2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe:

·         Stock head unit (Non-BOSE)

·          AudioControl EQL (link)

·         Monster Cable Audio interconnects & Power Delivery System (4 Ga.) (link)

·         MTX Audio Thunder801D Class D Mono Amp (link)

·         JL Audio e4300 Class AB 4-channel amp (link)

·         Infinity Kappa 60.5 components (front) (link)

·         Kicker RMB6 Midbass (link)

·         Custom made sealed enclosure for the sub

·         10" Image Dynamics IDQ10 V.2 Subwoofer (link)

·         Dynamat Xtreme in the trunk, front doors, rear deck and rear panels (link)

·         Pollyfill (1 lb.)

 

Last updated: 2/08/2008

 

BOSE = Buy Other Stereo Equipment

I choose my 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe specifically because it DID NOT come with the BOSE sound system. The Bose sound system comes standard on most G35 coupes as part of the premium package, which adds ~$2,250 to the price of the car. By omitting the premium package I lost a few convenience features (auto dimming rearview mirror, auto lights...) but I felt I could build a better sound system with the money saved.

 I’ve had several sound systems in the past, and each time my car was broken into and my gear taken! L Looking stock and retaining as much of my precious trunk space was very important to me.

I consulted several stereo shops in the Southern California area about the options available to me. The vast majority suggested installing two 10" subs facing rearward in a custom box which would have taken too much of my precious trunk space. I also received recommendations to remove the spare and build a box where the spare resides. Even though I have AAA, but I don’t feel comfortable driving around without a spare. Someone suggested fitting two 8" woofers on the rear deck (Infinite baffle) to save space. I wasn't convinced that 8" drivers would provide the sound I was looking for. Another shop recommended building a small fiberglass enclosure for a 10" sub for the rear corner of the trunk. After serious consideration I decided against that idea because I would have still lost valuable trunk space.

Finally, I agreed on a custom sealed subwoofer enclosure that would fit NEXT to the spare tire. The beauty of this is that I did not loose ANY trunk space and it is completely hidden from view.

Normally, the BOSE amp and Satellite receiver reside beneath the plastic (?) piece to the left of the spare tire. Since I don't have either, the installer and I thought that would be a good location for the custom sub box.

Pictures of the plastic (?) piece and the final results!

L I N K S

G35Driver.com

6MT.NET

FreshAlloy.com

My350Z.COM

Now FireFox friendly!

It took approximately two days for the installers to finish the box. The top and sides are made of ¾" MDF and the bottom is fiberglass. The box is approximately 0.75cu ft³. The 10" Image Dynamics IDQ10 V.2 Subwoofer sub sounds REALLY good in this box. I'm very pleased. I'm often asked if a 12" sub could fit. Yes, but only if it's mounting dept is <5.5" / <140mm.

I placed both amps on the rear of the backseats. I used thin strips of wood I bought from a hardware store to reinforce the pressboard the amps are attached to; otherwise the amps would fall.

I had to relocate the power distribution block (shown in the pictures) due to lack of space on backseat when I installed my new amps.

The trunk, front doors and rear panels were deadened with Dynamat Xtreme.

The satellite connection for the OEM receiver is still accessible under the spare tire. That still remains an option possibly later on.

Take care,
Blksnake - '04 G35 Coupe

To do list:

I want 16psibrick (Google his name) to recreate my front stage. His work is exceptional.

Update:

4-1-2007 – My OEM head unit experienced a fault and needed to be replaced by the dealership. I removed the USASpec adapter and never replaced it. Too much trouble to take the dash apart again and reinstall it. My iPod is currently attached directly to my EQ. I miss not having the steering wheel controls, so I may reattach it someday.

5-1-2006 - USASpec released a Nissan/Infiniti version of their iPod adapter (PA11-NIS) and I picked it up from Crutchfield. Installation was a snap and thankfully it worked fantastic! The unit operates just like the Dension unit but works. It great being able to control the iPod from the steering wheel controls and the iPod is always charged while it’s attached to the supplied cable.

I removed the shock sensor. It caused too many false alarms for my liking…

2-19-2005 - A lot has changed since my last update. I finally got around to having the Kicker 6.5" midbass drivers installed on the rear deck. Because my car did not come with the BOSE 6X9 speakers, more work was necessary to install them. While the rear deck cover was being prepared for the midbass drivers, I applied NYCG35's suggestions to eliminate rattles in the rear. The midbass drivers were attached to a spacer made of MDF to cover the original 6X9 opening below the rear deck cover. Dynamat was applied on the entire rear deck and I modified the clips used to hold the cover and rear break light to prevent them from rattling. The speakers were attached to the rear channels of my JL Audio e4300 4-channel amp and the crossover was properly set. So how does it sound?  Considering the cost of the installation and the little improvement it made I believe it was a waste of money.

