My incomplete sound install
 

Decided to upgrade the sound in the 86. Here is the planned setup for anyone interested:

1) Stock Head Unit. I have the wide-screen OEM TAS300. Plan on keeping the OEM look and installation needed to be as "stealth" as possible.

2) AMP: JBL GTO 5EZ. Chose this amp because it is a single 5 channel amp. With limited space in the 86, I wanted one amp to run everything (and I got it cheap from a friend who sold his car). I was initially looking at the JBL GTO 3EZ. However, the 5EZ also gives me some future options to upgrade speakers later.

3) Splits: DLS K6 on order. Will be installed with some Dynamat.

4) Sub: Rockford Fosgate P2D2-8

Some random info on sub choice: I spent quite a bit of time looking at options to minimise space or hide it (if possible). Initially wanted to put a sub in the spare wheel well, but that wasn't possible.

If you have the rubber boot mat (newer spec), the depth of the enclosure is about 6 to 7cm from the top of the wheel mounting nut to the mat. This severely limits options for sub inside the spare wheel well, unless you get rid of the rubber mat/cover, which I don't want to do. A few subs will work (e.g. Earthquake SWS), but slimline subs still require quite a bit of volume for decent sound, which again is limited in that space.

The fibreglass enclosures or removable box was the next option. Went back to searching on subs and the smallest volume 8" sub I found was the Rockford P2 8", which requires a spec size of 6.5L to work (around 2.3 cubic ft). This is around 30-50% less than any other decent brand (note: that is subjective) sub I've found for that size.

Hence, I'll be be building a MDF box with the following external dimension: 23cm x 23cm x 21cm, which is small enough to fit in the corner of the boot and be completely removable easily.

Will update with pics as soon as the box is built and installed, which should be after one of the next long weekends next month.

Still can't believe it only requires 2.3 cubic feet :eyebulge: Can't wait to see/feel it in action...

Random pics:

JBL Amp:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps260ab43d.jpg

Ran them to stock speakers (for now), which surprising delivers good mid-bass.

Random pic during install. Stripped most of the rear to get the amp under the ledge. I quickly realised how tiny the 86 interior really is, once you start working in it :mad0259:

[IMG][/IMG]

Finally installed. Almost out of sight, unless you look for it:

[IMG][/IMG]

Plan to complete the speakers and sub during April.

undercover FTW! :)

looking real good great job

Quick update:

Got the sub installed. Very good bass performance from a little 8", which surprised me. Not the most aesthetically pleasing set-up, but completely removable in a few seconds if I need the space:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc69e59ac.jpg

Did not get a chance to take pics of the front speaker/splits installation - fairly straightforward though. Fabricated some spacers cut from MDF for the door woofer replacement (DLS 6.5" are slightly smaller than the OEM speakers). The DLS tweeter fitted perfectly in the dash location though (direct fit replacement on the OEM tweeter location).

Happy with the install. Since, I did it in a few stages (first amp, then dynamat on doors, then splits + sub), I must comment that the OEM speakers sound substantially better with an amp and some sound deadening material on the doors. However, a decent set of splits simply blows them away in comparison.

Did you have to cut the original speaker connectors off to fit the new speakers or did you find connectors that would fit into the OEM speaker connectors.

Cut-off the original door connectors and soldered the wiring directly, as they do not appear to be standard connectors. Speaker wiring on the DLS splits (or most aftermarket splits) is different to OEM, which have the crossover built into them after the connectors. For those, I spliced the wiring and left the original connectors in the car, in case I ever need to put the OEM speakers back.

Also, since an after-market amp is wired directly to speakers (as opposed to it coming from the head unit), can't use the original connectors in any case.

May I ask where you got the boot cover?

IIRC, became a standard Toyota fitment item from around Oct 2013 onwards.

Make sure that you install sound damping material (dynamat) everywhere possible.

http://www.dynamat.com/automotive-and-transportation/

I ordered mine from Toyota.

Thanks guys.

I will go to Subaru to see if they have one BRZ branded. Because they gave me this crappy looking leather wheel cover.

I wouldnt mind the 86 branded one though.. looks hot