QuestionHey there, I am thinking about buying and hooking up 2 12" Subs and a
1000watt amp or so in my 2002 Envoy SLT. It is a stock headunit, that is Bose
with Onstar. Even though the Onstar is not in use atm. Anyways, I am new to
this all and I was wondering if you could help me on how to install it. I
understand I have to run a wire from my positive battery to the amp then the
ground from the amp to a metal place or something. But after that, what do I
do? Also, since I have a factory headunit, is it still possible that I can install
the subs?
AnswerHi Marc,
Aside from the power and ground wiring, you'll need to find a way to get an audio signal from the factory radio into the amplifier, and to turn the amplifier on and off at the right times. You can install an after-market amp and subs and still keep the factory radio, but the Bose system makes things a bit more difficult.
There are two options for getting the audio and remote (turn-on) signals to the amplifier.
The more expensive but easier option is to purchase an adapter interface made for your vehicle, such as PAC Audio's C2A-GM24 adapter. This device offers a plug-and-play installation at the back of your factory radio; you just remove the radio, pull out the factory plug, and connect the adapter between the factory radio and factory plug. You'll then run RCA cables and a remote wire between the C2A-GM24 and your new amplifier.
The less expensive but more difficult option is to use a standard line output converter, like PAC's SOEM-T. The line output converter is meant to be spliced directly to the factory speaker wires. You won't be able to connect it at the factory radio plug; instead, you'll probably need to connect to the outputs of the Bose amplifier, which is located under the plastic panel on the passenger side of the rear cargo area. You'll need to splice into the speaker wires at the amplifier's outputs, as well as connecting to a power wire. Then you'll run RCA's and remote wire from the line output converter to your factory amp. The installation is more difficult because the Bose amplifier is harder to reach than the back of the factory radio, and because you'll need to find and tap into the correct wires in the amplifier plug, instead of using the plug-and-play connection available with the C2A-GM24 module.
A few notes on the power and ground wiring: the factory battery terminal isn't set up for connecting wires, so you'll need to purchase a replacement battery post designed for adding wire connections. This can be found at any car audio or auto parts store. Also, be sure that your power wire is fused as close as possible to the battery terminal.
Hope this helps!
Brian
