NavyJoe

I'm looking to install my Kicker 15" Solobarics next weekend, problem is, the box I had them in is way too big for the trunk. I have like 2 ideas, but i constantly hear people's comments on the different ideas and I can't decide. Let me run them by you guys and tell me what you think. 2 SUBS, 1 BOX One of the ideas is to make a perfect fit box to cover the entire trunk and place the subs facing up. Problems: The box would be hard to build/install due to lack of space in trunk opening. The bass would bounce right off the trunk lid and possible back to the sub. The box would have to be tall to cover the magnet depth. 3 BOXES, SUBS FACING INWARD. This is the one I like the most. Build a 3 piece box. The boxes would then be connected together inside the trunk. The subs would face inward (magnet on the outside). The center box would be hallowed out with the amp inside with neons. The box would have a plexiglass window on it. Problems: The boxes for the subs would be huge for airspace allowance unless I made it ported. I like option two. If I take my time in preparing the box, and come up with a nice idea first. I think it would look nice. Here's the ideas: Sub Box (2) Red Carpet Subs facing inward Amp Display Box Black Carpet Red Neons (w/ Pulsate box) Display opening shape of Rotary Few questions: 1. How do subs sound when reversed? 2. Do reversed subs sound ok w/ ported box? 3. Is this feasible? 4. Do you think it will look good if done right? EDIT: SEE NEW POSTS

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RWagz

I have like an idea that this is not a great idea in a light sportscar. Let's run with it anway...
Yes, the limited space above the subs will decrease output. Also your trunk lid will rattle like crazy, may even flex.
Ported boxes are bigger, not smaller. This design idea is great for that bling bling look, which is obviously what you're going for. Not sure if you have enough space for inverted subs though.
Allowing for proper enclosure size and all the other things you want to locate in the trunk, it's going to end up looking overfull, stuffed in. Never mind the effect adding 4-500 lbs of equipment to your trunk is going to have on your handling.

Idea #1 is closer to "possible" than #2.

NavyJoe

I know fiberglass can be used to make speaker boxes, is there any advantages/disadvantages to using Fiberglass? I know it's way lighter, but will it last the beating that two solobarics will bring? I loved my Solobarics in my Cav and want it in my 8. How much bigger does the box have to be for inverted subs, or is it the same?

WikkedOne

Let my start by saying that putting 15"s in the 8 is ridiculous. Due to the size of the car and the trunk you're going to get much better performance from one 12 or 2 10"s - or maybe 2 12"s if you do it right.

I think i've seen a 1 or maybe 2 different 15" setups, they've both been single setups and they filled the entire trunk with the sub facing upwards.. at comp I think they only got about 125 DB - there just isn't enough airspace.

whatever you do, remember that the opening of the trunk is only 13" - so unless you want to built it inside your trunk it can't be any thicker than 13"

NavyJoe

The thing about solobarics are that they don't need much airspace. The setup you've seen, did they use Solobarics or a different brand?

EDIT: The 15 needs a minimum of 1.5 CU FT. I would up it alittle just to make room for the power of my amp. So the box would only need to be 1.5 x 1.5 x 1 (3 CU FT).

WikkedOne

Calling all Soundstreamers!

DeViLbOi

So what year Civic did you own before you picked up an RX8?

I mean seriously...this is just a stupid idea. Forget about the whole ungodly loud unbearable sound that will be in your car, and all the weight you will have in the back end, why would you want your car to rattle that bad? You do realize that your audio setup is going to weigh almost twice as much as your engine right?

WikkedOne

first of - that box you just mentioned is only 2.5 Cu/Ft

second - try to picture those dimsions in your head, where would you put 2 15" subs? one on the front and one on top? basically 2 15's take up a MINIMUM of 34" if they are side by side (with the mounting ring and everything takin into account)

This should help you a little with your design - I drew the back of the trunk (the part just behind the rear seats) and stopped before the trunk well.. but you can get an idea of what you're working with

Here are trunk dimensions for subwoofer design

DeViLbOi

Isn't that 2.25 Cu/Ft?

WikkedOne

18 X 18 X 12 = 3888

3888 / 1728 = 2.25

I stand corrected.

NavyJoe

Yeah, sorry it's early here. Anyway, Wikkid One put it in perspective with the trunk dimensions. I guess I'll have to sell off my 15" and get what? Do you guys recommend 10" or 12"? I want Solobaric. So what do you think?

DeViLbOi

Depends on what you are listening to really. If you are listening to rap music the 12's are better...if it is rock I have always felt that 10's were better.

WikkedOne

I win! Yay!!!

if you want easy and good options there are 2 main ones -

I have 2 10"s personally... and still have enough trunk left for all of my groceries..

they are faster, and better for thumps in music, like a bass drum

12's are better for rumble.. mainly for rap music..

spend some time searching around here you will find alot of different setups and some really cool stuff!

here is mine for starters
The Corksport with AVIC Z2 experience review (and the rest of my Alpine system)

This is the easy and cheap solution for most people on this forum
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazda-RX8-RX-8-S...QQcmdZViewItem

NavyJoe

I listen to both rap and rock, but mainly rap/r&b. So I want hit. I remember when the install on my Cavalier (not Civic...lol) was done and the guy drove it around, it was setting car alarms off across the street. Got alittle chub from that...lol.

DeViLbOi

The smaller the cone...the better response you will have...so the cleaner "hit" you will have. The larger the cone...the better the frequency response you will have...so you get a deeper tone. If you want something to rattle your bones you need a 15"...if you want to hear it more than feel it you need a 10".

NavyJoe

Alright!!!! Went to the store where I bought everything and the guy took my 15 L7's and gave me 12 L7's and a LOC. So I have 2 Kicker Solobaric 12" L7s. Anyone want to help me with the install ideas?

staticlag

Its probably easiest to build the box to fit then install it through the rear seats.

If you wanted to sacrafice your trunk you could just put foil on the entire thing and lay fiberglass over it, reinforce one area, level it and cut out a hole for the sub.

RWagz

When making fiberglass enclosures you don't glass a seamless sealed box then cut holes for the speaker. On load bearing dimensions you need to brace (use scrap MDF) and it's common to pre-cut baffle rings for the speaker and form them into the box as you're glassing. Make sure the speaker will clear the hole before it's mounted in fiberglass. I also like to make a speaker depth guide from a few scraps in the shape of a 'T' - this way you can position the baffle and test to see if the speaker will have enough depth by placing your guide flat on the outside of the hole. If your speaker is vented at the rear add extra clearance.

For nice curves use wire (unraveled wire coat hangers, etc) and a light, stretchy material (old white t-shirts, grill cloth). Build up basic shape wire-frame style and stretch cloth over it. Apply fiberglass and enjoy.

Lastly, expect to spend a lot on a custom fiberglass enclosure. If it's your first time using fiberglass, a subwoofer enclosure is not a good first project.

NavyJoe

How many layers of fiberglass would I need? My idea is to use the box I had my 15's in for "spare wood" and build a frame with it. Use the t-shirt method (i've heard that before) to build the design and then lay fiberglass. So how many layers/thickness should i make the box? Do you need my amp specs to give me a good answer?