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Replacing stock speakers... what size in front?

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Old 09-19-05, 09:34 PM
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pjr
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Replacing stock speakers... what size in front?

I'm looking to replace the stock speakers on my SE... I like the factory stereo (the touch pre-sets, the factory EQ, the joystick, all so 80's retro), but the speakers could use some updating.

Anyhow, I know the stock system can sound quite respectable with replacement speakers. Stock is 6 1/2" in back, and 4" in front. I've been told that the 6 1/2" rounds can also fit in front... has anyone tried this? also, anyone have some preferred speakers? I saw some poly Pioneers the other day at Best Buy for $50 a pair... anyone?

Last edited by pjr; 09-19-05 at 09:36 PM.
Old 09-19-05, 10:35 PM
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There is no way to fit anything larger without some custom work, but it's well worth it.
Some guys have fabbed in some door mounting systems. The stock location sucks, so it's well worth the time.
Try searching...

Also, for the speaker type, get somthing with a seperate tweater, and mount that high on the door to improve clarity.
I prefer Infinity Refence, but they're pricey...
Old 09-19-05, 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by pjr
I'm looking to replace the stock speakers on my SE... I like the factory stereo (the touch pre-sets, the factory EQ, the joystick, all so 80's retro), but the speakers could use some updating.

Anyhow, I know the stock system can sound quite respectable with replacement speakers. Stock is 6 1/2" in back, and 4" in front. I've been told that the 6 1/2" rounds can also fit in front... has anyone tried this? also, anyone have some preferred speakers? I saw some poly Pioneers the other day at Best Buy for $50 a pair... anyone?
No way a 6 1/2" will fit in the front. It was a b!tch to get the 5 1/4" pioneers I had in the front. There just isn't enough room for them.
Old 09-20-05, 12:22 AM
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They are 4 and a half inch speakers.
Old 09-20-05, 10:16 AM
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I boought some killer polk 4's but they were too deep to fit into the space. You could easily cut the holes bigger but you car would look strange with the magnets sticking out of your quarter panel.
Old 09-20-05, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ratboy
I boought some killer polk 4's but they were too deep to fit into the space. You could easily cut the holes bigger but you car would look strange with the magnets sticking out of your quarter panel.
I was going to mention this as a problem as well. I actually just ended up making custom kick panels with a 3/4" MDF spacer attached in the general area of the stock speaker to adapt the hole. Worked quite well but the hood release had to be moved on the drivers side. I was only using 5 1/4" speakers and they were a tight fit.
Old 09-20-05, 12:23 PM
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I put some 51/4" Alpines in the front of mine. You had to do some metal trimming to make them fit, but well worth it.



I also made kick panels for the doors with the same kind of 51/4" Alpines.



So anything is possible if want to do the work.
Old 09-20-05, 01:33 PM
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I will be doing a "How-to: Build custom kickpanels" thread starting tonight or tomorrow.
Old 09-20-05, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by $100T2
I will be doing a "How-to: Build custom kickpanels" thread starting tonight or tomorrow.
Great...thx!
Old 09-20-05, 04:31 PM
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i have 2 apline speakers in the back, my two front ones dont even work..
Old 09-20-05, 05:28 PM
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I replaced mine with all infinity speakers. Love them. Stock sizes. Ran new streetwire cable. sounds awesome. But most of the time i just cruise listening to the engine. I love that sound!!
Old 09-21-05, 12:56 AM
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I don't know, after ******* up my Datsun 510's speaker holes, I decided to use stock locations and sizes For my GSL. If you don't get enough bass you could always put subs in the storage bins............... Kicker solobarics (the square ones)
Old 09-21-05, 12:58 AM
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oh yeah I'm also using Infinity References. I can't afford Kappa's
Old 09-21-05, 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by vacumLeeK
oh yeah I'm also using Infinity References. I can't afford Kappa's
Yeah, I WANT the Kappa Perfects, but they're like TWICE as much as the Refrence... which still kick *** pretty much
Old 09-22-05, 06:06 AM
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hey 100t2 what do u do for a living just curious
Old 09-22-05, 09:15 AM
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I am the technical supervisor of an Veterinary Reference laboratory.
Old 09-22-05, 11:59 AM
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You Can Fit A 61/2 If You Use A Speaker Brackit Spacer You Will Have To Trim Some Metel
Old 09-22-05, 03:54 PM
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Best Buy has a few sets of 4" speakers for sale. I think I'm going with the rockfords, they have 40 watts RMS (the stocks have 10 watt RMS and 25 watt max), that should be way more than you need with the stock system. Yeah, they're $90 but you could find 'em cheaper somewhere else online.

I'm planning on getting a set sometime this weekend, I can let you know how it goes.
Old 09-22-05, 04:51 PM
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$100T2 - Where's the write up?
Old 09-22-05, 06:05 PM
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I started tracing the patterns for them, but then got involved with all the stuff that has been arriving at my house.

In the last three days, I have received:

4 Enkei rims
4 new struts
4 RB springs
1 RB streetport exhaust system
1 GSL disc brake/posi rear-end

On top of that, I'm re-installing my interior, getting the car ready for paint, and helping clean house for our 3 year old's birthday party on Saturday (which I'm not looking forward to, due to it interfering with "work on the car" time.)
Old 09-22-05, 06:24 PM
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If you look to constantly upgrade speakers do the conversion. If not, keep it stock.
Old 09-22-05, 07:12 PM
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I'm getting my infinity reference 4" speaker tomorrow It'll be paired with the 6.5" references I already have, powered by a Kenwwod head unit. I'll let you know how it sounds.
Old 09-23-05, 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by $100T2
I started tracing the patterns for them, but then got involved with all the stuff that has been arriving at my house.

In the last three days, I have received:

4 Enkei rims
4 new struts
4 RB springs
1 RB streetport exhaust system
1 GSL disc brake/posi rear-end

On top of that, I'm re-installing my interior, getting the car ready for paint, and helping clean house for our 3 year old's birthday party on Saturday (which I'm not looking forward to, due to it interfering with "work on the car" time.)
Cute kid BTW My daughter is a little over 2 years old

And my car build up is still a few months off, so don't mind me if I'm a pest. It's 'cause I miss my rex...

Originally Posted by vacumLeeK
If you look to constantly upgrade speakers do the conversion. If not, keep it stock.
Originally Posted by vacumLeeK
I'm getting my infinity reference 4" speaker tomorrow It'll be paired with the 6.5" references I already have, powered by a Kenwwod head unit. I'll let you know how it sounds.
I dunno. The stock location sucks, and a 4 inch will never give as good sound as a larger speaker.
The wife's Protoge has 6.5's up front... in the door no less. I can't let the wife's econo-box have a nicer system than me

Plus of course I'll be doing a ground-up rebuild/build-up in the spring. If I can improve on stock anywhere, I will.
Old 09-23-05, 02:24 AM
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Hold My thoughts....... I just put 6x9's in the back but I'm using boxes. But they sound good. But because I can't return my 6.5's get this.... I'm gonna put the 6.5's in the door, still gonna upgrade the 4 inchers, and next week I'll get infinity 6x9's (notice a trend). The boxes have Alpine 6x9 (will do till next week I guess.) they sound RANK.
Old 09-23-05, 02:33 AM
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for a more surrounding (he he) sound


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