spudboy23

can someone enlighten me as to the different in wiring harnesses between an L and an LS model...does an L have all the same wiring for the stereo as an LS, just no amp? or is the harness under the rear seat completely different? it seems like manufacturers usually use one "template" for different models and just add things as they need for the options.

i'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade my "L" to an "LS" HU/amp by just installing the components from an LS, or if the wiring harness connectors for the amp are nonexistent as well, meaning there's no way to hook it up without running extra wires.

any info would be appreciated.

 

Feuerstoss

I'm not sure if this will help, but this is my thread doing some brainstorming on using an LS head unit to drive an aftermarket amp setup. It might even provide a nicer system than using the regular Bose amp the LS cars came with, as well as keep all the neat features of our stock HUs.

Is this a crazy idea, or...?

__________________
1991 L Coupe 5-speed: 109K and still ticking.

Mods: '93-'95 Type I gauges, Alpine Type S 6.5" speakers all-around, '97 TL CD/tape HU, Manual woodgrain console.

Future mods:6-disc changer, CAI.

spudboy23

thanks for the link, i'll check it out.

i'm currently using a Kenwood cassette deck with a cassette adapter to run my iPod. my OEM cd changer is dead and i'm not interested in using it anyway. the Kenwood is 40W/ch and it sounds great, so i'm figuring that the stock Bose amp would probably sound really good too, as it's 80W/ch. granted, it's also really old amp tech and a new one might be crappy even if it has plenty of power, but i like the prospect of going with an amp that's integrated into the system (and hidden) rather than having one taking up space in my trunk or something. that's why i'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade the L that i have to an LS stereo, at least as far as the amp goes. i wouldn't mind having the 2100 HU in my car...it's less likely to attract thieves, and it looks good and works well enough for my purposes, esp. with the prospect of adding an MAudio or AInet adapter, (w/e the OEM CD changer control cable is) to plug my iPod into. i have no need for some huge competition clas system that's going to be a bunch of $$ and work, i just want something that sounds really good and ideally is easy to install.

Feuerstoss

Hm... another option would be to use the 'Standard Bose' 2200 head unit, which is an internally amplified 80x4 model. I'd think the external amplified head units would sound better, but if you're looking for ease of install and decent sound quality without going overboard the 2200 would be the best direct plug and play unit IMO.

Currently I'm running a set of Alpine Type S 6.5" speakers off the non-Bose base HU. They sound pretty good, but I have noticed that I have to turn it up all the way to max in order to get decent volume out of my aftermarket FM modulated CD changer. Other than that for what I put into the 'upgrade' it's well been worth it. I do have a 2200 head unit laying around but from what I can see it's dead, otherwise I'd be running that.

__________________
1991 L Coupe 5-speed: 109K and still ticking.

Mods: '93-'95 Type I gauges, Alpine Type S 6.5" speakers all-around, '97 TL CD/tape HU, Manual woodgrain console.

Future mods:6-disc changer, CAI.