This looks like a PIA! Personally If I ever do this I will go with DelRey or a similiar package.

 

Not really. The hardest part so far was just getting the door panel apart. I'm going nice and slow to make sure I don't screw anything up, but am enjoying working on my baby!


Of course, nothing wrong with having an experienced installer knock it out for you either.

 

Very nicely done! Nice plate in the rear, looks just like mine! I think you will find that although the Bose speakers are more efficient, the Bose amp will drive the Focals to acceptable volume levels. How were the dash tweeters?

 

Do you have any more shots of the rear plates? They look nice and look like you installed them from the front without removing the rear panels. Nice.

 

I'll take more shots of the other plate before I install it tomorrow. As to the tweeters, I pulled one and did a test hook-up, but haven't finished that part yet. It will be my last section... well, until the sub-redo. Probably going to have a new sub box made, but we'll see what the balance on these upgrades sounds like first.

 

Finished! Well, almost. I got everything except for the center channel done and I left that detached. I didn't realize it was a 3" speaker and want to look for something more appropriate than a tweeter.

First impressions are very positive. I was originally expecting to want to do the subs next, but I don't think I am going to want to. On good source material (I have a known group of high quality MP3s that I use for auditioning), the sound is great. I am used to a little more forward treble stage, but this may improve when I get the center worked out and/or the speakers broken in a little more. So far I love it! Sat in her for about an hour listening to a variety of music and messing with the options. Still have everything turned off and linear on, with treble at +4 and bass at +1, 0 on fade/balance. The sound is much cleaner and less fatiguing than the Bose at loud volumes and boy does it get loud and stay clean!


An interesting effect of this swap is that with the more pronounced Bose subs still there, there is more bass at lower volume which is appealing (to me at least).


Did anyone look for a different speaker for the center channel?


Here are some additional pics of the rear bracket as requested.


Thanks again, guys! It was amazing how quickly I got the 2nd side and tweeters done after doing the first, but I really don't know if I would have done this at all without this (and other) thread(s) and some of the RL DIYs. And I managed to get everything in and completely (and easily) reversible.


Chris

 

Enjoy your improved sound. Attempt to remember how much better it is --- for in a few weeks, you'll forget HOW MUCH better it is. Once you get used to it, then you'll want more.

 

Beautiful! Well done! Great job with those rear panels. How did you make those tabs? Much better done than mine.

Well, you might forget how it was, BUT you also need to wait for the break in. Those Focal's need to break in. Once the 8s break in, you'll quickly notice how the bass tightens up and you get much better slam out of the system.

I used an identical tweeter in the center channel. Even though the Bose center speaker appears to be a very nice 3"unit, I didn't see much difference when I added the center channel speaker. A better speaker might improve the sound a bit, but I doubt it would be material.

For the sub, you can always try stuffing it with poly as a start. It tightens the bass up a bit.

 

If I can't find something interesting to put in the center, I might just try to attenuate the existing speaker. We'll see and I'll get some recommendations from my local shop as well.

 

So, I can't take credit for those. My local installer did all my brackets. I watched him do one of the rears, however, and he just used a heat gun to allow him to bend the ABS. Worked great and I only secured it with the factory screw.

 

So, how does it sound?
I'm going to swap out drivers in the Bose sub. I'll post the results...

 

Thx RyeM3 for all ur help ! Rep point for u !

Finally got the speakers installed on Fri (Gold Star Audio in Irvine CA)

**Gold Star Audio did an excellent job at a great price ! **

per RyeM3's suggestion, i went with the Focal IS200 (2way component) along with Focal ISC Coaxial in the front.. and ISC Coaxial in the rear.

The sound is a huge improvement over the stock Bose speakers. Its, very clear with highs and lows.. its loud.. and it still need to be broken in.

currently i have the setting on Base +4 and Treble 0

 

So, I finally found a drop in solution for the Bose drivers that has produced good results. They are total drop in replacements and considerably tightened the bass of the system. Efficiency is slightly less than perfect, but compensation with the tone control easily brings them in for strong bass. These were recommended as a solution - they don't look that sexy, but the frequency range is decently low and limited and they are designed for lower power, so they will kick it out with the Bose amp. The screw hole circle was ever so slightly bigger than the Bose drivers, but they can be screwed into the existing holes carefully after the speakers are lined up evenly. I've only got a couple hours of break in so far and they do take some time to loosen up. At first it seems like they are not really reaching down to the lower frequencies, but indeed they are. The combined system now is capable of incredible spl and I have yet to turn it up and here it clip! I suppose this would disappoint someone looking for the bass of dual 10's - obviously you aren't going to get that here. But, here's the punch line, the mod will take you an hour and cost you $40!!! If you are intent on finding something sexier, be careful with the diameter and the screw locations - this is the third set of speakers I've tried. More expensive isn't necessarily better!

I've also been asked how to remove the sub. If you go to Rennlist, you can get instructions on removing the ECU, which requires you to remove the sub first. Otherwise, simply remove the "Bose" port plates. They easily pry off with your fingers. Then, you mud remove the back seat stops with a 4mm hex wrench. Next, there is one torx screw in the bass port location near the bottom of the hole. it is a long screw. Once those are removed, the sub box simply slides out. Before removing it all the way, disconnect the plug on the right side. That's it. Now, you'll see that the sub box shell is secured by about 25 torx screws! Best to have a drill driver to remove them. The box is somewhat sealed together, but comes apart easily. Then you'll see the inside pictured below.

These are the drivers I used:



Here is the comparison of the drivers:





Here is the install. Totally drop right in. One spade needs to be reterminated in order to connect with the right polarity.





And here are some measurements of the existing drivers if you want to find your own drivers that might match. Be sure to match the OD, as there is no extra room in the enclosure.





Good luck and share your own results!

 

RyeM3,

I am all over this. Just ordered the speakers. Will follow up

You guys are such great helps. Very much appreciate it.

Best

Matt

 

Awesome! Hope you'll be happy with the results. Be sure to post a follow up when you have it done!