’05 Subaru Outback Possibilities?

Just bought a new Subaru Outback wagon, looking for ideas on how/where/what's possible for car audio with this thing.  Stealth is the name of the game, and I'm not afraid to get creative with things.

Speakers - I've got 2 sets of MBQ 6.5's that'll go in the doors nicely, so that's settled.

Amps - 2 SS ref-10.0's (class A - the big ones, about 16"x10x2)  Where the hell am I putting these?

Would like to build a stealthbox-type enclosure for the rear, I can probably make that work.  I have another SS amp of about the same dimensions as the others for a sub, where is that going?  There's an interesting space under the trunk floor & above the spare donut where a foam storage unit lives, maybe an amp rack in there?  But it needs ventilation & spare tire access.  Ideas?

What about yanking the spare altogether (I don't like that idea to begin with), building a sub box with single 10" and 3 amps flanking it?

Headunit - this is a headache.  Integrated HU.  That'll have to stay.  I'm thinking about adding the new JL Cleansweep to it, but not sure if it needs it.  The biggest issues are SQ and adding an Ipod.  Is it possible to add an ipod to the existing deck & retain volume control thru that deck?  Don't say RF modulator, no way.

Here's another tough one.  The steering wheel controls are for the sport-shift, not the stereo.  Anyone know a way to re-work these into the headunit?  I know the HU accepts SW controls, other cars had it.

Thanks in advance.  Alex.

OK, spent the entire weekend obsessing about this (and who here hasn't done that).  I've decided to chance removing the spare altogether & FG a box into the well with the amps on 3 sides.  This puts most of the gear in one spot, it's stealth & relatively easy to do.  My problem now is venting - those amps get hot. 

I'm thinking I can make 2 - 2" ports in the floor of the well & put an ingoing fan on one of them to move air around.  A few questions about that - will the fans create interference noise being that close to the amps?  I'm cutting big holes in the bottom of my car which creates possible weather issues - what do I need to know about this?  any shop tricks to make this work?

Is there a better way to vent this space w/o opening the floor?

finally, in place of the spare will be a Slime kit with tire sealant & compressed air.  Hope it works.  I haven't had a flat in 8 years, but will probably get one the day after I do all this...

Thanks MS, I've decided against the CS in favor of an AudioControl HPX in the dash cubby.  I believe it will fit & keep the hinged cover intact.  That gives me AUX IN and a volume knob for the Ipod, plus it's effects are excellent for MP3's.

Ironic that you found this post - I had left some questions for you at Sounddomain.  Tell me, how're the amps doing in your spare tire well?  Has it worked out just having those passive vents?  Tried any extended trips yet?  I'm also interested in any custom enclosures for the trunk - I think your Sonddomain page said you're doing one.  I'm working on fiberglassing a 10W3 into the corner.  What's your plan?

Couple other things - how's your Ipod mounted in the cupholder?  How's the alternator handling the amps? 

thanks for the info, really appreciate the pics - very helpful to see how others have solved certain logistical issues like where to punch thru the firewall.  Will probably get started on the sub box in the next week or so, using a 10W3 (actually salvaged from a Jeep Gr Cherokee Stealthbox!), will start posting pics when things come together.

Tell me, any info about how the alternator's handling the extra load?  Any problems when things are cranked up - lights dimming, etc?