Another speaker question

Can anyone help me with replacing the rear speakers in my 84 cab? In about 1990 the PO installed a good amp and four good speakers. The front are still fine but I need to replace the rear speakers. They look like they fit right in the factory cut outs, but I can't figure out what size they are. I have received conflicting opinions as to the size that will fit in the factory cut out and how large of a speaker I can install without major surgery.

Are the holes for the factory speakers 4x6, 4x6m, or 5x7? Can I fit a 6x9 speaker where the factory speaker was?

And finally, are there any recommendations for make and model? This year's budget won't allow for a $1,000 upgrade, but I would rather spend $200 on a good set of speakers than $99 and get so-so sound. Is either the Polk DX-7 (5x7 at $150) or the JBL Power P-6432 (4x6 at $150) a good choice? I would like to upgrade to 6x9's in the rear if the installation isn't too difficult.

Thanks, Mike

The backs are 4 x 6. Some come with multiple holes to make mounting easier or have a metric designation to fit european cars. My Infinity Kappa's bolted right in and the original cover fit on top. The depth prevents you from going to 6 x 9 unless you extend the speaker depth. I personally don't like the look. Those speaker are never going to be more then fill. Put your money in good door speakers, possibly a component system.

Talk about a timely post. I'm in the middle of replacing my entire factory stereo system (CD head unit, front component speakers, and rears). I replaced the head unit this weekend without any problems and I'm waiting for delivery of the speakers. The factory CD player was skipping and the front mid range speakers were blown (about 1/2 of the foam surrounds were gone). I have a 92 C2 which also has 4x6's in the rear.

At first, I went to a high end car stereo place (they were working on 2 996 turbos that day). The salesman said that I could go with 4x6's again in back or go to 5 1/4's to add a little more bass. Going to the 5 1/4's would involve cutting and some other custom work because the grill shapes are different. He said that he couldn't do anything larger than that. I opted for the 4x6's since I wanted to keep it simple.

I ordered 4x6's from Crutchfield. The factory grills are rectangular and the Crutchfield grills were oval and too small so I returned them. I checked out www.caraudioinnovations.com and they recommended Kenwood 4x6's as drop in replacements, only $80. They said the grills would fit perfectly. I haven't received them yet, but I'll post my results if anyone's interested.

Whatever you decide, you may want to ask about the grill size to make sure it covers the marks left by the current rectangular grill. Otherwise you'll have to fabricate some sort of collar to cover the marks.

Check this site out, this guy did all the research on speakers and really did his system up. This is an extreem case but he offers good tips and Ideas for speakers. His goal was competition sound quality without modifying they car. Like we're talking about not even making screw holes. This site is a must for anyone trying to get good sound from their 911.

http://www.2phast.com/porsche/install.html

Adam Roseneck

Drew, how have the Kenwoods worked for you? Which model speakers did you get? Crutchfield recopmmended the KFC-4625 to me, and I was wondering if this is what you got. Interested in how your setup sounds. Mike

Mike,

Are the grills on your 4x6's rectangular or oval? If they're rectangular, then my guess is that the 4625's won't work because the oval grills on the 4625's won't cover up the space where the rectangular grills were. I've already had to return one set of speakers because of this.

The Kenwoods I ordered are the 4675's. Take a look on Crutchfield and you'll see that the 4675's offer many more mounting options and, most importantly, have rectangular grills. If you can't find them on the web site, go into the "What fits my car" section and pick a 92 911. I just received them in the mail today so I haven't put them in. I'll post a followup message after they're installed.

You have one other option if you want to go w/ 6x9s. You can get a replacement rear shelf from Original Fit Interiors that accomodates 6x9s. I have one in my Targa & it absolutely looks factory. I did this after putting in better 4x6s and still not having much better sound.

With the larger speakers powered by a modest amp, you can get some decent sound with bass and still keep your rear footwell open. If you don't need that space and you want LOTS of bass, then the sub box is the way to go.

hth
Greg

I replaced the rear 4x6's yesterday with the new Kenwoods. I installed one side and did a sound comparison by fading all sound to the rear and then listening to just the new speaker and then just the old speaker. To be honest, I didn't notice that much of a difference. The new ones sounded better, but only marginally. With all the speakers going at once, I can't really notice that much of a difference from the new rear speakers. In other words, I wouldn't expect too much.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. I'm glad to hear that I have some options. I will stick with 4x6's right now, just because I want a true drop-in replacement, but will probably add either subwoofers or 6x9's when i get a little more comfortable and adventurous.

Drew, my grills are square too. I think I am going to opt for the Infinity Kappas and try to keep my original grills. I received the same advice to by Kenwoods that you received at least two or three times, but didn't see why they were so desirable based on their specs. The Kappa has some higher ratings, so I'll let you know if there's any improvement. BTW, I found them for $85 (including shipping) at Netmarket.com.

89911, were you able to your Kappas right in without additional drilling? As best as I could eyeball, it looked like they should, even on a 4x6 metric opening.

Thanks again.

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MRM 1984 Carrera Cab Eurospec

[This message has been edited by MRM (edited 02-18-2001).]

Mrm, yes the Infinity Kappa's went straight into the old openings and bolted correctly. The covers friction fitted over the Infinity. The only time they came off was at a DE with the windows open over 100 mph. The problem I originaly encountered with 4 x 6 replacement speakers is that this is a retrofit size and most do not come with the grills. It was by luck these fit. These are higher end speakers ($100 plus) but matched the other Infinity components in the front.

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8 9 9 1 1, The last of the line.