New Amp Install

01BlackZ71 · August 1, 2003

I should have posted this along with my first post, but I forgot all about it. What is the correct/best/easiest way to install an amp in a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab? I will also be changing out the head unit for a Pioneer 7500MP unit if that matters at all. I've heard about wiring it up straight to the battery, and I've also heard about running it through the fuse box. Also, where is a hole located in the firewall that I can run the wires through? I remember reading somewhere about it being under the brake booster thing, but a detailed explaination of it would be great. Thanks again, and don't forget to read my other post below this one.

Wingnut · August 1, 2003

I should have posted this along with my first post, but I forgot all about it. What is the correct/best/easiest way to install an amp in a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab? I will also be changing out the head unit for a Pioneer 7500MP unit if that matters at all. I've heard about wiring it up straight to the battery, and I've also heard about running it through the fuse box. Also, where is a hole located in the firewall that I can run the wires through? I remember reading somewhere about it being under the brake booster thing, but a detailed explaination of it would be great. Thanks again, and don't forget to read my other post below this one.

Getting an aftermarket head unit greatly increases the ease of an amp install. They just plug right in to your head units pre-amp outputs. Easy-peasy-japaneasy. So you are one step ahead of the game as far as "correct/best/easiest".

As far as power to the amp goes....It's always best to run it to the battery.

Every newer body style truck that I have done (I'm no pro, but have done a few) it was easier to drill a new hole through the firewall. Just make sure you use a good grommet to insure against the sheetmetal rubbing a hole in your wires insulation.

On my 02 Z71, I went under (and a little outboard) the master cylinder, as this is what side the battery is on. I did a buddies that we ran on the passenger side.

But you will be hard pressed to find many people that recommend getting amp power from the fuse box. It's just better to get it from the battery.

Just my Hope they helped.

-Nut

GF7PE · August 1, 2003

I have done things almost the same way. If you are planning on doing the hu before the amp I would run the rca cables at this time. One less time to take the hu out. Also remember to run the power cables on one side and the rca and speaker wires on the other

Wingnut · August 1, 2003

I have done things almost the same way. If you are planning on doing the hu before the amp I would run the rca cables at this time. One less time to take the hu out. Also remember to run the power cables on one side and the rca and speaker wires on the other

Good call.

01BlackZ71 · August 1, 2003

Thanks a lot. I'm curious, why run the power cable and rca cables on opposite sides? Also, does anyone know of a pre-drilled hole in the firwall in a 2001 Silverado. Drilling the firewall doesn't excite me one bit...

Wingnut · August 1, 2003

You keep them seperate because it's easy for the power wire (when placed close to the RCA cables) to emit a signal that in some cases can cause distortion, or feedback because the RCA cables pick it up.

I don't know about any pre-drilled holes in the firewall. It's not difficult drilling one. Just be careful whats on the other side. Sorry, I can't help more on that one.

SteveCZ · August 1, 2003

Funny you should mention this, When my install shop that helped me set up my system, we found a grommet just below the steering shaft. I simply cut a small (EMPHASIS ON SMALL) hole, just enough to get the 4 gauge wire in, and pulled it through there, and ran it down the driver side of the cab.

If you want pictures, let me know, I can scan them in when I get back from camp this weekend....

SteveCZ

stlmaj · August 1, 2003

In my 03' I ran the power wire through an existing grommet that was just outboard and below the power brake assist. I just lubed it up with some fiber glide (silicon lube like what you would use for the weather strips around your doors) it was tight but I managed to fit the wires through!

Hope this helps

cowboy02 · August 1, 2003

You keep them seperate because it's easy for the power wire (when placed close to the RCA cables) to emit a signal that in some cases can cause distortion, or feedback because the RCA cables pick it up.

I don't know about any pre-drilled holes in the firewall. It's not difficult drilling one. Just be careful whats on the other side. Sorry, I can't help more on that one.

Also remember to use High quality cables as this will help you in the long run. Don't spend a bunch of cash on HU and Amp and then skimp on wire. Sometimes I think the Wire is the most important part of it all........

GF7PE · August 1, 2003

You keep them seperate because it's easy for the power wire (when placed close to the RCA cables) to emit a signal that in some cases can cause distortion, or feedback because the RCA cables pick it up.

I don't know about any pre-drilled holes in the firewall. It's not difficult drilling one. Just be careful whats on the other side. Sorry, I can't help more on that one.

Also remember to use High quality cables as this will help you in the long run. Don't spend a bunch of cash on HU and Amp and then skimp on wire. Sometimes I think the Wire is the most important part of it all........

well said!!!!!!!