I know it is not the best location or setup for sound quality, but I would like to install 6.5 inch subwoofers in the stock 6.5 inch rear speaker location. Does anyone have any experiences with doing this? Which model subs, sound quality, clearence issues with plastic, etc?

Just in case you are wondering, i am planning on doing this because
1. i don't need booming bass, just enough to balance out the sound.
2. i do not want any sort of box in the car, my amp is installed behind the drivers seat and i don't want to lose my cargo space behind the passenger; the wickedcas fiber boxes are out of the question.
3. i can't loose any cargo room in the hatch area; i do buy things from time to time.

I also have 2 brand new 8inch subs that I wish I could stealthfully use, so if anyone has ideas on that, that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks for the input.

 

no one has done this?

 

I am curious about this too - same boat. Hopefully someone has some feedback/suggestions/comments. ??

 

I had a friend of mine with a base 03 Z that tried to install an air free 10" sub behind his seat. It was relatively easy to do since you really don't need a box with that kind of sub. He mounted the amp in the glove compartment behind the passengers seat. It was not loud at all (a lot better then Bose) and looked pretty good, I think one sub behind the seat is plenty of bass for such a small interior. I think he still might have some pics of the install, if he does ill share it with you guys.

 

If you want to use the 8" subs looks like you will need to expand the speaker opening. A dremel might be useful. I would suggest removal of the panel before going forward.

 

I replaced all my 6 1/2's and tweets with FOCAL 165V1's and was really impressed at the sound quality and bass response of these mids, they sounded like 8in speakers. I can't say enough good things about these speakers......they Kick A$$!

 

I havent done it but ED makes some 6.5 subs as does tang bang. Both are good. I think the tangs might be cheaper but bing says he can get ED 6.5s cheaper.

Shove poly fill into the area around the speaker and try it out.

 

Some small sized amps (like the Black Lanzar Optis) will fit where the mailboxes are with some fab. Then you can have the sub behind the driver. I was going to do this, but then I found that the mailboxes are actually more useful to me than the space behind the passenger.

 

no way in hell the magnet of a subwoofer would be able to fit in there....diameter yes..depth no

 

You might want to do some research before answering so matter of factly. You are aware that they do make subs with inverted motors just for this purpose, right?

 

i did this and installed some MB Quartz Q series 6.5" subs. I have those and some Q series front speakers along with some tweeters powered by a JL 500/4. I think it sounds awesome. Not a ton of base but deffently alot more then stock and it is also really clear. JL has some new 6.5" subs also that i heard were pretty powerful if thats what your looking for. either way though i think its a great way to get alot more bass without having to worry about alot of rattling and the extra weight.

 

I have personally tried the 6.5 inch jl subs behind the seats in the stock loacations. sounded like somsone farting in a can while rining a door bell. I glassed the enclosures.. sealed them up, and used 4 layers of dynamat inside of the enclosure. They just didnt sound good in that location. Much better sound if you do a small box where the factory sub goes. or best is if you put them in the back firing up.

 

ok...i stand corrected. i never would have though even a 6.5" sub would fit in that hole.

 

I've got Focal Utopia 5WS subs in my front doors & crossed over as midbass drivers - sweet!! I've also used them as pure subs & they sounded good ( quick response ) but just not as deep as a good 8" or 10". Can't remember the mounting depth, though - sorry!

Gene

 

I think its a decent idea, but thats awful close to your head for a sub!

 

I HAD JL 6w0-4's in the stock locations with custom built ported boxes built into the factory locations with custom speaker grills over the holes where the dvd player for the nav goes. I blew one of the speakers so i switched back to some 3ways because im about to put my 10's in the back. It sounded good but not enough bass for me. I have alot of pics but not online yet. Ill get them online and post some links.

 

To me the 2 8" subs sound perfect for putting under the trunk floor on either side of the spare tire. What are the mounting depths on those and the size box needed? How do you feel about learning how to do fiberglass enclosures? It would probably sound very nice!

 

im considering this, but usually you fire subwoofers towards the back of the car, what effect would firing these forward have? how do i get a hold of bing to price the ed 6.5 subs vs the tang bangs? thanks

 

I've got two of the eD 7Kv2s (6.5") in my rear deck. They fit depth wise, great. I had to dremel out a little of the metal surrond for the basket to fit. I 'sealed' up everything with a ton eDead and so there are theoretically in two seperate 'boxes' behind the seat and there isn't any ringing or resonance. I popped off the plastic speaker covers (breaking them in the process) and bought spacer rings that I have to put on still. I plan to dremel a little of the plastic trim off and fab covers with some accoustic cloth I got from parts express. I measured the air space using packing peanuts and it was within the eD specs for the 7ks. I am running 200 watts/channel to them with a rockford fosgate amp.

My overall impression is that it gives me plently of thump for my liking without giving up any of my hatch area. Also, despite some warnings about them being right behind my head, it isn't annoying nor, can I tell that they are right there. I think when I put the spacers on, I am going to invert them (my h/u has a setting for it) just to see if it makes any noticeable diiffernence.

 

oh, and you can just go to the elemental designs website (google it) to find prices. I think they just upgraded the basket and cone material and changed the name but the prices are still pretty good.