So this car is a daily driver. I drive almost 800 miles/week. Here is the order in which things matter:
1) MPG - 40 mpg ave so far, check
2) comfort - it's a camry, lots of space and comfort, check
3) stealthy install
4) audio
5) cool - not going to happen
Obviously this is not a "cool" car, so it must be last. I drive to sketchy neighborhoods so I can't advertise what's in the car.
The plan:
Source: Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX
Processing: see source, Phoenix Gold SLD-44 line driver
Highs: Dynaudio MD-100 (taken from my 3-way Dynaudio set)
Highs amp: Phoenix Gold ZPA0.3 (2 channel amp, active)
Mids: Dynaudio MW-160
Mids amp: Phoenix Gold ZPA0.3 (2 channel amps, active)
Sub: Eclipse SW8812 12" aluminum cone sub (I might try out my power HX2)
Sub amp: Phoenix Gold ZPA0.5
Wiring: knukonceptz 1/0 power, going to the Phoenix gold dist. block, to a DD5 and 4 gauge all amps. Ground will also be 4 gauge going to a PG ground block, to 1/0 to a good ground. RCAs are a Phoenix Gold, one is 2 channel the other is 4 channel. Speaker wire is 16 gauge sky high, run directly from the speaker locations to the trunk.
Fab work: I have started work on one tweeter pod. The tweeters will go into the factory location. I bought spare dash tweeter covers to fab up so I can keep a factory looking interior while I do the fab work.
The sub box will be fiberglassed into the left side trunk panel. The divot is about the right size for my 1 cuft sealed box. This way I can keep it somewhat stealth and keep my trunk space for work tools and baby gear.
The amp rack will go above the spare tire, where the styrofoam piece is that holds the jack. The way I see it, if i get a flat I'll have he spare, I just need to call a tow truck to change it. I'd rather not get dirty in work clothes anyway.
The DD5 and power/ground distribution will be built into the seat back on the drivers side. This part is not supposed to flip down because the hybrid gear is behind it but I'm installing a release as it does come down like a normal camry.
So no more boring stuff, on with the pictures...
Factory radio
When I tried the pioneer AVIC-6000nex
And now with the new AVIC-8000nex
I ran the new mic into the overhead console where the stock one was. What a pain. It's held up with just pull clips, so I spent lots of time trying to find hidden screws. Then when I got it down, it's sealed with the mic in there, so I drilled it out and secured the new one in place. Pics available upon demand.
So one major issue with the hybrids is the lack of sound damper. I used 1 bulk pack on dynamat extreme on the front doors and trunk before I ran out. I then ordered another bulk pack but I used on a friends car and he gave me second skin to pay me back. I think I like dynamat better. I only got pics of one door, I assure you that both front doors are done, the trunk, and under all carpet now. I have some second skin left but not enough for the rear doors so I need to order more. Then I'll do the roof.
Btw I got the in dr and outer skins of the doors, HUGE difference.
It's hard to see but the door speaker cutouts are 6x9 with an adaptor for a 6.5 speaker. I'm making mdf adaptors to fit my mids that will get resined and painted before install.
And here is tweeter pod number 1. It needs more filler and sanding but it's getting close.
And just some other random shots that I took...
Where the sub will go:
Amp rack layout:
Stay tuned for more updates. It'll be kind of slow as I work full time, have a2 year old, and a wife that also works. Plus this car is my only car right now so it needs to be operational when I'm done for the day.
when the final result will be visible?
