Instal Log For My Girlfriend's 2000 Ford Taurus

Tempe · 12-07-2005, 01:24 AM

Head Unit: Kenwood KDC-315S
Amplifier: Rockford Fosgate Power 800a4
Front Speakers:
Present: 1998 Model Infinity Reference 5x7 Coaxials
Future: CDT CL-5X 5.25" Coaxials
Subwoofer: Pioneer Premier TS-W1240C
Enclosure:
Present: Self-Designed/Built 2.5 Cubes tuned to 30 hz
Future: Self-Designed/Built 2.25 Cubes tuned to 30 hz

----------------------------------

I began with ordering the Scosche dash kit. It was a PITA, but now that I've done it it's not so bad. I think it is cheap and flimsy. I wish Crutchfield would use a nicer dash kit. I had a hell of a time removing the rear seat. Calling Crutchfield offered no help. You need to push the seat back and then pull up. The instructions make it sound like I need to remove some clip. Either way the aftermarket head unit makes the stock speakers sound better.

As the stock door panels have round speaker grilles, I grabbed my CDT coaxials that I used in my girlfriend's 1994 Cutlass Supreme. I opened the doors to find 6x8s. I figured I would dust off the Infinity coaxials that I have not used in years. With my luck the one I installed on the driver's side has a bad tweeter. I hear some sound coming from it, but very little. My long term goal is to install 6.5" component speakers with the woofers in the doors in the stock location. Since I will need to make baffles sooner or later, I figured I would make them now with holes for the smaller coaxials and enlarge them when needed.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/3_CDT_CL-5X.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/1_Baffles_Uncut.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2_Baffles_Uncut_Closeup.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />

Until two days ago I had an ongoing problem with running the power cable through the firewall. With some help from you guys I got it done!

The subwoofer is one of my trusty standby drivers that I have used in many installs. For a rated 200 watts RMS it sure takes a beating. I had ran it in small sealed boxes early on. For the Cutlass I built a nice ported enclosure. I honestly could use a smaller enclosure, but the larger size surely aides in efficiency. With about 200 watts on that driver in the Cutlass it got pretty low and loud. It does not fit well in the Taurus trunk. I corner load the sub/port to the rear passenger corner in the trunk. I could not fit the whole box in as it hits the trim piece covering the rear speakers. I will have to remove that or else use another enclosure I have laying around. Here is one picture of the subwoofer and another of the enclosure. They are older pictures taken with a webcam (I did not have a digicam at the time).

[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/591000-591999/591437_9_full.jpg' alt='' width='575' height='431' class='attach' />

[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/591000-591999/591437_13_full.jpg' alt='' width='575' height='431' class='attach' />

I designed an enclosure the other night. I posted the cut sheet here, but due to the short trunk height at the front I will need to redesign the enclosure. I design enclosures for myself and others all the time, so it will be a snap

I finally finished the install last night (I mean this morning) at around 4 am. I did not want to stop, regardless of time! I drover to Safeway and jammed out in the parking lot until I got things sounding well. I broke out my personal reference CD:

[img]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000IOSU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg' alt='' width='305' height='300' class='attach' />

Yeah, Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball might be chick music. Regardless, it is an awesome recording. Unlike most SQ music it is something you can at least somewhat enjoy. There are some tracks that have a rockin' feeling to them. Some tracks are subtle and you can hear the various instruments being played as if they were right in front of you. Sarah has an awesome voice that has a wide range. There is also a surprising amount of lowend with the kick drum and bass guitar. Listening to this CD reminds me why I love low-tuned ported enclosures [img]http://audioforum.termpro.com/ubb/biggrin.gif' alt='' width='15' height='15' class='attach' />

The main problem I have is alternator whine. I had the same problem with her Cutlass. This install is not as bad, but I have determined it must be the head unit, which I got used for cheep. I will need to look for something soon. For now I can live with it.

