I decided to put the new Elemental Design 13 OV2 sub in my 8 http://www.edesignaudio.com/13ov2_overview.htm

The trunk OPENING in the Mazda RX-8 is only about 12 inches from front to back, meaning that if you want to put in the 12 inch sub and take it out through the trunk (the back seats don't go down), at least one dimension of the box must be no greater than 12 inches. Once in, the available height for the speaker is 13 1/4 inches. I used a box 13 high (the minimum size for a speaker with an eleven inch opening) and 10 inches deep (figured I'd leave a few inches for a protective grill). The length wasn't an issue (19 inches) as there is plenty room length-wise

With the thickness of the carpet, the box is wedged firmly in the 13 1/4 opening. Here's a picture of the sub in position:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/mitchfried/work2.jpg

The RX-8 comes without a spare tire, unless you pay for one. I didn't. This leaves a well in the trunk which is EXACTLY the width of a JL 500.1 and JL 300.4 side by side. The crossovers for the Boston Z6's also went into the well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/mitchfried/work6.jpg

I covered the well with pegboard covered in carpet. Here's a photo of the pegboard and the sub:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/mitchfried/work1.jpg

The sub and the amps are a perfect fit. Sometimes it helps to be lucky.

thats awesome

i havent found a 12'' sub box that fits that well in the 8

did you make that yourself or buy it?

if you did buy if, is there a link to where i can find it online?

The box was built to order by the company that makes the subwoofer. See my link above to Elemental Design. You can actually talk to them on the phone and tell them exactly what u need.

How are Elemental Designs amps, i'm thinking about geting the four channel one. Any Comments?

Supposed to be good, but I don't have any experience with them.

do you guys know of any 12'' non custom boxes that fit in the rx8 trunk, preferably ported??

There are none that I know of that are less than 12 inches in at least one dimension to allow entry in the trunk. The custom box as described above doesn't cost that much more than a quality 3/4 inch MDF standard box. You can PM me to find out what I paid for a sealed box.

does the pegboard w/ carpet provide enough airflow to cool the amps? I will be using one 600W jbl (BP600.1) in my new setup and need a place for the amp.

I have a 12" sub with a single 3" port in my trunk. It fits perfect and snug.

I just finished my box tonight. Sealed enclosure for 12". Made it out of MDF. 11 and a half inches deep, 13 inches tall, 18 inches wide. On the sub side of the box, I angled it to match the back seat. Perfect fit! By doing this the back of the box stops right at the edge of the hole in the trunk.I will mount the amp in the hole with a couple of fans(push, pull) and cover with plexiglass w/ a hole in carpet to show amp. It may not be done for a wek or so but will take pics if anyone wants.

I just finished my box tonight. Sealed enclosure for 12". Made it out of MDF. 11 and a half inches deep, 13 inches tall, 18 inches wide. On the sub side of the box, I angled it to match the back seat. Perfect fit! By doing this the back of the box stops right at the edge of the hole in the trunk.I will mount the amp in the hole with a couple of fans(push, pull) and cover with plexiglass w/ a hole in carpet to show amp. It may not be done for a wek or so but will take pics if anyone wants.
Do you mean like this? :D

Similar. For one 12" though, and speaker facing forward. I plan to design a grill to cover passthrough. Ill post some pics this weekend when done. Those boxes look great. Good job!

^OOO I love pics of audio installs...seeing them almost makes me get off my lazy a$$ and do it too..............almost:p

It's pretty pathetic if you guys are having trouble fitting one 12 in the trunk, because I managed to fit two of them in one enclosure... yes, this is that same old pic I always post...

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5857