Stereo system/speaker size help, need help from you techies!

[1985RedTarga]

I just completed my new exhaust system today. I went with a Fabspeed cat bypass/premuffler and a muffler bypass. Basically it's almost running straight exhaust on my 1985 Targa. Might be a bit much for some, but I love the added HP, throttle response and sound. The sound may get to be much after a while, but all I have to do is keep the cat bypass on and throw the stock muffler on. 10 minutes tops.

Anyhow, since that project is finished and it is a bit "noisy", I want to replace my stock radio system with a new multimedia one, no CD player, just radio and iPod. Now I don't want anything fancy, just a head and 4 speakers. No amps, subs, etc.

So my question is for you sound guys...for the back speakers, what size would fit properly on my parcel tray? I think it has 4x6s in it now. I was wanting to go with 6x9s for some added bass, but those look pretty big and I'm not sure if they'll fight thickness wise. Would the magnet get sucked down to the metal floor? What size do you have and does it give you what you need?

Another question...I'm pretty sure the front door speakers are 5.25". How hard is it to replace those? Any tips?

Do you think the old wiring is ok? It seems to be of a pretty decent gauge, so I'm leaning on keeping it. What's your experience?

Lastly and probably the dumbest question about radio power...when a head unit says it's 50w x 4, does that mean each speaker gets 50 watts? And when a speaker says 300 watts max, 40 watts "RMS" (I think), what the hell does that mean?

Thanks for all your help!! I'm new to this. I want a decent sound system that will work well for the Targa, without spending too much.

Jamie

[nick_911]

Hi Jamie ,
I am yet to fit a stereo in my 911 but have had plenty of monster stereos in the past.
The deck that you are looking at will be fine to power a pair of front and rear speakers and that power Is fairly standard for head units.
I wouldn't go crazy buying top end speakers unless you are installing an amp as you won't realize their full potential.
As for the wiring , it should be fine to use the existing but if it were me I would replace it. It is amazing what a difference quality speaker cable makes but again most noticeable if you are going top end with amps.
Sizes I'm sure someone else will come to the rescue as I haven't looked to see what's there yet.
Cheers
Nick

[efhughes3]

I predict the muffler bypass will overshadow any effort to do a nice stereo, and it will end up on eBay, like most of those do. Added HP is a trick your ears are playing on you. If you truly want to gain power, go to headers and a free-flow muffler.

[kinein]

well you want a alpine deck i have cda 117 it has ipod control and works bluetooth with pandora on my phone,

but if you only want ipod no cd then alpine has
iDA-X305S

i had a custom box made for one 10 and focal components on the door with pdx-f6 alpine amp to run everything......i have a loud exhaust

[kinein]

the amp and the speaker mounted close to each other.....i know this isnt what you are lookin for but its a option....

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

I predict the muffler bypass will overshadow any effort to do a nice stereo, and it will end up on eBay, like most of those do. Added HP is a trick your ears are playing on you. If you truly want to gain power, go to headers and a free-flow muffler.

But I like the sound the the muffler bypass makes!! It was 60 bucks. And honestly, it's not as bad as I feared, as the cat bypass is called a "premuffler" and does muffle the sound somewhat. In fact, when the stock muffler was on with the cat bypass, I was quite disappointed that I couldn't tell much of a difference in the sound.

The good thing is that this set up makes me smile. Even if the HP "gain" is minimal. For the amount I paid, I am quite happy and the false feeling of HP is worth it.

Anyhow, how about speaker sizes guys??? I want to rock out while feeling happy on my cheap exhaust.

[86 911 Targa]

Here are a few ideas for a stock configuration.





And:

Rear Deck Speaker Upgrade

[tirwin]

I have the Blaupunkt THx462's in my '83 SC. If you are an audiophile, these wouldn't be my first choice. I normally prefer Polk but I had a devil of a time finding 4x6 speakers that come with grilles. Some PO discarded the originals and the 1990's speakers that were in the rear only worked with those speakers. I tried several different aftermarket grilles and they all looked stupid. My only complaint is that the silver frames make a rather annoying reflection in the rear window when you're looking in your rear view mirror. It took me a while to get used to it and I still find it distracting. Other than that, you really can't complain about them for the price.

