[AndrewBone]

I drove up to Grass Valley, CA the other day, and my 99 Disco had some serious trouble getting up the hill on the highways. I wouldn't say these hills are all that steep, and I was wondering if the acceleration problems were just because of the weight of the vehicle, or do I have a problem that can be fixed. I mean this thing is a V8, and shouldn't have much trouble accelerating on hills, should it?

Also, what suggestions do you have for stereo systems? I want to get something that's more powerful and has more response with bass. I was thinking a 10"-12" subwoofer and a somewhat powerful amp in the back. I want something that can be removed if I need to load up the back, but I also thought I could put some new speakers in the side compartments in the back. What do you think? Thanks.

 

[JamesVee]

I've got a '99 Disco as well. Here are some pics of what I did:


Before

Before

After

After

For a full look at my install here is the original post:

Disco Stereo Install

 

[AZROVER]

I mean this thing is a V8, and shouldn't have much trouble accelerating on hills, should it?

Oh its a V8 alright but for one reason or another this 4.0 liter V8 puts out 182bhp. In perspective its like a four cylinder Honda with twice the weight. I know what you mean though, I just drove into Phoenix and fully loaded, uphill, she just struggles. No worries though, I wasn't in a hurry, I just drive the Trucker method, make up time on the downhill!

 

[Disco]

Andrew, you should be able to ride the hills with more power than you describe. Has the timing been fiddled with lately? If not, I suggest that your due for new plugs.
With regards to your speaker question, here's another idea (my AMP is under the drivers seat).

 

[AndrewBone]

The previous owner already put a DVD player under the driver seat. Could I put the amp under the passenger side?

 

[AndrewBone]

You'll have to forgive me, I know nothing about cars...How can I tell if the timing has been fiddled with? And I'm assuming you're talking about new spark plugs, right?

See? Dumb questions, I know...but I'm learning!

 

[darkknight1999]

Andrew if your asking that question I doubt you have the tools to check but your local stealership can check it or any local repair shop you trust should be able to tell you if the timing it off.

I would say to pull out your plugs and check them all. How many miles do you have on your car and when was the last time you have a full tune up? And by full I mean everything... all fiulds, spark plugs and wires, filters, drive belts, hoses, timing checked, and so on... I just came back from a long road trip with 6 people in the truck and fully loaded with gear and I drove 5300miles from MA to Yellowstone in WY and back.
If you have an auto transmission I would say also that maybe you needed to select a different gear to help the truck put the power to the right gear but I'll know that better once you answer the first question

 

[AndrewBone]

The truck is at the dealership right now having warrantee work done, but I believe the mileage was almost 87,000. 86,500 or something close to that...I just bought it about a month ago and went to Costa Rica a week later and just got back, so I haven't had a tune up at all.

 

[John C]

Yes it is a V8, but do you know how much your vehicles weighs?

 

[Badger1]

Adding two hundred pounds or so of amps, speakers, and TVs won't help your cause any in making your truck a little better getting up hills.

 

[dent]

do you recall what your engine was reving at? maybe you were on the low end and would not kick down to a lower gear (another reason why i love my manual )
take care
sam

 

[Disco]

Hey Dent! How's the ICE HOCKEY season look for this year. Has the Player/Owner thing been resolved? How's you knitting coming on?

 

[AndrewBone]

Adding two hundred pounds or so of amps, speakers, and TVs won't help your cause any in making your truck a little better getting up hills.

I only want one subwoofer, a little more power from a small amp, and the dvd screens/player were already there when I bought it. If I had my choice they wouldn't be in there at all...

 

[Badger1]

Hey relax , I was just kidding you about the speaker/weight issue thing. Sorry. I do agree that the D1 stereos are a little on the chincy side compared to whats in the D2s. My wife has a 2000MY D2 with the Harmen Karden system and for a stock piece it is very nice.

 

[Badger1]

Forgot to ask you, did the dealership sort out the problem with your truck yet? Let us know how it goes, good luck!!