Nissan 370Z Forum - My_third

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)

- Audio & Video (http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/)

- - My_third_Z's SQ system (http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/49684-my_third_zs-sq-system.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZilverZ (Post 1646099)

I thought I was doing well with mine, but I'll have a transistor radio in comparison. :tiphat:

Kenwood DDX719
Zenclosure
(2) Zapco Reference 350.2 amp (2 channel, 350watts)
Focal 165KR component speakers (6.75" woofers, tweeters, crossovers)
JL Audio HD750/1
JL 10W7

You've got some good looking stuff too! I've always been a big JL fan, and you can't go wrong with Zapco amps.

Hey 370ZilverZ, is that zenclosure steady? How well does it fit? I've considered it for my 2012 Nismo (phase #2 of the radio project), but was wondering if you could shed any light on the pros/cons to date. TIA!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP33DKILLS (Post 1648892)

As I have used their boxes in many installs I can personally say they are great. Very nice fit, does not move around, and well built.

Pros, use any sub you basically would want. Easy to install, looks great.

Cons, inner opening diameter sometimes needs to be opened up a bit in order to fit a sub.

Thank you for the feedback! :)

Pics are looking good, can't wait to see it done!

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1544012)

I've been waiting to make this thread for awhile, and now that I finally have all the equipment in hand, it is time.
I wanted to build the system right the first time, with no (at least very few) expenses spared. I didn't want to look back in the future and say "I really should have opted for something better".
So here is the list of stuff going in:
Head unit: Pioneer AVIC-A130BT
Front speakers: Focal K2 Power 165KRX2 - 6.5" component set
Additional Fronts: Focal 165 KBE - 6.5" midbass drivers
Subwoofer: Focal K2 Power 27 KX - 27cm (11")
4 channel amp: McIntosh MC431M
Subwoofer amp: McIntosh MCC301M
Equalizer: AudioControl EQS

My plans may have to change some, after seeing the size of these amps. I've been around car stereo for a long time, and when I tell you that McIntosh makes some amazing stuff, I'm not exaggerating. These amps are huge and heavy as hell. I was planning on fiberglassing an amp rack to hold the amps and eq directly behind the seats on those shelves. I don't think they're going to fit. The amps and sub are just gorgeous.
My plan was to keep as much of my hatch as possible, but we'll see.
I've already started fiberglassing kickpanels to hold the 6.5" midbass drivers. I'm going to send them off to Tony when completed to be wrapped in carbon fiber. The rest of the fiberglass work will most likely be painted to match the outside of the car. I will continue to update the thread as progress continues. Just don't expect it to be done soon. haha

What’s your opinion on your Pioneer Head Unit? I’m thinking of upgrading my three year old Avic-X Series to the new Avic- Z Series. I have noticed “selective negative opinions” with Pioneer Products in this forum from a non 370Z owner who claims to be an installer……

Quote:

Originally Posted by WICKED_GRIN (Post 1664282)

I don't have a review for it yet. It is still sitting in my spare bedroom. The goal is to have everything fabricated and installed by mid-May, so I can let you know then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1544012)

Why did you buy the Avic-Z130? and not a Kenwood??

Quote:

Originally Posted by WICKED_GRIN (Post 1666038)

Why did you buy the Avic-Z130? and not a Kenwood??

I bought the Pioneer used from someone on this site. I wasn't picky, and that unit had good reviews so I went for it.

Update for this week...It's getting close::happydance:
Progress report:
Passenger kickpanel - 99%
Driver kickpanel - 90%
Amp/EQ rack - 90%
Sub enclosure - 75%

My original plan was to send the kickpanels off to get wrapped in carbon fiber but I think I'm going to try and paint them. I bought some Monterrey Blue paint for my headlights and have been practicing. My technique is getting better so I'm going to paint the kickpanels blue. They should look pretty sweet. And if they look terrible, they can still get the carbon fiber treatment. No pictures this week, but next time I post some they will be a big step forward from the last ones. Three weeks until my two weeks off from work, and three weeks (hopefully) until my kickass system is installed!

Focal Sub & Sub Box

Where is the sub box to be installed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1662422)

Getting closer...

Holly crap that's a lot of bondo

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37Z (Post 1681217)

Where is the sub box to be installed?

Just behind the strut bar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat (Post 1681247)

Holly crap that's a lot of bondo

I am aware...my shoulders are feeling it, but the sanding is almost done. Finally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1681627)

I am aware...my shoulders are feeling it, but the sanding is almost done. Finally.

