Newbie's Shopping List
 

I'm new to this forum and have only had my alero since October 27, and haven't done any mods yet. I think Ive decided that the first thing I am going to change is the stock sound system. None of the speakers are bad, but I just want more than the stock, un-amped mediocraty. Here is my shopping list and I was hoping you all could tell me if I'm forgeting anything.

2-Sony 4 way 4"x6" speakers
4-Sony 4 way 6"x9" speakers
2 Farad capacitor+amp install kit (speaker and power wire, fuse holder and fuse, connectors and such)
Boss cx350 400w 4 channel amp
either a JVC KW-R500 or Kenwood DPX300U head unit
Metra vt-gmrc-01 adapter for the door chimes

I do plan to add a second amp and subs at a later date, but for right now I just want to upgrade the existing system. Am I forgetting anything guys?

Are you putting 4 6x9s in the back?

Clear your corners! And post pics of your car... duh

:agree:

Ok. I uploaded the best picture I have right now. And I was planning on changing out the door speakers all around and the back deck.

Everything seems to be fine, when you add the second amp you will need a distribution block and possibly a second battery if you require a lot of power.

Welcome to the site btw.

While you're doing all this you should do the "Big 3" upgrade as well. All it involves is upgrading 3 wires to bigger gauge wiring. Engine to negative on battery, Chassis to negative on battery and Alternator to positive on battery Video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9Rcq5DnKw

Ok. thanks for that ^^ by the way. I'll look into it. Could I go ahead with my install until I get the aftermarket head unit? I mean, does the factory h/u have wiring for an amp?

What year is your Alero? 99-01 don't require chime kits for aftermarket radios while 02+ do. At least that's what I remember.

If you are adding a speaker amp, it would be easier to just wait until you have everything. It will help if you decide to change the speaker wire during the process.

^ if you have a factory monsoon system and amp, it will make the install difficult.

It's an '01 without the monsoon system. The only reason I thought I needed the chime kit was because when I was shopping around on crutchfield.com for a h/u, it said my car needed it. Why would I maybe want to change my speaker wire?

'01s should not need a chime kit. There are plug and play solutions that will work just fine.

Well, it depends where you are planning on placing the amp. Running new wire to the speakers would be easier than using the stock wire.

I was planning on putting the amp in the trunk or possibly under the passenger seat. I just figured it would be easier to run some wires up to the dash to connect to the pre-existing speaker wires than it would be to run new wires into each door and the back rack.

And Shiwnath, can you give me a name or a link to a plug and play solution? Please

That works... I think Shiwnath was talking about something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GM-4004-...6 173&vxp=mtr

Sweet, thanks for the link. the version I found was $80 so that link made my day. And I never got an answer, does the factory h/u have wiring for an amp? Because I would like to keep it for a little while longer until I decide on a new one.

I can't really remember but I doubt that it will have RCAs on the back.

Ok, that's what I kinda figured. Thanks for the help

I have a sony head unit that has rca outputs in the back if you want it. It comes with a wiring harness already wired for the alero. And it comes with the double din.

If you want it, PM me

I ordered everything Monday night, and I've started recieving everything. It should all be in by next Thursday, so I'll probably work on it after work next week or next weekend. I'll post pictures and maybe write instructions on here then