1997 Grand Am Head Unit/Speakers
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=24872
Printed Date: May 19, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Topic: 1997 Grand Am Head Unit/Speakers
Posted By: goldfinger
Subject: 1997 Grand Am Head Unit/Speakers
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 11:44 AM
I have a 1997 Grand Am with the stock tape deck and speakers. :( I'm looking to replace the tape deck with a MP3 player and possibly replacing all the speakers with something a little better. Do I have to do anything special like re-locate the stock deck? Or is that only on new model GM's? Does anyone have a clue what the RMS rating for the stock speakers would be? I'm afraid the aftermarket deck will blow them in no time.
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 12:48 PM
Your OEM tape deck puts out about 4 watts RMS. If you are replacing it, I suggest you also need to replace your stock speakers. Also be sure to get the appropriate wiring harness connector for your car, and you may need a dash kit as well. Check the Metra guides in this site (navigation link on the left frame.)
Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 12:51 PM
No I don't think you need the relocation kit (Class II wiring wasn't until 98). You would just need a GM dash kit and wire harness adapter. As far as the speakers, they probably will be around 25 watts max and around 10-15 rms. The deck will probably not blow them (unless you have the vloume and bass cranked all the way up) But it won't sound all that clear. Your bass response will definetly go up and your lows will sound deeper but they'll still sound muffled. It's best to change them out as well. You'll be much happier that way. Good luck. ------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel. 
Posted By: goldfinger
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 12:58 PM
Excellent info, thank you. The deck I'm looking at is a JVC KD-S890 (4x50 peak, 4x19 RMS) and maybe some 2-way Pioneer 4x6's to fit in the door and 3-way Pioneer 6x9's to fit in the back so they'll be easy to install. The head unit should be sufficient to power the 4x6's, right? Would I need an AMP to power the rear 6x9's ? They list "recommended RMS power 60 watts" and peak 220. Would they sound OK at 19RMS? Sorry for all the questions.... I'm completely new to this. I don't want to raise the roof or be heard coming down the road...... I just want something clearer and a little more bass than what I have right now. Got the kit and wiring harnesses all taken care of. 
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 1:19 PM
Your HU will power your speakers just fine for general listening. It is just my opinon, but I don't like the sound of Pioneer speakers. Be sure to listen to some choices before you decide and get whatever sounds the best to you within your price range, though. For general commercial level speakers, I prefer Infinity over Pioneer or Kenwood or Sony.
Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 2:08 PM
I agree with Dyohn. In my opinion, to get Pioneers to sound right you'll have to run them through a really good amp. Infinity is a very good choice. And you can find a good set on ebay at a discounted price. ------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 2:27 PM
Check out some Boston speakers. They have a really good clear sound I think. And they're reasonably priced. -------------
Posted By: goldfinger
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 3:55 PM
Thanks for the comments guys. Anyone wanna take a stab at how long this will take me? I've never installed one before, so this will be completely new to me. Also, will the aftermarket speakers just hook up to the wiring I already have? Or will I need to do some work? I'd love to go somewhere and listen before I buy, but unfortunatly the only thing within 100+ miles of here is a Wal-Mart. 
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 4:00 PM
Your aftermarket speakers just hook up to the wiring you already have. Try www.crutchfield.com . They sell a ton of car audio video stuff and give you free instructions ,wiring harnesses ,speaker adator plates ,etc. They also let you try them out in your car for 30 days I think. -------------
Posted By: goldfinger
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 7:12 PM
Any comments on whether or not I should use the same brand speakers front and back? IE Boston 4x6's for the doors and Infinity 6x9's in the back? Any disadvantages to not going with the same brand for both front and back?
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 7:19 PM
It shouldnt matter unless your doing surround sound. Rear speakers are usually just for rear fill. It's ok to go ahead and use different brands. -------------
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 7:22 PM
By the way tell me how everything sounds once yu have it installed if you do get speakers. -------------
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 7:25 PM
In most cases it is wise to use the same brand speakers in front and back with the exception of subwoofrs. The tonal quality will be similar. Most speakers do sound different so it is a good idea to demo some different ones with your own music. If you want to get a huge improvement in sound from the front speakers, it is possible to upgrade them to a six and 1/2 inch models. Simply use the plastic bracket that the original factory speakers mount to as a template. Trace the outer pattern of the bracket onto a 1/2 piece of MDF or thick plastic and note the holes for the factory mounting screws. Center the new six and half inch speaker on the board and cut out the appropriate mounting hole. Screw the new plate and speaker assembly back onto the door using the factory screw hols. You will get a far greater sound quality from a larger speaker. The hole job should take less than 2 hours and fits perfectly behind the stock speaker grills. No modifications are required to the door or door trim panel.
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sparky
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: January 19, 2004 at 7:47 PM
You can also buy a speaker plate adaptor that lets you use a different sized speaker for your 6 X 9 opening for example. I know they make one that lets you put 6 1/2 or 5 1/4 speaker in place of your 6 X 9's. If you wanted to buy Boston 5 1/4 or 6 1/2 you could use the adaptor and theyd fit perfectly. I know www.crutchfield.com sells them. Just go to the car audio column ,click on what fits my car and enter your car's information. Then click on car audio and video instalation , go to speaker instalation and click on that ,then scroll down to speaker adaptor brackets and your there. -------------
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