Can the amp from a stock SC be changed out with a better aftermarket amp?
I'd be interested in keeping the stock headunit for aesthetic reasons but I'd like to change out the speakers and add more power. :?

If its the same basic system as it is on the rest of the ex's (which i do believe it is) just use this (http://home.comcast.net/~derek-kelly/element/audio/eaudint.jpg) handy dandy diagram to wire one up. you just splice some rca plugs on to the end of the harness, then run the rca's to the amp. Add power and ground and you've got yourself a system.

This thread may also help you. It is about bypassing the stock amp, which is essentially what you want to do. Some of the pictures are missing. I am working with sier right now to try and find them again. If you have questions, please ask.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10869

Ok cool, so then it IS possible. :cool:

Any disadvantage to doing this if I'm not doing any kind of crazy system, just looking for better sound?

Do get rid of the factory amp. I have railed against this piece of horse pitute again and again. I can't think of any disadvantage.

Have you checked out Mike's Mod? It is a favorite here. In its most common form, you replace the factory amp with a small 4 channel amp to drive the front speakers and the factory sub. Often people will replace the front speakers at this time, too. It makes the system sound much better.

Mike's Mod (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20999)

Awesome, thanks for the link, i'll check it out!

I want to replace all 4 speakers.
Should i run the new amp just to the front two or get one (or two amps) that can power all 4?

the back speakers are overrated. I have mine in. but i just turn them off unless i have rear passengers. I'm running them off the deck and they sound fine for what i'm using them for. I would suggest that if you're just running them off the deck, that you get some with a high sensitivity rate. That way you get more output out of them.