I used a felt covered board to cover the well where the amp and mp3 computer are hidden. Yes it needs ventilation. On regular driving days I don't have trouble but on an extended cruise I move the board forward a bit and it doesn't overheat. Someday I'll install everything neatly and maybe even do a plexiglass cover. But for now this works just fine. Darn you guys (in the miataforum)...I really didn't want to show anyone the sloppy install underneath!