Hi, I posted on here back in october about me getting a lightning, I might be getting one really soon though. I think the first thing I want to do is put a "system" into it. I plan on modding the engine after my warrenty is up, and I think I can live with 400 h.p for a year.

Im extremely new to aftermarket radio's, and dont really have any clues as to what I'll need. All I need to know is what replacment speakers will I need for the doors, are there any tweeters in the truck, if not should I get some. What sub box will fit behind the seats.

The part that really throws me is amps and head units. I first of all would rather keep the stock head unit just becuase I dislike the after market ones looks, and the amps I want to be concealed either inside the box or under my seats.

Any information or pictures you guys have will help me out alot.

Thanks,
Sean

 

well it really depends on how much you want to spend and how great you want it to sound but I do recomend a head unit and putting the amps under the seat I can post some pics of my setup maybey tommorow but I have about $3000 invested in it

 

As for speakers, 6X8s will work for both the doors and the rear ones by the interior box. If you want to go to 6X9s, be prepared to do some drilling/cutting (minor work, but something to consider). The tweeter thing can be solved by getting 3-way or 4-way speakers.

For the box, the MTX Thunderform has gotten both pro and con reviews (mostly for its shallow depth and somewhat flimsy material). I plan to put this setup in my truck along with a pair of 800W 10" subs... May have to reinforce the box, but...whatever it takes.

Amps can be EASILY concealed under the seats, if that is what you want. Just keep in mind the heat that the amps produce, and the box under the passenger seat (don't cram an 1100W amp under your seat, or any unventilated area - even if it will fit).

With what you can fit into these trucks (using a little common sense), your system should produce more power than you need.

Hope this helps,

Steve

 

Why not? lol. I have been running my 1100W amp under my seat for about 3 years now. Never had a problem. Got a 300W under the other seat too.

Bag the rear speakers and spend the extra money on better speakers in the front. The MTX box has worked great for me. I previously had a amp rack/sub box combo back there, but have been much happier with the Thunderbox.

I've got about $5000 retail in my system, but if you take your time and buy when the deals are, you can get stuff for a lot cheaper.

HU: Alpine
Amps: Memphis
Subs: Memphis
Components: Focal
Interconnects: Monster

And for the love of God, please install the stuff yourself. Don't get raped on the install like most try to do.

-Kimball

 

Yep...Depends on what you want to spend...I've seen some sick systems in the Lightnings...

I went conservative, Alpine Head Unit, 6x8 Polk 2-Way's behind the seats & Polk Seperates in the doors (6 1/2 w/ 1" Tweeter), 2 Audiobahn amps behind the driver seat & a single rear firing 10" JL Audio Sub behind the passenger seat.

 

Well, Those are some good idea's. I think I might be getting a Gen 1 though. Haven't decided completely yet. But im still getting a new system either way. I found a Gen 1 with 85,000 miles on it for 7500 dollars.

As for how much money im looking to spend. 2000 - 2500 I think would be the max for me. Maybe 3 if I get a gen 1 since I'll be saving a little bit of money. And im not good with wiring, I've got a friend with a friend who owns a body shop, and he's also really good an electrical work. And I have another friend from my old job who can install radio's. So I would probably take it to them, since I would inturn rape the brand new speakers.

Anyways, I can most likely get the Gen 1 within a few weeks, the Gen 2 is a most likely not until the end up may early june. So I might just go with the Gen 1 and have fun with it. We'll see what happens.

 

You are luckier than most I have known - I was just cautioning him against the potential of overheating (a friend just lost a $1600 amp to overheating last weekend).... Precautions never hurt, but if you have been doing well, please let us know what type of setup you have - I just may get it for myself!!

Steve

 

here ya go. stuck my Memphis 150x2 under the passenger seat (took out jack). and put my 1100x1 under the driver seat. model numbers are something like ST1000D and MC300.