» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | | | 02-06-2005, 10:56 PM | #1 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | Custom built Ti Subwoofer Hi Everyone. I've been researching for some time and then built my take on a "stock" looking sub woofer and amplifier installation. Some of my goals: 1) retain cargo space was key 2) make it install with little alteration to interior work 3) make it easily removable for expansion and servicing. 4) make it look great and not look like an after thought I think I've accomplished these goals. Don't you agree? Equipment: 4 gauge power wire from battey to rear compartment 1.2 farad Tsunami capacitor (not necessary totally necessary) Alpine MRD-M301 175-300 mono amplifier Kicker S8L7 200-600 watt dual 2ohm subwoofer Custom enclosure (all wood) ran audio feed wires to head unit and installed preamp output converter How does it sound? Absolutely awesome; a ton of bass with everything in it's closed position(seats etc.) This 8" sub actually puts out a ton of sound and is comparable to a 10" sub. I know alot of you guys have installed dual 10" or 12" subs but I don't think it's necessary. Want one? I may build others for anyone interested (without electronics). I haven't worked out a price or specs but I want to see what interest there is. Any feedback will be appreciated. Any questions will be answered. | | | 02-06-2005, 11:26 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 153 | That looks absolutely excellent. Well done..! I would definitely be interested (depending on price) as I have been looking for something just like that but don't have time to build my own relative to other projects I have in the works... Definitely let me know price/timing. Congrats again, Gadget __________________ 1998 318ti M-Sport - Jet Black w/Millpoint RedBlack interior Pics & Info here... | | | 02-07-2005, 12:15 AM | #3 | TRETEN IRGENDEINES ESELS Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 3,687 | How do you have that mounted down? Say your break lights go out on the passenger side,won't it be a pain in the a butt to remove your box just to change a bulb. __________________ 98 Avus Blue 318 ti Active clear outs all around,stealth turning signals,blue led interior lights, 35% tinted windows,K&N air filter, 12" Kenwood Sub, MTX Thunder Amp,Alpine cd changer, Leatherz Armrest,ACS Pedals/Handbrake/FloorMats & Vitesse Tuning Carbon Fiber B-Pillars/CF Spark Plug Cover, New 16" MSW Typer 14 Rims on Goodyear Triple Treds www.myspace.com/avusblueti | | | 02-07-2005, 02:31 AM | #4 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | Ah good question. I used a block in the shape of the storage bin to lock it latterally into place and then believe it or not.. I used bungee cords connected to the luggage tie-down hooks (loops). It stays in place but i can still tilt it out and move it out of the way to change my stop lamps. Besides how often do the lamps burn out? I think I've had one in the 8 years that I've owned the car go out. I'm still working up a price. | | | 02-08-2005, 11:44 PM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 3,244 | Wow that is cleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaan! Super job. You've doen this before right? __________________ My Former Rides 1999 318ti Alpine White, Cali Roof, Dinan goodies 1996 318ti Hellrot California Edition | | | 02-09-2005, 12:59 AM | #6 | I miss my Ti....... :( Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 828 | Looks good.. Quote: Originally Posted by ScnStlr Hi Everyone. I've been researching for some time and then built my take on a "stock" looking sub woofer and amplifier installation. Some of my goals: 1) retain cargo space was key 2) make it install with little alteration to interior work 3) make it easily removable for expansion and servicing. 4) make it look great and not look like an after thought I think I've accomplished these goals. Don't you agree? Equipment: 4 gauge power wire from battey to rear compartment 1.2 farad Tsunami capacitor (not necessary totally necessary) Alpine MRD-M301 175-300 mono amplifier Kicker S8L7 200-600 watt dual 2ohm subwoofer Custom enclosure (all wood) ran audio feed wires to head unit and installed preamp output converter How does it sound? Absolutely awesome; a ton of bass with everything in it's closed position(seats etc.) This 8" sub actually puts out a ton of sound and is comparable to a 10" sub. I know alot of you guys have installed dual 10" or 12" subs but I don't think it's necessary. Want one? I may build others for anyone interested (without electronics). I haven't worked out a price or specs but I want to see what interest there is. Any feedback will be appreciated. Any questions will be answered. | Very clean. Good Job!!!! | | | 02-09-2005, 02:30 AM | #7 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: MD/VA/DC Posts: 834 | whats the weight on that unit | | | 02-09-2005, 02:40 AM | #8 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | No first time building a sub woofer enclosure. I've done my share of audio upgrades over the years but this is the first time workign on a BMW that is not easy to upgrade. Thanks for the comments! I started out making a foam core mockup, took my time and then translated that to wood. | | | 02-09-2005, 02:43 AM | #9 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | Hmm good question. I didn't weight it. It does have some heft to it. I'd say 12-15 lbs w/o the equipment. The actual woofer enclosure is made out of 3/4" stock and the rest of it that fits around inside of the trunk is 1/4". The enclosure is approx. .40 cubic feet. | | | 02-09-2005, 04:38 AM | #10 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cary, nc Posts: 2,259 | wow that looks beautiful...ive actually been thinking of concocting a box like that but wouldnt have a clue as to where to start __________________ 1995 318ti Active Pioneer Speakers [] Aluminum Billet door locks [] ACS Pedals/Deadrest [] ACS Shift Knob / E-Brake Handle [] Clear Corners/Tails/Sides [] Sylvania Exterior Lighting [] Custom CAI [] Dinan Engine Chip [] Dinan Transmission Chip [] H&R Race Springs [] Tokico Illumina Shocks [] BMW X-Brace [] Relocated Lighter Mod [] Custom iPod Mod http://www.cardomain.com/id/robcarync | | | 02-14-2005, 04:10 AM | #11 | Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 21 | Nice job on the build and the post. I love the detail. What do you think about making the frame wood and the front plexiglass? I'd be interested in a box if you decide to sell any. | | | 02-14-2005, 04:23 AM | #12 | Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: oregon, USA Posts: 15 | i'm personally not a kicker fan, but VERY nice install clean and good looking, nice job. __________________ 1997 BMW 318ti Jet-Black (sport) fogged airbox (thats it for now) | | | 02-14-2005, 04:25 AM | #13 | Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: oregon, USA Posts: 15 | Quote: Originally Posted by DerbyCity Nice job on the build and the post. I love the detail. What do you think about making the frame wood and the front plexiglass? I'd be interested in a box if you decide to sell any. | derbycity, im gunna recommend you stay away from plexiglass while building a custom box. plexiglass ruins your sound quality, unless you know exactly how to position it, and compensate for it __________________ 1997 BMW 318ti Jet-Black (sport) fogged airbox (thats it for now) | | | 02-14-2005, 09:47 PM | #14 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | Quote: Originally Posted by Chrisbailiff derbycity, im gunna recommend you stay away from plexiglass while building a custom box. plexiglass ruins your sound quality, unless you know exactly how to position it, and compensate for it | Yeah. I agree. I'm not "that" of an expert and i'd have to redesign the front panel as the whole thing is 3/4 thick which is hiding the wires and holds up the amp as well as being the front of the sub enclosure. | | | 02-14-2005, 09:59 PM | #15 | Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 30 | Pricing. I'm thinking about building them for $180.00 w/o electronics, plus shipping. This would be the enclosure with fabric covering and all other hardware to hold it in place. I don't think the capacitor is really need and that can be eliminated in the design. You would also have to buy the same equipment that I did. I do not want to manage changes in the design. I would also be interested in selling it without the fabric and cut-out for the amp for those who wish to use different amps @ $150.00. The space is really tight and it was a challenege in getting the enclosure to be sized correctly to work within the sub specs and to fit nicely into the trunk. In any of these options I would provide instructions , more photos and answer any questions. I'm just an individual here and a huge fan of this site. I wouldn't be able to provide any warranties due to the misuse or damages. I will be fair and help wherever needed. If you are in the Chicago IL area I could even do the entire install for you for an additional price. | | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |