156 aftermarket audio system installation

[schranz]

Hey,

My Alfa 156 jts 2005reg got basic sound system - not bose..
so i decided to upgrade it - bought:

Jonah Lomu Fusion fjl-4011 amp 4ch x ~100wrms at 4ohm
(bridging 2 channels ~275wrms at 4ohm about enough for sub and 2spare channels with alot power still left for few speakers/ or maybe possible to connect 4x ??)
and vibe 12" sub with enclosure so far..

now thinking to buy door speakers but not sure what size do i need.
maybe some of you did upgrades on same car with same wiring and could let me know which ones can fit on the standard grilles?

and as for me who never installed any sound system into the car is it worth to try doing it on my own instead going to halfords or etc to get it done ?
what tools would i need ? like for lifting panels and etc?
also is there difference in wiring as i bet i will have only basic wiring and will need more powerfull so as i will have to get wiring for amp should i get wiring for door speakers too ? any idea how many meters and is that 18gauge wiring for speakers good ? or its same as basic wiring is in car already ? any suggestions for wiring speakers/amp ?

or maybe theres someone who is experienced sound system installations in cars and could get it done for fair price for me in lincolnshire?

Thanks

[trashbat]

IMO, I would do the head unit myself (I have) and have the wiring/amp installation done by a professional - note: not Halfords, a proper stereo specialist.

I say this because the head unit has come out of mine at least three times now (clock bulbs, aircon console replacement, some other rattle) and it pays to be proficient in working with it. You would save a bit of money too.

The professionally installed kit on my car (amp in the boot) looks like a fairly complex job - fuse in the engine bay, wiring through the firewall etc., routing cables through the interior so I wouldn't tackle it. Depends how good you are at DIY.

[shiny_car]

As above, definitely go with an ICE specialist, not a discount store:
1. door speaker wiring: several options here, but because of the multi-pin plugs in the door jams, it's not easy to pass new wire; it is fine to tap into the factory speakerwire inside the cabin either in the kickpanel areas (ie: locate wires in looms before they leave the kickpanels into the front doors) or from behind the headunit (ie: the speakerwire ISO plug); the latter is easiest by far (= cheapest in terms of labour costs), but relies on the full length of factory speakerwire; mind you, I say this is perfectly adequate for what you are wanting (ie: anything less than a competition system)
2. speaker size: the factory speakers fit into the door trims/cards, which are moulded accordingly; but it means if you want a true drop-in replacement, your choice will be very limited because they only accommodate speakers with a small frame/magnet; better to modify the fitment by slightly trimming the plastic to open up the hole; better-still, enlarge the hole considerably, and mount a new wooden spacer ring directly onto the door for the new speakers, which can then accommodate virtually any on the market; I wouldn't allow a discount store installater do this work

And as above, new powerwire (fused) from battery to the amp, which will presumably go into the boot. Amp mounted and 'isolated' on a wooden board, mounted securely.

I wouldn't tackle this job if you've never installed a stereo like this before. But you can learn from what is done, and attempt stuff in the future.