pop out trim + remove connectors
- pop out sail panel (no screws, comes out fairly easily)
- pop the snap in connectors from bottom and side of door panels then slide panel upward to remove

The CDTs come with a crossover, shouldn't be a problem at all to setup with your 2 channel amp.

I can't help on amp placement yet since I haven't installed mine. My first choice will probably be under the driver or passenger seat, but I'm not going for bling, just good sound without compromising too much space or weight.

- Josh

The CDTs come with a crossover, shouldn't be a problem at all to setup with your 2 channel amp.

I can't help on amp placement yet since I haven't installed mine. My first choice will probably be under the driver or passenger seat, but I'm not going for bling, just good sound without compromising too much space or weight.

- Josh

Josh do you have an STi, or a regular wrx, i just wanted to know which exact number mounting kit i could get away with (and have those pins come with it).

AR-F-LRG-65 is the part number you are looking for. And the second Item on the page are the pins you want. You should also get the subaru wiring harness which is the FIRST item on the page.
https://w109.webminders.com/iaperfo...ectionNumber=71

And STI or WRX it really doesn't matter to the stereo. They are the same.

Are you familiar with www.Scoobymods.com? They are a GREAT site for DIY stuff just like this.

I have an 05 STi, but yeah, what BryanH said :)

One thing, the adapter kit does come with a few door pin spacers, so you don't necessarily need to purchase the additional set.

AR-F-LRG-65 is the part number you are looking for. And the second Item on the page are the pins you want. You should also get the subaru wiring harness which is the FIRST item on the page.
https://w109.webminders.com/iaperfo...ectionNumber=71

And STI or WRX it really doesn't matter to the stereo. They are the same.

Are you familiar with www.Scoobymods.com? They are a GREAT site for DIY stuff just like this.

yeah i'll start looking into more information on scooby mods, thanks for letting me get away with not using the search button this time. All my stuff is ordered now i just have to wait :banana: