PG 4Runner

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

I first must make some kind of introduction, I am an admin here after all

I'm Tom's roommate. He lives downstairs and I live upstairs We have been friends about 7-8 years. We met in grade 10 high school. The first thing I remember us talking about involved him trying to convince me that Apple computers at the time were faster than available PCs. Something about, the "MEGAHURTZ" meaning more when you referred to Apple (PPC) processors vs Intel (i386) processors, so when an Apple had a 300MHz machine, a 300MHz Intel was "slower" (see Megahertz Myth), I wasn't really convinced being a grade 10 kid just getting into Linux and loving PCs... Mac's fucking sucked, right?...

Years later, I'm writing this on a MacBook, my second Apple computer. That's Tom. He's always been somewhat nerdy the (codeword: oregano) did loosen him up some though, hehehehe Nerdy but nerdy in that "I can unconsciously and steadily predict the future with my style" kind of way. I don't know what I was but I'm sure you all can ask Tom if you care to.

Enough about me and Tom though, you guys want pics of the install right?

So I recently purchased a 1991 Toyota 4Runner. It wasn't kept too clean on the inside over the years but hell, it's a used 4Runner in Alberta spending at least some of it's time in the prairie "country side"... you can't expect much in terms of filth. Also, some white "homeboy" kind of guy was driving it for the last couple months after his father, who originally purchased the vehicle, bought himself a fucking huge suburban.

So I cleaned it some learned to properly drive stick and decided I wanted a stereo.

Tom started this site right around the time I wanted to get a stereo in the vehicle, I suspect Tom was also convincing me to get one around this time as well.

Low and behold one day, he tells me about some deals he picked up through friends on this board and soundbuggy. He gets me an M44 amp and an Xmax 10" sub. We pickup a smallish sized sealed box. Same model box Tom runs his 12" ID in right now. I think it came to $190CAD or so with the box, and then I spent another $46 on necessary cabling. I'm pretty sure Errin and Brian hooked up this deal, quite sick, thank you.

Since it was convenient and the fact that I'm trying to keep costs down, I decided to use two Monster 8 gauge kits instead of going to get a 4 gauge kit. The place was close and cheap ($12/kit). Not optimal but sufficient.

I have to warn you this isn't a propropro install. Tom did help a lot with this install but it's not like his Saab install, he fucking babied that install. I have STOCK speakers in the rear and these Kicker's in the front, I don't know what model, but they are really bright so I'm missing my mid range right now. Anyways, this install ain't pro even though Tom the excellent installer helped a crap load.

We did a good job on some things though: Routing cable and mounting the amp into the metal on the back of the seat instead of relying on the crappy, paper thin "wood" paneling (the name escapes me at this moment). I tapped the metal by hand with a small screw and a screwdriver. I jabbed myself up doing it but before I knew it I had tapped four holes to mount the amp securely.

Now for the pictures! They aren't very good quality pictures because I was fooling around with Tom's camera and missing a lot of focal points. Oh well.

GRRRRRRRRRRRR! I'm mean and dented!

Damn blurry shot... I missed the flash on this one

The inside and wet floor. Notice the bare bones clarion deck, it came with the vehicle. It has next to zero features. Meh

The seats down with the sub left in it's normal resting place. The cabling neatly goes underneath the seat with small incisions in the carpet

The xmax 10"

The M44 amp

The amp again

The dual 8 gauge wiring

The trunk view, go scraper! I mean subwoofer!

I should note that I do plan on using the amp's other channel as well... I have some RSd6cs coming sometime I believe... couple that with the Q-Logic Q-form kick panels for my vehicle and it should start sounding much rounder and fuller.

Before I put in any components though, I really should upgrade my battery ground. It's still stock!

I'm trying to stay under $500 for the whole installation but I think it's going to be cutting it really close. So there you have it, modesty (it sounds good but it's not pro because my other speakers are not filling in the mids) and reasonable price ($190CAD). I think the same will be true when I get the kick panels, the components, some wiring and the $500 price tag.

Any and all comments welcome.

[stipud]

Whoah man, any more flattery and people will think there's something between us.

(I know we are lovers, but I don't want our women to find out if they read this board too )

SWEET INSTALL DOOD GIVE THAT STIPUD A PAT ON THE BACK FORE ME K?

[bdubs767]

far better then my first install...

2 12" p1s and some bullet proof kenwood amp

[brenzbmr@sb]

well its simple
but i wont go into the disgust of running my xmax 12s sealed.........

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

Simple, modest... same thing, right?!?

[stipud]

well its simple
but i wont go into the disgust of running my xmax 12s sealed.........

The Xmax 10 sealed is certainly not earth shattering, but it does add a sufficient amount of bass for a good, flat setup. Once we get the kickpanels and RSD comps installed, the sound should be very even from 50-20kHz, which is perfect for the type of music that Ryan listens to. Also the box is easy to remove in a matter of seconds if there is need for some cargo.

The only downside now is that one of the folding seats has an amp on it, so he would have to lay a blanket over the amp in order to put certain things in there. If need be, the amp can be removed pretty quick (5 mins tops) if he really needs the space for moving.

[VW337]

I first must make some kind of introduction, I am an admin here after all

I'm Tom's roommate. He lives downstairs and I live upstairs

So Tom does go down?


Seriously though, not a bad start. Trust me you will want more, it is an addiction.