[tirwin]

Oh... one more thing if you buy those for the rear deck. If you look real close at the picture they actually use an allen head screw instead of philips or slotted. Because of the clearance of the rear glass I had to get a special screwdriver at Harbor Freight (or maybe it was Home Depot?). Anyway, it was a cheap mini-screwdriver with a flexible shaft. I think it had the allen head bit in the kit. It was a pain in the posterior. I guess it is a good theft deterrent for those $40 speakers.

[1985RedTarga]

Would 6x9s be to big? Anyone have any first hand knowledge of that?

I don't want to go with 4x6s. Look whimpy and I can't imagaine they sound as good as 6x9s. One advantage of the 6x9s is that there are a lot of options, thus why I'm leaning that way. I know the make 5x7s, but the options are limited.

Thanks for the input on silver griles! I can see that being a problem.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by 1985RedTarga

But I like the sound the the muffler bypass makes!! It was 60 bucks. And honestly, it's not as bad as I feared, as the cat bypass is called a "premuffler" and does muffle the sound somewhat. In fact, when the stock muffler was on with the cat bypass, I was quite disappointed that I couldn't tell much of a difference in the sound.

The good thing is that this set up makes me smile. Even if the HP "gain" is minimal. For the amount I paid, I am quite happy and the false feeling of HP is worth it.

I'm well aware of the components you speak of, and what they sound like. When you hear what a really nice exhaust system sounds like on a 911, you'll forget about the stereo.

[tirwin]

The challenge with the larger speakers is the depth. There is very little clearance back there so if the speaker isn't too deep it won't sit in the hole. That's why kdog_us in the other thread you posted used the craft foam to increase the overall depth.

I really wouldn't worry about the rear speakers too much. The reason being is that they are more fill anyway and it's a lot of work for little gain IMHO.

I went to 6-1/2" Polk speakers on the doors since that's where most of your real sound will come from anyway. If you search for a post by Pelican 9ball, that's what I did on my doors. Installed Dynamat and new baffles too. It really made a huge difference. My only regret is that I didn't take the time to run new speaker wire.

Oh well... guess I'll just have to buy an old 930 and start all over.

[1985RedTarga]

Originally Posted by tirwin

The challenge with the larger speakers is the depth. There is very little clearance back there so if the speaker isn't too deep it won't sit in the hole. That's why kdog_us in the other thread you posted used the craft foam to increase the overall depth.

I really wouldn't worry about the rear speakers too much. The reason being is that they are more fill anyway and it's a lot of work for little gain IMHO.

I went to 6-1/2" Polk speakers on the doors since that's where most of your real sound will come from anyway. If you search for a post by Pelican 9ball, that's what I did on my doors. Installed Dynamat and new baffles too. It really made a huge difference. My only regret is that I didn't take the time to run new speaker wire.

Oh well... guess I'll just have to buy an old 930 and start all over.

Did you have any problems putting a speaker that large in the door?

[MH911]

I have the Alpine iDA-X305 and love it. I do have an amp connected to a sub box and 4x6 and 5.25 Polk MM speakers all around. Awesome sound.

[tirwin]

Jamie,

Going to 6-1/2" in the doors was pretty easy. In my case, I really had no choice. Some PO had installed a Boston Acoustics system that had a square mounting bracket. When I took it off there were screw holes through the door leather that were outside the factory opening. DOH! So I went up to the larger speakers to hide the ugliness.

Basically, I took the door interior apart -- not hard and a good opportunity to clean everything. Remove the original plastic speaker and replace with a larger foam type. I bought a pair from Crutchfield (I think) that are good and very inexpensive. All you need to do is nip a little opening in the bottom to run the speaker wire through. Then screw the speakers through the door panel. (Warning: no going back if you do this.)

I think some industrious Pelican actually posted a blueprint for how to make a more substantial backer out of MDF.

[skunked]

6.5" MB Quart (onx116) fit as well.

With the top off at freeway speed it's loud enough to hear the music.