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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Now that I have the car I plan on keeping for a while, it's time for some BASS. I guess I have the monsoon system with the 8" woofer. My question is how deep is the stock enclosure and about how much air space does it have. I think TS upgraded his to a 10" and I think that's what I'm leaning toward. I've looked up several shallow mount 10in subs and hopefully there's enough room to get it in there and still be able to get the waterfall back on without the speaker surround hitting it. as far as the amp goes, I'll probably keep the stock amp and use a new amp for just the sub. then I can turn the bass down and save the stock set-up. any ideas, been there / done that's?
 

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It may not help you at all but here is what I did.

I had a car with monsoon and now have one without it. I took the non-factory head unit, sub and enclosure from first car and put it in this one with an alpine M500 amp. I also replaced all speakers with infinity. I set the amp at about 80% with 9dB bass gain. I set the head unit to remove all bass. After a week of that, I had to reduce the amp output as it was hitting too hard...pretty close to max of sub's ability. Now it is closer to 60% and 3dB bass gain. When I want more I increase it at the head unit.

The point is the sub will do better with more power. If you are planning to get an amp either way, try the new amp with old sub and go from there. The stock sub rattles the rear view mirror lower with each hit. Sounds great, but mirror needs replacement or a set screw. I put my alpine amp where the stock would go, not sure where you will find space for an additional amp.
 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
well, my amp I have is a Rockford Fosgate P850.2 so the stock woofer is a goner for sure. My mids and highs are loud and sound clear with the bass turned down to about the middle. I have a bass knob for the amp so I can set it about mid way and use the knob to tune. just need to know about the enclosure and if anyone has a wiring diagram for the monsoon amp, I'm sure that will come in handy.
 

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Here is my custom install I had done a few years ago. We cut out the back of wall and fiberglassed then coated it to hold up to the elements. It def wasn't cheap but well worth it.





There are two amps one on the bottom that you can't see and one on top
 

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Now that I have the car I plan on keeping for a while, it's time for some BASS. I guess I have the monsoon system with the 8" woofer. My question is how deep is the stock enclosure and about how much air space does it have. I think TS upgraded his to a 10" and I think that's what I'm leaning toward. I've looked up several shallow mount 10in subs and hopefully there's enough room to get it in there and still be able to get the waterfall back on without the speaker surround hitting it. as far as the amp goes, I'll probably keep the stock amp and use a new amp for just the sub. then I can turn the bass down and save the stock set-up. any ideas, been there / done that's?
Actually I replaced the sub, but with another 8". Though others have gone to 10" with varying ease.

Here's a couple of threads to get you started (ignore the titles, just read the posts :)): http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f61/want-better-8-sub-62131/

and... http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f61/looking-install-sub-help-62531/

There's probably a boat load more.
 

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Everything you wanted to know about adding Bass to your Sol but you were afraid to ask. Perfect. That's all the research I needed. Excellent. Thanks Bro.
 

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Discussion Starter · #7 · (Edited)
Hey Marc and Ghost, This is the woofer that I want to use. since you guys have seen the inside of the factory enclosure, do you think this will be an easy fit? I already know I'll have to cut the box make an adapter plate but do you think this will still fit behind the waterfall or will I have to cut it too. HookedOnTronicsBuys - Consumer Electronics @ Top Discounts
Installation
Cutout Diameter or Length 9-1/8"
Top Mount Depth 3-7/16"
Sealed Box Volume 0.4 - 2.0cu. ft.
Ported Box Volume 1.25 - 1.75cu. ft.
 

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I can't remember for sure now, but I think the max depth was only about 3 1/2" - which would make that not fit directly. BUT, if you simply cut a 1/2" thick MDF or ply ring to fit between the sub and the box, you should be golden (I had to do that anyway, to adapt the mounting holes, though my ring was just 1/4").

(Mark with a "K" :))
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Sorry about the C. I think the K is better anyway. the only one I knew with a c was gay and I was hoping I had it wrong. Just thought I saw it on a post somewhere. Yeah, I thought the mounting depth in the box was like 5in but it tapered off and had a hump that reduced that for a 6in diameter. Ok, cool. I'm gonna order one and see how it goes. Depending on the durability of the box, I might put a little poly fill in around the edges to help keep it tight. do you think I need to put anything on either side of the box to help it keep from rattling against the rear deck or waterfall. My amp is an old Fosgate P850.2 which pumps out about 970 watts RMS into 2Ω and according to the birth sheet, puts out 2342 watts max. If I run out of gas, I should be able to make it home just by cranking up the bass.
 

