Free Air Sub in Stock Opening?

[97SHOgt]

What would it take to fit a 6.5" or 8" sub in the hole for the factory JBL sub? Much trimming? I'm just looking to upgrade the sound a bit. I just put Boston Acoustic SL80's in the front, and SX85's in the back of my Explorer sport with MACH Audio. I bought a used JL 250/1 Amp and all the wiring (including LOC) to get a little more power to my 8" sub, but I was so impressed with what just changing out the speakers did, I didn't bother hooking up the amp. Those speakers sound great on stock power.

So I figured I put the amp to use in the SHO since I have everything to hook it up. The MACH system in the SHO lacks any bass. I'm go to switch out the speakers for you guessed it, Boston SX85 in the rear deck and doors. I'm sure that will help. Then I just want a little more bass, I don't need much, so I was looking at some free air subs. I saw Kicker makes a 6.5" free air sub and was thinking about trying that out. Anybody have any experience. Would that involve much trimming on the factory hole if any? I know I would have to mess with the rear deck carpet. I guess if it is garbage I will get the JL Audio CS110RG-W1v2 instead. I just don't want to lose much trunk space or rattle as I roll.

Any input/advice?

 

[NebraskaSHO]

This is the V8 section. I think it would work (and I thought about it) but I just used my old subs from another car until I built my 12" single box. Sounds great.

 

[97SHOgt]

This is the V8 section. I think it would work (and I thought about it) but I just used my old subs from another car until I built my 12" single box. Sounds great.

I just wanted to save some trunk room. But then again I'm kind of lazy too. You think a 10" in box in the trunk would be alright. I really don't want overkill. That JL sub seems like it would go good with my amp. What do you think. I don't know much about stereo stuff. I listen to more rock than anything.

Thanks for the defense too. I thought I was crazy or something. I was like, where is this so called factory sub box...

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Yes that will be fine. I can't believe I wasted my trunk to two 15" subs for 2 years. Noob.

 

[the4biddendonut]

I have yet to hear a free air sub that I liked the sound of. It may sound good enough for you, but you won't know what you're missing unless you put your sub in an enclosure. Free air subs sound really sloppy. If you're feeling lazy, you could get a powered sub. The infinity basslink is pretty nice and is easy to install.

 

[97SHOgt]

Yeah, you guys have me thinking I should go with that JL enclosure. The box is only 10" deep so it wouldn't take up that much space. Hopefully would weight more than 20-30lbs either. I'll have to look it up. Thanks for the input.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Pretty much ANY sub is an improvement in a V8 car.

Last time I looked, which was admittedly a couple years back now, there were really no good "open air" subs available that would fit well. I opted for a Bazooka something or other in my '97 and was quite happy with it for the ~$100 or so that I spent.

If you can't find an open air style sub that you like, just try to find a decent self-contained unit with its own amp. Anything 100 watts or over should be a significant improvement over stock.

 

[aarmel732]

I put in a 10" bazooka and it sounds great. I mounted it cross ways behind the seat so I loose the functionality of the fold down seats, but the difference in sound is worth it. It was easy to install too.