Sorry for the (very slightly) misleading title. I'm not actually curious about IF I can replace the amp, as I have seen several threads here mentioning aftermarket amps that fit snugly into the space provided for the factory one, etc.

The problem is that in the "look here first for questions about installing stereos" section, there is a post (with no contradictory replies) which mentions that the factory amp has controls on it for all manner of other car systems. I'm not just talking about speed-sensitive volume control, either.

So my question is this: Since I'm interested in putting a fully after-market stereo system in my baby, is it safe to completely remove the factory amp, or isn't it?

There is so much bizarre wiring involved with the factory unit (just yesterday, I did the mod to get power to my back speakers through the factory amp with an aftermarket head unit, having to clip/splice an RCA cable into the factory amp pin), that I would prefer to just remove it, replace it with a small aftermarket one, and run the wires directly into it. Is my car going to go bonkers when I do this?

I apologize if this has been concisely answered elsewhere on the board. I've done several searches, but keep finding (seemingly) conflicting information.

 

I don't see why not - many of us have changed ours out with no problem. I have a great little Alpine amp that fits very neatly into the factory space, coupled with a Blaupunkt Memphis head unit. Works great.

 

That's great news. Is there a place where I could find a detailed how-to on changing the factory amp out? I apologize if that seems like an "asking for hand-outs" kind of question, but honestly I've run into so many bizarre problems with the wiring in the Crossfire lately (I found literally three different answers to the question "where is the factory amp located?") that I'm afraid to take anything at all for granted without consulting the experts first.

And by "experts", I mean the folks here on crossfireforum.org. Every audio person I've talked to locally about this car gives me a lot of information that makes it clear they've never actually worked on a Crossfire before. I had one tech tell me the factory amp and speakers were 6 ohm, and if I put any aftermarket speaker in, it would instantly blow.

I just feel like making sure

 

Try doing a search on "Stereo Dilemma - Need Help" here on the forum. A gentleman named Marcus (Big Block 427) gave me a lot of information on mine when I was looking for help. Marcus knows what he's doing, as well as another fellow named Kurtisberry, but I ended up taking my components to an installer & let him do it. It worked out well.

 

Well DonkeyStomp? Any luck. I am currently in the process of switching out my stock amp. I have a pioneer aftermarket head unit installed with two aftermarket amps powering a set of 6x9's and a Kicker subwoofer. I just purchased new components and rear seat subs, that I will be switching out the stock with. I am then putting in an after market amp, but I am trying to retain the factory wiring through splicing etc.

I also wanted a "guide" or instruction on how exactly to take the number of wires leading to the stock amp and apply them towards an aftermarket amp to get the system running.

 

Hi,

don't use the stock wiring harness to connect you new amp. Drag new plus and minus wires directly from the car starter battery and use a main fuse for plus that schould be near the car battery. Also use this new wiring for you new head unit. Best is to use a distribution bliock for car hifi components.

For the installation of you new Kicker subs drag new speaker cables from the amp to the subs. Don't use the original wiring.

The original wiring was made and dimensioned for the relatively low power oem amp.

Regards