what's the easiest way to run some 8 or 10 gauge amp wires to the engine bay?
i really don't want to drill thru the firewall. any suggestions?

 

I've *heard of* people routing boost gauge wires/hoses through a stock grommet that located behind the fender liner. Maybe someone who has done that before can tell us whether an 8 gauge will fit through there. Please

 

sorry, i have 2 gauge. but you can drill a hole in the fire wall then put in a grommet. thats how mine is done.

 

8 gauge is kinda small for an amp.. well it depends how much current it draws, but in general it's a little on the small side.. not to mention 10 gauge. What most people do is run a 4 gauge, or thicker, from the batery to the cabin. Puncture one of the rubber grommets and force it through there. I use the one directly bellow the brake and clutch fluid reservoirs to run a 4 gauge. Then hook it up to a power distributor (the ones with fuses) and from there you can run 8 gauge or 4 gauge wire to the amp/s. This set-up will also leave room for expansion in the future. It's more costly than your original plan.. but it's better to do it right ONCE. Later on you might get a bigger amp or a second amp, what you gonna do? run another 8 gauge wire to the engine bay.. yuck
(my experience is with an FC btw, I just noticed you have an FD but the idea is the same)

Power distributor.. only $12.50

 

There's lots of room; it's a large grommet. Remove the drivers side fender liner and you'll see a large rubber grommet that enters the passenger compartment just behind the fuse box. Currently my boost gauge hose and water temp wiring run through it but the hole must be an inch in diameter or so; it's big. Once through the firewall the wiring can extend up to the top of the fender and enter the engine bay through the large hole just behind the cruise control (if you have it). Plenty of room to run anything you wish without adding holes to the car, and the fender liner covers it all back up.

 

EASY JOB!

Look under driverside between the gas and brake pedals. you might have to slightly pull back the carpet but there should be a hole large enough there in the firewall to run your wire. you can then run the power wire behind your foot rest.

 

Thanks DamonB!

 

Make sure that you install a fuse in the engine bay (prevents passenger compartment fires). Also make sure that you use at least 4 or 5 gauge wire., and the ground wire and power wire should be of equal gauge. You're going to want to ground to bare metal near the amp. You should secure the wires with black zip ties and cover the wire with flex tubing. I used to work as a car audio installer; you wouldn't believe some of the ghetto rigs I've had to straighten out. Probably more than you needed to know- Have fun.

 

I'm going to be installing an Infinity Basslink. I think it's rated for 200W. 4gauge wire would be excessive for a basslink.
8 or 10 will do fine. I'm not into crazy bass... just want a more wholesome sound and I'm to lazy to get a custom enclosure made, unless DamonB starts producing his again .