2003 VW Jetta GLI VR6

[Toby Ratcliffe]

I hate to do a build log before I am completely done, but it looks like I won't get much else done between now and when I leave for Korea, and when I get back, I will probably upgrade, so the build will start over at that point.

Starts off as a stock Jetta with an upgraded head unit. Not the best of head units, but it does what I need for now. It is a Kenwood DDX-418. The GLI model comes with from the factory with a Monsoon audio system. This consists of a factory 8 Channel amp running a tweeter and woofer in each door. It sounded good, and got loud, but there was significant lacking of the low range frequencies. Anything below 80Hz was either distorted, or non existant depending on the frequency. What I was looking for in my build was to replicate the frequencies below 80Hz accurately, while still being able to crank up the bass when the song begged for it.

For my upgrade I decided to go with 2 Sundown SA-10D4s. I heard nothing but good things about the SA line from Sundown, and expected these woofers would perform to my needs. For power I figured I would try what was recommended by the manufacturer, and go with Sundowns own SAX-1200D which matches the RMS value of the woofers at 1 Ohm. I knew from the beginning that a properly built enclosure would make or break my build, so I researched and found a designer that like Sundown, had the most positive reviews.

I filled out a project assessment form after I decided on my equipment, and patiently waited for my design based on my parameters. What I got in return was exactly what I expected. Professionally completed blueprints with everything taken into consideration.

035 by jokers10, on Flickr

With that done I started on the build. And now the pictures: (sorry they are so out of focus and grainy. Using my iPhone 4.)

001 by jokers10, on Flickr

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Edited April 30, 2012 by Toby Ratcliffe

[Toby Ratcliffe]

020 by jokers10, on Flickr

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And finally a video. Not really a lot going on here. Just 2 views of a 0-60Hz sine wave sweep. The quality isn't the best since yet again I was using my iPhone 4 and the image stabilization in iMovie.

It sounds mechanical, but almost all of the noise is from the cars body panels. I only have the trunk lid done with some peel and stick Rammat. Lots of interior noise in the second view. I will fix that over time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8yuhexPZFQ

[ShortWide1994]

Are you in altus?

[kingleo]

Box looks good.

[ch0sen]

from that last pic it looks like you carpeted the box inside the trunk, good job man