ACR E speaker upgrade question

[pony23]

I have a buddy that purchased an ACR-E last year. It came with the 3 speaker audio setup. He is looking to upgrade to the 12 or 18 speaker system. Is that doable? I

[ViperTony]

Yes and there's lengthy write ups in the GenV forum. I'm going from 12 to 18, parts are readily available.

[ACR-ISH]

Yes and there's lengthy write ups in the GenV forum. I'm going from 12 to 18, parts are readily available.

Is that worth while and better than simply upgrading my 12? Definitely leaves much to be desired... clarity and base are not what I prefer.

[serpent]

Is that worth while and better than simply upgrading my 12? Definitely leaves much to be desired... clarity and base are not what I prefer.

the 18 has a ton of bass, too much really. I love hip hop and the system thumps. its a 900w system with i believe 3 subs, some will say they are real sub woofers because of their size, but it thumps and beats some luxury car's audio systems too.

[pony23]

Yes and there's lengthy write ups in the GenV forum. I'm going from 12 to 18, parts are readily available.

Tony, I couldn’t find any 3 speaker to 18 speaker.

[pony23]

I think I found it.

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...peaker+upgrade

[TheWessss]

Absolutely doable and worth every penny no matter what kind of music you enjoy. Keep in mind the ACR-E did not come with the amplifier like all the other models. If I remember correctly, there are actually 2 different amps, make sure you get the correct one for your VIN. There was also something that needed to be done with a wire under the steering wheel. Also more importantly than anything else. DO NOT CONNECT THE AMP!!!!! You will fry your head unit ($2500), the dealer has to connect it to the system and tell the car it is about to get an upgrade, if not the head unit freaks out, backfeeds like crazy, and the self combusts!!!! This is not your run of the mill, data upgrade, if the dealer is not ABSOLUTELY sure how it is to be done, they better speak with someone who does. Wish this was available before I did mine, but I can take some comfort in maybe helping someone else avoid the aggravation I went through.

[ViperJon]

Read the thread mentioned above carefully. The parts and numbers are listed. Going from 3 to 18 you will need a new amp as well. You don't need a new amp going from 12 to 18.

[Dman]

I did it in my ACR at the dealer. Very doable, if all parts are available, there’s quite a bit to it. IMO, it was way worth it in effort and cost. If I did another ACR and did the audio upgrade today, I might waffle on doing a custom install at a trusted audio vendor vs the mopar factory setup install. BTW, there’s also a need to turn on the amp connection from the main unit, even once you buy the amp itself. One thing guys would run into was installing everything right but speakers still not firing and it was that the amp wasn’t recognized by the head unit. Being mine was done at the dealer it was just a step for them, but just a tidbit to know in case this type of problem is encountered.

[Martin]

I can't remember if the parts list included the "buckets" that go behind the subs, but definitely get those. For some reason, FCA decided to stop installing those buckets and the speakers are then completely exposed to the outside elements without them. They're about $45 each, but well worth it. It's hard to believe that the non-bucket equipped cars made it through the water tunnel test without leaking like crazy through the speakers, or destroying the speakers. From the pictures I have of mine going through the test, it was getting sprayed with fire-hose levels of water from every angle, including the undercarriage.

[pony23]

Thanks for the help guys. It is a good winter project for him.