Need opinions on custom box for FI BTL 12

[MrMoto 0]

I have an 04 Avalanche that I want to build a box as a center console since it's the only place for a reasonably sized box. I have overall dimensions of 13"wide by 24" long and 16" high with 3/4MDF. I haven't worked with ported boxes so I'm a little unfamiliar designing them. My plan is to have the sub rear facing and at the top of the box, with a slot port on the bottom facing back. I will be driving the Fi BTL 12 with a Kicker KX800.2 which is tested at 1038w. I enjoy mostly rap\hiphop style music, but want good all around sound.

So my questions are: How do the box and port dimensions look? Is there a different port style that would work better?

Does the port placement and size seem optimal, or what should I change?

Will I have port air noise? Or what can I do to minimize the noise? I plan to put a solid brace in the corners and round the edges of the port.

I should have some bracing in there somewhere, but not sure where yet, Suggestions?

Using the RE calculator here is what I got. The view would have to rotate to be accurate, so the port is on the bottom.

Edited August 3, 2010 by MrMoto

[thor02 2]

It's probably not good to try and cram a btl in 1.75 cu ft. The btl is not the sub to use in this application since you can only use a ported box for them, and since you don't have the room you might have to downgrade and do a sealed 12 or a ported 10. And the tuning on the box is definitely on the low side at 26 hz, as fi reccommends 32 or 33 hz optimum.

[NB50 206]

The RE calculator isn't all that accurate.

The box is to small, After all displacements you end up with 1.5ft^3 tuned to ~ 29hz, and you should do a double baffle and bracing will take up space in the box.

[MrMoto 0]

Yea I was worried about the size. What if I was able to increase the volume by extending part of the box, lower under the dash? Similar to the way a regular factory console connects with the dash. Not all of the box could do that so it would be kinda L shaped. How would that affect the sound or performance? I have read about dead areas of boxes that add volume, but not usable space. Would that help or hurt anything?

[MrMoto 0]

I talked with Scott from FI and he did some calculations and said the size is fine. He calculated a 1.6 ^3 net and a 2^3ish box and found very little difference in actual sound\response. His opinion is that it will work and sound great. Other than the port should be 2"x28" at 34hz or something. I will also possibly have to remove the rubber magnet cover, but that's not much of an issue. So with his blessing. I'm going to try it out and see how it sounds. He provided very good customer service, I'm impressed.

Edited August 16, 2010 by MrMoto