Alternate sub in oem location

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Sonders
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:34 am
Location: Corydon, IN

Alternate sub in oem location

Post by Sonders »

My Vibe didn't come with a sub from factory but I've been thinking of getting the rear sude panel and box out of one from junk yard. Did I read correctly that the oem sub is a 6"? I have a 8" sub sitting in my garage I'd like to use and didn't know if I could possibly cut out the factory sub box to fit the 8" sub or is it not worth trying? Guess other thing to take into consideration would be internal volume of the factory box being enough for my sub as well. Any thoughts on this idea?
2003 Vibe base/moon&tune work commuter
Derf
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Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by Derf »

If you get the OEM box and side panel from a parts yard, you will be best to keep the stock 6" sub. The box was designed around the 6" speaker, widening or modifying the OEM box for an 8" is not feasible. The box just fits the 6" speaker, their is not enough material to remove to create an 8" opening. Also, for support, the 6" OEM speaker is threaded and bolted from the rear of the box. An 8" speaker may stress the plastic box in ways that creates other issues, unless you can secure the bottom to the box.

If inclined, scrolling through this link will show what one owner did to create a custom sub box:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43846" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2005 #10,524 Neptune Vibe "Bandit" Auto, Moon & Tunes 238k :D
1991 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8L "Granny's Whip" 142k (33nd Anniversary :o )
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Sonders
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Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:34 am
Location: Corydon, IN

Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by Sonders »

Thanks for the reply and link Derf. I haven't even seen what the actual oem box looks like in person yet, only seen the trim panel. I guess I could just get the trim panel and build a box behind it. The one at local junkyard here that I was eyeing up also has a factory rear Vibe cargo mat. Gonna have to snag it if the price is right. If they don't want too much for the oem box and speaker I guess I could go ahead and get it and try to wire it up. Wonder what the odds of the sub still being good are though. Also does it have an amp or does it get wired to the same moon & tunes amp?
2003 Vibe base/moon&tune work commuter
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vibrologist
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Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by vibrologist »

scroll down in this thread and you get a good idea how the sub woofer looks:viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40421&hilit=monsoon
Vibrologist
'05 Vibe

"It is important to know the difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' even if you are neither!"

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43476
Derf
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Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by Derf »

I could just get the trim panel and build a box behind it. The one at local junkyard here that I was eyeing up also has a factory rear Vibe cargo mat. Gonna have to snag it if the price is right.
-Get the cargo mat, its worth it! Especially if from the car with the sub, they are cut special to fit the bulge from the sub box side panel. If nothing else it helps muffle the interior/road noise just a bit.

If they don't want too much for the oem box and speaker I guess I could go ahead and get it and try to wire it up. Wonder what the odds of the sub still being good are though.
-Unless the car was left open to the elements or a flood car, should be good

Also does it have an amp or does it get wired to the same moon & tunes amp
-Will need to add an amp, OEM sub box is dual channel @ 2 Ohm per channel. Most modern amps are 2 ohm stable, just check the specs of the amp you are looking to install
2005 #10,524 Neptune Vibe "Bandit" Auto, Moon & Tunes 238k :D
1991 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8L "Granny's Whip" 142k (33nd Anniversary :o )
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cptnsolo77
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Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by cptnsolo77 »

I know theres a great post where a member took the OEM sub enclosure, replaced it with a aftermarket driver & sound deadended it. See if you can find that thread. You may find it very helpfull :D
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
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Sonders
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Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:34 am
Location: Corydon, IN

Re: Alternate sub in oem location

Post by Sonders »

I'm kinda thinking of just doing like in the thread linked above and build a box for spare tire compartment. If I go that route it won't cost me anything as I already have mdf board and an 8" sub sitting around. I'll have to do some thinking both ways.
2003 Vibe base/moon&tune work commuter
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