Car Audio in the Grand Prix
by Mike Napurano, updated 12/08/97

Okay... so you are just not quite happy with the factory stereo system eh? That's quite all right, as it doesn't satisfy the audiophile in me either.

Below I will outline a few specifics about the 97/98 Grand Prix's car stereo system that may give you some insight on what you might want to do in upgrading the car's audio system.

*NEW!* Wiring Diagram for the stereo and alarm.

General Information

Primary components:

• Head-unit
• Amplifier
• 5.25" mid-bass in front doors
• 1" tweeter in front doors
• 4" mid in rear deck
• 6x9" woofer in rear deck

The factory in-dash head-unit powers the front speakers and rear 4" speakers. A factory external amp (located under the upper kick panel of the passenger seat) powers the rear 6x9's.

Common Upgrades

Subwoofer system

Okay, so you are interested in one of my favorite system upgrades huh? Well, I will try and address a few methods for adding a subwoofer system to your car.

One nice thing about the factory stereo system, the 6x9's in the rear deck are already crossed over and running the bass! This simplifies things for a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

I will assume you can pick out the subwoofer(s) you would like to use (probably in your trunk) for your system. Some of the subwoofer brands I would recommend are JL Audio, Image Dynamics, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, etc. Of course, I would suggest using their upper-end products for best sound quality results.

Once you have your subs and enclosure the next items you will need is an amplifier, a device known as a "line-level converter", and a set of RCA cables. Work with your Car Audio Retailer for the optimum enclosure design if you're not VERY familiar with proper enclosure design. They should make the enclosure perferably out of 3/4" MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Also consult them on the proper Amplifier and power for the subs and your listening style. Amplifier brands I would recommend include Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Alpine, Precision Power, SoundStream, etc.

We will use the "line-level converter" to convert the 6x9's signal from the factory stereo to a line-level RCA output required to send the signal to the amplifier. A line-level converter will run you anywhere from $15 - $60 depending on quality and where you purchase it. Disconnect the factory 6x9's, and wire the line-level converter as shown in the documentation. Once complete, connect the RCA cables (left and right channel) to the line-level converter. The other end of the RCA's will run to your new amplifier which is powering your subwoofer system.

Congradulations! You now have bass as it was intended to be heard!

I'm sure there are additional questions, so please put your questions on the Forum/ Message board. I will also update this information on occassion, so check the Updated date!

New front speaker sets

Okay, you're ready to get serious about sound! There are people out there who assume that just replacing the factory speakers with a new $100-$150 set will dramatically increase their listening pleasure. I'm NOT talking to those people here!

I am assuming you want GREAT sound in your car. If so, there are many ways to go about upgrading and creating your "front stage". The factory speakers in the front doors are a 5.25" in the lower door, and a 1" tweet in the upper door. Believe it or not, you are NOT limited to using a 5.25" in the doors! Going with a 6.5" mid/mid-bass is definately recommended, but if you need to, get help from a good installer and have a custom mounting plate made for them (out of MDF preferably), and pull out that cheap plastic factory mounting plate that exists for the standard 5.25".

Now, since I'm assuming you want GREAT sound again, the following are some brands I would recommend for your upgrade: Alpine, Boston Acoustics, MB Quart, Infinity, JBL, Morel, Macrom, Focal, DynAudio. Obviously, use the BEST set you can afford, and if you are looking at a specific manufacturer, use the highest of their lines if you can. These are the most important speakers in your car for overall listening satisfaction, so try not to skimp! Think about it this way... how much do you have in your home speakers? (I'm at about $4K) If you're like me (even kinda close {grin}), you listen to your car stereo ALOT more then your home stereo. Don't be scared spending $350-$900 for a new front speaker set. Trust me, it will be money well spent. This should include your new 5.25" or 6.5" mids, tweeters, and crossover network.

Once you have picked out your new speaker set, install it or get it installed by a good installer/installation shop. Have them run new 12 or 14 gauge speaker wire from the crossover network back to where your new amp is (or will be!). Amplifier brands I would recommend include Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Alpine, Precision Power, SoundStream, etc.

This new amp should only be running frequencies from 80 to 120hz and up. This way, no low frequencies are sent to the speakers that they can't reproduce. This makes the speakers and your whole system more efficient. How do you do this? Well, either your amp needs to have a built in High-Pass crossover, or you need an external Active Crossover. Again, your installer/installation shop can help you more here, as well as our Forum/Message board!

I'm sure there are additional questions, so please put your questions on the Forum/ Message board. I will also update this information on occassion, so check the Updated date!