SubWoofer Install and Location

[Calspeed]

Hello,

What do you folks recommend in regards to a location for a subwoofer in my '85 Cabriolet. I am currently installing a system but I just cant figure out where to put a small woofer. I have almost decided upon a couple of 8 inchers in the rear panels to be the woofers and run seperates in the front. Does that make sense? I am looking for some decent bass responce but not looking for "Competition" quality low end.

Thanks,

Michael / Calspeed

[A Quiet Boom]

Just an observation (I was guilty to) most of the "new to the 911" owners ask the same type of questions you are asking, subwoofer? tires and wheels? etc. Here's a suggestion that might be worth it's weight in gold, just drive the car for awhile! Take it down some twisty roads, jump on the freeway and run it up a bit etc. get a feel for the car and explore your potential as a 911 driver, it'll be a while before you'll feel comfortable exploring the cars true potential, it's faster and handles better than you think. For now pop in some decent speakers and hold off on modifying the interior for subs. You might find yourself driving with the radio off after a while since you'd rather hear that beautiful music from the flat six behind your head, now drop the top and have fun! Only after you've truly experienced these cars should you change them to your liking IMHO. FWIW, I recently removed the amp and cd changer from my trunk because I just don't use it, if I get stuck in traffic my door speakers are enough but once the road opens up the radio either gets turned off or turned down. Same goes for my ducktail rear spoiler and Fuch's wheels that I didn't like at first, now they've both grown on me even though I've purchased both a Carrera and a Turbo tail and selected several rims I like. I can't really put the experience into words but these cars grow on you like NOTHING I've ever driven before and believe me I've driven quite a variety. The fact is my P-car is so fun it's outclassed my 10 second drag car on the "grin-o-meter"

My .02 sorry if it's not the answer you're looking for.

[Steve W]

Michael,

Do a search - there are some extensive threads on this subject:

Here's some of the more thorough ones:

Upgrading early 911 stereos

Subwoofer in front trunk?

[Ove]

Hi, Michael,

I have built a sub enclosure in fiberglass and mounted it in the passenger footwell. This is the only place I think you should consider when installing a subwoofer in a 911.
Originally there is a plywood board here for the passenger to put her feet on. Remove this, and you get more space. My box is 17 liters, and may look big from the picture, but there is still much room left for the feet. Buy a quality subwoofer, one that can play in small enclosures. A box size of only 10 liters is possible with some 10" subs.
Cover it with a thin carpet over a protection grille for the woofer, and it will be invisible. Allmost.

The advantages by doing it like this is:
-Fiberglass is lighter than MDF board when building an enclosure.
-The added weight is placed low in the car.
-Weight is forward, better weight distribution.
-Does not take up any space from the back seat.
-One bolt to keep it from moving backwards will hold it securely in place, it will not move forward or sideways.
-You can remove it easily for track events.
-If you cover it with a carpet to match your interior carpet it will not be visible, and no one will break in to your car to steal it.

See my two posts here:

lets see if you guys like my idea

[Fosgate911]

I'm currently doing a pair of ported 8"s in my doors. I'm converting the old cardboard pockets and the original speaker cutout for my box when i get it in a more finished state I'll post some pix.

[yeuporsch]

Michael,

I have a custom fiberglass (I think?) subwoofer unit with a pair of subwoofer (I think they are 8 or 10 in). If you are interested email me at yeuporsch@yahoo.com

John

[Kemo]

Fosgate911,

With a handle like yours, im sure it will be quite a system. Be sure and keep us posted.

[jwill911]

Hi Michael,

Check out this link:
http://www.caraudioinnovations.com/tips.htm
Rod Birch (owner) does a lot of work with Porsche audio installations, he's a regular contributer on Rennlist. I have his custom sub enclosure with two Kicker 8" subs driven by a Sony 300 watt amp. System sounds great. Installation is clean, looks original, but leave no room for rear seat riders. But who rides in the back of a 911 anyway. Little kids maybe, and their legs just point straight out in front of them anyway.

[beamonk]

Calspeed lives again. For all who don't know him, he is the legendary datsun roadster racer. A good guy, welcome him to the list. Michael, I will have to report you to the Roadster list, sorry..
John Brasfield
SEROC
76 3.0
68 srl-311
SEROC

[TurboRuf]

This is another option from a company called SubSolutions. I like the following option for several reasons...

1) Keeps the weight up front
2) It's relatively small
3) It covers up with the factory carpet
4) Keeps the cabin looking clean

http://www.subsolutions.com/porsche.html

[vesnyder]

I placed the Infinity BassLink powered sub in the trunk and it fits nicely, and provides plenty of punch. Would like something a bit more discreet, but it does the trick. I have a cab and it needed a lot of power!

[Calspeed]

John Brasfield! Yikes...! It sure is a small world. Please let me know what the responce is on the Datsun Roadster List.

As for the woofer topic. Thanks for all of the great information. I guess there are possibilities for a decent sub in a cabriolet. I will ck my options and do something creative shortly.

I know I should leave the car well enough alone but it is in my nature to personalize. I have already performed several bolt-on motor modifications. But I will point those out on a different forum topic. Thanks again for all the great info.

Calspeed

[beamonk]

Cal, I too am in the process of installing tunes in my car. Just ordered Alpine head, amp, focals and 2 8" subs. I plan to build my own box vis a vis Rod's design. I haven't gotten into all of this new tech stuff, so the decisions can be tough. I love your car, you found a great looking one. I will post pics of mine soon, it is a 76 coupe' with stripes and 3.0 euro motor, yeller in color. it has been a 3 year project and had my first DE in it. It made one round and left on the wrecker, bad coil, but it is up again. Enjoy yours, it is a fine machine, great history like your old one. Pamela and DC responded, only had good stuff to say. This is a great list and many good folks.

John