Sub wiring

[Firthockeydog]

I've began pondering the idea of putting a subwoofer(s) in my 01 LS. I've already got an amp. However I want to ask you guys how you did the wiring. I DO NOT want to replace the stock head unit, but I want to be able to control the bass signal. Any suggestions?

 

[pektel]

Maybe an amp with a separate bass knob, and rca converters to tap into the existing speaker wire?

 

[Eric0508]

i tapped into the sub signal wires that run the rear subs.

 

[Firthockeydog]

i tapped into the sub signal wires that run the rear subs.

ok well i have an 01 with the mysterious missing stock "subs". does that mean that the wires are back there already. I know there was talk about this earlier but I'm too lazy to search

 

[marcredd]

Something to keep in mind is that sometimes you will get "noise" with those rca converters. And considering that the LS is loaded with electronics it may be worth the effort to run a new head unit and a appropriate/quality amp wire kit in order to avoid the dreaded "whine". Yes it cost me a tad more but I thoroughly enjoy the results.

 

[pelphrey]

You can buy a line converter to accomplish this as it has been mentioned above. And marcredd hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that you may get "noise" using on of these. The only way to get rid of this "noise" would be to turn the converter down with the adjustments on it and also turn the amp down. Obviously this is not something you would want to do since you are trying to add more sound.

Also to hook one of these us you can simply use the positive and negative leads off one of the 6x9's. That is of course if you have 6x9's in the rear deck. Otherwise I would suggest pulling the OEM radio out and getting the speaker wires from behind it. You should be able to get a wiring diagram online if not a local car stereo shop can tell you. If you have to pull the radio out I would get the 12v switched power from behind the radio as well. You can simply check this with a voltage meter.

I myself would just replace the radio. Not only does it make this entire install easier you will gain sound, even when you bypass the factory amp. Its rare to find after market stereos out these days that do not come with a sub woofer control which is a really nice feature. I don't know the experience you have installing equipment so if I may have explained in detail too much, if not and you need more advice let me know.

 

[1LoudLS]

i would just solder a set of rca ends onto the factory signal wires at the plug (for the fact sub) in the trunk. if you use a line output converter you will need to leave the factory subs in because the LOC will need to be connected after the amp, if you use the factory signal wires with rca ends you can remove the factory sub and amp enclosure to give you a little more room in the trunk. go to radio shack and get a 6 volt relay and you can use the factory amp turn on. since you will be using the fact head unit, your amp will need its own remote bass knob if you want to control the level independently.

 

[Eric0508]

I didnt use a LOC, just tapped into the signal wires in the wire bundle kinda by the left c-pillar (looking into the trunk). I did the same with the signal wire. I even put in a 3-way switch so i can switch from the stock subs to the after market simply. You can control the bass level by adjusting the bass level on the radio, it doesn't work awesome, but well enough. The only problem with this setup is that the radio filters the bass signals, so when you tap into the factory wires, your aftermarket sub wont play the high bass notes. Just my observations.