All-In-One Entertainment - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
by CAE, May 01, 2008
A while back, CA&E ran a contest looking for the best use of integration in an install. We wanted to see how well a high-end system could be combined with a factory interior, retaining the original lines while taking the entertainment values to the next level and beyond. One of the best responses we received was from Bill Sommers and his beautifully redesigned '99 Pontiac. His Grand Prix boasts an integrated Xbox, Lava Walls, motorized amprack, five monitors, two components sets, two coaxials, single 12" sub, two amps and removable fiberglass panels in the trunk. More than 450 hours were involved in the conversion and Sommers gained a new appreciation for Red Bull and Starbucks DoubleShot.
Head UnitThe single-DIN, all-in-one Pioneer AVIC-N2, plays AM, FM and XM Radio along with CDs and DVDs on its 6.5-inch touchscreen monitor. It also provides NavTraffic data received from XM satellites.
SunvisorsAccele 5.8-inch monitors were added to the sunvisors. The monitor in the head unit, deck lid and dash complete the five-screen, A/V package.
XboxSommers disassembled the Xbox console and squeezed all the internal components (motherboard, hard drive and power supply board) into the factory center armrest. The Xbox cooling fan vents through the bottom while the acrylic top allows heat to escape from either end. In order to position the DVD/Game ROM forward of the shifter, he had the tedious task of extending the power cable and 40-conductor IDE cable.
ConsoleWhere the flip-out cupholder used to be, the forward portion of the console now holds the Xbox power and eject button panel along with the R/F Bass Controller for the subwoofer amp.
AshtrayThe ashtray now holds a six-switch panel that controls lighting, air pump for the Lava Wall, 17-inch trunk-mounted screen and the backup camera's screen.
Deck LidThe fiberglass panel on the underside of the deck lid displays a 17-inch Accele widescreen monitor and a pair of Rockford Fosgate Power T162 coaxial speakers. Varad LEDs project downward on the Rockford crossovers.
Doors And Kick PanelsFactory speaker openings were too small for the 6.5" Rockford Fosgate Power T162s midrange speakers so Sommers created speaker rings and fiberglass enclosures for the door panels. Fiberglass enclosures in the kick panels hold a second set. Both were accented with heat-formed, blue-mirrored acrylic.
Rear DeckRear fill is handled by the pair of Rockford Fosgate Power T162c, 2-way 6.5" coaxial speakers in fiberglass pods, angled at approximately 30 degrees.
TrunkThe trunk holds the dual 2-ohm, Rockford Fosgate Power T2 12" subwoofer, inverted to showcase the huge motor assembly and inset into its own 1.75ft fiberglass enclosure. Lava Walls on each side are filled with liquids of two different densities and activated by an air pump. The two Rockford Fosgate Power amps energize the system with the T8004 powering the components sets up front and the coaxials on the package tray and in the deck lid. The T10001bd monoblock motivates the sub. The motorized amprack, powered by a Micro 6" linear actuator, allows access to the spare tire.
CapacitorThe ski hole now accommodates the Stinger 20-farad capacitor, ensuring plenty of reserve power for the system.
ExteriorThe '99 Pontiac Grand Prix uses Eibach Pro kit lowering springs, Power Slot rotors and camber correction bolts along with 20" Jesse James Signature .44 Magnum wheels and Nitto 555 tires. Body mods include the F1-style Ram Air hood, SD rear wing, blue and chrome flame window tint and 14-piece blue neon kit.
TechThe 3800 Series V-6 benefits from a Digital Horsepower reprogrammed PCM and Ram Air Induction. Electrical power comes from the Rockford Fosgate 1100CCA deep cycle battery, 200-amp Stinger H/O alternator and Stinger Expert battery terminals with voltmeter.
DriverA self-described car freak since age 14, Bill Sommer started reading CA&E as a way of updating the terrible stereo in his mother's '72 Riviera. He has been working as a professional in the field since 1990 and has owned Sommer Sound Systems in Panama City, FL, for the last 12 years.
