It's my birthday tomorrow and my girlfriend wants to buy me some speakers for my 91 firebird. I can't argue about that Instead of going straight for some subs, I want to install some decent mid-range / tweeters in the car. Whatever the stock stuff is, it sucks. When I painted my car I took out some of the plastic interior panels and noticed I have 6x9s in the pillars. I have not looked upfront yet. Are they 4"ers in the dash? I'm not a fan of any 6x9 speaker, so I want to install some 6 1/2" Infinity 6000CS to get the full range of sound I'm looking for. Where to put them though? I want them upfront but have no idea what kind of room there is up in the dash. Will they fit without too much bull****? If I need to stick them in the 6x9 holes, will they sound alright? I like to have the sound come from the front of the car. Let me know about mounting the 6 1/2" speakers up front. Will that work? How do I get to them anyway? I havn't taken my dash apart. I'll be powering the mids with a Fosgate 201S amp.

 

i would do decent two way 6 by 9's in the back, nice 6.5" components up front, run a 4 way amp to those speakers, or a 2 way running the components and the deck running the 6 by 9's...

then a seperate amp for 2 10's later would be a good setup

i have infinity reference components (Cant remember the model its been almost 2 years now) and they sound really good, but dont make a whole lot of bass. that may be because of where there mounted, but who knows (btw the infinities are in a 2nd gen, i havent messed with the thirdgens stereo so i cant help you on how it would sound there).

you might look into alpines new 'S' series components, really cheap but are supposed to very good for what they are. i tried to find you a link but alpines site wont load

 

Hey thanks for the reply! I just pulled off the dash cover to see what is living under there. Looks like two 4x6s. I think there is enough room there to fit the 6.5s in, but I'll need to rig up some aluminum brackets. I havn't decided yet if I'll do the 2ch thing or the 4ch thing. I cna't really afford a decent 4cha mp right now, but it may be the better decision. I'll be ordering through futureshop, and they dont' carry Alpine stuff. I live ina fairly remote area, so intown prices are hideous, and shipping sucks. Futureshop offers free shipping and an ok price, so I'll stick with the infinity stuff for now. I hear the 6000cs model i'm lookign at sound great. Thanks for the advice. I'll certainly be running the subs off their own amp.

Again, if anyone has pics or advice for mounting the 6.5s up front, I'll need it

 

Upon further inspection, it doesn't look like a 6.5 will fit in there... Is it worth buying new 4x6s?

I could get some 4x6s and some 6x9s and my life pretty easy... is it worth it though? I havn't heard any 6x9s that sound nearly as good as 6.5s of the same quality.

 

Some Infinity Kappa 4x6s or similar quality will be alright for you. As for 6x9s... well I'd personally mount some 6.5s in their place, if you're itching to put something there.

If you want real quality, you'll have to find some kickpanels that come with 6" and 1" mounts (for a component and tweeter). This is the best place for speakers in our cars. Add a 10" or 12" sub somewhere in the hatch and you're set. Simple, effective, and sounds great.

 

yeah when i said up front i meant in the kickpanels, sorry. 4 inch kappa plates are the best way to go if youre going to put something in the stock location. Otherwise, components in the back plates up front and subs should make you happy.

 

Your dash mounts only have about 2" of depth available, maybe 2.5" with different brackets. The A/C ducts eat-up all kinds of room on these cars...

 

Yay, it's my birthday so old now... my teen years have left me.

Here is some stuff I was looking at...


Infinity 6000CS 6 1/2" Car Speakers

Rockford Punch 201S 2-Channel Car Amp

My limit is about $600 CAD so I have a few choices:

1) I install the 6.5 in the rear 6x9 mounts and leave it at that.

2) I install cheaper 6.5s in the back and some 4x6s in the front.

3) I install cheaper 6.5s in the back, and 2 10" subs in the trunk.

4) I install much cheaper 6.5"s, 4x6"s and 10"s, hehehe.

