New to forum, help wiring sub

[akboss]

Hello,

Seems like a helpful group of people here so I'm just going to throw this out. I have an older sub mounted in a box with a proper mono amp for the sub. I had to remove the sub from my old car and would now like to install it into my new car, but I had all the wiring done by the shop the last time. I just have a factory OEM head unit ('03 Mazda Protege5), can I still run the sub as long as I have the amp looking after the power? I'd like to do this myself and save some money, also looking at what kind of wiring kit I should buy. The sub is a dinosaur, a 10" Lightning Audio low-end, I think 400 watts peak 200 RMS.

I don't expect somebody to hold my hand through the whole process, but if any of you guys have a link to a site that could help a newbie install his own wiring, that would be much appreciated. And also if someone can confirm that I can use the factory head unit.

Thanks for your time and answers guys,
Cheers.

[PaulD]

yes you can use it. You will also need a LOC (line output convertor). Try connecting the LOC to the rear speakers to make it easier - this box will convert the speaker level signal to an RCA signal. You will also need to run a 6 or 8 Gauge power wire from the battery to the amp and a wire from swirched 12V under the dash back to the amp to turn it on when the car is on. The ground wire should attach to bare metal via a bolt or screw. Make sure you sand the paint off down to bare metal and use a ring terminal on the end of the ground wire.

[akboss]

Hey thanks! Is the common path to run wires under the door sills, or should I be worried about corrosion there? Thanks.

[PaulD]

either down the bottom of the floor where the doors are are down the center console. Speaker wires have a thick, fairly tough plastic covering - as long as you keep them from where they will be stepped on you will be fine.