2001 Chevy Camaro Z28 Sony Stereo System Install - Light And Loud

...A four-layer, edge-wound voice coil also contributes to high-powered reliability. And the binding posts--which allow up to 8-gauge bare wire, pin connectors, spade lugs or banana plugs--are gold!

To pump ridiculous power into that sub, Sony sent over its XM-1S sub amplifier ($249). This Slim Series amp measures less than 9 inches wide, 9 inches deep, and 2 inches high, so it can be mounted almost anywhere. It's a Class D model built for high efficiency and low heat generation, but it still makes a sick 290 watts RMS at 4 ohms, and an even sicker 500 watts RMS at 2 ohms! It features two pairs of speaker terminals, RCA inputs and outputs, a 50-300Hz low-pass filter, 0-10dB bass boost, and a distortion-killing subsonic filter.

When I asked the Sony guys to find me a reputable and knowledgeable car stereo installation facility, they pointed me toward Car Tunes in Farmingdale, New York. Car Tunes has been around since 1976, and John Malakassis has owned it since 1992. He employs 12 people,...

...and they do a full spectrum of mobile electronics. Customer service is key at this Long Island shop, which specializes in multimedia navigation systems, security systems, and fiberglass enclosures.

John says that anyone who comes into Car Tunes and buys a standard system will get a FREE INSTALLATION of the entire system, just for mentioning this article! He'll also give you a great deal on a custom installation. Give 'em a call at 631/752-1833 for more info!

The Camaro is pulled into Car Tunes' expansive shop, and the staff gets to work.

They'll be replacing my current CD player,...

...and utilizing the factory speaker locations for the four mid-bass speakers...

...The two rear speaker holes won't be used for this install.

Paul Oneil will be the installer. He starts pulling the old head unit by removing the front bezel by hand--a screwdriver can crack the plastic. Once the panel is off, removing two 7mm screws frees the radio. The antenna jack, RCAs, and the main harness are all unplugged. It's clear that the Monsoon system was bypassed as the previous owner ran his own wires and RCAs.

The driver-side kick panel goes by removing four Phillips screws, and Paul runs the RCAs, 8-gauge amp power wire, and a turn-on lead for the amp half-way to the rear. To pull the door panel, five Phillips screws and one screw by the mirror come out, then the window crank comes off by using the "ojesus" clip tool and pulling the crank off.

The plastic door lock indicator comes out, then you simply lift up on the panel and it comes off.