I.C.E. - Is there more to it?

[toot]

Right, finally got an idea of what I.C.E I want and have started stashing the money away. Looking at front components, 2-ways for the rear, sub for the boot, a phat amp and a headunit (possibly a changer as well if the current clarion isn't compatible with the HU I buy).

The thing is, what else do I need? I know I need the fascia thing for the HU but what about cables?!?! No-one on here seems to mention them. Do I keep the original cables and just change the components or should I re-cable? I'll be getting someone to do it all for me but I want to have everything I need already.

[MattB]

I bought a standard 206 fascia adapter for my CC then tried to put my Kenwood headunit in, to find i didn't need the adpater at all. I'm not sure if it's only the newer CCs but you probably don't need the fascia adapter.

What you will have problems with (assuming your car is multiplex) is the wiring - you'll need to take the ignition power off the cigarette lighter and the illumination power off the ashtray light (this is discussed in quite a few places in the forum - do a search for it and you'll find the stuff easily)

As for cables, re-cabling would be good to get that final 1% out of the sound, but I wouldn't expect it to make a huge noticeable difference. However, I've never done this so can't talk from experience. Of course, make sure you use decent cables for the sub, especially for the power.

I'm no expert and am just going through this process myself, but hopefully some of my ramblings will be useful for you!

[stephen T]

some good advice there. rewiring the front speakers is probably gunna be more trouble than what its worth.

[toot]

Well, as I say, going to get a man to do it for me. Just have to find one that knows.

From what I read here, my Vera is a multiplex cc and I understand I have to get something disabled in the BSE or something? Will the RD3 work still if I do that or do I need to get that done then get the stereo fitted straight away? I would trust whoever fitted the thing anyway to know to use proper cables for subs etc it was just whether or not I needed to buy special cable.

[MattB]

I put my Kenwood headunit in about 5 weeks ago. After the bit of re-wiring explained above it worked fine without having to re-program the BSI. The car went in a few weeks back for some other work and asked them about it - they said that they would do it if I really wanted it done, but they would have to charge me half hour's labour. Also they said that it made no difference really so it's not worth doing.

Other people on the forum will probably say you must get it sorted, but personally I have seen no problems, and my dealership said there's no real point.

[chrisaljar]

Fitted a Kenwood 959 amp - kept original headunit - added 2 way components at fron and kenwood 2 way integrated at rea - sounds fantastic great mids and highs but still lacking sumwhat in the bass region - found bazooka web site and ordered a 6.5" dual coil sub to enhance the bass - not arrived yet. Anyway i agree with the above dont bother fitting new speaker cable to the fronts as you need to pass it through the rubber door to car hose and once you remove the thing you cant put it back on until you dismantle the complete dash - peugeot quoted me £120 to do that so i am going to glue the seals in place (on the car body) Just because its a new car doesnt mean its engineered to modify easily later . So there you go a word of warning - Dont bother changing the speaker wire at the front - Whole job took me 8 hours..

[toot]

a word of warning - Dont bother changing the speaker wire at the front - Whole job took me 8 hours..

Thanks for the advice guys. As I say, will be getting someone to do the job for me anyway (as long as I can find someone that would know how to an install on the cc as I gather it isn't your average, run-of-the-mill ICE install.