Install: Clarion VX400 and Amplified 8" Bazooka

Master_Ly

I finally got around to installing some audio goodies in my Z and I wanted to document some information on my experience that I hope will benefit others. There are a lot of other tutorials out there that discusses how to install a headunit so I don't want to take away from those threads. Therefore, I'll just be providing some images and highlights.

Here are the items I installed or needed:

• Rockford Fosgate RFK10I 10 AWG Power Interconnect Kit
• Clarion VX400 6.5" 2-DIN DVD Receiver (Crutchfield part #020VX400)
• Nissan 370Z Metra Kit 2010 Nissan 370Z w.out Nav. I, E, DD (Crutchfield part #120997607B)
• Nissan Wire Harness receiver, 2007-up (Crutchfield part #120707552)
• Nissan Antenna Adapter OEM antenna to Motorola Male (Crutchfield part #12040NI12)
• Amplified Bazooka 8" Bass Tube Subwoofer (model #BTA8200)
• Heatshrink Tubes (I used 20-12 gauge but I brought the harness with me just in case)
• Wire Regular Connectors (blue 16-14 gauge)
• Wire Splice Connectors (blue 16-14 gauge)
• Wiring Crimpers
• Solder
• Soldering Iron
• Torx Screwdriver
• Heat Gun
• Standard set of Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Standard set of millimeter sockets or wrenches
• Assorted Zip-Ties
• Electrical Tape

I originally bought the Bazooka a longtime ago on eBay but I really can't remember. I did buy the amplifier wiring kit and the heat gun from Amazon.com and everything that I tied a Crutchfield part# from their website directly. I did the math and it was cheaper to buy it from them with all the stuff it came with versus buying them individually. Now, with this headunit, I really didn't need the faceplate kit but I wanted it to keep on hand. I could always sell it separately too. I also found a $20.00 off coupon on the web and used that. The rest of the stuff I either had or just picked them up from Wal-Mart, Pep Boys, etc.

Pictures of the headunit box with the features information:







I first started off with the wiring, soldering, and heatshrinking. I know there are a lot of people out there very critical about the soldering works and I know I'm am not even close to being good but I am able to do enough to get by, or be dangerous, haha. Here are some images:






The faceplate that was NOT needed; retained for back-up:




Amplifier wiring kit and for some reason, this kit came with either a 25 or 30 fuse and I happen to get the 25. I emailed RF directly and they said it was fine to replace the 25 with a 30. Please see the following image:



Headunit hotness (the screen):




Proceeding with removal of OEM headunit after disconnecting the battery. I actually didn't need to remove the shifter boot or the plastic holder thing that the shift boot is part of. I just lifted it up, rotated it 90 degrees whichever direction and placed my shirt under that plastic piece and my center console to prevent scratches. The airbag sensor was the only one still connected while the other on that plastic piece was disconnected. Here are some images I was able to snap:








Getting the new headunit ready for installation, organizing with zip-ties, and applying electrical tapes to the connectors that I didn't use and didn't have a cap:



Commence installing and mounting:





I noticed that the wiring harness is this but I called Crutchfield to make sure and they confirmed it will work fine:



Routing the amplifier turn-on wire and RCA cables for the subwoofer:



I can assure you the blue wire is NOT getting pinched. I sat there for a while messing with the parking brake and it was not getting pinched one bit. I even used some electrical tape to tape it down.



Routing the wire towards the trunk, after exiting the center console:



Into the trunk area it goes:




Getting the battery terminal ready to connect the power wire for the subwoofer:




Had to fabricate the positive terminal cover a little bit to accommodate the power wire:




Routing the power wire through the grommet for the line to the ECU (the puncture hole should be small since it stretches):




Down by the ECU now:



Along the kickplate area:



Towards the side panel behind the passenger seat (with no back speakers!):




Into the trunk area it goes:




Grounding wire for the subwoofer:




Getting it organized now:





If this helped, please "rep" me! Thank you!

Master_Ly

Connected to the subwoofer:





Here are the instructions I were able to scan and the wiring with my notes is in respect of my headunit but they should be mostly the same. Please feel free to reference these as for I hope they will help you:









If this helped, please "rep" me! Thank you!

Master_Ly

I noticed that a lot of people like to get a closer understanding of headunits probably to see if it is worth the investment or not. One question that I noticed gets asked a lot is the boot-up time. Well, here are some videos that I hope will help answer this and other general questions at a high-level perspective.


This is to give a quick demonstration of the DVD playback on this headunit. It is a legit DVD.


This is to show the DVD load time. I'm loading a legit DVD and the headunit is already on.


This is to show the boot-up time right after turning on my car. It is booting to a CD-R data with various folders containing MP3s.

I LOVE this headunit! My factory speakers sound so much better too! It is great and I think an excellent price for what you get. I'm fully satisfied.

I hope this thread proves as a useful reference to all of you! If this helped, please "rep" me! Thank you!

cdawg410

Great job, looks nice and it's always nice to do things yourself. Wish I had the ballz.

ddvette9

looks great. I had a powered all in one sub for a while in mine and it did a nice job. Easy to take in and out and it doesnt take up a lot of space. Not to mention durable.

Nice Job

HT Rambler

I got the same headunit from crutchfield awesome price. i got the steering wheel controls and ipod connector. The ipod adapter is on back order i'm waiting on my wicked cas. custom sub box I only want to pull it apart once. Also have not decided on front speakers.

antennahead

This head unit has the microphone for the phone built into the front of the frame correct, no wired mic you have to hide?

__________________
Time is a companion, who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment............ because it will never come again

HT Rambler

Almost forget where did you get the heat gun ? They only have the disposal ones here in walmart and such.

HT Rambler

OOps thought something was different i got the 409 model. Going to see what the differences are now.

Master_Ly

Yes, it is. The microphone is on the top-left of the headunit. You can see a little hole.

Here you go: Amazon.com: Homeright C800591 Pro Plus Heat Gun: Home Improvement

Master_Ly

Thank you! It does do a nice job and makes it all much easier considering the limited space we have!

antennahead

How does the bluetooth sound with the built in mic? work good?

__________________
Time is a companion, who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment............ because it will never come again

Master_Ly

Very nice! Everyone says they can hear me just fine and clear except when driving AND the windows are down (due to the wind noise). I don't have to yell for them to hear me but I do also naturally speak with a pronounced voice. You may have to raise your voice a bit though if you tend to sit further back if like you are a tall person.

HT Rambler

Just ordered the heat gun thanks !!

Master_Ly

You're very welcome! Good luck with your install!