Subwoofer locations without losing the spare tire

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 10:50 AM

I've seen some pics on the web of subwoofers on the 350Z behind the passenger seat in the location of the glove box. Judging by the pictures i've seen of the 370Z with the interior stripped, it looks like there may be a lot of usable space behind the panels for fiberglass sub enclosures. Has anyone attempted this yet?

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 11:22 AM

Z enclosures makes a custom box, you can put a truck box with a shallow sub behind the seat, or a small regular box right on top of where your spare goes facing up and have it able to be disconnected to get to the spare. I like the z closure the best.
Custom Sub Enclosure | Affordable Sub Box

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 02:24 PM

As far as aftermarket boxes, the Z enclosures are nice. I'm looking for ideas for something more stealth. Ultimately, i'd like the rear hatch area to be untouched. I think a JL 13TW5 and two amps could be hidden behind the seats. The trim panels would have to be recreated in fiberglass.

dainedazz · 08-29-2009, 02:59 PM

Zenclosures ftw

if u have any audio questions, BIGAUDIOFANAT is the go to guy! friendly & extremely knowledgeable about wirings and all that good stuff.

he basically worked with me & gave me recommendations to my whole AUDIO system set-up.

i will be getting my sound system installed by him when the time comes

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 03:59 PM

Thanks Danie, yes if you have any questions comments concerns just ask. I help anyone I can with there audio setups or other stuff. Thanks again Danie

PS looking forward to doing an install in a beautiful red z

2fast4thelaw · 08-29-2009, 05:29 PM

There is not enough room behind the seats unless you are 4 feet tall and have the seat all the way forward. you have 2 options: The prefab box that zenclosure makes that fit behind the rear brace or something like the Bose sub that sits inside the spare tire.

Zenclosures makes a nice box! I had one in my 350Z and they well made, fit well, carpet is very close match.

BTW, the JL Audio 13TW5 is AWESOME!!!! Properly installed it will knock your head off your shoulders! I am about to post my install pics as soon as I get all of them from my installer. I have never heard a single sub hit as hard as this sub does in my 370. I cant crank it for long, it blurs my vision and makes my nose and scalp tingle.

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 05:55 PM

I have to disagree you have the options I said about and maybe not behind the seats even with a truck slim box, but you can still have a few other places. The z enclosures are still taking my vote though, and JL subs are NICE but I think a tad expensive for what you get. What you describe can be achieved my a lot of subs in such a small car. Image Dynamics Q, Rockford Fosgate Punch stage 2, and a few others have my vote, the ID Q for a SQ setup and the RF for a just some bass added.

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 06:20 PM

If you look at the pictures of the Forged race car, Forged Performance: Project 370Z Race Car Build!! , you'll see that there is a lot of space under the panels between the rear of the seats and the rear shock towers. With some creativity and a lot of fiberglass, you could put a nice sub and the amps there. That panel would have to be recreated in fiberglass (unless your willing to cut it up), but it would be almost completely hidden, and you wouldn't loose any usable space in the car.

Time to start shopping for new amps.

2fast4thelaw · 08-29-2009, 08:29 PM

Subs in the middle of your car is not an optimal location. The very best location is subs firing towards the back of your car and the closer your subs face the rear of your car, the better. This gives you the best time alignment and optimizes the transfer function of your vehicle.

It makes a huge difference! A properly located 8" sub will outperfom a 10" sub in a less than optimal location. Imagine a 13" sub with proper TF. Its like having a 15" sub in the car.

Yes you could fiberglass the hell out of your car, but you may or may not be happy with the end result and that kind of work is extreamly costly.

The best location hands down in the Z is where the spare tire is. The only compromise is the lack of a spare tire. Get AAA and I am sure you have cell phone.

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 08:32 PM

Sub placement is all preference some like it facing back some up some forward some down. It is all preference also fiberglass has no absorbing capabilities so it would bounce sound all around.

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 09:33 PM

I'm definitely not a newbie when it comes to car audio. I've worked on everything from simple head+2 systems to $20k+. But yes, you are right about one thing. Fiberglass can be costly, and risky. My vision for my Z revolves around a 3 way MB+M+T up front and a sub tuned REAL low. I'm not interested so much in SPL anymore. Been there, done that. I'm more into accurate staging, for the driver AND passenger. Challenging? Yes. Achievable? Absolutely!

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 09:41 PM

I am 100% a SQ guy love the quality of audio and how it can sound with the right tuning and all. Yes the sub tunnel in the back is very low and shallow. It is almost like a port for air to come to the front. A small sub can get loud very easily in the z.

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 09:48 PM

Do you know of anyone that has had any experience with the JL 13TW5? From what i've read, it's either REALLY good or REALLY bad.

bigaudiofanat · 08-29-2009, 09:57 PM

I have heard the same, personally SQ stops at 12 inches. I would pass on the JL.

huff442 · 08-29-2009, 10:02 PM

I agree on the SQ stopping at a 12. You just lose all control. The best sounding system i've had was a VERY simple 6.5 mid and tweet comp set with two RF 8's. The key? 2000w. Endless headroom. The 8's were nice and tight. Of course, it was a king-cab Tacoma, so you didn't have to fill a lot of space.

08-29-2009, 10:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	Subwoofer locations without losing the spare tire I've seen some pics on the web of subwoofers on the 350Z behind the passenger seat in the location of the glove box. Judging by the pictures i've seen of the 370Z with the interior stripped, it looks like there may be a lot of usable space behind the panels for fiberglass sub enclosures. Has anyone attempted this yet?