Do those fairly cheap Pioneer, Sony and Panasonic (69-129) speakers sound any good? Most of my music is in mp3 format, so I'm not exactly going for superb, competition quality sound. I just want better than stock

 

dont go with sony if you can avoid it. pioneer/rockford/alpine/infinity all make good 6 by 9's...

if you do get speakers for the dash, go with the kappa plates you wont regret it...

and if you go with plates, you might as well get infinity components to match.

id go with new plates and 2 10's if it were for me.


also, dont forget figure in the cost of wiring/in line fuses or amp kit when adding amps.

 

order a set of q-form kick panels, run that 200s, and pick up a set of decent components.

that is going to be the best sounding set out of the bunch.


adam

 

I was looking at the Q-form kickplates, but they're about $200 CAD before duty and shipping.. If you know of any Canadian dealers,, let me know. I'd like to order them, but not from out of country.

 

I highly recommend just the 6000CS in a set of kickpanels, and get rid of the 4x6s and 6x9s entirely. That is well within $600, and will be a good match for the Fosgate amp. You will not be disappointed with the sound you get from this setup. Later on you can get a better matching amp, and then slap in an amp and sub for the hatch.

 

Thanks guys, it seems everyone is pointing me to the 6000CS components, so I'll order them up tomorrow. I still need help finding some kickplates in Canada though.. Any help is appreciated.

 

I posted on the Toronto F-Body mailing list, maybe someone will come up with something.

 

you'd be spending much more to get those kick panels and the 6.5's to go in there... I'd recommend getting the kappa plates for the front... easy fit for many people... and maybe the kappa perfect 6x9's... I have a pair of those in my brothers car and they kick ***... can be real bass-y, but not in our cars, you'll be sorry if you get speakers meant for bass... Infinity is excellent all around and cheap to top it off...

I'm not saying you won't have any bass, but it won't be impressive. Depending on your music habits, I would recommend getting a cheap 4ch amp or 2ch and share the channels, and power these speakers, and skip the subs for now... there's nothing worse than crappy speakers and good subwoofers... it's like you're missing 80% of the music... You can always put subs in later, but I'd get an alarm first, seriously... subs won't stay longer than a few months if you don't get one... now that I have one, I've managed to keep my subs over 6 months now! world record for a thirdgen!

just wait for a blowout sale and get some rockford fosgate he2 (the dual voicecoil 12's....) or any infinity kappa perfect 12... or jbl, or kicker... and a mid-range amp and you will be happy, but the plates and 6x9's should be a priority... how often do you "bass out"? Just a thought

-Steve

 

When I plan a speaker upgrade, I use 100% of my speaker budget for the front speakers. Your front speakers will be doing 90% of the work, so it doesn't make sense to only put 50% of your budget toward them.

In your case, I'd buy a pair of 6.5" components and forget about rear speakers. If you have manual windows, you can fit the woofers in your doors, and mount the tweeters in the kick panels. I did this on my firebird and it imaged fairly well. It was definately a major improvement over the 4x6s.

I'd also look at other amplifier brands. The rockford stuff is decent, but I don't feel that it's worth the money. For something like what you're doing, a 50x2 or 75x2 amp from JBL will work great and will cost less than the Rockford.

Now... if you decide to stick with 4x6s instead of going to 6.5" components up front, then I would say that you should buy some 6x9s since they'll be your only source of bass. But, if you can do the 6.5s up front, you're better off all around.

BTW, I just put a pair of CDT CL-61a components into my girlfriend's camry. These aren't exactly the last word when it comes to reference sound, but they beat the hell out of anything else I've listened to in their price range, including all the . They sell at thezeb.com for $150/pair.

You could buy those CDTs, a pair of Tangband 8" subs (or a single inexpensive 10"), and a 4 channel amp to power everything within your budget.

