Chromatic

iTrader: (4)

I'm going to do an install soon and about the only place I can think to mount the amp , since I'm putting the sub and box in the driver side cubby,.. is in the passenger glove box.

I'd like to maintain use of the passenger glove box even with an amp in there.

So a few questions:

1) Will an amp that will be running 100watts x 2 RMS, and 300Watts x 1 RMS overheat in that glove box with it closed?

2) Ideas for keeping the glove box usable with an amp in it? IE: Put a piece of wood with carpet on it over top of the amp?

3) And lastly.. I've heard to be careful because our gas tank is in this area. So what areas do I need to watch out for when mounting hardware in this area? How much space do I have when drilling in some self tapping screws and such? I certainly don't want to puncture the tank.

Thanks

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

I had my Alpine MRP F550 under the tray in teh glove box in Phoenix without issue. It did not intrude into the space & the glovebox was fully functional.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

The tank is pretty close to the floor pan under the glove box. Like about 1/4"

I had my old MB Quart 4125 in the glove box. It went into protect a handful of times from being so damn hot you can't put your hand on it.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

Can't find a picture of my amp installed.


Seems longer & thinner than the one above.

Rocknthehawk

iTrader: (5)

I had a kicker 500.1 in the spot, no troubles. I had it mounted on a piece of wood. Can't remember but pretty sure I took the plastic tray out from the bottom, there's actually a ton of room in there.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

This is how mine are set up.

Chromatic

iTrader: (4)

Hrmm.. So there is only 1/4" to drill downward from the glovebox? Wow. That essentially leaves no room to mount downward. You sure it's that close? I've seen other amps in that location, and I doubt they were using 1/8" screws.. I guess anything is possible.

I'd say I'd put a piece of wood under it, but the wood needs to be mounted.

So, basically I need to install it mounted to the plastic sides? Or can you drill straight downward? The pic with the amp mounted in the tray.. that's even lower. Did you screw straight down? How long of screws did you use?

It's probably doubtful my amp will be small enough to fit in that tray ,.. but maybe. I'm fine putting it in the glove box.. but it's just an amp.. plenty of room on top -- I'd just put a carpeted piece of wood over it, and have a slightly shorter storage area.

As far as overheating, it's basically some amps will overheat, some won't?

I don't intend on leaving the door open on it. I build computers so I could always throw some fans in there.. but would "prefer" not to need to.

I'm running an amp that is 125watts x 4... Going to run 100watts x2 and bridge the other 2 channels for 300watts.

So I'll be running 2 channels 50 watts below the amps rating, and the last two channels 80 watts under the amps rating RMS. So the amp won't run as hot as it would at max gain. I guess I could look for better amps that are good for tight , low airflow spots..

If anyone has any good amps that will drive at least 100watts RMS x 2, and at least 300watts x 1 (sub).. all in one amp, that self cools, or otherwise is designed to not overheat.. throw me some links.

Thanks for the replies!

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

That Alpine is 90x4-125x2 bridged, it fit with the plastic cover in place. I had it in there without screws for over a year.

It is for sale here:
https://my350z.com/forum/audio-video...1700-amps.html

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

I thought you were talking about mounting it to the floor of the car, not the bottom of the glovebox like where mine was sitting. There is a pretty decent gap between the floor of the glovebox and the floor of the car. Pop the tray out and check for yourself.

And all amps can overheat. Some just run hotter than others. If you have a good head unit with high volt pre outs and a good efficient amp it could be fine. Just make sure the ground is good and clean so you don't run into temp issues there.

And as you said, you can always put fans in. An 80mm on each side would be plenty. Just power them off a relay from the remote turn on for the amp.

Chromatic

iTrader: (4)

So mounting IN the glovebox I can run long screws for mounting and not risk hitting the gas tank? I thought people were saying the tank is literally right there under the glovebox. Cause I know I can hear the gas sloshing around when driving with no music on sometimes.. Sounds like it's in the middle of the car, somewhat high up.

The headunit is a Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD -- Has 4 Volt pre-outs. Which is standard in any decent headunit now. Has 3 sets of RCA pre-outs.

Chromatic

iTrader: (4)

Just thought of something.. Why not buy some sticky velcro... Cut to size.. place on bottom of amp and bottom of area to mount. Stick it.. done. No need to screw at all. That stuff holds pretty good and would allow removal easily if needed.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

Found it installed:

Here is the page from my build thread:
https://my350z.com/forum/new-owners/...ml#post8456356

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

Velcro might work. I don't know how well it will stick in the glove box.

Pop the tray out and look under it yourself. I don't remember how much room there is. It's easy to remove.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

The Alpine did not move without anything but tension holding it there.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

Hopefully the tension was something other than the wires in the terminals. That's a good way to break an amp.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

It was not sitting on the connections. It was sandwiched between the tank & plastic, it was there over a year & worked flawlessly.

It still worked when it came out and was installed in my BMW.

92K1500

iTrader: (1)

Ah, okay. That's better. If it was held still by the wires all the tugging would eventually crack the connections to the board.

JMII

My Kicker IX 500.4 is installed the same way. I put a layer of Dynamat over the tank to quite things down so I could velcro the amp down to it, but its basically wedged in their tight enough and doesn't move. Since its a digital amp (class D) it doesn't get too hot. No problems in well over a year in South Florida. As others mentioned there is actually a good amount of space back there, its just a odd shape. The glove box is untouched (no modifications) the amp is just sitting under it. The nice thing is the small plastic tray lifts out so I can tweak the gains or bass boast if needed. I wouldn't drill ANYWHERE back there as the gas tank is directly below, in fact you'll see the gauge sender wiring once you remove the plastic tray.

Spike100

You should never drill into any panel in a car while it’s still in place. Worst case is there is a fuel tank nearby; but it might just be a wire that you hit and ground-out an electrical component, or even disable the car.

I placed an external amp in the compartment behind the driver’s seat (very much like the glove box), and I’ve never had an overheating problem (or any problem for that matter) in 10 years. The amp is held by a friction fit and some healthy Velcro.

--Spike

Rocknthehawk

iTrader: (5)

Mine was like the one pictured above for a long time, just stuck between the glove box and floor. Eventually I used some heavy duty velcro on a board. Home Depot sells some decent stuff (like 2" wide). I work at an upholstery shop and had some better stuff on hand.