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Def wont need that kind of power if your sticking with a shallow sub and the stock enclosure. Highest rated shallow sub that Ive seen is the Alpine type-r 10" @ 600wrms. Not sure if that would fit in the stock enclosure either and if it did, probably wouldnt sound very good from lack of airspace.
 

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
The speaker i chose is a shallow mount 10 with 600wrms and is made for enclosures smaller than this one. sure it won't sound like the 2 10's I had in the vette but if it's twice as loud as the stock sub than mission accomplished.
 

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do you think I need to put anything on either side of the box to help it keep from rattling against the rear deck or waterfall.
Shouldn't think so, but maybe if you put enough watts thru it ;)
The box is bolted to the rear, but you might get some vibration from the waterfall.
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
Yeah, I'll have to get it in my hands first and take a look. I do have several different sizes of foam squares ( 2'x2' ) and depending on the adapter, I might just sandwhich a piece in there. the amp has the power but since I'm leaving the rest of the system alone, I doubt I'll be cranking it up to full max. Plus I'm sure it's a complete PITA to remove it and don't want to have to go thru it again because of a blown sub. I'l going to try and take it easy on it.
 

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Getting more Bass

Well I will chime in on this subject ,I also wanted a better sound system because my car was hacked pretty badly.I did not change a thing on speakers or subs,my car already had a monsoon system in it .What I did was purchase a Pioneer 940 BT because I wanted Bluetooth connectivity.What I ended up with was a powerhouse for a head unit,could not have asked for more Bass .This setup really booms ,I also learned a few lessons here being an old dude and thinking in the old way ,hell just pop out the radio and put in a better one,wrong. First off I wanted a cleaner look which I got with the Pioneer ,but I did not realize that you can't just pop in another head unit in these cars and have it work properly.The car uses data bits to turn on radio so you need to purchase an interface ,could be around $125 to $175 for this unless you find one on Ebay as I did for $25.00 ,what a deal.You also need to get the interface for the steering wheel controls ,as well as an antenna adapter (amazon $4.00)again shop around for this.I purchased my Head unit for $450.00 ,by the time I purchased all the items and had it installed by Worst Buy I am rounding $1000.00 but hey I got Bass and Bluetooth.Good luck
 

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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
Ok, I ordered a Kicker competition shallow mount 10in sub to go along with my punch 850.2 amp. also got a 10in grill and a line adapter. should all be here next Friday.

I do have one quetion though: My amp has a bass knob and was wondering where I can put it. the control module is about 2in x 3/4 and is about 1.5in deep. is there enough room somewhere behind the dash that I can mount it sio all that sticks out is the knob?
 

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How do you guys deal with the potential of theft with a nice sound system? I've taken to leaving my solstice unlocked since I saw the thread with the guy having the top slashed to get inside and costing him like 4 grand.

Since that time, I got in my Sol the other day to see that the passenger seat was moved all the way forward, probably by someone checking to see if a sub was there (but I don't have the monsoon system). I think if I had any kind of aftermarket stereo, it would have been ripped off.

Do you guys all have garages to keep yours in, and otherwise are just very careful of where you park? Thanks.
 

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Discussion Starter · #19 ·
well, for this, ain't nobody gonna see it. I'm gonna try to get the amp behing the waterfall but if not, it will be in the trunk. I have had a few systems stolen and best thing to do is set your alarm, have a camera, load your pistol and keep the car unlocked so the jerk won't bust out a window or worse.
 

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well, for this, ain't nobody gonna see it. I'm gonna try to get the amp behing the waterfall but if not, it will be in the trunk. I have had a few systems stolen and best thing to do is set your alarm, have a camera, load your pistol and keep the car unlocked so the jerk won't bust out a window or worse.
Hmm I never thought about that. Maybe there's a way to set the alarm with the car unlocked. Nice.
 
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