If I wanted to upgrade a Lightning stereo, would it help if I kept the OEM head unit but added an amp plus new speakers?
The reason I would not replace the original radio is so that I do not attract the wrong kind of attention (admirers are OK but thiefs are not!).
Thanks for your feedback,
2001L_Gato_Rojo

 

Yes you can. Some say it works good, others don't like. I'm not sure where I stand and will decide when I hear for myself, but here is some usefull information:

https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000270.html

 

i am running my complete system from the stock deck right now. I really do not have any complaints other than the fact I can't really customize the settings very well. If you are the sort of person who loves to have complete control over every detail in your sound system, then you should go with an aftermarket head unit, but if you are the type of person that just leaves it the way it is then you should be fine. I'm a tinkerer, so I plan on switching mine out when i get the money. If you need anymore help just drop me an e-mail.

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'00 Black L'


AFTERMARKET STEREO: Memphis ST1000D amp(1100w@1ohm), Memphis ST3004 amp (75Wx4@4ohm), Memphis PR93 3-way 6x9's (Front), Fultron 2-way 5x7's (Rear), 2 Memphis 15-ST104D (10"Dual Voice Coil Subs), Custom Vinyl boxes and amp rack, Cascade Audio and Dynamat Xtreme Dampening Material in Doors and back of cab.

PLANNED MODS: Many Many Performance mods, Kenwood KVT-910DVD, Lightning Audio Stiffening Capacitor, A.R.E. LSII Bed Cover (possibly with a Fiero wing), BedRug Bed Liner, Clear Corners, Powdercoated Billet Grill, 'Vader' Custom License Plate, Window Tint, ?20 inch rims?, more, more, more....

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FUNDS!!

 

I kept the stock head unit & added 2 speakers and a sub and I have no complaints. I think I will wait for "satelite radio" head units to come out first, and then replace the stock one.

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2001 Silver
BedRug & Snuglid
JL Audio System
Magnaflow 14468

 

Like some of you I dont want to attract thieves. I added Boston Acoustics Components, and BA 5x7s in the rear with a JL 10' Sub powered by an Alpine amp. It sounds great. Crisp clean, and plenty loud enough.
Anyone that wants to hear it just stop by North Dallas with your favorite CD ...
Doug
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Picked up Silver 2000 Lightning 2/28/00!!
1st run 13.9 sec 1/4 !! Best Run 13.025
Silver_2000@SVTLightnings.com

www.SVTLightnings.com

2000 Lightning, FMS 3.73 gears ( Expensive ), PSP 4 Way Chip, PSP Intake, Valentine 1, Snuglid, Bedrug, Lighted Ford Logos, Superchip R9, and 3m Panther Black nickel tint, Clear corners., Boston Acoustics 5x7s and Components, Alpine v12 5 channel Amp and JL Sub, Chrome SVT Rims and G Force R1a Autocross Tires, .
Link to my profile because the UBB doesnt support semicolons any more

 

I asked this in the other place you posted it but this one may reach you, did you put in the BA 5x7 comps? or was it either 5.25 or 6.5 comps?

 

It'll work but the sound quality will never be as great as factory or rca out.

You have insurance on your truck. Also, grab a headunit that covers up or either allows you to remove it.

BfB

 

In 20 years the ONLY time my vehicles have been broken into is to steal a stereo or radar detector. The headunit is plenty of quality for me. Plus my sense of value makes it difficult to throw away the head and CD changer just to gain flashing lights and controls that I will rarely use. Then add to that the likelyhood that it will cause me to use my deductible. Unless I pay an additional premium, typical insurance wont cover after market stereo equipment.

I have life insurance as well but I dont do stupid things to put it at risk.

They were 5" round BA mids and 1.5 or so inch tweeters. I would have to get the boxes out of the attic.

Doug

 

Just changing the factory speakers makes a huge difference. I went with Infinity Kappa 5x7's in the front location and JBL GTO930 6x9s in the rear location. Sounds good to me. total cost of improvement is under $150.

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2000 Silver Lightning 13.16 (so far)
PSP 4-way
PSP Filter Kit
PSP Lower Pulley
Level 10 Shift kit
F-250 Trans pan
MagnaFlow 12468
Snug-Lid

I feel a 12.xx coming on.

Team PSP West

 

I've had my vehicle broken into before and the whole stereo was stolen, by someone I knew, and most of you can say the same, or it was someone who had been in contact with you and knew where you lived.

On the contrary, a lot of you people are victims of pick and choose, and you can't help this. When picking your radios please pick them wisely, and buy units with protection such as removeable face plates, or concealed units.

I didn't let it get to me, the loss, but sure it hurt. I did have to replace everything. When I stated insurance I didn't mean it the way I sounded. I don't live in an area where theft is too bad, although my Corvette was broken into 2 months ago and they tried to STEAL it. LiL did the idiots know they didn't have the passkey to crank it. Anyhoo, they caushed 2,200 in damage and my deductible was 500

My bad.

BfB