Well this is all for now. Tomorrow I will cut the baffles, install the CDT speakers, and reinstall the driver's side front wheel well covers. Yeah I never put them back on. The past two nights when I was done installing I was so damned cold that I just figured I would do it later. Finally I will not build the new enclosure for a bit. My girlfriend is leaving out of state for a month on Thursday. I will fly down there just before Christmas. I am going to "borrow" my good buddy's garage to build the enclosure. He runs his own online enclosure business, so I will have access to all the tools I could ever ask for

Tempe

Twilight · 12-07-2005, 01:52 AM

Ouch, if I listened to that I'd have to blast Cradle of Filth and then some In Flames just to stop my body from producing estrogen.

j/k lol

Toast · 12-07-2005, 06:40 AM

I'm glad to hear that (one way or another) you finally got the cable through the firewall.

silvapain · 12-07-2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Twilight@Dec 7 2005, 02:52 AM
Ouch, if I listened to that I'd have to blast Cradle of Filth and then some In Flames just to stop my body from producing estrogen.

j/k lol

...and then a little Deicide?

01mercls · 12-07-2005, 09:04 AM

Nice install.

5spdsho · 12-07-2005, 09:59 AM

I plan on buying a box from TCAB sometime within the next 6 months or so.

mwt · 12-07-2005, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Twilight@Dec 7 2005, 01:52 AM
Ouch, if I listened to that I'd have to blast Cradle of Filth and then some In Flames just to stop my body from producing estrogen.

j/k lol

Or go and change your pad

Mike

Tempe · 12-07-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bumpin_taurus@Dec 7 2005, 10:59 AM
I plan on buying a box from TCAB sometime within the next 6 months or so.

I just moved from the Chicago burbs. I used to hang out with him on the weekends. Everything the guy touched was loud. Hell for fun he threw a 12" Kicker CVR in a ported enclosure he had laying around, powered it up with about 200 watts from a Kicker Impulse amp, and aimed the enclosure in his trunk. IIRC he barely broke a 140 in the kick.

If you do not have the time, resource, or willingness to build an enclosure, I highly recommend getting an enclosure from him.

Tempe

godspunk32 · 12-07-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by silvapain+Dec 7 2005, 09:45 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (silvapain @ Dec 7 2005, 09:45 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Twilight@Dec 7 2005, 02:52 AM
Ouch, if I listened to that I'd have to blast Cradle of Filth and then some In Flames just to stop my body from producing estrogen.

j/k lol

...and then a little Deicide?

[/b][/quote]
I'd be more afraid that it would make me go sterile!

My frosh roommate used to listen to that crap. We all joked that Lillith Fair was invading my dorm room!

Nice install, though!

JR

Tempe · 12-07-2005, 04:59 PM

OK more work was done today....... I removed the Infinity Reference speakers and installed the CDT speakers. I will loose some midbass, but the improvement over the bandwith has greatly improved!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_Baffles_Uncut.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Again that is the cutsheet for the baffles.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/2_Baffles_Uncut_Closeup.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Here is one close-up.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/3_CDT_CL-5X.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Here are the CDT CL-5x 5.25" coaxials.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/4_Making_a_Mess_in_Bedroom.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
I don't exactly have anywhere else to work on them, so I cut the baffles out in the bedroom

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/5_Baffles_Completed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Completed baffles! I also used some old weatherstripping as you will see in later pics as a seal between the baffles and the speakers.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/6_Infinity_Reference_5702cf.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Out with the old!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/7_Baffles_Installed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Here the passenger-side speaker has been installed. Note the weatherstripping.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/8_CDT_CL-5X_Installed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />

Success!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_Rockford_Fosgate_Power_800a4.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
This setup will be worked on later. I will permantly mount the amp once I complete the new enclosure.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_PioneerPremier_TS-W1240C_Enclsour.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Here is a shot of the enclosure in the trunk. It is 2.5 cubes tuned to 30hz with a 2x12 inch port area.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/2_PioneerPremier_TS-W1240C_Corner-L.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' />
Until I get the new enclosure this is how it will sit. I am corner-loading it to get maximum wang! [img]http://audioforum.termpro.com/ubb/eek.gif' alt='' width='15' height='15' class='attach' />

This is all for another month. Too bad I won't be able to listen to the system for a few weeks after tomorrow.

