Changing Subwoofer

[JeffGrice]

I want to change the stock subwoofer that is in my Marauder right now and i want to put it into the stock location. What subs have you guys used to replace the stock subwoofer with. Is there any that you can just screw into the stock position? I tried searching on what you guys have replaced your subwoofer with but it was kinda hard to get a general listing of what you guys have done.

[STLR FN]

For an exact replacement of better quality that you can just screw in, there is none. As far as 8",10" 12" subs there are all kinds.

Here's 34 different threads on subwoofers with links to other threads inside the threads.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php?searchid=800346&pp=25

[Big Boy Toy]

JL makes one and kenwood

[DEFYANT]

Wiring is tricky too. This stuff is voodoo to me.

[magindat]

The best method I have found it to make a single reflex bandpass enclosure and pipe it directly throught the stoch subwoofer hole.

If you understood that, use a kicker solobaric and go for it. I would be happy to help with further advice.

If you didn't understand that, go to your local stereo shop and tell them you want that. Also tell them your stock subwoofer out is 'balanced' and needs to be sonverted to 'unbalanced'. If the shop doesn't understand that, keep looking 'till you find a shop that does.

There a million ways to improve the sound low end in our cars.
Good Luck.

[merc6]

For an exact replacement of better quality that you can just screw in, there is none. As far as 8",10" 12" subs there are all kinds.

Here's 34 different threads on subwoofers with links to other threads inside the threads.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php?searchid=800346&pp=25

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[03MERCMARAUDER]

Wiring is tricky too. This stuff is voodoo to me.

Same here lol. Thats why I going to have a professional install my infinity amp and sub.

[STLR FN]

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Just type in subwoofer and they'll come up.

[Sully008]

I will be changing my system in the next couple of months. It'll be a little more complex than throwing in a box and screwing some amps to it. Stay tuned...

[JeffGrice]

Is the JL 8IB4 the jl that fits up there?? I dont want to go the route of adding a new box cause of weight, just want to get a little better sounding subwoofer. Another question (i prolly could search and find this out)... what is the rms rating on the stock amp??

[magindat]

Is the JL 8IB4 the jl that fits up there?? I dont want to go the route of adding a new box cause of weight, just want to get a little better sounding subwoofer. Another question (i prolly could search and find this out)... what is the rms rating on the stock amp??

Jeff,
An 8" Infinite Baffle will fit with a little cutting and trimming. The problem is that IB stands for Infinite Baffle. I have built many successful IB cars including a demo car for Audio Control.

Here's the trick. You are not really using an Infinite Baffle. You are really using a BIG box, your trunk. You need IB specs cuz the trunk offers no real suspension to help the woofer. So, as far as the sub is concerned, there's no box helping with back pressure. The other issue is the Baffle part. It means just what it says. Baffle all front air from back air. We have space in the metal supports behind the seat that need to be sealed with a minimum of 1/4" plywood. There are also a bunch of holes in the rear deck to cover up. Last, but not least, baffles must be added behind the rear deck speakers to keep the back pressure from pushing them up.

Basically, to make it sound right it's a pain in the a$$ and adds as much weight as a box, at least as much as a box for 1 woofer 8, 10 or 12.

Also, IB woofers require lots of clean power. It must be clean (read high dollar) since the woofer has no help from an air cushion. It must be lots cuz the suspension on IB is MUCH stiffer and takes more power to move. If you plan on using the stock deck, don't forget about the balanced inputs that must be converted to unbalanced (more money).

If you don't do it right, you may as well stay with your stock sub. It will sound better. If you do it right, nothing sounds better than IB since the WHOLE CAR is your box.

I finally settled on band pass piped through the stock hole as the best solution. Take this from a 10+ year sound-off vet, 20 year builder and general long-time stereo-head.

BTW, according to a Ford radio repair shop, the RMS on the stock amp is 22 peak 50.

Most people I have seen do 1-12" with a medium power amp. A sealed box for a 12 (although I'd lean toward a solo-baric 10) is pretty small and not heavy also won't take much power to sound better than stock.

Good luck in your search. An educated consumer is a money-saving consumer.

Rich :beer: