Has anyone attempted to install a seperate subwoofer in the XJ? I added an external sub with limited success. The trunk is extremely well sealed. Any info or ideas would be appreciated.

 

If you're so inclined, remove the two 8" subs from the rear deck. This will effectively 'port' the trunk into the interior of the car.

 

if you do remove the back subs, make sure to take out the tray and the liner too. otherwise they will rattle.

 

It looks like the rear subs on the parcel shelf are mounted in an infinite baffle configuration. Is it possible to replace the subs with free-air compatible subs and mount them the traditional way?

 

Hi UH2, Yes it is in free air config, so I did rip the whole back apart to get to them, its in another thread if you can see.

the issue is that we have about 6.5 inch opening in the back in the metal frame. so in order to replace it in the tray as a drop in the basket has to taper very narrow.

I tried a few regular subs that are free air compatible but none of them fit into the opening even though they fit into the tray

If you are interested I have some thoughts.

Retrosound shallow 8 inch
SWS Earthquake 8 Inch
German Maestro Shallow 8 inch

these three subs are super shallow just like the factory but with better sound. Note that these wont produce as good as a standard sub but will be a modest upgrade to factory when run through a decent amp.

I have not test fitted them into the car but pretty sure they will fit since they look exactly like the factory ..

 

Thanks for that info! Do you have the measurements of the stock sub by any chance?

From what I was reading, the signal fed to those subs will require something like an LC2i because the signal is rolled off as the volume increases. Are you going to be tapping into the existing sub wires or a different source?

I'll see if I can find your thread, and I'll take a look at those subs you recommended. Thanks again.

 

The subs are basically 200cm or 8 inches. I would not use an LC2I since it requires a full range signal and the subs get a prefiltered bass signal, so essentially it doesn't come on much.

I used the alpine MCR500 which has an auto sense input. So basically it has a LOC built in which is just fine for our applications.

Even if the subs i recommended fits it wouldtn give you a lot of bass. I opened up my port and basically let a full sub in my trunk.

The other option is you can build a custom box underneath and that would give you good bass. Its way more expensive tho, just this set me back 800 bucks.

I am enjoying a solo baric ported box in trunk with 500 W and no rear subs. it vents the sub really good.

 

I have a downfiring box that holds a 12" slim mount Pioneer sub. It looks a lot like yours and it was what I originally wanted to do....drop it in the trunk and just take the stock subs out. Considering all the pain it is to take them out/in and me not having a lot of faith in the free air 8"ers, I think just taking out the stock subs and porting like I suggested to OP and what you did.....is the way to go. I was trying to avoid having a box back there, but oh well.

 

I actually changed the box. I have a down firing and also a Kicker Solo Baric. The down firing gives me some bass but the upfiring Kicker Solo Baric ported produces so much more bass.


Downfiring Sealed - Good bass more accurate better for rock and acoustic songs
Solo Baric Ported - Great for hip hop or loud bass songs.

 

I have another ported enclosure I can try, but I believe it's bigger than the down firing one, which I was trying to avoid. I'll have to explore my options.

Did you mention before that it took approximately 3 hours to take the back out and put it back together? I'm trying to decide whether I want to tackle it or if it's just worth it to pay someone.

 

Yes it took 2 guys 2 hours to take everything out, considering they did it with utmost care and ensure to examine the clips and make sure to pull or use the right tools .

I highly recommend taking it to a good shop who has experience with high end cars. Its not worth it taking it apart yourself atleast IMHO.

I have some more ideas to use a truck dual enclosure but "float " it near the sub opening right underneath. I have to wait till I get some more money to play with that idea.

 

has anyone replaces the subs and put aftermarket subs in its place?