My Hidden System (Stealth Amp and Sub setup).
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As we all know the Roadster is notorious to having NO space for a moderate sized system. I decided to set out on creating a simple, clean install for a low budget that will hide away in my ZR. I have had this system in place for over a year with no problems, so I thought I would share some pix I made while connecting up my new head unit.
First, I wanted to hide away my amplifiers. I choose a Rockford 300.2 for the fronts and a 300.1 for the sub. These small footprint amps seem to fit well in my install plan, power range and price point as I picked them both up for around $100 each.
I screwed in a ¾ inch MDF backboard deep inside the compartment behind the driver’s seat. I was able to mount both amps to it without problem. Note that I also installed my distribution blocks to the inside of the enclosed area out of the way.
The depth is adequate to mount my sub and enclosure with the proper air space and allow some air to flow around the amps for cooling.
First, I wanted to hide away my amplifiers. I choose a Rockford 300.2 for the fronts and a 300.1 for the sub. These small footprint amps seem to fit well in my install plan, power range and price point as I picked them both up for around $100 each.
I screwed in a ¾ inch MDF backboard deep inside the compartment behind the driver’s seat. I was able to mount both amps to it without problem. Note that I also installed my distribution blocks to the inside of the enclosed area out of the way.
The depth is adequate to mount my sub and enclosure with the proper air space and allow some air to flow around the amps for cooling.
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Second, I needed a sealed enclosure for my MB Quart Reference 10. I had this sub in my world champ car in 2002 and really enjoyed its characteristics, so I decided to put this in without hesitation. The sub calls for a meager .75 cubic feet of airspace, so I went about crafting an enclosure for the sub. The initial trial with MDF was a disaster, so I made a fiberglass shell over the factory sub mounting bracket in the Shape of a “Turd” for easy insertion and removal in the cavity provided.
The construction consisted of screwing down thick wire mesh in the general shape I wanted to the back of the mounting bracket. I then installed the mass and bend the wire to the desired shape in place. I then covered the shape with thick fabric and sewed together the “turd”. I applied several coats of fiberglass resin and baked until hard. I then coated the inside and outside with a layer of Tiger hair. Finally I pained the entire surface inside and out for appearance (it looked like a Giant Mary Jane Bud with green Tiger Hair on it) and to seal the fiberglass smell. I then mounted it in the cavity.
(Introducing the “Turd 2000” subwoofer enclosure)
The construction consisted of screwing down thick wire mesh in the general shape I wanted to the back of the mounting bracket. I then installed the mass and bend the wire to the desired shape in place. I then covered the shape with thick fabric and sewed together the “turd”. I applied several coats of fiberglass resin and baked until hard. I then coated the inside and outside with a layer of Tiger hair. Finally I pained the entire surface inside and out for appearance (it looked like a Giant Mary Jane Bud with green Tiger Hair on it) and to seal the fiberglass smell. I then mounted it in the cavity.
(Introducing the “Turd 2000” subwoofer enclosure)
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Finally, the provided subwoofer cover panel always rattled loose. I installed four removable screws with inset washers to secure the entire area down. I plan to paint these black to match.
Originally Posted by CopperZ
I like it! how does it sound? I thought that it would be hard to sit and have a sub fire into ur back all the time.
Very cool idea for the sub
I played around with mounting there and realized a MDF box wouldn't clear the floor. If I was going to have to use fiberglass I figured I might as well go with the false floor setup in my coupe which was my first choice anyway but was intimidated at first. Very nice using the factory stamped plate. I like it!
I played around with mounting there and realized a MDF box wouldn't clear the floor. If I was going to have to use fiberglass I figured I might as well go with the false floor setup in my coupe which was my first choice anyway but was intimidated at first. Very nice using the factory stamped plate. I like it!
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Originally Posted by CopperZ
I like it! how does it sound? I thought that it would be hard to sit and have a sub fire into ur back all the time.
It sounds very good for a SQ setup. The MB Quart sub isn't a very agressive and doesnt have a lot of loose excursion, so the notes are very clean and distinct. I have it blended pretty well with the fronts and Low Passed at 80hz, so I don't really notice the sub as much as feel it on the "Impact" notes. I have driven on several "1000 mile" trips with it and felt no fatigue from it as of yet, so im pretty pleased.
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Originally Posted by visionboy
nice system, except i'm not too sure of the 4 bolts, seems out of place...but i guess if it keeps it from rattling
Thanks, I thought the bolts looked at bit out of place in the pictures, but in person they are not so bad since I have the Inset washers on them. With the seat back they are hidden ofcourse, so I dont think much of it. Screwing that pannel down was a major rattle stopper. I added a couple of peices of 2" tick foam on the sides of the subwoofer to firm things up a bit too. It really helps and might be a good Ide for those that use the stock space.
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Originally Posted by Bubble
very nice indeed since all the vibration from the bass come right on. Love it.
Thanks, I am not much on "Loud' bass, but this setup could be tuned to shake things quite nicley, especially with a more SPL driven sub.
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Originally Posted by bjr
Very cool idea for the sub
I played around with mounting there and realized a MDF box wouldn't clear the floor. If I was going to have to use fiberglass I figured I might as well go with the false floor setup in my coupe which was my first choice anyway but was intimidated at first. Very nice using the factory stamped plate. I like it!
I played around with mounting there and realized a MDF box wouldn't clear the floor. If I was going to have to use fiberglass I figured I might as well go with the false floor setup in my coupe which was my first choice anyway but was intimidated at first. Very nice using the factory stamped plate. I like it!
Thank you, You should have seen my first attempts with MDF.. It was a disaster. I wound up with about .4 cubic feet of space.. I think a Single 8 Could work with an MDF enclosure, but a 10 definatly wont. I used thick fabric (Automotive grade carpet acutally) for the base layer that got the glass. it soaked up two whole cans of Resin! Between that and the tiger hair it is probably 1/4 in thickness all the way arround and hard as a rock. Took 2 Evenings to make, so it wasn't that bad.
got pics of that false floor setup? The truck doesn't seem to hospitable for a sub in the roadster due to all of the Top stuff in the way.
got pics of that false floor setup? The truck doesn't seem to hospitable for a sub in the roadster due to all of the Top stuff in the way.
https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/149028-finally-done-thanks-for-everyone-s-help.html
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Originally Posted by Paul350Z
You've got to work on your marketing ... the "Turd 2000" just doesn't "sing". Nice job. Major props to you for working it out yourself.
How About "Ultra Turd 3000" a bit more techy?
Had a similar setup behind the seat. Ditched it and put a 10w7 under the strut in a Nazar box. Lets see if you still have it in another few thousand miles. The behind seat location is just not ideal for sound quality. 90% of people who put a sub there end up moving it elsewhere.
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Originally Posted by MacRayZ
Had a similar setup behind the seat. Ditched it and put a 10w7 under the strut in a Nazar box. Lets see if you still have it in another few thousand miles. The behind seat location is just not ideal for sound quality. 90% of people who put a sub there end up moving it elsewhere.
I've hat it in there for over 40,000 Miles, It is actually a very good spot for SQ, Very easy to blend in with the front sound stage.
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Originally Posted by epattonm
Great work. That's one of my favorite set ups thus far. Would you consider doing another for someone (obviously, make them and sell them?)
I want to install my JL Audio W6v2 in that location, but don't know how to fiberglass. How much mounting depth did your box have? I would also be interested in buying one from you if it would fit!
Thanks,
Jason
Thanks,
Jason



