Q I have a '05 Dodge Ram 1500 QC and would like to install both of my 12-inch Alpine Type R subs into ported enclosures. I'd like to try mounting them in the bed and firing them through a blow-through design. I realize this is a huge undertaking, but am very confident that I can do it. I don't have access to this design to hear if it's what I'm looking for. Have you had the chance to listen to this type of setup? Could you also point me to some literature on this subject? I can't find anything good on the net.
Currently i have a single 12-inch in a ported custom center console that i made, but to put a second in the passenger compartment would take up too much space. I've also tried two 12's in a sealed fiberglass box under the rear seats and a single 12-inch sealed in a center console box. (i have five different boxes lying around my garage and still can't find what i want.) I like the sound of the alpines in a ported box over sealed; that much i know. I'm not the only truck owner looking into this so maybe you could run a small how-to article for us truck owners with a family and a desire to keep rockin'.
My other problem is that i'd like to install my xbox and was wondering what size inverter i'd need, and all i can find is power consumption of the xbox 360. Where should the inverter be mounted in conjunction with the rest of the system, (i.e., placement near the amps or video units)?
Thank you,
Trevor deraad
A Trevor, some of the biggest undertakings are also the most fun and rewarding, so don't be afraid of the size of the project if you know your skills are up to the challenge. It's a good thing that you've auditioned the subs in the type of cabinet you want, both to confirm that it works and to ensure that it's the sonic character you want. There are only so many experimental cabinets that your garage will hold.
The idea of firing subs through the back wall of a pickup is common to pickups where you have ample space in the cargo area and too little space in the passenger compartment. This is a technique also ideal for two-seaters and mid-engine cars like the Pontiac Fiero, Ferrari, Toyota's old MR-2, Honda S2000, and Porsche 911 series (from the trunk in the front). It's a bit of a compromise, but still a strong method to get around difficult vehicles.
Fortunately, the pickup platform is the easiest to blow through, but there are some cautions. First, make sure that where you want to punch the hole through the box and into the passenger compartment is clear of obstructions. It's easy to look at the inside of the box, but the back wall inside the passenger compartment may be covered with interior panels or other coverings. Take them off to gain a clear view to the surgical site.