Info for upcoming build

[LumpyCheeseman 10+ year member]

Hi all, not new to car audio, but looking to step up to better stuff. Most of the stuff I've done has been with Pioneer, Kenwood, and other main name brands, but I'm looking to try some new stuff. The best setup I had in my own cars previously was a pair of 12" Kenwoods running off a SoundStorm amp, and it certainly gave me a good taste for big bass, and I want to have that kind of sound in my next ride. I've spent the last few days browsing the forum endlessly, mostly in the build pages to see what people are using, both in equipment and enclosures, and get some ideas.

I'm looking to pic up a 96-97 Ford Windstar in the near future, and want to do a custom box behind the second row seat. I'm not looking to do a wall, as I do a lot of work out of my cars, so I need room to keep my toolboxes back there while I'm working, as well as parts I'm transporting, etc etc.

First, I want to start with brands. I noticed that a lot of people in the build threads I looked at are using DD, Fi, Re, Sundown, and I seem to be having a brainfart because I can't remember the other brand or two I saw a lot of. I'm looking to run one, maybe 2 subs, preferably 12". I'm not looking to blow the windows out of the van, but I definitely wanna show up a lot of the ricers I see cruising around like they're hot **** for having a box in the trunk above their fartcannons (oversize mufflers).

Second, box type. I've always like sealed setups, as I listen to a lot of rock, metal, techno, and I like a tighter punch rather than a lot of reverb. I've seen all kinds of bandpass setups on here the last few days, and not a lot of sealed setups, and if one is better than the other I'm open to it.

Are any of the above brands better than any of the others? I've seen Sundown used a lot, everyone seems happy with them, and they certainly look nice and capable. I guess to make a long story short, after looking through all the builds (both mild and wild) and having a rough idea what I want, I'm wanting to get suggestions on what kind of combo I should run in the van. I plan to add a second alt and a couple batteries since I've seen how current heavy some of these setups get, and I'm fairly versed at upgrading electrics all around a car anyway, so I'll definitely be ready for whatever you guys recommend.

I do plan on upgrading the front speakers, as I want it good sounding and loud all around, not just the subs. But for now I'm focusing on what's going to go in the back as I'm only gonna tear the van apart once. I plan to lay out all the wiring for everything front and back, but I can work on the smaller stuff later, I just want to get the sub and box figured out and setup first so I can have that out of the way and get straight to using the van.

I suppose in the grand scheme of things this is kind of a sucky first thread to really get started with, but gotta start somewhere lol

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[>>SQL<< 10+ year member]

How are you going to add a second alt in a Windstar?

I think you mean upgrade your stock alt to a HO alt.

There are a lot of good deals in the classified section here, mostly on the amps.

 

[LumpyCheeseman 10+ year member]

I'm shooting specifically for the 96-97 Windstar with the 3.0, and while I will be going with a 3G alt to replace the stock for regular use and accessories, I do plan to add a second alt in place of the smog pump (I never leave emissions stuff on my vehicles) to run a pair of batteries specifically for the audio. Thanks for the advice about the classifieds, but I kind of want to run new stuff this time around.

 

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

if you get a good enough and big enough alt you probably wont need another alt if you are able to toss a couple batts in the rear. how much power you planning on running anyways?

 

[LumpyCheeseman 10+ year member]

Total power, I don't have any minimum or maximum in mind. I'm looking at it as trying new equipment, and whatever it'll handle, thats what it gets. My only requirement really is that it gets loud enough I can't think, doesn't have to shatter windows I'm thinking I might shoot for a couple of 12's from Sundown. I like how they look, I've seen vids on Youtube and in build threads of them pounding pretty hard, I think I'd be happy with them. Looking at the website I see they have a couple different series' of subs, any recommendations?

Also, as I said before I'm not looking for MAXIMUM boom, I want tight bass. Strong, but tight. Never really liked having a lot of heavy reverb. Something to take into consideration with enclosure type/design, and what kind of amp to use with the subs.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

What is your budget?

The box is the most crucial role with the type of sound output that you will experience. Ported boxes will give you the best sound output (imo) and you can make them hit "tight" like a sealed box.

 

[LumpyCheeseman 10+ year member]

Not setting a budget. I will be doing the work myself, which will cut down drastically on total cost, but I'm not overly worried about how much I'll spend on the audio itself. I'm not looking to go totally extravagant, just a pair of 12's (very likely Sundown) in a box that will make the most of them with a good amp. I'm open to recommendations.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Well if money isn't a problem then look into a DD Z series sub/s and an amp strong enough to power it/them.

 

[LumpyCheeseman 10+ year member]

Ok...that sub seems to be very, very, very overkill.... As I said, I'm not wanting to build a wall or take up the entire back half of the van.

Looking at the DD website, I'm kind of liking the 2500 series. Opinions on them?