speaker rms power handling after bandpassed

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Audioholic cleared this all up on page 1. OP, if your mind is made up, do it, you have got the correct answer that those 6.5s can probably take over 100W if you're not trying to play full range through them. I'd agree that the power handling number on a small sub like that is likely mechanical limits.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Even a modest 6x9 should put out pretty decent midbass, if the install is correct. Deadening the doors is, as said above, imperative to midbass response. Good luck.