Hey all, a while back I put together a sound system with some decent components. All of the below mentioned equipment is installed in my 86' Honda Civic wagon. This is the car. Here is the equipment list...
Front Stage

DD Mid-bass long-throw woofer
DD tweet (TI-28mm)
DD cross-over (DD-XO1)

Rear Fill

None

Head-unit

Eclipse CD5000

Sub/Bass

RF T215" dual-2ohm VC

Amps

Split amp - DD-C2a
Sub amp - RF t1001bd

Other

Stinger 16awg speaker wiring
Stinger 0awg power wire to distro, fused 4awg to each amp
Stinger 4awg gnd for each amp
Stinger SP-35 battery
Stinger 4awg pwr/gnd for HU
Stinger gold/platinum fuseblocks, gnd terminals, etc
Dynamat Extreme SD through ENTIRE car, (2bulk packs used)

SO... my original plan was to get familiar with car audio by putting together my own system with my own work, installs, knowledge and THEN put together a killer system that I might even try and enter in a competition. I have had all that equipment installed and (sort-of) tuned for a month or two now... It's time to tune it perfectly, see how it sounds, and maybe try and enter it in a competition. I am looking for advice from the pros on how I can take what I have to work with, and make the absolute most of it. I'm ready to go the distance!

My self-diagnosed weak points include -
- RCAs + remote wire (low low quality wal-mart RCAs that are corroding and cut in and out. Big SQ drain, I can wiggle the plugs and hear static. Additionally, remote wire needs to be run under carpet - I half-assed one that I have to connect and disconnect whenever I park )
- Tuning (I need to go through and work out all my XO settings from the top, because when I installed and tuned a month ago, I had very little experience with the equipment. I have listened to it almost daily for atleast a month now, so I think I can tune it better...)
- Some soldering connections (I had little experience when first installed, I think I could solder a few things less-shottly now...)
- Full car overview (Rattle removal, tightening up of bolts etc, caulking/gluing of cracks that buzz. Additionally I'd like to neaten up install, make sure all visible wiring is tied etc.)

I will be working to fix my self-diagnosed problems as quickly as I can, and when money allows. However, I would like advice from board members what I could do to make my system all that it can be. Any suggestions, comments, weak points, advice, tips, criticism, or anything else - PLEASE POST! If you read all the way through this post, I thank you very much for your interest!

I would concentrate on fixing the problems you have identified first. Then, once it works properly (and safely) start to work on the sound.

Don't skimp on RCA's. I use Stinger 'Helix', but really any good screened cables will be fine.

Wires in the cabin are a safety issue - not sure about over there (/me points off to the east), but in Australia, the design rules say there are not allowed to be any exposed wires in the passenger compartment.

never give up.