 

buddy... you really don't want bass coming out of the dash.... (if that's where you wanted to squeeze those comps...)

and if you are ever planning on getting subs, I wouldn't go out and get some expensive comps that put out good bass, when all you need are the highs...

If you are looking for a very cheap/good sounding route, then a set of 4x6 plates (any manufacturer) -- they are basically component speakers anyhow... and some decent 6x9... (just get some that won't distort... and pick up some subs in the future.

 

I don't mean to crash your party, ScrapMaker, but something tells me you've never heard this setup before. The components aren't going in the dash; they're going in the kickpanels.

 

I've been eyeballin' this thread as I'm installing a set of Infinity Kappa 50.5 components up-front for my Camaro as well. I tried mounting the mids on the kick-panels but they are about 4" deep and that made them stick out far too close to my clutch pedal. I have the door panel off and cannot see anyplace I can really cut into that will allow some depth for them (I have power-windows). I don't see any other option but to make a surface-mounted pod for the midranges, I just didn't want them aimed at my thighs... Any other ideas??

 

that's fine, I just noticed that someone was gonna try that, but not anymore.... either way, I would still recommend the plates, for price AND ease of install... plus the loss of legroom you will be blessed with once you have those kickpanel enclosures...

Obviously if you have the money... you would want to get the kicks with some KICK A$$ components... hell why not 3-ways? but they get expensive...

if we are trying to get the best system for the money, then I would go with plates and good 6x9's... then he'd have some extra money for some amps and subs or whatnot...

*oops almost forgot... I've heard so many component set-ups I have lost count... for the price, you can't go wrong with Infinity Perfect 6.1's (6 1/2) Components... they are about $220 or so on Etronics.Com.... Just so you know I've heard this setup... People say that they get crap sound out of these plates... I have to disagree, many cars with components in the kicks/doors seem to get lot's of the sound blocked by legs or whatnot. The windshield seems to bounce it perfectly to my ears, but I guess everyone hears differently.

Good luck on your selection.

-Steve

 

First off as far as keeping a system in your car I've had one for almost 2yrs now with no problems...you can't see it because the rear cover is over it and there are no visible wires but you damn sure hear it. I was thinking of getting 3way components and putting the mid in where the 4x6's go and pull the ducting that's right there for heaters and what not since that's only for the side windows right there and how much good does that lil vent do on all that friggin glass. Then tweeters at the top of the pillars on on the windshield, right at the top...or maybe the bottom...not sure yet....Then a woofer down below.

BTW I have 2 10inch xtants in the rear with seperate sealed boxes and 400 watt kicker so good powerful bass outta the speakers isn't too much of a concern anymore.

 

I hate it when the tweeters are mounted in the A-pillars, because it's like someone screaming in your face from 3 inches away... I think I would like it better in the kicks... except when somone is sitting there... I'd probably just put them in the dashboard reflecting off the windshield...

 

I thought they might be too close but figured I would try it anyways, I might put'em on the bottom of the a pillar where it meets the dash pad in that corner, then it wouldn't be so close, would be sent into the car instead of the windshield...

 

personally the best location is as far away from your face as possible, while being in front of you, and not being blocked by the dash/your feet/passengers body/windshield reflection....

my bud has some tweets in his doors in his ranger, and it feels like a wild animal is digging it's way through my eardrum... reminds me of startrek, the wrath of khan I believe it was...

-Steve

 

Well... I was called off to work for a week in some remote location in the interior and ended up driving by a closing down audio shop on the way there. They didnt' have the components I wanted, but they did have some other stuff, which i snagged for a peachy price.

-1 Pair of Alpine Type-R SPR-176A Components

-2 10" Sony Xplode Subs

-1 "600watt" (2ch x 100watt @ 4ohm) Sony Explode Amp.