08-29-2009, 11:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Z enclosures makes a custom box, you can put a truck box with a shallow sub behind the seat, or a small regular box right on top of where your spare goes facing up and have it able to be disconnected to get to the spare. I like the z closure the best. Custom Sub Enclosure \| Affordable Sub Box __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-29-2009, 02:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
dainedazz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY, NJ, Philippines Posts: 1,325 Drives: 09' SR 6MT Z34 Rep Power: 293	Zenclosures ftw if u have any audio questions, BIGAUDIOFANAT is the go to guy! friendly & extremely knowledgeable about wirings and all that good stuff. he basically worked with me & gave me recommendations to my whole AUDIO system set-up. i will be getting my sound system installed by him when the time comes __________________ DaineZ' Rosalena \| Kenwood \| Pioneer \| 3M \| 180 Custom \| Stillen \| Z1 \| Fast Intentions \| Setrab \| Eibach \| Varis \| UpRev \| TEIN \| UAM \| Amuse \| Bride \| Southbend \| WORK \| TWM \| BFGoodrich \| Robispec \| TAKATA \| GTSPEC \| *Instagram* @johndainez

08-29-2009, 03:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Thanks Danie, yes if you have any questions comments concerns just ask. I help anyone I can with there audio setups or other stuff. Thanks again Danie PS looking forward to doing an install in a beautiful red z __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-29-2009, 05:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I have to disagree you have the options I said about and maybe not behind the seats even with a truck slim box, but you can still have a few other places. The z enclosures are still taking my vote though, and JL subs are NICE but I think a tad expensive for what you get. What you describe can be achieved my a lot of subs in such a small car. Image Dynamics Q, Rockford Fosgate Punch stage 2, and a few others have my vote, the ID Q for a SQ setup and the RF for a just some bass added. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 08-29-2009 at 06:02 PM.

08-29-2009, 02:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	As far as aftermarket boxes, the Z enclosures are nice. I'm looking for ideas for something more stealth. Ultimately, i'd like the rear hatch area to be untouched. I think a JL 13TW5 and two amps could be hidden behind the seats. The trim panels would have to be recreated in fiberglass.

08-29-2009, 05:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	There is not enough room behind the seats unless you are 4 feet tall and have the seat all the way forward. you have 2 options: The prefab box that zenclosure makes that fit behind the rear brace or something like the Bose sub that sits inside the spare tire. Zenclosures makes a nice box! I had one in my 350Z and they well made, fit well, carpet is very close match. BTW, the JL Audio 13TW5 is AWESOME!!!! Properly installed it will knock your head off your shoulders! I am about to post my install pics as soon as I get all of them from my installer. I have never heard a single sub hit as hard as this sub does in my 370. I cant crank it for long, it blurs my vision and makes my nose and scalp tingle.

08-29-2009, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	If you look at the pictures of the Forged race car, Forged Performance: Project 370Z Race Car Build!! , you'll see that there is a lot of space under the panels between the rear of the seats and the rear shock towers. With some creativity and a lot of fiberglass, you could put a nice sub and the amps there. That panel would have to be recreated in fiberglass (unless your willing to cut it up), but it would be almost completely hidden, and you wouldn't loose any usable space in the car. Time to start shopping for new amps.

08-29-2009, 08:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	Subs in the middle of your car is not an optimal location. The very best location is subs firing towards the back of your car and the closer your subs face the rear of your car, the better. This gives you the best time alignment and optimizes the transfer function of your vehicle. It makes a huge difference! A properly located 8" sub will outperfom a 10" sub in a less than optimal location. Imagine a 13" sub with proper TF. Its like having a 15" sub in the car. Yes you could fiberglass the hell out of your car, but you may or may not be happy with the end result and that kind of work is extreamly costly. The best location hands down in the Z is where the spare tire is. The only compromise is the lack of a spare tire. Get AAA and I am sure you have cell phone.

08-29-2009, 08:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Sub placement is all preference some like it facing back some up some forward some down. It is all preference also fiberglass has no absorbing capabilities so it would bounce sound all around. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-29-2009, 09:33 PM	#11 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	I'm definitely not a newbie when it comes to car audio. I've worked on everything from simple head+2 systems to $20k+. But yes, you are right about one thing. Fiberglass can be costly, and risky. My vision for my Z revolves around a 3 way MB+M+T up front and a sub tuned REAL low. I'm not interested so much in SPL anymore. Been there, done that. I'm more into accurate staging, for the driver AND passenger. Challenging? Yes. Achievable? Absolutely!

08-29-2009, 09:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I am 100% a SQ guy love the quality of audio and how it can sound with the right tuning and all. Yes the sub tunnel in the back is very low and shallow. It is almost like a port for air to come to the front. A small sub can get loud very easily in the z. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-29-2009, 09:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	Do you know of anyone that has had any experience with the JL 13TW5? From what i've read, it's either REALLY good or REALLY bad.

08-29-2009, 09:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I have heard the same, personally SQ stops at 12 inches. I would pass on the JL. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-29-2009, 10:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
huff442 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Age: 54 Posts: 309 Drives: 09 370Z 6mt Tour/Spt Rep Power: 16	I agree on the SQ stopping at a 12. You just lose all control. The best sounding system i've had was a VERY simple 6.5 mid and tweet comp set with two RF 8's. The key? 2000w. Endless headroom. The 8's were nice and tight. Of course, it was a king-cab Tacoma, so you didn't have to fill a lot of space.

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