Thread: Want to replace stock bose system

My little bro has a bose system in his grand prix. he wants to replace all of the speakers and the HU. How do you bypass the stock bose amp? Ive wired a lot of stereo systems before but none of them had a bose system previously installed. Do i have to run new wires for all of the speakers in the car? Also ive heard of a module that allows you to keep using the steering wheel controls. does anyone know where you can get them and what exactly they are called? He has a 2002 GTP 40th Anniversary and i believe he has onstar as well. Thanks

I just took all the bose out and ran new speakers and wires to the headunit. The steering wheel controls interface is a pac-something... may have to find out which one is compatible but it is similar, if not this: PAC SWI-X Steering wheel control interface — use your factory steering wheel controls with an aftermarket stereo at Crutchfield.com

Yes we took the door panels off. Only way to change speakers. We also had to take back seat out to get at rear speakers. And then all the trim peices in between. Wasn't too hard but this ilwasnt my first time running wires through a car and taking trim and stuff off. So if you have time and are a hands on person you can give it a shot. If not I would find somebody that can. Took me a whole Saturday to replace all speakers, all new wire and a deck and subs.

Depending on the speakers you put in you can usually get away with running the power from the deck for speaker power unless you want it really loud. We used all stock size speakers otherwise you will have fitment issues. I don't remember the gauge just look online and usually you can find what size you need. Check what power the speakers are and how much you plan on giving them. and there is actually 6 speakers in these cars. 2 in front(one in each door) and 4 in the rear (2 per side up by window) if your gonna run amp get a good 4 channel for the speakers. And run the rear sets together. Just join each side together. So 4 inputs just like normal only with 2 speakers wired together per side at the rear.

Here is a chart I pulled off the Internet for speaker wire. If my memory serves me correctly I think we used 14awg

Wire Size 2 ohm load 4 ohm load 6 ohm load 8 ohm load
22 AWG 3 feet max. 6 feet max 9 feet max 12 feet max
20 AWG 5 feet max 10 feet max. 15 feet max. 20 feet max
18 AWG 8 feet max 15 feet max 23 feet max 30 feet max
16 AWG 12 feet max 25 feet max 37 feet max 50 feet max
14 AWG 20 feet max 40 feet max ******* *******
12 AWG 31 feet max ******* ******* *******
10 AWG 50 feet max ******* ******* *******

Well usually the tweeters are wired along with the front speakers. Connected with a box or sometimes just right to the speaker itself.