Tips/pointers for a BTL in an SUV

[yitzac1990 1]

Hey all, newb here! I just ordered a 12" BTL, so I have about 3 weeks to plan my build, with the biggest project being the box. I heard a while ago that in an SUV, a setup in which the subwoofer is pointing up, and the port is pointing back is optimal (straight from Memphis Audio), but yesterday I found a page showing tests that the subwoofer pointing back yielded higher SPL levels versus the same sub pointing up or even to the side. Which is correct? Does anyone have any personal experience with SUVs that can shed some light for me? I will probably be building the box to Fi's cut sheet dimensions, just need to know whether to put the sub on top, with the port facing back, or to put the sub also facing back.

This definitely is not my first box. I have lost track of how many boxes I've built since I was 16 and had my first car (5 years ago) but I have never worked with an SUV! I just want the sub to be loud, and want this box to be my best yet. Thanks a lot!!

P.S. - The SUV is a 2007 Nissan Xterra.

Edited June 4, 2011 by yitzac1990

[steveo50 3]

in an suv iv always heard sub up port back, but i have never tested it or anything from what iv seen that is the best way but it differs from each install.

[Kanaworm$ 292]

Sub up port back has been in most installs that I have seen in person.

Test to see what sounds best for your application.

[yitzac1990 1]

Yeah my friend built a box for one of his friends who had Memphis', and Memphis said that the best design in an SUV was subs up, port back. ut then I came across this:

http://www.installer.com/tech/aiming2.html

so im not sure what would be best for me??

[Kanaworm$ 292]

There are so many ways to design a box for an SUV that it's going to take testing to find the best for your tastes.

[yitzac1990 1]

Yeah I figured that would be the case. I was just wondering, with all the people on the internet, if someone had experience with multiple boxes in their SUV, even in an Xterra would be better! Just so I have someone with firsthand experience telling me that "this" is louder than "that". I dont really have the time or the money to build multiple configurations right now.

[Kanaworm$ 292]

Loudest I have seen in person at comps has been subs up port back!

[yitzac1990 1]

perfect, thats exactly what I want

[steveo50 3]

Yea I agree with gmc sub up port back

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Are you planning on competing? If not, I suggest rear fire for both cone and port, with the enclosure pushed as far forward as possible. The lower the frequency, the longer the distance for the wave form. Obviously, in most vehicles, you do not have the distance for very low frequencies to reach full extension, but every little bit can count for critical listening.

[yitzac1990 1]

i see what you are saying denim, makes sense. I dont plan on competing everyday or something, but I would still like to just set up this system to be at its full potential, in case i do decide to enter a competition sometime.

[slim2fattycake 85]

Full potential is gained in testing. There's no way around it.

[yitzac1990 1]

I know this, but unfortunately, as I stated before, i dont have the time or money right now to build multiple boxes. I figured that would be the answer, as I know every vehicle is different. I guess I'll just build it with the sub facing back, sticking straight to Fi's cut sheets. Thanks for all the input though! I'll post a thread once the sub comes in and box is built and everything is installed.

[Sencheezy 689]

I had my btl in my 96 explorer sub up port back... But I'm in the same boat as you, I don't know which way would be louder, and ALWAYS wanted to know without testing myself because of funds. I stopped by a auto dealer once though, and it told me it would sound better sub and port back because it "physics" lol, w/e thats suppose to mean???