[bdubs767]

I first must make some kind of introduction, I am an admin here after all

I'm Tom's roommate. He lives downstairs and I live upstairs

So Tom does go down?


Seriously though, not a bad start. Trust me you will want more, it is an addiction.

almost as bad as the H

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

Seriously though, not a bad start. Trust me you will want more, it is an addiction.

That's what I've been told. I've also noticed that by looking back at Tom's old corolla installs and our friend Jason's various installs. You always end up wanting more. How many sub/amp combos have you gone through Tom? At least 5? Yeah, I can see even from the people around me that this gets to be a bit obsessive.

I guess that's where the components and kick panels come into play for me... I want them already. The stock + kicker speakers are waaaay too bright when it really comes down to it (that and they distort easily when "pushed"). I'm running about zero mid range right now. While I can't complain considering the costs involved, I do want a fuller, rounder sound already.

I suspect a $500 investment for car audio is a joke for many of you pro installers but it's a fairly big deal for me at this point.

[Bfowler]

glad to see it went to a good home! once you get some components up there it will make a world of difference

[stipud]

Agreed... Those Kicker 3.5" bastards may be better than stock, but they ain't much! You certainly have enough (quantity, not really quality) treble though... good god those are bright. Oh well, can't beat the price of $free corolla hand-me-downs!

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

I'm almost starting to itch for the RSd comps, they looking freakin' sweet, both on paper and the physical design.

Then I'm going to want to a new deck... hot damn this doesn't end, does it?

[stipud]

Not until we rip out everything but the driver's seat, wall off the back, and install 18 subs an few feet from your head. Couple that with a few hundred batteries and a hundred or so kilowatts of amplification (with multiple amps that could power an entire showroom at once) and I think you may be satisfied for a minute or two

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/32277/6

[VW337]

Crazy DB Dave.............

[stipud]

I don't think I've ever "met" an SPL guy as nice as Dave Jennings.

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

Phase 2 Update:

I bit the bullet and purchased an Alpine head unit with iPod support from a local retailer. It is replacing a very low-end Clarion. I knew I would want a new deck as soon as I got to the next phase of my install so while waiting for that to happen, I decided I'd preemptively get the new head unit before I even do the front-stage.

I liked Alpine's build quality more than other manufacturers I have seen and can afford. Sure, there are other very good decks I can afford but Alpine appealed to me more. The iPod integration is decent, too.

The model I purchased is the CDE-9852. I opted to save $40 by choosing this over the CDA-9856 because I didn't really need three pre-outs for this installation... meh. The CDE has greater limitation in the number of ways possible to set it up but the 1 pre-out is working fine so far and I can't complain. The CDA also has a DSP effect the CDE doesn't but that's not so interesting to me.

Picture(s?) will be posted soon.

Phase 3 of the installation (RSd 6" Comps in kick panels) will finally round out the sound, I can't wait

[bdubs767]

KILLER first setup wish mine was even close to that.

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

Thank you, but... you should really be praising/recognizing Bfowler and stipud though. They've basically played at least as large or larger roles in what will be the final outcome than I have... .

It's all good though! I'm learning a lot with Tom around AND I'm getting a, dare I say, rather nice first setup in a step-by-step process.

I'm proud of this install so far and hopefully also of what's planned for the near future. The next step adds a couple new lessons for me, one of which being crossovers for the front stage.

Thanks to everyone who's helped me out so far, I appreciate it.

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

The kick panels arrived from CarDomain today. They are Q-Logic Q-forms molded for my era of 4Runner.

I decided to get them because I'm too much of a noob for fiberglassing my own. Sue me

I'm installing the RSd comps in them.

Here are some initial pics after just unpacking them:

Kick Panel Kit

Kick Panel Close Up Front

Kick Panel Close Up Rear

I will update this thread when I get the RSd's and install them.

[bdubs767]

get some deadner and Slap it all over those back sides. ALL OVER.

[fuzzysnuggleduck]

Yeah, they aren't really all the solid on their own like a nice fiberglass job would be, which is to be expected with a plastic, pre-fabricated mold... so yeah, I'll probably need a heap of deadner to get optimal sound from these things.

Is all deadner pretty much the same or are there certain brands to use or avoid?

[Mastiff]

Avoid cheap ebay crap that is a knock off of dynamat learn from my mistake.
Also I would recommend a liquid deadener such as cascade VB-1X or even edead


http://www.cascadeaudio.com/marine_damper.html



http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/produc ... a61c97ebef

[AVICJR]

Is all deadner pretty much the same or are there certain brands to use or avoid?

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

Read through here, I think bdubs posted this along time ago but it's a good source for info. Let us know what you decide.

[bdubs767]

http://www.raamaudio.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi


if you are member of ECA or DIYMA he gives you a very nice discount too.

[dedlyjedly]

you would be amazed at what proper sound treatments could do for your 4runner. I also highly recommend Raamaudio. Their Raammat BXT is a fantastic performing sound deadener even before you consider the extremely reasonable price. Don't overlook their Ensolite acoustical foam either. A layer or two right over the top of the Raammat is a great strategy to complete vehicle sound treatments. The results are amazing, especially in an older truck that has seen some miles!

another possibility for the q-forms is some non-hardening modeling clay. if you've got room for a hefty layer on the backside of the kick-panel it would do wonders.