Subwoofer amp location

[SVX8588]

I'm working on installing my subwoofer amplifier in the trunk and I'm not sure where the best place to mount it would be. I'd rather not put in on the back of the seat since I fold that down occasionally for larger items. I don't want to bolt it to the sub box, either. It's a kinda large amp, but I was fooling around in the trunk and I think I can fit it directly behind the driver side brake/tail lights. I took off the interior panel and it fits snugly in that space (see pic). I realize it may get warm there, but since my car isn't in the best shape inside, I wouldn't be afraid of cutting some vent holes.

My main question is this: does anyone think that the wiring for the lights and antenna would cause any noise to be introduced to the system? I know I shouldn't run signal wires near power wires, but I'm planning to use a line-output converter to pull the signal from the rear speakers, so I don't think I'll have too much wires crossing except right near the amp.

Thanks for any input.
Oh, btw my amp is a MTX 702X.

[Gamesy]

why dont you just mount it above the spare tire?

[92 SVX]

I dont think vent holes will be needed. That should be a good spot I dont think your going to get the best signal from the line output on the rear speakers but good luck any case.
You should not have any worry about the antenna or brake light/turn signals they generally dont interfere.
Just run the main amp power as far away from the line output converter as you can.

[SVX8588]

@Gamesy, I hadn't thought of that, but I'm afraid if I drop something heavy in the trunk it would bend the weak floor panel and hit the amp.

@92 SVX, you don't think the heat would build up behind the panel that goes over the amp there? I don't know that much about amps but I do know that heat isn't good for them. I wouldn't have chosen a line-output converter, but I don't want to replace the stock stereo yet, and there's not any other way to get a signal to the amp that I know of. This is a really low budget system for me. I got the amp for free because some of the transistors were shorted. So I replaced those for like 15$, and I got the woofer for free at the dump because one end of the voice coil had broken off the tinsel lead. So basically I'm not spending more than $50 on this project!

The other thing I'm not sure about is the ground connection location. I think others have made it near the jack storage spot, but on my parts car apparently someone had used the bolt where the rear seat latches to the car. Doesn't seem like the best spot, but would probably be ok if I shined up the metal first.
I'm planning to run the amp power wire and turn on wire to the left of the driver seat which seems to be the most common way to do it.

Thanks for the input!

[B 4 You]

If it is a D class mono amp (specifically for subwoofers only, no other speakers hooked up to it) then it shouldn't build up much heat at all. I can run mine for hours and it only gets lukewarm. I grounded mine in the hole that the jack screws in to. I ran my power wire under the back seat, then under the bottom of the door panel, it fit right under there with no problem. I use a line-output converter, and honestly I'd have to spend over $500 on a new head unit and speaker upgrade to notice a significant difference. I have the stock stereo too. Where is your sub box going to be?

Edit: I went to Home Depot and for $8 bought a huge piece of particle board to replace the old one

[92 SVX]

Originally Posted by B 4 You

If it is a D class mono amp (specifically for subwoofers only, no other speakers hooked up to it) then it shouldn't build up much heat at all. I can run mine for hours and it only gets lukewarm. I grounded mine in the hole that the jack screws in to. I ran my power wire under the back seat, then under the bottom of the door panel, it fit right under there with no problem. I use a line-output converter, and honestly I'd have to spend over $500 on a new head unit and speaker upgrade to notice a significant difference. I have the stock stereo too. Where is your sub box going to be?

its not a mono amp, its a 2 channel 210 watt max with it bridged.
Which is why I dont think it will get too hot. besides that location should get some cooling, unless im mistaken.

[SVX8588]

Yeah, its a class AB amp. I'll be putting the box right behind the fold down seat. It's a box that I built a few years ago when I was using the woofer in my house stereo system.

@92 SVX, I think you are right.

[B 4 You]

I honestly don't think heat is going to be an issue. If I were you, I would put it there, make it VERY easy to remove (you never know what will happen with these things) and test it out for an hour or so. Feel it to see if it's extremely hot. Obviously it is going to generate heat, but you don't want it to be able to melt anything inside or outside. If that doesn't work, you could just mount it directly onto the box.

[SVX8588]

Ok, that sounds good. I'll start by leaving the interior panel off so I can access it for adjustments as well. Then if everything seems to be working right I'll put it all back together.
Thanks for the advice!

[Turbone]

This was my old setup in my 92 Ebony. Never any issues.