Where to run power through the firewall?

[TH3_FRB]

Looking for the easiest place to run 4ga power from the batter into the car...2003 A4. I haven't really poked around too much so I have no idea if there is already a good spot by the battery.

[Taam]

I dont know how much changed under the dash from 02 to 03 (if anything)...or the configuration of your car (1.8t vs 3.0, auto vs. manual, FWD vs. Quattro, etc) or if that even makes a difference (see my write up to see why that stuff may make a difference).

So, I put together a quick and dirty description of how I did it. Its a Microsoft Word document. I used Word since it's easy to add arrows, text, etc to photos (and I have no other photo editting software on my PC right now).

Hope this helps...

• Click Here

[TH3_FRB]

That's too easy. i just have to figure out how to get the tray out from under the hood. Can you get to the circuit breaker without removing it? I have a breaker just like it to moutn somewhere. Got any pics of your trunk setup? I'm struggling with my design..probably go with a custom sub enclosure on the driver side in the space in the corner and mount my amp along the passenger side. Did you replace your speakers too? I might go with kick-panels if someone has them pre-fab...don't feel like paying big $ for custom fabrication and don't have the ambition to do it myself.

[Taam]

The tray comes out by pulling off the rubber weather seal that goes across the forward firewall. Then,the tray can be slid forward and taken off.

I cut an access hole in the plastic tray to access the circuit breaker. I didn't really want to do that, but it seemed like the easist option.



My system is functional, but as you can plainly see, the trunk is still a work in progress. I have alot of wire to neaten up, etc. I also hope to one day build a custom box / amp rack to give the system a built-in look...but that's a project for the future.


Overall, I replaced front door speakers with JL Audio XR650-CSi components...and added a 10" JL Audio 10W6v2 in a .65 cubic foot box. I mounted a JL Audio 500/5 against the rear seat...and also have an Audio Control EQL Equalizer. I mounted the JL Audio RBC (Remote Bass Control) in the glove box...but that's probably a temporary location. I did not replace the rear door speakers.

JL Audio 500/5 - 250 watts for sub, 100 watts for each front, 25 watts for each rear

When I have time, I plan to post a big write-up of the install. Until then, feel free to ask anything.

[TH3_FRB]

Also, Is there anything solid behind the EQL or did you just screw it through the liner? I know it's pretty light. I'm probably going to mount my amp along that side of the trunk but I suspect I'll have to find something under the trunk liner to mount a board to...my amp is about 20lbs.

[Taam]

...many of the upper sills. I have the Bentley CD which was extremely helpful in showing me how things attached...what was a clip versus a screw versus a slot, etc. Considering the very long airbag under the upper sills, I was very happy that I didn't attack this job without the Bentley instructions. It took me probably an hour and a half to pull one side apart as it did it very carefully and tentatively since it was basically uncharted waters for me. Once I knew what I was doing and how to remove each piece, the opposite side was completely apart in a few minutes.

That side piece is too flimsy for anything heavy. I disconnected it as much as I could...but it was still attached to the car as a piece of it seems to be attached somewhere under the right side rear seat back. So mounting to it was awkward...but I used machine screws, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts. I don't think the material is thick enough for using sheet metal type screws. It may work for something light like my EQL...but I wanted something a bit stronger.