Where is the amp for the factory sub?

[Marauder]

What does the wiring going to the factory sub look like? Does the subwoofer box have the amp right there? If not, where is it? In searching the site, I found out about the exclusive sub amp but no word on where it is. I have a single 10" sub in a box I custom made with an amp I built for my Crown Vic but never used. I'd like to use it for the Marauder. I want to keep the factory system but upgrade to a bigger sub without too much rewiring. :D

Thanks...
Danny

[darebren]

the amp is mounted next to the sub. I bet the connections are not interchangeable easily with other subs, but please post your results

[Marauder]

the amp is mounted next to the sub. I bet the connections are not interchangeable easily with other subs, but please post your results

I can probably tap into it just to get 12 volts and the line output from the radio. Does the amp turn on with ignition or with the radio?

[Marauder]

Ok...found the factory amp...duh, just had to look for it. I'll see what type of power comes out of that connector. On a good note, the amp has just 2 wires going to the sub so I could alway tap into that to add another sub with a line output converter. :D

[281MERC]

you sure you can do that? i would completely take out the stock sub/amp setup and tap your hi-level inputs into the rear speaker wire.

[ctrlraven]

I just removed the factory sub and then used the factory amp to power a very cheap 12" sub in a cheap pre-fabbed box.

[281MERC]

I just removed the factory sub and then used the factory amp to power a very cheap 12" sub in a cheap pre-fabbed box.
so how "CHEAP" does it sound then lol, but seriously how does it sound compared to the stocker? that cheap 12" probably needs a hell of a lot more power than what the oem amp is putting out.

[4play]

your just gana blow the amp.

[kmastl]

danny,

I have played around with the factory amp a little. I have found that hooking up the speakers outputs "from the factory alpine sub amp" to a different subwoofer will stomp all over the factory sub as far as sound output is concerned. The alpine amp can effectively deliver 35 watts rms. I do not know if the factory sub is 8, or 4 ohms. The on/off signal is a 5volt + to the alpine amp. If you are wanting to hook up a different amp you will most likely want to run new + and - wires to the aftermarket amp and use a relay with the 5 volt signal cable to get a good 12 volt on/off + signal to tell the amp to turn on and off.

If you go the route of using the oem radio then you can use the low level outputs that go the alpine and connect them to the amplifier inputs. Tapping in the rear speakers will not give you the full bass signal you need for a sub because the oem radio cuts out the bass the those speakers.


Sub amp wiring --------
Brown / Orange to Green = TX (pre-amp positive or signal?) by Bob's book
Red / Black to Black = RX (pre-amp negative or reference?) by Bob's book
Green / Violet (Bob's) or White / Violet (mine) to White = remote 7.4VDC "on"
Black / Green to 2 Reds = Ground to lug attached in the car behind the back seat
Red / Yellow to 2 Yellows = Battery 12.8VDC always hot unless fuse gone