I went to Best Buy to check on the cost of replacing my stereo.

The tech in the install area said that the system install would require a complete rewire because the stock system used proprietary wiring and speakers.

I was also told that I would have to have a 4ch amp installed since my speakers are 2ohm and it would fry my stock head unit.

Are they just trying to rip me off?

has anyone had to completely rewire their system for installing new speakers?

if your system is Bose or anything upgraded over the Concert Sound 2 then they are probably right.

If you have CS2 then you just need a wiring harness. I know theres two speakers in the front doors. if they are both 2 ohm and wired in series which Im about 99% positive they are, you will be fine.

If you have something greater than cs2 then you probably will need a rewire in terms of running new speaker wire from either a new deck or by adding an amp.

had to run new wires to the rear speakers on my friends riviera, harness wouldnt match up. He had cs2, but was also a 1995.

post is here somewhere

Didn't need to touch the speaker wiring in my '98 with CS2. It works great.

both front and rear wires worked fine for aftermarket speakers and head unit. btw, i think you can get 2ohm aftermarket speakers but i dont believe there is a need to.

I have a 95 and the wiring harness worked perfect. American international brand.

You dont want 2 Ohm speakers...

Just buy the fit kit and take your time. Its not a fun one, thats for sure...

I got an American international fit kit also. Its better than the others they have and has a nice EXTENDED mounting plate.

Get the GM-K434 and you can use the extended mount. Then use the factory "cradle" and use the back screw that came with your radio. makes for a SOLID mount!

I have the speakers already. Infinity kappa series speakers and they are 2ohm speakers.

Can I just splice in a 4ohm resister to each speaker to not have a problem with my stock CSII?

No resistor needed for the kappas. Do your homework. It's discussed on the infinity website.

Thats a pile of bull shit if Ive ever read any.

Theres no damned way in hell that 10' or less of factory wiring is going to equate to 2 Ohms.

Furthermore even if it did add resistance its DC resistance, not AC Impedance.

I would use these with extreme caution or return them.

Check the calculator... 20 Ga wiring, 10 feet = .1 Ohms.

BS

What is BS?

They sound great to me anyway, and that's all that really matters. A lot better sounding than the factory speakers that's for sure.

Ryan,
What is the formula for figuring out resistance based on AWG and length of wire ?
It seems I have forgotten the basics.

http://www.stealth316.com/2-wire-resistance.htm

All that is, is some strange/stupid marketing gimmick. AC Impedance (what a speaker is) is different than DC Resistance (How you measure the wire). Theres no way in this green earth that theres 2 Ohms resistance in that wire...

Thats what Im calling BS on.

I wonder what the DC Resistance is on those speakers...?

Ryan,
Thanks for the link.
That's just what I've been looking for.

So to be clear. Can I use my 2ohm Kappa speakers with my stock CSII HU or do I have to wait until my new HU is installed?