Tempe

12-07-2005, 01:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tempe Senior Member Member Number: 6137 Join Date: Oct 2005 Visit: My Garage Posts: 111 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	Head Unit: Kenwood KDC-315S Amplifier: Rockford Fosgate Power 800a4 Front Speakers: Present: 1998 Model Infinity Reference 5x7 Coaxials Future: CDT CL-5X 5.25" Coaxials Subwoofer: Pioneer Premier TS-W1240C Enclosure: Present: Self-Designed/Built 2.5 Cubes tuned to 30 hz Future: Self-Designed/Built 2.25 Cubes tuned to 30 hz ---------------------------------- I began with ordering the Scosche dash kit. It was a PITA, but now that I've done it it's not so bad. I think it is cheap and flimsy. I wish Crutchfield would use a nicer dash kit. I had a hell of a time removing the rear seat. Calling Crutchfield offered no help. You need to push the seat back and then pull up. The instructions make it sound like I need to remove some clip. Either way the aftermarket head unit makes the stock speakers sound better. As the stock door panels have round speaker grilles, I grabbed my CDT coaxials that I used in my girlfriend's 1994 Cutlass Supreme. I opened the doors to find 6x8s. I figured I would dust off the Infinity coaxials that I have not used in years. With my luck the one I installed on the driver's side has a bad tweeter. I hear some sound coming from it, but very little. My long term goal is to install 6.5" component speakers with the woofers in the doors in the stock location. Since I will need to make baffles sooner or later, I figured I would make them now with holes for the smaller coaxials and enlarge them when needed. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/3_CDT_CL-5X.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/1_Baffles_Uncut.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2_Baffles_Uncut_Closeup.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Until two days ago I had an ongoing problem with running the power cable through the firewall. With some help from you guys I got it done! The subwoofer is one of my trusty standby drivers that I have used in many installs. For a rated 200 watts RMS it sure takes a beating. I had ran it in small sealed boxes early on. For the Cutlass I built a nice ported enclosure. I honestly could use a smaller enclosure, but the larger size surely aides in efficiency. With about 200 watts on that driver in the Cutlass it got pretty low and loud. It does not fit well in the Taurus trunk. I corner load the sub/port to the rear passenger corner in the trunk. I could not fit the whole box in as it hits the trim piece covering the rear speakers. I will have to remove that or else use another enclosure I have laying around. Here is one picture of the subwoofer and another of the enclosure. They are older pictures taken with a webcam (I did not have a digicam at the time). [img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/591000-591999/591437_9_full.jpg' alt='' width='575' height='431' class='attach' /> [img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/591000-591999/591437_13_full.jpg' alt='' width='575' height='431' class='attach' /> I designed an enclosure the other night. I posted the cut sheet here, but due to the short trunk height at the front I will need to redesign the enclosure. I design enclosures for myself and others all the time, so it will be a snap I finally finished the install last night (I mean this morning) at around 4 am. I did not want to stop, regardless of time! I drover to Safeway and jammed out in the parking lot until I got things sounding well. I broke out my personal reference CD: [img]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000IOSU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg' alt='' width='305' height='300' class='attach' /> Yeah, Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball might be chick music. Regardless, it is an awesome recording. Unlike most SQ music it is something you can at least somewhat enjoy. There are some tracks that have a rockin' feeling to them. Some tracks are subtle and you can hear the various instruments being played as if they were right in front of you. Sarah has an awesome voice that has a wide range. There is also a surprising amount of lowend with the kick drum and bass guitar. Listening to this CD reminds me why I love low-tuned ported enclosures [img]http://audioforum.termpro.com/ubb/biggrin.gif' alt='' width='15' height='15' class='attach' /> The main problem I have is alternator whine. I had the same problem with her Cutlass. This install is not as bad, but I have determined it must be the head unit, which I got used for cheep. I will need to look for something soon. For now I can live with it. Well this is all for now. Tomorrow I will cut the baffles, install the CDT speakers, and reinstall the driver's side front wheel well covers. Yeah I never put them back on. The past two nights when I was done installing I was so damned cold that I just figured I would do it later. Finally I will not build the new enclosure for a bit. My girlfriend is leaving out of state for a month on Thursday. I will fly down there just before Christmas. I am going to "borrow" my good buddy's garage to build the enclosure. He runs his own online enclosure business, so I will have access to all the tools I could ever ask for Tempe __________________ --My 1998 Ford Ranger --Tempe's Car Audio Bible

