The premium Shelby/Kicker...
The premium Shelby/Kicker upgrade includes a four-channel amplifier, four 6x8 speakers, two door-mount subwoofers, a trunk-mounted subwoofer enclosure, wiring harnesses, and all needed hardware. The components are also available separately.
Shelby has always been known for high performance, so it's no surprise that Shelby Automobiles has partnered with Kicker Audio for a new stereo upgrade, which is offered as an option for post-title Shelby Mustangs, including GT500 Super Snakes and the new SR. Also available separately from Kicker and Shelby Performance Parts dealers, the Shelby/Kicker plug-and-play upgrade, which fits '05-'09 Mustang and Shelby coupes, is significantly louder and clearer than stock Mustang systems while also improving low-, mid-, and high-frequency response.
The Kicker upgrade also reduces overall vehicle weight in Mustangs with the factory trunk-mounted subwoofer. The Kicker version is half the size of a Mustang's stock subwoofer, reducing weight by 60 percent and increasing cargo space by fitting snugly against the inner trunk wall. The subwoofer can also be installed in cars without the factory unit, as shown by our installation of the Shelby/Kicker system in Diane Smith's '07 GT coupe.
While it's true that the Kicker/Shelby...
While it's true that the Kicker/Shelby stereo upgrade is "plug-and-play," some disassembly is required, as Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords' associate editor Marc Christ learned while helping us install the system in Diane Smith's '07 GT coupe. Thankfully, the '05-'09 Mustang interior panels are easily removed to install the new speakers, amp, and subwoofer.
"Every hot rodder knows that the best way to improve a car's performance is by shedding weight," says Carroll Shelby. "By working with Kicker on this sound system, we found a way to do that without sacrificing the quality of the sound that enthusiasts expect today. It's a winner on every level."
The base system consists of a powered subwoofer in a vehicle-specific enclosure pushed by a 200-watt (RMS) amplifier, front and rear two-way 6x8 speakers (long-throw, poly-cone midranges with 1-inch, titanium-dome tweeters), and a four-channel amplifier (46x4 watts RMS) with advanced 32-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) that uses optimized Shelby/Kicker Performance software. All pieces include mounting brackets, plug-and-play harnesses, and hardware.
The premium upgrade contains all base system components, plus two additional 8-inch woofers (long-throw, poly-cone) with adapter rings, grilles, and hardware. The components are also available separately.
The Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrades fit all '05-'09 Mustang coupes, with inclusion of '10 models coming soon. Shelby GT and GT500 owners can contact Shelby Automobiles about specific Kicker upgrades and to have them included as part of the official Shelby registry. The system is also available as an option for Super Snakes and other post-title Shelby vehicles.
With the Kicker 6x8 door replacement...
With the Kicker 6x8 door replacement speaker (left) and factory speaker placed side by side, you can see the difference in the magnet sizes. That's one reason the Kicker speakers provide better sound quality than the originals.
The Kicker speakers mount...
The Kicker speakers mount in the factory locations and use the factory wiring plugs. Four 6x8 replacement speakers are included-two for the doors and two for the rear package shelf.
Likewise, the Kicker 8-inch...
Likewise, the Kicker 8-inch subwoofers are direct replacements for the factory speakers in the door panels. New speaker grilles are also part of the package.
It's not as bad as it looks....
It's not as bad as it looks. Getting to the rear shelf speakers requires the removal of the back seat and inner rear quarter-panels.
Like the door speakers, the...
Like the door speakers, the Kicker rear shelf speakers are direct replacements for the factory speakers.
The Kicker amplifier tucks...
The Kicker amplifier tucks neatly under the glovebox. A jumper harness is included to connect it to the factory radio's head unit. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the installation because parts of the console and center dash panel must be disassembled to access the rear of the radio. Fortunately, it's not beyond the skill level of most home auto hobbiests.
Power for the amp and powered...
Power for the amp and powered rear subwoofer comes from the main power lug at the underhood fuse box. Sturdy wiring harnesses, included with the kit, route through the firewall after removing the passenger-side inner fender cover, which attaches with six easy-to-remove fasteners. The rear subwoofer harness continues under the door sill panel and behind the inner rear quarter-panel to enter the trunk.
To route the power wiring...
To route the power wiring into the interior, the passenger-side inner fender liner must be loosened and pulled away. It attaches with small screws and plastic retainers, so although the procedure may look intimidating, it's a fairly simple process.
The Shelby/Kicker system uses...
The Shelby/Kicker system uses a jumper harness to connect the factory stereo head unit to the amplifier and subwoofer, so the radio must be pulled away from the instrument panel for access.
All of the wiring is designed...
All of the wiring is designed to plug into each other or into the factory wiring.
The Shelby/Kicker subwoofer...
The Shelby/Kicker subwoofer enclosure mounts out of the way in the trunk. For Shelbys and Mustangs with the factory subwoofer, the new enclosure is a direct replacement, only smaller and lighter. A 200-watt amp inside gives the subwoofer plenty of bottom-end punch.