My install of 8" Kicker Comp subs in my 2005 GTO.
I wanted to replace the stock 6.5" midbass drivers with something a little
larger. I chose the Kicker Comp's because they were "Free Air" compatible.
This was an important consideration, since I was not going to try and fit an
enclosure under the speaker deck.
There are shallower subs, I would guess, that are also free air compatible,
but not for the price of the Kicker's. I cut out the deck to accommodate
the larger speakers. Using my Craftsman rotary tool and many cut-off
wheels, it was a fairly easy task. I then needed to cut some spacer rings.
To get the spacing I needed, I used two 5/8" rings. However, this made the
system too tall for the stock deck cover to go back in place. I then
turned one of the rings on its side and, using my jigsaw, cut it into a wedge
shape. This worked perfectly! I then purchased some longer screws to
utilize the original mounting screw holes, put lots of silicone under and in
between the rings, and installed the subs.
I then wired up the 500 watt amp, installed the remote volume control, and found an
unused spot in the fuse box under the steering wheel for the remote turn on
lead. In the trunk, I decided to put the amp behind the carpeting, and on the
driver's side of the space. It worked well, and is completely hidden.
I will be monitoring the amp temps, however, as there is limited airflow.
I used Elemental Designs eDead v1 mat for vibration and sound deadening, then
covered that with RAAM Audio's Ensolite closed cell foam for more sound
deadening. I insulated the entire back and deck, plugging as many holes as
I could. I wanted to get as close to a closed system in the trunk as
possible. I then insulated the rear quarter panels. Finally, I moved
to the front doors. I insulated the inside an outside of the doors.
I used aluminum gutter screen to provide support over the large openings in the
door, and then covered them with the insulating material. I also added
some ensolite into the kick panels.
Results:
The sound deadening reduced my ambient sound level by 5 decibels when
traveling 75mpg with the windows up. It dropped from 75 dB to 70 dB.
The subs are definitely better than the stock mid bass drivers. They
are not, however, as tight as I would like, but this is probably to be expected
from a free air installation. All in all, with the upgraded component
speakers in the front, the system sounds much better than the stock system ever
did. If I had to do it again, I would probably move the rear quarter
speakers to the rear deck, and put the subs in small boxes in the rear quarter
panels. This would give tighter bass, I believe.
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I used my dremel and more than one cut-off wheel to do this
job. Pretty easy, overall. |
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I used 5/8" plywood to make the rings. Two per speaker.
The bottom ring was cut in a wedge to allow the deck cover to fit properly. |
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The Kicker Comp 8" speakers fit with little room to spare
(Around 3/4"). They DO NOT rub at all, however. |
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RAAM Audio ensolite closed cell insolation. |
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Screen covering door openings. |
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Used to provide support for eDead that covered all holes in
door. |
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Mounted on panel, but under carpeting. I will keep an
eye on temps, but OK so far. I have since pushed in the stray carpet that
was hanging in this photo. |
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The system looks completely stock! (Looks like I have to
do a little dusting of the seats!) |
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