Alloys, audio and performance

[dizzee]

Hi,

To start, I'm 17 and drive a W reg Corsa (93-2000 model, no power steering). I'm looking at doing some mods to this (but nothing extreme at all), just like, smart looking alloys, an all round sound system and some small value performance mods (induction kit, exhaust? etc), maybe small interior stuff too. I'm completely new to it all, however my dad is a mechanic, so I can fit new stuff with him. Plus I'm gonna get rid of it after 12 months use (next summer), and buy something shiny new.

So alloys.. I've been looking around eBay, and have found some nice Corsa SXI alloys, which are only 15", but aren't chavvy and won't over do it. Would these fit my car? I've heard I could go up to 17" max, running on low profile tyres. What information do I need to know about alloys? anything detailed on the fit or is it just size/studs etc

Next up, car audio, basically I want a GOOD sound system in my car, but I don't want to put it on show, I've no idea about car audio really, it's a grey area. I'd like to learn where it gets power, what I need for a good 'starter' kit, how much I'd be spending and that. I don't want anything fancy/chavvy - generic but good please!

For performance mods, it's a 1 litre, so obviously I'm not gonna do much, I do like the idea of a nice sounding exhaust and maybe an induction kit though. I'll also be lowering it with my dad once I've got alloys fitted. The order I plan to do this is alloys, sound, performance, interior, exterior etc.

I'd appreciate any detailed information you can give, as I'm really interested in doing some of these mods so I can learn a lot about cars haha.

Basically if you could throw some links and info at me for anything I've mentioned I'd be very grateful!

Cheers,

Chris

[winslade]

well its good to hear a new modder who doesn't wanna stick 18" chromes on and have a blaytant ugly sound system, its gd to hear your going for a subtle approach ...corsa SXI wheels look well tidy on a B so its a good choice (sticking with vauxhall is wise choice 2)....erm so i would defo go for those ..and maybe paint em (depending on your car colour) and 15" is the best size on a B. Lowering between 30 mm and 70 mm is best bet on B. Personally im not into ICE but your best to get the typical sub for ya boot and 6X9's on your rear shelf and a set of small speakers for your door card.I only have some JBL 6x9's on my rear shelf and they look neat and tidy and sounds preety good 2. Induction kit wise .... either K&N ,PIPERCROSS, GREEN, etc do good kits but panel filters are cheaper and somtimes are proven to be better than cone filters (you could try the drill the air box and panel filter job), erm ...exhaust ..if you just want a good note best to go for a back box or system from sportex or peco etc ..for a direct fit ...dont go for a universal fit jobby (terrible).. i have a full sportex system on mine ....wasnt that expensive and note is lush ... ...

A rule about modding .....don't just buy things for the sake of it ......like add ons (stickers from halfords etc) ( not wise ..and chavvy)..........NO LEXUS LIGHTS .......btw

Just de-badge, lower and alloys ..cheap and clean good luck !!! and don't forget to do all your maintenance !!

[dizzee]

Thanks a LOT man!

I grasped most of that and will deffo be buying those alloys asap. I've gotta look more into the induction kit and stuff so thanks!

Lexus lights are definitely a no-go haha, and I don't wanna ruin it with stickers either :p, cheers for the post, very helpful.

[matty101]

i've just put a whole new sound system in my car mate and halfords is deffinatly the best place to start.


head unit, pull out the oold one and clip in the new one although u might need to buy some wiring adapters (halfords should them) if you have any problems with saving radio stations etc simply swap over the red and yellow wires (basicly when u get it they are connected up yellow to yellow and red to red and you need to switch them to red to yellow etc.) and push in to place.

front door speakers are easy ten minute job take off the bottom of the dooor card remove the standard one /old ones, screw in to place the adapters and screw the 13mm speakers of your choice. (the wireing is no problem it just clips together and is all included in the kit.

the adapters you will need:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165626

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

parcel shelf is next if you want, if your luckey enough to have standard rear speakers all you have to do is unclip the cover in the boot that gives you acess to the lights find the right wire and dissconect them. mount ur new speakers and connect the old wires to them. ( you might need to extend the old wires) if you didnt already have rear speakers its slightly more complicated and involves running wire and stuff whichi dont know about so...

sub and amp, you can buy it all individually or as a kit (HALFORDS) i'm afraid this is also a grey area for me, i got my bro whos a mechanic to fit mine.

hope this helps.

[dizzee]

Cheers for the info mate.

Think I'm looking at about £500 for a full decent audio system in it. I'll roll up to Halfords one day, so I can get some advice on what'll fit etc.

Up to now, I've been looking at these:

Head Unit - need iPhone compatibility, CD player, and the USB would come in handy
Front Door Speakers (13cm) - 90w RMS power, the higher the better right? cheap too
Speaker Adapter
Parcel Shelf (6x9's)
Subwoofer + Amp Kit - I'd need to check if it fits in the boot, the amp has enough juice to power it all yeah?

[roperstun]

you dnt need 90 watt rms front speakers as head units only give out 40-50 watt rms per channel.

as for the subs i wouldnt bother it doesnt give any iformantion on the amps specs and if it did fit in your boot, urd have no space to put things in there.

[matty101]

you dnt need 90 watt rms front speakers as head units only give out 40-50 watt rms per channel.

as for the subs i wouldnt bother it doesnt give any iformantion on the amps specs and if it did fit in your boot, urd have no space to put things in there.you dnt need 90 watt rms front speakers as head units only give out 40-50 watt rms per channel.

as for the subs i wouldnt bother it doesnt give any iformantion on the amps specs and if it did fit in your boot, urd have no space to put things in there.

would completely agree

[dizzee]

Cheers guys.

Anyone got a link to a suitable sub + amp?

[matty101]

to be honest mate its ur decision, u know what u like,

oh btw i've got them pioneer speakers in my front doors and in my parcel shelf, there great and u cant complain at that price,
heres a pic of what they look like with the covers on.



and heres what i did with my boot


(ignore the crap)

and the head unit and front doors





trust me dont over complicate it - simple is better (or thats my opinnion)

[roperstun]

heres by boot ive got standard speakers in the doors as i broke my cheap aftermarket ones and i have theloudest.com 6x9's on my parcel shelf

[matty101]

looks good mate pitty it takes up so much room, and whats with the mesh or whatever in the parcel shelf?

[roperstun]

i had speakers in it be4 then removed them so was left with two holes so cut em through to rectangle and put neons inbetween em and meshed it

[matty101]

cool, u shud put a pic of it all lit up at night.

[roperstun]

theres one in my project log

[mobiius]

I have a Fusion encounter sub and amp in my Mazda (Found Here)
It's 300W and is loud and clear enough for me. I bought it from Halfords for about £100.