Just incase anyone was following my saga and is writing a "don't do it like him" book, here's what fixed the problem:

1) Took my DJ equipment outside as a "control" system, since I know that works.
2) Hooked up the RCAs from the sub preamp line...heard nothing but noise. Must have the wires reversed.
3) Reversed the wires
4) Now I heard silence...which is good.
5) Retapped one of the wires...and it worked. Yeehaw.
6) Hooked it up to the car amp/subs...the subs started bouncing around like crazy...but there was little to no sound.
7) Remembered from physics the principle of "destructive interference"...checked the polarity of the subs using a battery (read that trick here) and one of the subs was wired backwards inside the box.
8) Connected it up...and BOOM. Most definitely worked.

Now the only remaining problem is that I get a pop out of the stock sub when I turn the stereo off and there is some slight engine noise in the system. Nothing I'm worried about...

Kudos all you guys who walked me through this

Next project: VTEC engage LED

 

Cool dude ! You finally got it working. Not sure how to get rid of the pop sound but to avoid engine noise, make sure your amp does not touch any of the metal on the chassis. If you mount the amp against the wall in the trunk, make sure you mount the amp on a piece of plywood and mount the plywood to the wall.

Way the go dude ! Now you can enjoy your music in your new car !!!

Cheers !!!

 

The amp is screwed into the top of the speaker box...

Perhaps it's because I didn't use shielded wire for the signal line? I didn't think 10" of wire would make a big difference...

Another thing I find is that both the stock and my amp take time to "charge" or something before they work. Takes like a minute for them to kick on.

 

how does it sound?

 

It sounds excellent