Classic Nissan 300ZX Audio Upgrades For Clayton Client

A client from Clayton contacted Audio Adrenaline about upgrading his classic 1984 Nissan 300ZX audio system. Our team scheduled a time to get together with the client and the vehicle so we could look it over with him and explore his goals for the vehicle. After we finished our meeting, we worked up a proposal that he liked, so we set a time to begin work on the car.

Keeping The Stock Look

Right from the beginning, the client wanted the vehicle to look completely original, which meant keeping the stock stereo system in the dash. Since he wanted to add the capability to play modern electronics, we knew our work was cut out for us. He also wanted to keep the “Body Sonic Amplifier” system working, which is unique to the 50th-anniversary edition. Essentially, it uses tactile transducers that give the “feeling” of bass in the vehicle. We were also tasked with hiding all of the electronics and making the subwoofer removable. But hey, we love challenges!

Integrating With Factory Stereo

We began by adding a JL Audio CL-SES audio switching unit along with an MBT-RX Bluetooth module and 3.5 mm aux input. We added an AudioControl Overdrive Plus line driver to the outputs of the Nissan stereo to improve signal quality. Here is how the system worked when done: If it sensed Bluetooth from his smartphone, it automatically switched to that source. If no Bluetooth was present but it used the 3.5 mm aux input, it automatically switched to that source. If neither existed, it defaulted to the Nissan stereo system.

Controlling Volume And Retaining The Body Sonic System

We started the modifications to the Body Sonic controller by removing from the car and disassembling it.

We replaced both potentiometers in the controller with the new rotary knobs for his audio system.

Our master technicians modified the control system for the Body Sonic to serve two purposes. We reengineered one of the knobs to make it into a master volume control. We used the other knob to control both of the seat shakers in the Body Sonic system. The vehicle kept its original look and the usefulness of this special feature.

Upgraded Speakers Were A Must

Anytime you want better sound in a vehicle, speakers are a great idea. We added JL Audio C2-600csi components up front and C2-600x speakers in the rear. All new wiring was run as well.

Power For Everything

It was a tight squeeze, but our technicians were able to fit quite a lot of gear in the storage area.

With the storage area lid closed all of the equipment disappears.

We used a JL Audio XD800/8v2 amplifier to power the whole system, and hid all the electronics underneath the storage compartment. We also placed a removable subwoofer from JL in the hatch area, rounding out the low-end sound.

Client Was In Heaven With His 300ZX Audio Upgrades!

When the client came to pick up his 300zx, he was blown away by our work. When we cranked it up the first time, he was in heaven.

When you are ready to upgrade your audio system, stop by Audio Adrenaline in Clayton. Our team will build a solution custom-tailored for your needs.