Carrera rear loudspeakers replaced

[UK Carrera]

Just replaced the loudspeakers in the rear of my 88 Carrera Coupe. The car was originally specified with the 'hi-fi' pack. I've already replaced the front loudspeakers with some Genesis units.

I bought some JL Audio TR400 CXi units, which come with a rectangular mounting plate:


Picture of speaker mounted into the mounting plate:



Comparison pic with the original Blaupunkt unit:


Another one:


This one shows the mounting depth is near-identical to the original Blaupunkts:
[img]
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads3/Spkrs51091979456.jpg[/img]

One of the units mounted in the rear shelf (shelf not completely ftted back in position though):


There are various holes in the mounting plate, four of which match up with the original Blaunpunkt holes. This made for a very easy installation.

The original grilles fit over the mounting plate, but I need to find a better way of securing them. The overall effect is 'factory fit'. Haven't driven the car, but there is a real improvement in overall quality.

[84porsche]

Nice pictures. Thanks. How was the wiring? Did you upgrade any of that or just drop in new speakers. I changed the head unit out already but I would like to throw in some new speakers when I get a chance.

[UK Carrera]

Used the existing wiring. I did buy some new speaker cable just in case, but it was a straight plug 'n' play with the existing connections.

[bell]

butyl rubber works wonders for holding on grills if the screws just don't do the job.
listen closely to them at higher volumes to check for popping, they are only 4" and can't handle sub frequencies.

[Venetian]

Is the sound improvement significantly better than original factory speakers ie is it worth it?

[UK Carrera]

I need to reserve judgement on the difference - only had a quick listen in the garage once I had completed the job. Seemed to be a significant improvement in clarity.

I'm glad I did it. It was a really simple installation. I'll post again when I've driven the car.

[UK Carrera]

AN update - having driven the car yesterday to SIlverstone for the Le Mans Endurance Series race, I can say that I'm very pleased with the speakers. They really do make a huge difference to clarity and balance.

Music is really quite enjoyable to listen to in the car now - on those occasions when I want a chaneg from the flat 6!

Next step will be an amp for the front Genesis speakers - but I'm in no hurry. Maybe a winter project.

[kqw]

I put those same speaker in my car about a year ago....I like them but as mentioned, they will not take a lot of bass.

[jpahemi]

Hello,
Are the pictures of the speakers from a 4X6 unit? I'd like to replace my rear speakers on my 84, but don't want to modify the stock mounting holes.
Regards,
J.P.

[marineblue911]

I have also just replaced my rear speakers with a new pair of Pyle. They are not expensive (abt US50) and they fit the original mounting and wires perfectly.

Sound is of course better and cleaner. The old ones had broken surrounds, so the bass was pretty bad.

[Roamer]

You can also fit shallow 6.5" rounds in by cutting the deck out a bit. I have done this and installed a pair of 6.5" mid bass woofers with great success. If done with a steady and patient hand the look is factory original.

[UK Carrera]

J.P.

The speakers are 4x6.

[Randy Webb]

"cutting the deck out a bit"

- Are you guys talking about cutting thru the steel so the engine compartment is no longer isolated from the passenger compartment?

Or is there something I'm missing here - some intermediate layer...?

[Roamer]

Randy, the rear deck cover is removable (4 screws behind the seat backs) and is made of a press-board-like material which can be cut without too much difficulty to allow the installation of larger speakers. Depth is of primary concern so the speakers should be no more than 2.5" in depth. In addition, it is necessary to install a steel backing plate to help support the larger and presumably heavier speaker. Backing plates are readily available at most car audio shops, mine was originally designed for fitting a 6.5" speaker into a geo.

[Wil Ferch]

Roamer means the upper upholstery...the actual vinyl and sub-board material. The metal part of the car that separates the interior from the engine compartment is untouched.
---Wil