Ok, it's not a 3rd gen Z, it's my Nissan 350Z...but for those interested, it may spark some ideas.

Well guys, it's that time again, a new issue of Project ActiveTuning

This time we do the entire sound system. I actually split it up into three seperate issues:

- Part 1: Headunit & XM Radio
- Part 2: Speakers
- Part 3: Amps/Amp Rack/Fiberglassed Sub Enclosure

The issues include over 100 pictures, and DETAILED how-to's for installing all of the above things. So, even if you aren't trying to fiberglass a system in your car, but just want to learn how to install a headunit or speakers, read the issues!

Anyways, check them out, and let me know your thoughts. You can also post them in our forum (we have a dedicated thread, just look for the link at the bottom of each issue).

 

The design looks really awesome, but it would look a lot better running two or three subs, rather than just one. Maybe it's me, but I can't stand single subs. They gotta be in pairs, like eyebrows. Unis just dont work.

 

2 subs are a waste of money unless you need the additional SPL. In a performance car where weight is a concern, 1 sub isn't such a bad thing.

Anyway, the install looks good. The only thing I found odd was hacking up the front speakers to mount the new speakers into. I think I would have just made an adapter ring out of MDF, but otherwise, outstanding.

 

Yeah, but you have to admit that in some applications... say cars that are making over 300+ hp to the rear wheels the added weight of 2 subs in the hatch area can be a bonus on the street.

As for the box it looks really awesome... kind of makes me want to work more on my own now that I can see the finished outcome. Only thing I can see right off is I would have used a little more glue when attaching the surface and mounting MDF rings. In the picture it looks like theres a small gap between the two. Probably didn't matter to much on the project since the box was mostly MDF but if it had all be fiberglassed that would have made me a little more cautious.

I really like the way the amp rack is and how it drops most of the cap and amps below the surface.

I can't even imagine how much time went into the bondo/sanding and the spot putty/sanding.

 

Holy cow, incredible job!

 

That looks awesome. Very nice job.

 

Thank you guys, I also helped on the install of this system. It took three of us 4 whole days, working from 9am till 9pm at night to do all the work.

 

:hail: :hail: :hail: that sytem rocks!:yourock:

 

that is a very nice installl.

the sub box/amp rack is extremely well designed and built IMO.

i would personally not put the crossovers for the components in the doors, but hey, that's just me.,

and i'm with jim on the factory speakers. i'd have made plates of MDF.


adam

 

looks very simple and clean which is always a good thing. little disappointed though as i was wishing it was in a thirdgen. seen many 350z's with very nice setups. looks good though.

 

First, I must say that the install looks awesome.. Beautiful work.


But I'm also a little curious,
Don't you want a sub box to be as solid as possible?
Won't 2 layers of 'glass still flex a bit? I know that the MDF is great, but the weak point in the box seems to be the glass... you know what they say about chains, only as strong as the weakest link.

If that 'glass flexes, over time that paint will turn to crap.....


The reason I ask this is because I am preparing to build a fiberglass enclosure for my 99 Z28, and I would like to build it solid enough to get every bit of sound out of the Sub.....


Cheers!

 

Well you've gotta realize that the curvature strengthens the fiberglass a lot. It's actually really strong. Had the surface been flat, it would definitely need A LOT more layers of fiberglass.

Simple answers, but I Hope that helps.