12-07-2005, 01:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Twilight Senior Member Member Number: 60 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Visit: My Garage Posts: 8,116 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	Ouch, if I listened to that I'd have to blast Cradle of Filth and then some In Flames just to stop my body from producing estrogen. j/k lol __________________ 05 Lincoln LS V8 - black/black, tints, stock (for now). 99 Mercury Sable LS (retired) - green/gray, Duratec, 135000 mi, G4 Taurus wheels, stereo, 11.6" brakes, clear corners, stack of parts in the garage and endless list of repairs.

12-07-2005, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Toast Senior Member Member Number: 4890 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Waterloo, Indiana Visit: My Garage Posts: 605 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	I'm glad to hear that (one way or another) you finally got the cable through the firewall. __________________ -daveL toast 2007 Chevy Aveo Sept. '09 - present 2008 Saturn Outlook Sept. '07 - present <strike>2002 Ford Taurus SEL</strike> Oct. '04 - Sept. '09

12-07-2005, 09:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
01mercls Senior Member Member Number: 4423 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: somewhere. Visit: My Garage Posts: 1,160 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	Nice install. __________________ Bent poles and straight lines, it's the way of life! "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) 2001 Mercury Sable LS (3.0 Duratec V6) 1988 Mustang GT vert GO BUCKS!!

12-07-2005, 09:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
5spdsho Senior Member Member Number: 2023 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Americas High Five Drives: 2000 Regal GSE Visit: My Garage Posts: 1,515 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	I plan on buying a box from TCAB sometime within the next 6 months or so. __________________ Nov. 2007 COTM I <3 Rep 2000 Regal GSE

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12-07-2005, 04:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tempe Senior Member Member Number: 6137 Join Date: Oct 2005 Visit: My Garage Posts: 111 Trader Score: 0 reviews Rep Power: 0	OK more work was done today....... I removed the Infinity Reference speakers and installed the CDT speakers. I will loose some midbass, but the improvement over the bandwith has greatly improved! [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_Baffles_Uncut.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Again that is the cutsheet for the baffles. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/2_Baffles_Uncut_Closeup.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Here is one close-up. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/3_CDT_CL-5X.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Here are the CDT CL-5x 5.25" coaxials. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/4_Making_a_Mess_in_Bedroom.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> I don't exactly have anywhere else to work on them, so I cut the baffles out in the bedroom [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/5_Baffles_Completed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Completed baffles! I also used some old weatherstripping as you will see in later pics as a seal between the baffles and the speakers. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/6_Infinity_Reference_5702cf.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Out with the old! [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/7_Baffles_Installed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Here the passenger-side speaker has been installed. Note the weatherstripping. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/8_CDT_CL-5X_Installed.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Success! [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_Rockford_Fosgate_Power_800a4.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> This setup will be worked on later. I will permantly mount the amp once I complete the new enclosure. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/1_PioneerPremier_TS-W1240C_Enclsour.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Here is a shot of the enclosure in the trunk. It is 2.5 cubes tuned to 30hz with a 2x12 inch port area. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/Tempe/Car_Audio/2000_Ford_Taurus/2_PioneerPremier_TS-W1240C_Corner-L.jpg' alt='' width='800' height='600' class='attach' /> Until I get the new enclosure this is how it will sit. I am corner-loading it to get maximum wang! [img]http://audioforum.termpro.com/ubb/eek.gif' alt='' width='15' height='15' class='attach' /> This is all for another month. Too bad I won't be able to listen to the system for a few weeks after tomorrow. Tempe __________________ --My 1998 Ford Ranger --Tempe's Car Audio Bible