finally got around to playing with the stereo again today.
all is well.
something had to be going on with the wiring.
i replaced the main power wire from the battery,
the one that came with the amp install kit was a bit too short for where i want it mounted,
put a new one in.
also, rewired the speaker connections to both subs.
turned it on....
GODDAMN
what a difference.
this is the night and day difference i was expecting.
just wow, slams like crazy even with the gain only half up.
sounds great, thanx again for the advice on everything SS.
going to get a new head unit and dynamat the whole car,
then getting back into the suspension.
but even asis now, sounds just awesome, very happy.
the added weight deff seems worth it now