Reading the MCO board I've pick up much information and I'm very happy to have a place to get so many different opinions on car audio for the MINI - Thanks.

Now here's the question. I want to keep my MCS as stock as possible, but produce a very nice sound without a sub. Here is the list of components I've come up with.

Alpine CDA 7995 - head unit
JL Audio XR 525 Csi - front speakers
Pioneer TS - 6995 - rear speakers
JL Audio 300 X 4 - amp.

Will theses components fit directly in to my MCS, replacing the factory "things" or will I have to modify side panels, front panels and dash area. Also where is best place to put the amp? Will it fit in one of the rear side compartments or should I place it on the floor of the boot or under one of the seats. You tell me - I'm looking for inputs.

Last, is the PAC SWI - X completely compatible with the Multi Function Steering Wheel controls. I do not want to loose anything I can control now from the steering wheel. If not, what is?

Bottom line, what do you think and thanks again to MCO people - you're the best.

Cheers!
Clover

The 300/4 JL Audio amplifier is a class AB amplifier with real world output power. Because of this, it also generates a considerable amount of heat when it is pushed hard. For that reason I would recommend you mount it in a place where it's heat sinks are exposed to enough air space to cool it adequately. I've seen amplifiers mounted in the side panels, but don't think there'd be enough air flow there without some cooling fans added. If you choose the trunk floor option, be sure to allow for some air flow under or through the false floor. If the 300/4 gets too hot, it won't shut down, but it will cut back on it's output power, which could be annoying. I personally went with the trunk floor option and put vent holes through the false floor just above the amplifier heat sinks.
Good luck,
DAVertrees

Davertrees

Thanks for the info.

Well, I'm not familiar with the amp you specify, so I'd have to go with Dave's advice there.

As for the speakers, the rears will just drop in, no issues there. The fronts will need a mounting ring or else the rears will protrude too far into the door casing and hit the window. The mounting ring is a spacer that prevents this. Many have made their own, others have been buying them from mikeythemini off the MINI2 boards.

And yes, the PAC SWI-X is completely compatible. The only potential issue would be with the head unit itself. PAC lists the head units that do not work with the SWI-X, so as long as you are fine there, you're good to go. You might want to check page two of my homepage listed in my sig. It has some tips for the install of the SWI-X. In a nutshell, tap the wire under the steering colum and nowhere else.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about the SWI-X. :smile:

R

i'm pretty sure that JL amp is too large to fit in the cubby holes or under the front seats. the false floor is really your only option.

as a reference the largest thing that'll fit in the cubbies is about 10X10 (a little less then that)

if you want to stuff anything in there you're only option would be two smaller 2 channel amps, or one of the blaupunkt class t amps.

Looks like a great set-up, very similar to mine:

-Alpine CDA-7894 CD-R/RW, MP3, cd changer
-PAC SWI-X Adapter
-XM Radio
-JL Audio XR525-CSi 5 1/4 front component speakers and tweets
-JL Audio XR650-CXi 6 1/2s replacing the stock 6x9s
-JL Audio 10W7-3 10inch subwoofer in custom box
-JL Audio 300/4 and 500/1 amps under 4inch false floor in trunk

I used to be a big fan of Alpine till they went mass market.....been using elipse in my last couple cars, reminds me of what alpine was when they started....but anything is better than the lousy HK that cam in my MCS....aven't heard the new HK, but from what I gather the speakers are still pretty weak..