I really wanted to integrate an Apple iPod with my system and retain the steering wheel controls for both the stock headunit and iPod. Dension USA out of Long Beach, CA introduced a product called the ice>Link which not only accomplishes these goals, it charges the iPod while you drive around, it automatically stops the iPod when you get out and automatically resumes when you get back in! How did it work? Simply put, it did not. I did not have any control over my iPod, the steering wheel controls did not function and the sound from the iPod was very distorted. I called technical support they offered little assistance other than offering me a RMA number.

I followed Redwillow's Shock/impact (motion) sensor install on OEM Alarm DIY to add a little more security to the stock alarm. Thanks Redwillow!

9-5-2004 - After reading a recent tread on SoundDomain.com I decided to stuff the enclosure with Pollyfill (Used in pillows) to see if it would make any positive difference and it did. While the enclosure was out of the trunk, I snapped a few more pictures of it. While tweaking the AudioControl EQL I discovered that lowering the 63Hz band eliminated a lot of the rattles I was experiencing in my car. When I install the midbass drivers in the rear deck, I'll apply NYCG35's rattle proofing mod.

7-26-2004 - The goals of my car audio system were to create a great sounding system without showing anything. The largest challenge I faced was to get good sound from the stock head unit. I know, I know… Get rid of the stock headunit you say, right? I wish it was that easy. Keeping the stock look is very important to me.

 I recently picked up an AudioControl EQL equalizer (link) and immediately noticed improved sound quality. This piece has been around for years, and has been used by professionals competing in SQ contests.

 The AudioControl EQL accepts speaker level inputs from the stock headunit as well as line level inputs, it has a line-driver to boost the voltage of the signal going to the amp(s) (Only 2V, but better than stock) and has 13 bands of equalization for both stereo channels. LED indicators make it easy to set the gains correctly to lower the noise floor. This device allows you to get the most out of the stock headunit.

 I set everything to neutral (0 gain) on the stock head unit and on the EQL. Immediately I could hear the music more clearly and with more headroom or dynamic range. I found it far more difficult to make further improvements by ear. I will pay to have a real professional use his tools to set it optimally.

 If you want to keep your stock deck and want good sound I recommend you invest in one. I purchased line off of eBay for <$100. Brand new will cost you ~$200.

5-15-2004 - The Polk Audio amp developed an electrical fault less than a month after purchasing it. I returned it picked up a MTX Audio Thunder801D Class D Mono Amp. I like it better for my application because the amp is physically smaller and runs a lot cooler than the Polk Audio amp. I still haven't got around to installing the midbass speakers because I've been too busy with work. I discovered the 12" Boston Acoustic sub from my previous setup may fit in my custom enclosure after all. I would have to increase the size of the opening, but the depth of that speaker should fit okay. Stay tuned. Lately I've been talking to other G35driver.com members about installing a computer in my car (MP3s, Video, Navigation, Games, Voice Recognition and more...) and using a touch screen to control everything. If I can find a screen that I can reasonably see in the daytime I'll probably go for it. (Thanks Wizawuza & GOC!)

4-24-2004 - I came across a great deal at Circuit City for a Polk Audio/Momo Carbon Series 2-channel amp. This amp received a very favorable review in the April issue of Car Audio & Electronics. I picked it up for less than half the MSR. When bridged, the amp puts out >550 watts to a 4-ohm load which is twice as much as the recommended wattage of the Infinity 10" sub. I believe too much clean power is always better than too little dirty (distorted) power. When the low frequencies hit they come in much cleaner and louder now. I still have not relocated the Kicker Midbass drivers to the rear deck. Since my car did not come with the 6X9 bass drivers, my rear deck lacks the openings the BOSE system have. I'll have the cut the deck and create the openings. Perhaps I'll get around to it next month.

4-10-2004 - Since my last update, I've been working to fine tune the system and made a number of modifications. I changed the line output converters (LOC), removed the midbass drivers from the rear side panel, repositioned the Infinity component set in the doors and found another car audio installer to work with. The rear side panels turned out to be a poor location for the midbass drivers. I may relocate them to the rear deck sometime in the future.

3-10-2004 - I replaced the underpowered Alpine amp with a new JL Audio e4300 Class AB 4-Channel amp. It made a HUGE difference in sound quality. The Infinity Kappa components set now have enough power to really shine!