How-to: Gen I and II Aftermarket Radio Install

[avatar28]

Love the writeup. Quick question though since it wasn't clear. My Gen II SHO has the JBL audio. Are you saying that it ALSO includes the wiring running directly to the speakers hidden back in the dash that will save me from having to buy an amp bypass harness?

If I wanted to install an aftermarket sub, does anyone know how beefy the factory wiring is for the main and subwoofer amps? How large of an amp could I safely run off of it? Like, would this setup be feasible:

1. Install my aftermarket head unit.
2. Use the hidden wiring harness to connect the speakers directly to the head unit for power.
3. Use this adapter from Crutchfield to connect the subwoofer RCA outputs on my receiver to the wiring that runs back to the factory amp.
4. In the back I cut into the factory harness and convert the signal back into RCA.
5. Connect my existing sub and to the factory amp/sub power wires or, if necessary, run power wire and connect the RCAs I spliced in in the trunk.

 

[avatar28]

Love the writeup. Quick question though since it wasn't clear. My Gen II SHO has the JBL audio. Are you saying that it ALSO includes the wiring running directly to the speakers hidden back in the dash that will save me from having to buy an amp bypass harness?

If I wanted to install an aftermarket sub, does anyone know how beefy the factory wiring is for the main and subwoofer amps? How large of an amp could I safely run off of it? Like, would this setup be feasible:

1. Install my aftermarket head unit.
2. Use the hidden wiring harness to connect the speakers directly to the head unit for power.
3. Use this adapter from Crutchfield to connect the subwoofer RCA outputs on my receiver to the wiring that runs back to the factory amp.
4. In the back I cut into the factory harness and convert the signal back into RCA.
5. Connect my existing sub and to the factory amp/sub power wires or, if necessary, run power wire and connect the RCAs I spliced in in the trunk.

To answer my own questions.
Yes the GenII has both. Just make sure the back end is unplugged from the amp if you're using it. I'm going to go you could get away with about 100 watts or so total based on the factory amp outputs. I'm going to play it safe and run new power wire for the amp. The factory wiring would probably work but I feel that twisted pair RCAs will give me a much cleaner signal.

 

[Reinovator]

Very Good instructions. I prefer Shrink tubing and soder but that's just me. I have a Question concerning the Factory amp.
Can this be used with a aftermarket Stereo using the RCA Jacks Or am I asking Too much. If so what is the Wiring Diagram for this Power Left right ETC. The previous owner had this wired in from what I can tell But i don't trust Duck tape Wiring and the color codes are different from My Unit a
XDMA450 - CD Receiver
Also am I lucky or cursed To have A ford/Clarion CD changer.

 

[Tiffany 4 SHO]

This is the best, clearest instructions I've found.... I've never installed a stereo in a car...... SooooooooI am heading out to my SHO and I'll let you know in a few hours how I did!!!! ,, ,,, thank you.Soooooooo much!!!!!!

 

[tery]

nice write up...I went with Kenwood decks and replaced the rear deck and door speakers with infinity and or JBL depending on which green 93 we're talking about and they all sound great, and loud when I want Led Zeppelin...didn't miss the woofer in the trunk at all, the magnet on it in those days was...shall we say measly, and even though the jbls in the premium system were pretty good, they're nothing compared to the fidelity and power you can get for not too much $$ these days. I think I put about $400 in each car..I recommend Crutchfield, all the connectors are right, everything fits perfect and they'll sit with you on the phone as long as you want if you need help or anything.
PS I shrink wrapped my wires after the soldering, they'll be there for a long time without problems..
T

 

[My9432lsho]

I just tried putting cd player aftermarket in my gen 2 with the premium sound system jbl and am not getting anything through speakers except when I turn head off I hear blip. The one black connector harness was in its holder and removed the adapter harness for the stock cd player below cassette radio. So what did I do wrong? I followed all instructions in write up.