I barely went over budget... so I'm not to worried about it. I test fired the Alpines and they sound incredible. The seperate 1" tweeter really makes the difference. I havn't wired in the subs yet... And I'm still wondering where to put the 6.5s... I might just mount them in the 6x9 mount for now... I dont' know if the door has enough depth, (I don't have PWs)... Any expereince in that field guys? I can't find any decent kickpanels aroudn these parts. I might just pickup some from the wrecker and play with some fibrglass.

Where do you gusy mount your 6.5s?

 

Oh one more thing befor eI go drilling holes in my firewall and trying to find where it comes out on the other side


Where do you gusy run your amp power line through the firewall?

 

I ran mine through the p/s panel where the antenna lead comes through, the same side as the battery, and ran it straight back from there. Worked great!

 

Minutes after typing this I drilled a hole next to the hood release cable. Then I decided I wanted the cable to pass through the firewall on the passenger side.. So I drilled another hole. Then discovering there was a pre-fabricated rubber gromet thing there for such applictions, I fed it through there... She werks nice

 

well that works... but I put my power cable on the same side as the battery... because I wanted the shortest cable possible... plus there is a grommet there, that I was able to fit my 4gague power cable through. I cannot verify that BestBuy was not resposible for this, because they installed an amp several years ago for me.... hell, it was free, what can I say?


see, now your problem is that you MUST run your rca cables on the driver side, which means that its going closer to your battery, and the path of the power wire, and rca's might come close, which is a very big NO NO!... rca's never go near power or grounds, and the other side of the car should have the power, remote wire, and ground (if you send a ground back-I don't) Also if you have a remote bass ****, I think I'd send that with the rca's, but don't take my word on that since I don't use mine.

 

I planned on running my RCA cables under the console and rear seats ffor mine since the P/S has the power cable and the D/S has a gutter with the wires for taillights, hatch-release, and wahtever else. Is that not a good idea?

 

Well, that's a really good reason why you should put the amp power cable down the driver's side, (because there are other power wires already there). I know people that ran the RCA's down the middle of the car and still had interference, but I guess every car is a different situation.

The way I see it, is be on the safe side. Leave the least possible chance of poorer sound quality, and/or interference. It's not all that much work to find a grommet right above the brake pedal, or install one your self (might be easier actually).

Just whatever you do, separate power from RCA by at least 3 feet....or more.

-Steve

 

I've installed a few amps in a few different cars and I always try to do it so there's nothing permanant. In the firebird there was a plastic disc above the hood release lever that led to the door, probably for power windows. I cut a slit in that and ran my 4gauge through...I also ran mine in the fender, not along were the hood sits...just so it's outta the way...RCA's are right up the middle of the car. You can ground the amp in the back to the hatch motor ground no problem too so you shouldn't have to run one back...

PS Sony Subs and Amps are horrible. They blow really quick and don't sound that great. Should go with JL, all they're stuff is sick. Or Xtant.

 

Firebirds have a driver's side mounted battery, my Camaro's is on the passenger side and that's why I ran the power cable on that side. The trans-tunnel is the least populated area for wiring in my car and hopefully the "zero-noise-6" RCA's I got live up to their billing!!

 

Installed the subs yesterday and picked up some carpet today. Here are some pics.



Notice the UBER hiding job.. hehe. left over carpet + a piece of 1/4 plywood I found under the house, sans spiders. I can honestly say that these produce an enourmous amount of boom. I don't listen to my music like that, but atleast I know I can. Maybe I only needed one... Or even one of those $100 dollar 'bazooka tubes'.

NOw I need to get those 6.5s installed... Anyone tried mounting 6.5s in the doors yet? I can't really afford $200 CAD for some flimsy namebrand kickpanels.

