I need some insight for my next build

[scooterkrunch 0]

I wasn't going to do anything to my 2005 Chrysler 300c but that has changed. I have two ideas and need some suggestions. I'm replacing what is there now with a Fi BL15. Plan 1...sub firing forward into the cabin (cut out armrest hole and aim through there), port through the deck and seal off the trunk completely. Or plan 2...fire sub rearward port probably up (not through deck). In either case I don't want to go any deeper than the folding floor (approx 24"). I ran the numbers and can get 3.5 cu ft (after displacements) and tune to 33hz. I prefer sq but like it a little heavy occasionally. I listen to all kinds of of music but am thinking this setup will really shine for rock, blues, classical. So what do you all think? Plan 1, 2 or does anyone have another idea?

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

I personally like the sound of a sub firing into the cabin of the car. I fell I am getting the most accurate, un-colored sound from the sub this way for better SQ. Other ppl will say they prefer the sub firing into the trunk, They will say its louder. In most cases I think the distortion thats added to the sound is what they precieve as louder.

Otherwise I would say its really hard to say what will make YOU happy. You may like things to sound different than someone else.

My suggestion is build a ported box with the port on the same side as the sub. Then test with the box firing different directions and see what sounds best in your car to YOU, and go from there.

[ssh 924]

I personally like the sound of a sub firing into the cabin of the car. I fell I am getting the most accurate, un-colored sound from the sub this way for better SQ. Other ppl will say they prefer the sub firing into the trunk, They will say its louder. In most cases I think the distortion thats added to the sound is what they precieve as louder.

Otherwise I would say its really hard to say what will make YOU happy. You may like things to sound different than someone else.

My suggestion is build a ported box with the port on the same side as the sub. Then test with the box firing different directions and see what sounds best in your car to YOU, and go from there.

I agree on doing port on same side as sub so you have more options for testing what sounds best. Every vehicle has different cabin characteristics so it's hard to say what will sound better or louder in your car. In my vehicle I noticed an audible increase in firing forward but didn't hear any difference in sq (but then again I wasn't paying attention for sq when testing).

And J, your profile pic = true love

[scooterkrunch 0]

The only problem with doing testing is I'll have to build two boxes. To get the size and still fit my requirements it needs to be custom fit. It'll be a funky box but by design it'll be strong too. Sub rear port rear is probably the most "all around" approach. Right now I have two 10" solo L7's in a sealed box firing rearward. I lose some volume coming into the cabin, but everything is still in place. I plan on lightening the seat backs, removing the factory deck mounted sub, and possibly opening up another hole through the deck. All of my old setups (different vehicles) were basic SQ, front stage only, subs firing into cabin from a sealed box. I guess all I can do is build them both and see what I like. Rear firing is the first box I'll build.

[ssh 924]

The only problem with doing testing is I'll have to build two boxes. To get the size and still fit my requirements it needs to be custom fit. It'll be a funky box but by design it'll be strong too. Sub rear port rear is probably the most "all around" approach. Right now I have two 10" solo L7's in a sealed box firing rearward. I lose some volume coming into the cabin, but everything is still in place. I plan on lightening the seat backs, removing the factory deck mounted sub, and possibly opening up another hole through the deck. All of my old setups (different vehicles) were basic SQ, front stage only, subs firing into cabin from a sealed box. I guess all I can do is build them both and see what I like. Rear firing is the first box I'll build.

You could always try a ported box for your solos before doing a new substage?

[scooterkrunch 0]

You could always try a ported box for your solos before doing a new substage?

That's pretty much what started the ball rolling. I figured if I was building a new box I might as well put in a new sub too. The solos are going back in my truck anyway. The bad thing now is I've been looking at Focal for some new front stage stuff. I gotta keep reminding myself, "you aren't going to do anything to the car!" I don't think it's working. I have some rough cad drawings done of the box. It's going to be tight but I got 3.5 cu. ft. The sub cutout is going to be 1/4" from the port wall, though I don't see a problem. I will need minimal bracing due to design too. I'll try to get some shots posted but chances are I'll build it before I finish drawing it.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

If your trunk is relatively quiet and sealed from road noise then you should be fine rear firing. Otherwise take the trunk out of the equation.

[scooterkrunch 0]

Here is the first design that I'm going to try out. I'll be starting this build soon. I know some measurements are tight but I don't see any significant problems. If anyone sees a problem I'd love to hear it.

Chrysler 300 15in 3.5 cuft 33Hz.pdf

[Quentin Jarrell 671]

make sure you are compensating for any material thickness between your sub and the double baffle, and you will want to brace the bottom(port wall) of the enclosure so it doesn't flex

[edouble101 314]

Generally people report that forward firing subs are best for SQ. I have read that firing your port through the rear deck can dramatically reduce the "sub up front" effect.

I have read reports of spl trunk cars having the biggest db gain with subs up port to the driver's side.

[scooterkrunch 0]

I do not have bracing drawn in although I have allowed for .18 cu ft of bracing. I was going to brace the port wall with some vertical/diagonal members. I will also be using corner bracing throughout, especially on the port wall to baffle connection.

ETA I was going to fire forward and port though rear deck but I couldn't figure out how to do it and meet my criteria. If this doesn't suit me I'll build a box for a 12" forward firing and ported through the deck. Or maybe I'll just reuse my solos. Too many options to choose from.

Edited January 9, 2011 by ScooterKrunch