Speakers & how 2 remov carpet etc

[markuskj]

Good morning guys,

I am installing new speakers allround and an amp and new HU in my 96 Lotus Esprit. In previous cars I have used a Haynes manual to work out whow to remove carpets, panels and the like but I have no reference for this car.

So, my question is essentially this - does anyone have any experience with removing the carpets etc and also of wiring through from the boot to the cockpit?

Thanks in advance!

Mark

[lotusguy]

markuskj said:

Good morning guys, I am installing new speakers allround and an amp and new HU in my 96 Lotus Esprit. In previous cars I have used a Haynes manual to work out whow to remove carpets, panels and the like but I have no reference for this car. So, my question is essentially this - does anyone have any experience with removing the carpets etc and also of wiring through from the boot to the cockpit? Thanks in advance! Mark

Mark,

I'm right in the middle of doing this to my '85. There is really no secret to it. Start by pulling the seats to give you more to work with. Carpet is glued in, but gentle pulling will get you where you want to go. A spray contact adhesive such as 3M Super 77 will work just fine to replace the carpet.

Given that your car has the GM ECU, I would wire the Amp direct to the battery, the HU can go on the existing wiring harness. This is because you don't want to possibly confuse the ECU with wild current fluctuations.

On the 'G' car, the main power supply goes from the battery via 4AWG cable to the front bulkhead where it is distributed to the rest of the car. This cable is fed through the rear bulkhead on the passenger side. I suspect it is similar on your model. There is sufficient space to draw an additional 4AWG through the existing opening if your Amp will be located inside the cockpit or front boot as mine is(I opted to mount the Amp inside the cockpit, behind the Driver's seat, vertically on the rear bulkhead because I feel the rear boot is too harsh and hot an environment).

Be sure to locate a good grounding spot. I found that the seatbelt bolt into the center chassis is excellent. I installed a grounding block so all grounds (Amp, HU and antenna) ground there and avoid ground looping.

Also, consider your interconnect cables carefully and don't scrimp on these (mine cost me $100+), especially if the HU's pre-outs are less than 4V (this is what transmits the music signal to the Amp and since the voltage is low, interference has a great effect). Be sure they are double shielded and rout them away from any power wires. If power wires cannot be avoided, cross them at perpendicular angles to cancel out any radiated noise.

Since line voltage drops with distance, and since you may be running significant lengths of signal (speaker) wire, use the largest gauge you can get (I'm using 12AWG Home Theatre wire - fairly cheap at Sears). Hope this helps. BTW, what kind of system are you installing? Mine is a Nakamichi CD700II HU, Nakamichi PA2004 100W X 4 power Amp, Quart 6.5 components (rear), Focal 4" coaxials (in-dash), also toying with placing a Bass Tube in the Front Boot. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[markuskj]

Hello mate - thanks for the details reply. When you say pulling the seats - do you eman right out of the car?

I considered mounting the amp in the car but worries about reduced seating space - how do you find this? Also, I wanted to ensure the kit was hidden.

I love audio gear and always go for the good able, it makes al lthe difference - thanks for the pointers on this also.

The system is a Nak mb100 HU, Dyanudio 3 way 340 components and a Genesis Dual Mono - I cant wait to get started!

[lotusespritworld]

Info on fitting speakers and amps can be found on Lotus Esprit World.com

See the modifications page. Audio stuff is right at the bottom of the page.

www.lotusespritworld.com/modifications.html

Under maintenance you'll also find a guide to removing the carpet and removing the door trim.

www.lotusespritworld.com/maintenance.html

kato
Lotus Esprit World