OK, just a few questions...

1.) Completly stock system in my 86... Looking to improve it. I enjoy Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, no rap and looking for ideas on what I need to get the best sound. Amps, subs, speakers setups, what works good? I am not looking for a major system to blow the doors off, just something so I can enjoy my CDs, Seattle's radio stations are getting too boring!

2.) Alpine does a 3 disc in dash unit I am looking at, any issues with this unit (sorry no numbers, they are at home) I want the ability to change CDs in the front so 6-Disc units are out...

3.) Any names I should stay away from?

Thanx for any info... would really help out a guy who enjoy's tunes but doesn't know squat about the equipment that runs it... >

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Dark Grey 86 V8 305

First Mod:
Upgraded to a 350
Future Mods:
Too many to list

[This message has been edited by Sleeper_In_Seattle (edited February 20, 2001).]

 

1. Personal taste will dictate brand names, but everybody here is pretty much guaranteed to cover the entire spectrum. What you should be able to take from that is that there is more than one good option here. Basically, this is what I would look for: A new deck, 2 new front speakers, a 10" sub & enclosure, and a 4 channel amp. Others will prefer 4 new speakers, but I like my soundstage up front, not all around me. Again, personal preference.

CD deck = $200+
Front speakers = $60+
10" sub & enclosure = $200+
4 channel amp = $300+
wiring = $50
Installation (if you can't do it yourself) = $100
Total, around $800 bucks, give or take. It's a big chunk of dough to spend at once, so you can break it down into segments. Get the deck first, then maybe the sub & amp, and finally the front speakers.

2. When the alpine in dash 3 cd changers first came out, they were EXTREMELY unreliable and prone to break. I do not know whether or not they have fixed the problems or if they still break.

3. Plenty. Off the top of my head, names like Legacy, Pyramid, Boss, Targa, Urban Audio, Kenford, Rockwood, Jensen, Thump, audiovox, and anything else you can find at a flea market.

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The IROC Homepage
<A HREF="http://www.rit.edu/~jli4307/camaro" TARGET=_blank>
View the restoration of an 85 IROC</A>
"I didn't know a bored out Ford could go so slow" -Shenandoah

 

im sure everyone can get you started here. But everyone will give you they're own opinion, whether it was asked for or not..

well im one of those *******s, so here ya go..

basically im goin with the thought that you dont wanna blow hats off.

1. head unit (pioneer)
2. speakers (Cerwin Vega, Pioneer)
3. 4 channel amp (Pioneer, Clarion)
4. 10" subwoofer (Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio)

like jim said, its alwasy easier to buy things at different times, that way your not cryin when everythings tallied up.

definately start with the head unit, then speakers cuz your head unit will probably blow them, then work on amping the speakers. Then get a sub.. you'll get it done over time. thats the one thing ive learned about car audio... it takes long to get it perfect

kev

 

Thanks for the input... My main reason for the 3 disc head unit is I hate swapping CDs in and out. Maybe I will look into a 6-Disc unit... Always heard Pioneer was a good unit to go with and thanks for the advice on buying a few things at a time... Cash is not a problem but it prob is better to check things out in stead of walking into a shop and getting a complete system... Keep the info coming... Much thanks

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Dark Grey 86 V8 305

First Mod:
Upgraded to a 350
Future Mods:
Too many to list

 

here's my preference, just for variety:

head unit - kenwood excelon (b/c of the built in crossovers)
speakers - infinity reference all round
amp (sub OR spkrs) - alpine (CLEAR and loud ENOUGH)
sub - mtx 12" 'mid' series (i dunno what they're callin it nowadays)

i'd say either get a sub/amp combo (one 10" or 12" would do) Or.... just amp the rears

once again, just my preference

 

Ok in my experience, and I've had a lot of it doing all my own installs as well as freinds, I would recomend the following.

Head Unit: Clarion or Pioneer

Amplifier: MTX Thunder (NOT the blue thunder
or the road thunder.)
Autotek (street machine series)
PPI
Pheonix Gold

Hid & High: Pioneer or Boston Acoustic

Subwoofers: Pioneer IMPP or JL Audio

These are by far IMHO the best out there. I say this from having these brands at different times in my car as well as in my freinds' cars. They are all worth the money.

