Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
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From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
I'm looking into upgrading the sub woofer in the Firebird Performance Sound system I've pieced together, not using the stock 50W amplifier, using a different GM amplifier, one per sub woofer, probably puts out about 50W each amp, so I'm not concerned about the amplifier aspect. Right now the box has these:

Audiobahn AS40Q: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=14046
not a bad sounding speaker, but it's clear that it wasn't made for bass, and obviously it's not a sub woofer by anyone's standards, maybe a mid. Plus it's a 4" speaker and has a tiny gap on every flat edge. Now i know that everyone is going to say go aftermarket, but I do not want aftermarket. I like that they replace the stock 6X9s and I have a lot of room in my trunk, I can also use other amps I have to power the 4X9s above them and get another set of amps for each under dash speaker. I'll figure out the rest of the system as i go along with a little guessing and testing. Right now i just want a sub woofer to replace the ones that are in there now. Which one looks to be the best from the following, and I'm open to any 5" - 5.25" sub woofer that someone can find.
Here are two that i've found:
#1 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...31&ctab=1#Tabs
# 2 http://www.overstock.com/Electronics...0/product.html
I like number two because of the 100W RMS, but number two has a lower frequency range and a similar SPL. Not to mention the rubber on number one actually looks like rubber and cone for a sub woofer with good extension. Let me know what you think I should go with!
Jon

Audiobahn AS40Q: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=14046
not a bad sounding speaker, but it's clear that it wasn't made for bass, and obviously it's not a sub woofer by anyone's standards, maybe a mid. Plus it's a 4" speaker and has a tiny gap on every flat edge. Now i know that everyone is going to say go aftermarket, but I do not want aftermarket. I like that they replace the stock 6X9s and I have a lot of room in my trunk, I can also use other amps I have to power the 4X9s above them and get another set of amps for each under dash speaker. I'll figure out the rest of the system as i go along with a little guessing and testing. Right now i just want a sub woofer to replace the ones that are in there now. Which one looks to be the best from the following, and I'm open to any 5" - 5.25" sub woofer that someone can find.
Here are two that i've found:
#1 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...31&ctab=1#Tabs
# 2 http://www.overstock.com/Electronics...0/product.html
I like number two because of the 100W RMS, but number two has a lower frequency range and a similar SPL. Not to mention the rubber on number one actually looks like rubber and cone for a sub woofer with good extension. Let me know what you think I should go with!
Jon
Last edited by 84redta; Apr 27, 2009 at 06:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 6
From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Also got the details on subwoofer number one in the attached link.
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From: Pepperell, MA
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
When I was starting to read your post, the first brand to come to mind was Tang Band, but it appears you beat me to it. Just make sure you're running too low an impedance for the amps you plan on running. While you may not get much out of such a small "sub", I don't think the TB's will disappoint, especially for the money.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 6
From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
I know, I used to use nothing less than 12s, but like I said, I like the idea of full use of the trunk and lock box in the back, and I'm looking to add a little flavor, maybe vibrate the mirrors a little, sound really good in the car, don't care bout what it sounds like from ten feet away or being heard down the block. Just a little extra oomph, ya know? I saw a company, Focal I beleive with some sick 5" subs for nearly $200 and $500. Yeah no thanks, LOL. Not to mention for the money I figured they wouldn't be terrible, and definally not a fan of Pyramid so.
Each amp is able to run at 2 ohms, and I'm planning on running 4 ohm speakers, so they should be alright. Thanks for the insight!
Jon
Each amp is able to run at 2 ohms, and I'm planning on running 4 ohm speakers, so they should be alright. Thanks for the insight!
Jon
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,983
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From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Anyone else have input on these subwoofers, possibly anyone with experience with either one, and what setup you put them in. Opinions pertaining to the use of a 5" sub, whether one listed or not, will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Jon
Jon
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,983
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From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Noone??
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From: Displaced Texan living in NC
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans AM GTA
Engine: Tune-port Injected 6.3L
Transmission: Borg-Warner T56 six-speed
Axle/Gears: Borg/Warner 9-bolt with 3.70:1
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
I have a set of those sail panel speakers, but they still have the stock speakers. I was trying to figure out what to replace them with. The Fiero Store has similar speakers that will drop right in place of teh sub portion. What they sound like...not sure. One of these days I'll get around to getting these into the car.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,983
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From: Stamford, New York
Car: 80 SE/TTA;88 T/A GTA;86 T/A
Engine: 4.9L Turbo; LT1; empty
Transmission: TH350; T56; empty
Axle/Gears: 3:23 disk; 4:10 disk ; 3.42 disk
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Yea, a post from the past win you in it mentioned that. I went to the link that was in that page, by they didn't have the sub listed under speakers. Not to mention, aftermarket will always be better. LOL.
Just an FYI to whomever is looking to do this. 5.25s are too large, you do need 5s. I tryed to see if trimming to fit was available, and it isn't without sacrificing integrity and design of the panel. To this day, I have been unable to find a small yet suitable amp to power these speakers and have resorted at the moment to 6X9s to pass the time. When/If i ever go down this road again, i will report back my findings.
Just an FYI to whomever is looking to do this. 5.25s are too large, you do need 5s. I tryed to see if trimming to fit was available, and it isn't without sacrificing integrity and design of the panel. To this day, I have been unable to find a small yet suitable amp to power these speakers and have resorted at the moment to 6X9s to pass the time. When/If i ever go down this road again, i will report back my findings.
Last edited by 84redta; Oct 30, 2009 at 02:49 PM.
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
I like the Tang over the other brand.
How about putting an 8" sub where the rear 6x9 goes? Then run a 5 1/4 co ax in the dash?
Just an idea.
How about putting an 8" sub where the rear 6x9 goes? Then run a 5 1/4 co ax in the dash?
Just an idea.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,519
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Any update on this? I've been doing the same search with not much luck
-jason
-jason
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Orrville, OH
Car: 1987 Formula, 2007 Avalanche
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Been working on this myself for a couple of years for my 87 Formula... Just cant find a good aftermarket replacement for reasonable $$. Tried a Pioneer 2way, and a Radio Shack sub. The Radio Shack model did not fit the box and the Pioneer just doesnt sound near as good as the stock part. And searching for the 'part' is like looking for a needle in a haystack, for an older car. Anyone know of a replacement OEM part that is used in another GM car, besides the Fiero?
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 370
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From: So Cal
Car: 1987 Trans am (SOLD), 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
how about the 5.25's on that page
http://www.cdtaudio.com/custom_components_08.htm
I dunno if you've heard of CDT audio, theyre really good.
http://www.cdtaudio.com/custom_components_08.htm
I dunno if you've heard of CDT audio, theyre really good.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 8
From: West of Toronto
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
Been working on this myself for a couple of years for my 87 Formula... Just cant find a good aftermarket replacement for reasonable $$. Tried a Pioneer 2way, and a Radio Shack sub. The Radio Shack model did not fit the box and the Pioneer just doesnt sound near as good as the stock part. And searching for the 'part' is like looking for a needle in a haystack, for an older car. Anyone know of a replacement OEM part that is used in another GM car, besides the Fiero?
http://www.keeaudio.com/contact.html
CDT is Ok for the money but there are better choices IMO
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 370
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From: So Cal
Car: 1987 Trans am (SOLD), 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Performance Sound Subwoofer Replacement
CDT is Ok for the money but there are better choices IMO
Last edited by 87 WHITE GTA; Sep 29, 2009 at 11:05 PM.
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