 

Umm... I'm not much of a speaker tech, so I'll try to make this sound as best I can. Used to have a box with two 12" in the trunk, sucked *** cuz I needed some sort of room to put groceries in and the back seat just didn't cut it (too many CDs back there). Anyways, ditched the box and sold the amp and two 12"s, went to best buy and picked up a set of Pioneer 6x9 four-ways, why four, I don't know, but they were released only two months prior to my purchase so they were hella expensive. I followed that up with 4x6 Pioneers in the front, some EQ tweaking and, voila! Perfect crisp sound with enough punch and clarity at full volume! But i did think of getting some 10"s for it. I should've just pushed the bird to Florida instead of selling it. I miss my 350

Well, that's my story
SLAYER!!

 

good hiding job, but in the end it all matters if anyone hears your sound system when you park

 

Dude you gotta live in the ghetto or something because I've never had my system stolen outta my car and I don't do too good a job of hiding it anymore. You can't see it looking in the back but I park the car with it pounding, get out and get the t-tops out from the back having it in plain veiw and I don't have an alarm either.



What are the measurements for that plate? That's what I wanted to put in my car.....

 

no I don't live in the ghetto, people just steal my stuff. I have chronic bad luck, it's starting to wear off on people I know... they are dying left and right... oh well... I just had to get a 2-way car alarm to stop the theft... I still need to install the pager module that calls my cellphone if I am too far away.

-Steve

 

Theft is a huge problem here in Prince Rupert. Our vehicles are borken into at least 3 times a year. They're never discrete about it. Broken glass all over the road and such... We just keep everythign unlocked now to avoid paying the window deductable. My dads cars across town are hit much more often. Probably 3 times a month.

I'll be moving to Kelowna in less than a month. I hear theft is bad there aswell... Seriously guys pumping your system anywhere close to where you live is a bad idea. I know a guy who parks his sunfire in the apartments underground lot and it was broken into there... So someone inside the building heard the sterep, walked down in the middle of the night, and took his sweet time pulling out the amps, subs, mids, deck and all. Of course not insured

 

This might be a dumb question... but where the hell is the spare tire suppose to rest in this car? When I bought the car, the thing was rolling around in the back seat. Surely it's not supposed to go in the trunk and take up that much room . Is it supposed to go behind the passenger side plastic piece int he trunk ?.... (where my amp is closest?)

 

That's exactly where it's supposed to be! Go to a junkyard and snag the mounting hardware if you don't have it floating around.
Great job with the install! You'll actually be able to get to the spare tire, lights, and stow your t-tops (if you got 'em) with that set-up. If I were to do my set-up over, it would be like yours!

 

Thanks Murco

I should point out that I cheated a little while doing the install... That's a 3/4" sheet of MDF (13.5"x40") with some carpet on it. I didn't make a box, but instead used the little trunk trough as the box, and the MDF as a lid. It's a very tight seal, and sounds good. I think those subs recommend around 0.65cu feet per woofer, and this is more like 1cu foot or so per woofer, so it's not too much of a difference. Anyone who isn't too concerned about precision should try this out. You really can't beat a 10 minute sub enclosure that costs under $40 cad.

 

well when u get everything installed let us know how it sounds. Looks good so far.

Nate

 

a little note... its not really in the trunk... the spare tire fits inside the plastic of the trunk lining... on the passenger side... you undo all the plastic bolts and there is space for a tire in there... or a tire and an amplifier, whatever...

new camaros are the same way

 

It may be simple, but I bet it's effective! For what I have in my car I really went over the deep-end with the box. My priority was good sound, spare tire and lamp access, and the ability to stow t-tops. I don't think I can get my tops in with it set-up like this, I haven't tried yet.

 

did you slant the box in the middle to make the amp look cooler, or was it just to lower the airspace inside?

 

Looks awesome either way! Nice box idea!

 

The 2 subs have thier own enclosures and I wanted to have the amp stepped-down and be flush with the top but it was too wide. Would do it much more along the lines of Orangetang's if I were to mount this set-up again...

 

I would think that you would just want to optimize box volume so you can get the best sound.

 

They each have 1.35 cf, exactly what Kicker recommends. They were designed to be separate all along with an open area under the amp base to hide wiring...