I just bought a single fusion 12 in a ported box, needed some advice on wiring in a volvo.
I have a 1998 S70 T5. Obviously the sub and amp will be in the trunk. where in the car should i wire it through?(under the carpet? etc.) and do I need anything special if i'm going to use my stock stereo?

Sub right here:


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the easiest way to get it done with a stock HU is using an amp with speaker level inputs, a 12 volt at least 10 Gauge (8 wouldn't hurt) constant power source with matching ground and a switched (remote) 12 volt power source...small gauge.

 

The professional way to do it would be to run the power wires down one side of the car, and the RCA's down the other. This eliminates interference. How big of an amp are you running? 8-4 gauge is probably best. Buy a full kit that comes with all your wires. To connect to the stock deck, I would recommend this device http://www.reqsound.com/. Stock decks limit bass at higher volumes to prevent you from effing your speakers. That module restores that bass and actually makes the sub sound good, which is the goal. You can buy cheaper modules like this one http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/S...id/0/SFV/30046 however I don't recommend it because you don't get the same quality.

The biggest two issues that happen with sub installs are due to:
1) Using too small gauge of wire. The amp can't get enough power and ends up burning itself out.
2) Using too small of an amp with their subs. When they try and turn it up, the sub distorts, and this fries the sub.

 

using an amp with speaker level inputs would be better than using that module. Unless you are buying a really cheap amp, the internals of an amp with speaker level inputs is going to readjust the signal to reacquire the filtered bass already.

Also...I don't know why I didn't think of this before but that sub typically comes in a kit that includes a 300 watt amp and 8 Ga. wire....which according to Crutfield is a little overkill. check out this chart. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kGATwdR...uge_chart.html

If you've got a 300 Watt amp it's RMS value is closer to 80% that so call it 240 Watts. Double that and divide by 13.8 volts (which is generous....you're probably not really running at 13.8 volts...I'm usually at 12.8-13) and you talking about 34-37 amperes.....that's only going to call for 10 Ga.