Use a orbital sander much faster. :tup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1681618)

Just behind the strut bar.

Is the sub box to be recessed in the space where the stock foam piece is located or will it be sitting on top of it? Is there a bass vent opening for the down-firing subs?

Is the sub box a separate fiberglass unit from the amp rack/audio control unit or is it a one piece unit?

I have not listen to a down-fire sub located in that space of a 370Z; however, with that amount of bass (2-11" focal subs), you may have to add a lot of sound deading material to lessen any unwanted NVH.

A word of caution; under the foam piece is the gas tank that I believe is thru-bolted to the floor (check out the 2-large bolts).

What are you using for time delay...I am not sure if the Autocontrol unit has time delay?

First to 37Z, I'll answer your questions soon. I worked 80 hours last week, but I did manage to get a little work done. Here's another teaser picture. My work schedule is going back to normal now, so I'm hoping to have it all done in 2-3 weeks. I can't wait.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1693430)

Any progress since your last post? I curious on the sound with that amount of bass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37Z (Post 1716410)

Any progress since your last post? I curious on the sound with that amount of bass.

I took apart most of the car today and put out all the sound dampening stuff. Tomorrow will be running wires and hopefully making all the connections. I should be able to let you know in a couple days.

My_third_Z, very nice work & love the pics & the description of what you are doing. I hope everything keeps going really well for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgmg21 (Post 1721164)

My_third_Z, very nice work & love the pics & the description of what you are doing. I hope everything keeps going really well for you.

Thanks! Final install pics tomorrow!

Quote:

Originally Posted by My_third_Z (Post 1722323)

Thanks! Final install pics tomorrow!

Sweet!!!!! How does it sound? I'm sure it sounds pretty effen awesome. Man you have a very very nice set-up & an expensive one I might add. Can't wait to see the new pics.

It's finally finished! Mostly. There's still a couple bugs to be worked out, and the tuning (which I'll need help with) and some cosmetic things to fix. I just got sick of messing with it, so some of the pieces aren't as perfect as my perfectionist self would like them. I'll finish them eventually.

The install, including taking it apart, sound deadening, and putting it back together took about 25 hours over the course of a few days. The whole fabrication process probably took 150 hours, and could have taken several more to get it perfect.

So far it sounds great, inside and out. The sound dampening really did the trick, and you can hardly hear any of the bass outside.

Anyway, here are some pics. Click the pics for big ones. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Enjoy!

Edit: Forgot to include a link to a video. I recorded it at night to see the needles moving on the amps. Turn the audio down, it sounds terrible. The poor little phone couldn't handle the awesomeness

Wow... just wow. Really awesome work. Very nice!

Very nice, I bet that took a lot of time!

That is EFFEN SWEET man. You can definitely tell by the hrs that you lists that the craftsmanship is really really good. That looks extremely professional. I am very impressed. Absolutely love the setup.

Freaking Killer!! Congrats! Great work man.

Nice deck! I have the same one, how do you like it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armhunter (Post 1729717)

Nice deck! I have the same one, how do you like it?

I'm not entirely sold on it yet. I'll give a couple months before I go shopping to compare it to some other ones.

That's a big install. With the gear you have, that should sound amazing! Focals/Macs/AC are great combinations. SQ should be awesome. I could not tell what imaging would be like because i could not figure out the angles of the left and right kick panels. Could not tell where the reference or sweet spot is in the car. Granted its the midbass so it may be less of a big deal.

With the amount of gear, bondo, glass, and cables, your car is now just as heavy as the Z33.

Great work!

The kickplate speakers aren't obtrusive??? Looks likt the passenger one is much worse than the driver's side...

By the way, your list of components and everything installed, WOW :tiphat:

McIntosh is my favorite by a mile! SOOO MUCH (as Jeremy Clarkson would say) POWWWWEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0 (Post 1909084)

The passenger side one is a little intrusive, but honestly I rarely have a passenger. If I had it to do over again, I'd work harder at keeping them a bit smaller. Oh well, it's a little late now.

no wonder your car is slow with all that weight that you have added. Your going to need a 4.5 stoker with the biggest turbos that GTM has.

Nice sound system

Z

It's still fast enough to get me in trouble. I don't drive it all that often and my DD only has about 100hp. Even if I lost a few hp due to added weight, it's a world of difference from my little pickup truck.