Engine bay access from dash

[Castle1]

Hello everybody,

I would like some advise regarding radio and amp installtion if someone can help. I have recently got hold of yet another Disco this time a 4.0 V8 ES 1995 and being the child that I am want to put a sub-woofer and the amp to drive it on the rear. My last Disco was a 200 and there was a multitude of space and what I assume were pre-fabricated holes in the footwell just above the pedals in her. So I ran 25mm singles from the alternator to a belive it or not tank battery in the rear so cable access was easy. This newer V8 however for the life of me I can't find the same access from the interior to the engine bay and I am loathe to take the dash apart as this Disco is my only car and taking dashes apart with Airbags etc in this newer model doesn't appeal mainly from a time aspect as she has to be fit and ready to go to work. Am I being dim but isn't there an easy way to get into the engine bay even if I have drill for the power cables for this amp?

Regards

Castle1

[thebiglad]

Hello everybody,

Am I being dim but isn't there an easy way to get into the engine bay even if I have drill for the power cables for this amp?

Regards

Castle1

Hi Castle, on my Tdi 300 if you look in the engine bay at the back there are a number of rubber-grommetted holes which lead through to the dash, select a convenient one and power 'er up !!

Cheers

Dave

[discool]

I have a 'sub in a box' on the boot floor so done that.

In the engine bay just below where the throttle cable enters the car there's a rubber grommet so cut a small hole in it. Undo the two catches to the fuse box and the push the amp power cable through the grommet from the engine bay and u will see it inside above the fuse box, pull the amount u require through and then seal the hole u made in the grommet.

My amp is under the passenger seat so my cable run is behind the drivers kick panel, under the tread plate and then crosses over under the carpet behind the drivers seat. (Rear passengers foot well).

Also have a look at this thread http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php?t=129487

[recneps]

There are loads of small holes in the bulkhead, usually plugged with rubber gromits or bits of plastic. Just cut a hole in an appropriate one (i ran my wires through the one on the passenger side for ease of access, and then under the carpets to where there will eventually be a secondary fuse box in the boot with fuses for stuff that powers off the leisure battery (inverter, worklight, roof lights, etc)

[discool]

There's only one small hole in the bulkhead on my disco, which is - or was unused and thats the size of a 20 piece which is below and to the left of the throttle cable.

There are other holes through the bulkhead but they used by heater, a/c, cruise control, wiring loom and the throttle cable and that's it.

[recneps]

If all else fails - just find a bit of bulkhead behind the glove box with nothing attached to it, and use a small drill bit ;)

I'm guessing the other holes on mine are there to facilitate extra features which i dont have (eg air con, extra wiring, etc)

[recneps]

Having just thought more carefully about what I just said - you also need to make sure the wire is protected if its not going through a grommet - otherwise it will eventually rub on the bulkhead and short out!

[discool]

Hi recneps, I thought that was the case, I think there could problems drilling a hole on the glove box side, the washer bottle may be in the way and also you are unable to see behind the glove box and remove any sound proofing without dismantling it.
Where as on the fusebox site you can see the bulkhead after moving the soundproofing which can be reached, just. Although it's still difficult to drill as there is a brake survo in the way.

Do all disco have the existing hole that I used down by the throttle cable I don't know.

Perhaps we will hear from Castle 1 on what he has done.