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1988 Camaro
305 bored .030 over
Stock TBI
Aluminum radiator
No smog pump
gutted factor cleaner
cam ground to crane specs
timing advanced 9 degrees
no thermostat
other than that its bone stock and ran a 16.4 @ 82 mph with earth shattering wheel hop and a 2.88 60 ft time. (this was with the rebuild and cam only)

 

Hey I'm new to Car Audio as well,
and I'm thinking about buying a new deck.
I was looking at a Panasonic CQ-DF200, anyone
know much about Panasonic's decks?
Would I be better off with a different deck for around $200?

 

For that much you should really go with a Pioneer or a Clarion head unit........they are both ten times better than a panasonic.


------------------
1988 Camaro
305 bored .030 over
Stock TBI
Aluminum radiator
No smog pump
gutted factor cleaner
cam ground to crane specs
timing advanced 9 degrees
no thermostat
other than that its bone stock and ran a 16.4 @ 82 mph with earth shattering wheel hop and a 2.88 60 ft time. (this was with the rebuild and cam only)

 

don't forget Kenwood. great deck great price


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Faster than a bullet, these are F-body's don't even pull it.

 

That's true........I forgot my brother had a Kenwood head unit in his car. Their new head unit is pretty cool looking but has a heafty price tag on it.

------------------
1988 Camaro
305 bored .030 over
Stock TBI
Aluminum radiator
No smog pump
gutted factor cleaner
cam ground to crane specs
timing advanced 9 degrees
no thermostat
other than that its bone stock and ran a 16.4 @ 82 mph with earth shattering wheel hop and a 2.88 60 ft time. (this was with the rebuild and cam only)

 

My friend has one of those Alpine 3 disc changers. His isn't working right anymore. I don't remember how old it is, but I know he mentioned how they used to be junk, but I'm not sure about now. I would go with a single disc deck, and if you really don't want to change cd's get a changer.

Matt

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irocet@hotmail.com

drive.to/Stang_Kilr

88 IROC-Z -- 350 L-98, 700R4, Flowmaster, K&N, MAF Sceens Gone, Airfoil, March Pullies, Comp Cams Magnum 1.6 Roller Rockers, Accel U-Groove Plugs, Accel 8.8 mm Wires, Hypertech Cap & Coil, Hypertech Chip, Hotchkis Strut Tower Brace, One Loud Stereo!

 

the panasonic decks arent that bad anymore this years decks are actually pretty good. For the money i would either go with Sony or Clarion. i like those 2 decks the best..they have been around longer and therfore we know the long term results they'll give..
for the rest of the system everyone else went over it already but i'll throw in my 2 cents..
put in new front speakers (4x6) just make sure of the power they can handle... like jim85iroc i like my sound coming from the front of me it sounds better...
put in new 6x9's of choice i can tell you what i like which is pioneer and sony.
the sub i would just go MtX if you want to save money the 4000 will do the job but if you want to spend more i like the kickers.
amps all you just stay away from that off brand crap.. i dont like jensen either..
thats my 2 cents..
Shawn

 

Just like any deck you have to shop around for good prices. Kenwood is just the same. i bought my krc-508s for 134.00 its like 189.99 in circuit city. best advice pick a good brand then shop wisely.

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Faster than a bullet, these are F-body's don't even pull it.

 

I've had an Alpine in-dash 3 cd-changer for three years now and it still KICKS *** !!! I have yet to have a single problem with it. I'll never buy one of those inconvenient trunk changers again!!! Plan on spending about $500 for it though (unless they've come down any, I've been so happy with mine I haven't even been IN a sound shop since).


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Thou Shall Not Whine ~ The forgotten commandment

 

Definitely get the front speakers and deck first. Check out the Boston Acoustics 4x6 plate speakers (sorry don't know the model no.). You also may want to investigate Eclipse head units. I'd like to know other's opinions on Eclipse, especially their lower end decks, would it be good first purchase?