Stereo Project

[VandalNation]

So since I never had the factory navigation, I have to use the bottom of the charts where it talks about the X5 hi-fi amplifier(non-dsp) and all the german colors?

[chefwong]

You're not using the aftermarket amp with your stock speakers based on your 1st post .....impedance will be off anyhow.

In that case, if the article ain't clear and you are popping in new component speakers, why not just look at which color is at which door location...

Unless I'm looking at this at the wrong angle.

[VandalNation]

no, aftermarket amp and aftermarket speakers... 6.5" JL XR series components with an Alpine 4.100 amp... so no imedance worries.

What I SHOULD have done was write down the colors when I had the doors pulled apart... but that was the first thing I did, and wasn't thinking ahead at that point.

I'm going to use a AA battery as a speaker popper tonight, which if it works like its supposed to, should basically solve my problems.

[ncx]

That will work. But since you are putting in all new components wouldn't you rather just run new, quality speaker wire instead of using the OEM wiring (not that anything is technically wrong with OEM)? If you put the x-overs up front you would only need to run 4 pairs.

[DocMike]

Originally Posted by VandalNation

Here's some picture's of the progress...

Before:


first layers:


if you're as sloppy as me, make sure to put down plastic EVERYWHERE.


don't forget your respirator!


after a few layers:




Starting to take shape here:




I've now got the box finished, and the amps installed, I basically just need to connect everything and put some carpet on the box. I'll post more pictures of the final product.

Can you post a pictutre of back of encloseure? Also why is the top of the box cut out semi circle? Why is the lower part of the box extended so far? Have you calculated total airspace?

[VandalNation]

Excellent questions. I'll post more pictures when I get home from work.

The semi circle at the top of the box is because I originally intended to use the stock cover thing, but it turned out to get enough airspace I had to make the box extend out too far for that. I was going to change the shape once I decided to change how I was going to do it, but I'd already put so much time in I said F#%kit.

Same reason basically for extending out the bottom part. The magnet on that W7 is massive, so to get enough airspace with the sub mounted in there I had to use as much below the deck of the trunk as I could.

Recommended airspace with a sealed box is 0.875 cu ft, so I was shooting for 1.0 cu ft just to be safe. I couldn't quite get a cubic foot of packing peanuts in it though once I was done, so I'm slightly under 1.0, but I think still above 0.875.

[VandalNation]

I've actually got everything all hooked up now... sounds fantastic in my opinion. Got some slight rattles around the box that I will fix with some dynamat tonight, and still need to carpet the box and tie up some loose ends but it's all coming together quite nicely now.

I've got some annoying engine whine that I think can be attributed to my RCAs and power being run right next to each other for a couple feet, but if separating those doesn't fix that, I might need some advice on where that noise might be coming from.

Other than that, its sounding great... the perfect amount of bass. Not enough to blow your head off, but enough to definitely fill the car. I'm really impressed with how much better those JL components sound amplified. I'm just so stoked about this right now.... all my hours and hours of hard work paying off. I'll definitely post pics of the final product

[ncx]

Congrats. I have had great luck with JL components too in other cars. Looking forward to more pics.

ps. there are some pics of the JL box in where you can compare the size and shape to your box to a pre-built box.

[DocMike]

Originally Posted by VandalNation

Excellent questions. I'll post more pictures when I get home from work.

The semi circle at the top of the box is because I originally intended to use the stock cover thing, but it turned out to get enough airspace I had to make the box extend out too far for that. I was going to change the shape once I decided to change how I was going to do it, but I'd already put so much time in I said F#%kit.

Same reason basically for extending out the bottom part. The magnet on that W7 is massive, so to get enough airspace with the sub mounted in there I had to use as much below the deck of the trunk as I could.

Recommended airspace with a sealed box is 0.875 cu ft, so I was shooting for 1.0 cu ft just to be safe. I couldn't quite get a cubic foot of packing peanuts in it though once I was done, so I'm slightly under 1.0, but I think still above 0.875.

I assume the JL W7 is a 10 inch sub. Can you add polyfill? I can't wait to see more pics of the fiberglass box, you give me new fiberglassing motivATION. I was being lazy and really considering buying either a BSW, JL stealth. If i did this project I was thinking the back would be more like this. I think you extended more into the spare tire location.

[VandalNation]

It's only an 8, but its plenty loud for me. In my opinion, it would be difficult to get enough airspace for a W7 ten without extending futher towards the front of the car, or spare tire location... but I'm sure it COULD be done.

Mine's pretty similar to that one, might go a bit more into the spare tire location, but not much.

Why would I want to add polyfill though? I think I'm right about at the manufacturer's recommended size.