I want to replace the components in my '03 SE but I'm not changing out the factory radio. I know I should power them with an ext. amp but cost is a factor. I've been looking at the Pioneer TS-A1702C that I can get at work (Best Buy) for around $60. I know I can get more powerful components but running on my factory amp... I don't know; I can always amp later. Could someone give me the good, bad, or ugly on this; maybe some options as well. Also have 2-12" subs at 220w rms in a bandpass in the back.

I would definitely lean towards external amp, because you will really be under powering your speakers and this is bad if you crank up your stock stereo and feed it distorted sound at high volumes (will not sound loud on the speakers) this will be hard on your stock radio amplifier and hurt the speakers. If you get an amp remember that the higher real watts (not peak) it cranks out, the better off you will be. So for example for speakers that handle 50 watts RMS and 100 Peak, it would be good to get an amp that has an RMS above 50 per channel at 4 ohms (if the speakers you are getting are 4 ohms, which most aftermarket door speakers are) You can always go over the RMS for the speaker and turn down the gain on the amp, this will just have a better signal for the speakers and reduce distortion. Keep in mind when adding an amplifier to a stock stereo system you need a line level input converter that takes the signal from the amplified stock radio and changes it into a useable signal for the amplifier (some amplifiers have it built in so just check) if not it is only like $20. Then you need a wiring kit for the amp, so it is not a cheap just adding an amplifier but I highly recommend you get one if you are adding nice aftermarket component speakers.

One speaker is blown and I can't afford the amp, wires, install, etc. The amp I have now is already connected to the HU, can I use that connection for a second amp, and would 10ga wire be enough. If I'm cutting to many corners let me know. I put all my war money into getting this car (always wanted a Bonne) so if I have to wait on this I will.

oh, I guess I forgot you already had subs, well that makes it easier for remote and rca cables. I really think adding another amp to 10 gauge wire is bad, personally I would not run anything less than 8 in any application. I would suggest bumping your wiring up to 4 gauge (you could get away with upgrading to 6 gauge but you should just go for the 4) so that you can have room for more stuff later. It should be easy to run if you already have a wire there now. You already have rca and remote and a ground point, so all you would need is the power wire, speaker wire, a little jumper rca cable to go from amp to amp, distribution block, and a fuse holder (and of coarse a fuse). I really think if you can't afford it now, save up a bit then do it. Don't do things half way. Just telling it to you straight so you don't end up disappointed. If you want to replace the blown speaker for now just buy one of the cheap ones like durabrand for like 6 bucks and put it in and the do your upgrade later.

btw, what model/year/color do you have? give a little description

Ok, I'll do the 4gauge amp kit (comes with an in line fuse). I know this will sound dumb but, what is a distribution block.

distribution block makes it so you can take a 4 gauge wire and make it smaller (such as 8 gauge or 10 gauge) to split to different amps, so you can reuse some of your smaller wire for this. Here is a pic of one.

you only need one for the power, you can ground all your grounds to the body just like it is now