Stereo Woes!

[Dan5.OH]

Hi all,
This is my first post here, and I apologize if this topic has been discussed, but I couldnt find anything when I searched. I recently installed an aftermarket head unit in my 91, and had to bypass the factory amp. I removed the outbound plug from the amp, and just tested each wire to find out what wires played what speaker.

Here is the problem: when I first turn the car on, the system sounds great, but after a few minutes, the speakers start to crackle pretty bad. Sounds similar to blown speakers. I do bnot believ the speakers are blown though, because like I said, they sound great sometimes, with no crackling at all. What would cause this?

Also, what size battery should I be using on the car (91 GT)?

Thanks Everyone!

Daniel

 

[powershift46]

test what the OHm load is on each speaker if it is not compatible with the deck the internal amp on the deck may be overheating. Also modern head units dont like speakers with a common ground, make sure each speaker has a positive and negative that go only to the head unit.

 

[93project]

i would rewire the entire stereo system. i ran my own larger gauge speaker directly from the receiver and some rca's to the amp in the back for a sub. if you want to power all the speakers through a 4 channel amp, the wiring will be more involved.

 

[ID89GT]

I agree with rewiring the whole system. The stock wiring is so small and can cause it to become distorted. I ran all new speaker wire in my 89 and it sounds great. I just used a 14 gauge I think, Idk the stuff they have at wal mart. The thicker the wiring the more power you can get to the speaker.

 

[RatStang]

Since you're doing all of that... might as well replace the in-dash speakers with some factory replacements from Alpine or (enter your favorite brand here).

 

[Dan5.OH]

Since you're doing all of that... might as well replace the in-dash speakers with some factory replacements from Alpine or (enter your favorite brand here).

the speakers that are in it now should be fine, it has some Pioneers of some sort. Are there any specific kits made with color coded wire that i should be looking for?

Also, what size battery should I have in the car? Seems like the battery may be too small, as the alternator is fine, but if I have the stereo on with the car off for any more than 10-15 mins the battery is dead.

 

[93project]

Most of us run sn95 alternators. 130amp, one wire. easy! Stock fox body alternators are built for go cart electrical systems. Aftermarket stereo with amp(s), electric fans, MSD boxes all draw from your battery, the weakass stock alt can't keep up.
As for battery, size really isn't the issue, it's cold cranking amps, and reserve capacity. A battery with high reserve capacity can run longer without the car before being sapped of charge. browse your auto parts store(I work at Oreilly's so ,sweet discount! ) for a high cca/ca number, and ask about their reserve capacity. Of course, the employees will try to get you to buy an Optima, and they should. Those batteries can take a beating! High numbers all around.

 

[93project]

By the way, i have my battery in the hatch area, with an amp next to it. I used 1/0 gauge power cable and grounded in the spare tire well. Nice easy set up

 

[95Vert383AOD]

i wired a stereo in a 90 notch before. it had a common ground in the rear. Cheapest way around it is running a second ground wire from the head unit straight to the speaker. But personally for the price of speaker wire i rather wire everything from the ground up.....including wiring the constant positive straight to the battery.