Installing amplifier under the back left seat in 03 4Runner?
- Thread starter gkatmar
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atomic punk
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Post this in the Audio forum, you might get some more qualified answers in there. Actually, maybe a moderator can move it there for ya.
To answer your question: I think there WILL be heat issues if you don't take the necessary precautions.
BUT, if you get an amp that is way overpowered for your system, that is a different story. An amp heats up when it's being pushed, so if you don't push it, it shouldn't be a problem if you can fit it in there. For example: if you are looking to add "some" bass to your system and have an 8 or 10" 2ohm sub that can handle say 200wmax, then an amp that pushes out 1000w at 2ohms will not get hot if it's only using 20% of it's rated amplifying ability.
If I were you, I would take these steps:
1) make darn sure there isn't a better location to mount the amp (under the rear seat is the last resort)
2) get a more powerful amp than what is needed.
3) amp has a built-in fan.
4) amp has an over-temp sensor and will shut the amp off when it overheats
5) maybe see if you can build a "cage" of some sort around the amp so that the top/sides of the amp housing do not come in contact with the carpet.
That's about all I can think of....I have an amp mounted underneath each of the front seats and have no heat problems because there is at least 1-2" of air between the seat bottom and the top of the amps, plus plenty of air circulation around the amps. Did you look at those locations?
Hope that helps.
To answer your question: I think there WILL be heat issues if you don't take the necessary precautions.
BUT, if you get an amp that is way overpowered for your system, that is a different story. An amp heats up when it's being pushed, so if you don't push it, it shouldn't be a problem if you can fit it in there. For example: if you are looking to add "some" bass to your system and have an 8 or 10" 2ohm sub that can handle say 200wmax, then an amp that pushes out 1000w at 2ohms will not get hot if it's only using 20% of it's rated amplifying ability.
If I were you, I would take these steps:
1) make darn sure there isn't a better location to mount the amp (under the rear seat is the last resort)
2) get a more powerful amp than what is needed.
3) amp has a built-in fan.
4) amp has an over-temp sensor and will shut the amp off when it overheats
5) maybe see if you can build a "cage" of some sort around the amp so that the top/sides of the amp housing do not come in contact with the carpet.
That's about all I can think of....I have an amp mounted underneath each of the front seats and have no heat problems because there is at least 1-2" of air between the seat bottom and the top of the amps, plus plenty of air circulation around the amps. Did you look at those locations?
Hope that helps.
boston_kevin
New member
Make sure you have spacers under the amp between the amp and the carpet. You may run into space issues in regards to the height of the amp and spacers.
atomic punk
New member
I agree with my fellow baystater that space under the amp would be helpful, but I think spacers (or space) above the amp is more important than underneath it. The top of the housing is the heat sink - heats up the hottest - and where you need air circulation the most. But, if you can get space on top and the bottom, that would be ideal.
boston_kevin
New member
Thanks Atomic!! I have seen heat get trapped between the amp and the carpet enough to melt those vinyl fibers to a nice hard plastic. Honestly, I am not even sure if there is enough room for an amp under the back seat.
atomic punk
New member
right on. Might be a moooooot point.
atomic punk
New member
Why not under a front seat?
greasefingers
New member
There is zero room under the rear seat.
If I were you, I would make a cardboard model and then stick it under the front passenger seat to see if it will fit. A pizza box is 2 inches high. You might want to cut it to the other dimensions and just realize that the height needs to be a bit taller.
If I were you, I would make a cardboard model and then stick it under the front passenger seat to see if it will fit. A pizza box is 2 inches high. You might want to cut it to the other dimensions and just realize that the height needs to be a bit taller.
atomic punk
New member
HERE is the link to my amps that I have installed.
I have the SS 4.400 under the passenger seat and it is 11 x 13 x 2.5".... I also have the SS 1000D which is 11 x 12.75 x 2.5" under the driver's seat. Both are hidden from view, and have been in the 4R for over a year with no problems. I don't push the amps to their max (often), so they shouldn't have any risk of overheating.
I'll take some pics this weekend for you if noone replies with pics first, it's freakin cold out here at night.
I have the SS 4.400 under the passenger seat and it is 11 x 13 x 2.5".... I also have the SS 1000D which is 11 x 12.75 x 2.5" under the driver's seat. Both are hidden from view, and have been in the 4R for over a year with no problems. I don't push the amps to their max (often), so they shouldn't have any risk of overheating.
I'll take some pics this weekend for you if noone replies with pics first, it's freakin cold out here at night.
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atomic punk
New member
gkatmar: See my new post.
atomic punk
New member
sharp4runr
New member
Here is a pic of my amp under the front passenger seat:
<img src="http://toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=34883">
I've had it there for about 2 years and no problems with over heating.
<img src="http://toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=34883">
I've had it there for about 2 years and no problems with over heating.
atomic punk
New member
I remember seeing that. Old pic. That's where I got the idea from.
Did you bolt that down? Mine fit snug - no bolts.
Did you bolt that down? Mine fit snug - no bolts.
sharp4runr
New member
Nah, no need to bolt it down. It's not going anywhere
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sharp4runr
New member
If I remember correctly, I put some hook and loop tape underneath to sort of "velcro" it down, but other than that nothing...
