I have an '03 CL-S and I know almost nothing about car stereo and I need some help. I have some Kenwood Excelon equipment on the way (KAC-X541 amp, KDC-X689 receiver, KFC-X1700P components, and KFC-X690 rears) and need some help on what else I need for the install. I'm going to order the Metra kit 99-7868, an amp install kit and 2 sets of RCA interconnects. Which wire harness I am supposed to order - 70-1721 or 71-1721 or both? I want to be sure I get radio reception after install. Is there anything else I need? Should I replace the speaker wire? If so, with what gauge/brand? What gauge is the speaker wire in the car now? Anything else you can recommend (besides getting different equipment... I got a good deal on the Kenwood stuff)? Thanks for the help.

Babber

 

Your 03 CL_S has an amp and a separate Bose processor module in the back passenger corner of the trunk.

The harness you get is almost irrelevant if you are replacing the OEM amp with a new amp.

The HU only needs ACC(+), Constant (+), and Ground from the harness, and maybe illumination.

Then you need to run RCA's for F and R, and a remote turn on lead, back to the amp (I'd run a ground too).

If you DO get a harness, do NOTHING with the speaker wires on it - leave them taped off.

THe speakers will all get grabbed back at the amp location in the trunk.

 

Should I get the new amp installed where the old one is? Is there room? The Kenwood is about 17.5" x 10.5" x 2.5". Will I have to worry about the amp overheating?

I'm assuming you're saying I don't need to change the speaker wire. Is that correct?

 

I don't think the aftermarket amp will fit in the stock location, although i could be wrong. I would suggest you put the amp in the trunk though