[SWRocket]

If anyone is interested, I started my build log on DIYMA

[Msquared]

I'm not a member over there, so for now I put a couple comments here. Yes, things get lots easier if you don't use the ARC amps at all, but I'm sure they are the better sounding option. If you want to use them, I wonder if you could build a rack to stack the two SE amps (with a 0.5-1" air gap between them) and put them where the styrofoam tray with the inflator equipment sits, and still have them below the height of the floor mat? Then you could mount the XDi amp in the left side well on a board bolted to that diagonal sheet metal brace. If you want to also have the Toros in there at the same time, you might be able to stuff them on top of the two wheel wells - they look pretty small. You could maybe build a board for one or two of them stacked and use some kind of adhesive to attach it to the smooth top of the wheel well. The nice thing about Class D amps, besides their compact size, is that they run cool.

[SWRocket]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I'm not a member over there, so for now I put a couple comments here. Yes, things get lots easier if you don't use the ARC amps at all, but I'm sure they are the better sounding option. If you want to use them, I wonder if you could build a rack to stack the two SE amps (with a 0.5-1" air gap between them) and put them where the styrofoam tray with the inflator equipment sits, and still have them below the height of the floor mat? Then you could mount the XDi amp in the left side well on a board bolted to that diagonal sheet metal brace. If you want to also have the Toros in there at the same time, you might be able to stuff them on top of the two wheel wells - they look pretty small. You could maybe build a board for one or two of them stacked and use some kind of adhesive to attach it to the smooth top of the wheel well. The nice thing about Class D amps, besides their compact size, is that they run cool.

Thank you for the ideas Matt. I really should put the build log on here as well...
Yeah, the Toro amps will fit anywhere, even on a rack between the back seat and the sub box. The ARCs are certainly a better amp, no doubt. The problem with the ARC amps is that they're 19.5" long by 8" wide and 2.5" high, which means I need a minimum of 22" by 10". The area where the foam piece is located is only 18"...
I don't mind raising the floor a bit (around 1-2" total) so I'll see what I can do there.
I know someone on here moved the fuse box, which would solve everything, but the wiring looks like it is too short to move it to the wheel well without extending it...

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by SWRocket

I know someone on here moved the fuse box, which would solve everything, but the wiring looks like it is too short to move it to the wheel well without extending it...

I meant to comment on that. This would solve everything, and maybe it could go on top of the right wheel well. I personally wouldn't be brave enough to do that on a new car with a warranty, though! Also, keep in mind it would be a lot harder to check and change fuses if you move it there.

One other idea: since nobody is ever really going to sit in the back seat anyway...you could do a kind of rear-seat-delete and make it more like a shelf with a flat hard bottom and a flat hard "back". That would give you space on either panel to mount all the amps your heart desires, and you might even be able to mount a sub(s) on the "back" panel from behind. If you dress that up nicely, it could look really cool, and you're still really close the battery power source. This has the added benefit of keeping the amps in the climate-controlled part of the car. There are several kits out there. Here's just one example:



You could even build up the bottom portion and add covered wells for the amps, so they wouldn't be visible, like this:

[SWRocket]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I meant to comment on that. This would solve everything, and maybe it could go on top of the right wheel well. I personally wouldn't be brave enough to do that on a new car with a warranty, though! Also, keep in mind it would be a lot harder to check and change fuses if you move it there.

LOL, yeah, I'm not brave enough either...
My daughter actually rides in the back seat from time to time. I think I figured out a way to mount the ARCs. It will raise the trunk floor 3" but I don't care about trunk space anyway...
The miniDSP and the 450.4 would be installed inside the well and the 2300+4200 would sit on top sunken in about 0.5". Then build a box around them and a carpeted beauty panel on top (may even be able to use the OEM one...
I'll take a pic later

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by SWRocket

I think I figured out a way to mount the ARCs. It will raise the trunk floor 3" but I don't care about trunk space anyway...
The miniDSP and the 450.4 would be installed inside the well and the 2300+4200 would sit on top sunken in about 0.5". Then build a box around them and a carpeted beauty panel on top (may even be able to use the OEM one...
I'll take a pic later

That will definitely work as long as you don't mind the loss of trunk space. You might want to consider providing a bit of ventilation using a computer case fan or something similar: something that can move a little air while running slowly enough to be quiet. Maybe that's not an issue for the ARC equipment if they run nice and cool, though.

[SWRocket]

Had a day off today so I hunkered down and worked on the build.

AND I figured out a way to fit the ARCs!

The SE4200 (I had the SE2300 handy so that's what's in the pic) for the midbass and midrange will go in the well along with the 450.5 and the miniDSP. The SE2300 (sub amp) will go under the rear deck or behind the sub box. The 6X9s in the rear deck are coming out anyway.
I will not need to raise the floor at all.
The MDF amp rack in the well is just placed for fit test, it's not going to stay this way. I plan to use bedliner on it and then router an HDPE piece that will be on top of it and to which the amps will be mounted. The HDPE is only 1/4" think so I need the MDF under it.

[Msquared]

Using the under-deck area is a great idea. I contemplated that for my little amp install, but didn't need to use that space. Keep the updates coming!

[SWRocket]

I updated my build log if anyone is interested in seeing the progress. I managed to build a sliding shelf under the rear deck for the sub amp.