Amp wiring & speaker fit
 

Where is a good place to get a 4g wire through the firewall on a 2004 FX4/II? I can't find anything existing that will fit the 4g, or anything that can be reached for that matter. I'm probably going to drill right below where the wire cluster on the driver side firewall goes through since I can unbolt the engine fuse box and reach it. Maybe it's me but the engine compartment on this truck seems amazingly full!

How much cutting is involved in fitting 6 1/2" speakers in the front doors? I'm leaning towards the Infinity Reference 5x7 components, but want to still consider others. I'm guessing the 6 1/2" would sound better than the 5x7 since there aren't too many oval subs around. How does Infinity compare to Alpine or polk?

That's where I ran my 0/1 gauge. I just drilled a pilot hole from the inside, then used a dremel to widen it. Don't forget a grommet if you're drilling through the firewall.


Not sure about cutting for the speakers though, but yes, overall a round speaker is a better/more efficient design than an oval speaker. But since quality of speakers do vary, there are many oval speakers that will sound better than similairly priced round speakers.

I've never been blown away with Alpine speakers. They sound pretty good, but usually don't have the power handling I would expect. I love Polk Audio. No personal expereince with Infinity. But all three are quality brand names. Have any model numbers for us to compare with?

i ran my 0/1 gauge thru a self drilled hole practically in the same spot you are thinking of using.. it worked out easiest that way.

as far as fitting 6 1/2's in the doors.. they fit with out cutting.. mine did at least. you may have to make some brackets to adapt the different mounting holes your speaker has versus the door holes.. no big problem tho.

for the 3 brands.. like michael said... alpine could have been built better.. they're not as impressive as they should be.. i've owned a few different sets of infinities a few years ago.. they're a good sounding speaker, as long as your a little light with the bass.. on the other hand.. i actually liked using polk (my choise of the 3)because they seemed to handle bass better.

and for the shape.. round compared to oblong.. having round in the front.. often as a set of components with a dash mounted tweeter, will give you the best sound.. often people will do a set of 6 1/2 or 5 1/4 components in the front for sound quality, then go ahead and put a set of 5x7s or 6x8s or 6x9s in the back for rear fill. i would definately go for the 6 1/2s you're thinking of over another set of 5x7s.

"you may have to make some brackets to adapt the different mounting holes your speaker has versus the door holes"

Do you mean basically drilling new holes to screw it into, or actually crafting something with my jigsaw? Every website I check, including Polk, does not show the 6 1/2" fitting. I've logged a lot more hours with a saw and drill than my soldering iron, but I get a little hesitant when cutting into my new truck if I can buy a 5 1/4" that already fits. Is 40w RMS enough to drive the Polk db and get good sound? Is there much of a sound difference between the Polk db 5 1/4, 6 1/2, and 6 3/4?

u can make a templet of a 5x7/6x8 and just cut the 6 1/2 hole and drill the holes for the screws. 1/8" thick material should suffice. make sure to seal around the templete also.

Both 0 blue & 4 red guage power wire fit just fine in this gromit with the ebrake/hood release not sure which the cable is in the drivers footwell.

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sorry i didnt see your message a few days ago!! what i meant about making new holes was to make seperate brackets.. sort of like spacers.. out of some sort of thin particle board, or anything you feel comfortible constructing with. when you cut it out, make sure there's enough room for the speaker to sit within it and screw directly to the board itself, then make sure the edges of the board are wide enough that you can then screw the board to your door in the existing 4 screw holes.

as far as size.. i tend to aim for 6 1/2s over 5 1/4s when picking speakers. they'll sound a little better.. but for my real reason of choice, i mainly pick them for a beter frame of mind. its really just all in my head.. but having the larger woofer makes me feel a bit better. and the 40rms will be fine for the speakers.

polk has come out with their new line up sinse i've worked with thier speakers.. their db series i haven't yet worked with, so as far as sound quality between the 3 sizes, i can't tell you which would sound better.. only that i'd go with my gut and pick the 6.5s over the other 2. the 6 3/4 you mentioned is probably pushing it size-wise, and they might need some door panel trimming to fit.

the easiest way for you to find out what the mounting setup on the db's looks like would be for you to ask someone at the store if you could actually take a look at them for yourself.. that way you'd be able to get the best look at them.. or go a step further, buy the pair, take them home and carefully test fit them, see if they look like they'll work with some makeshift brackets.. if they dont, you can always return them (hopefully) and try again!

I want to seriously thank everyone who has taken the time and responded to me on this board. Your insight and pictures help out immensely. So far I've installed the Alpine 9830 HU, am ordering the Polk db6500 for the front and db570 for the back this week with a little Dynamat Extreme. After tax returns I'll be installing the Alpine MRP-F240 amp and Infinity Basslink. I'll be sure to post some pics with the Basslink, as I'll be removing a jumpseat and crafting a mounting platform with the distribution blocks mounted inside my new secret stash compartment.

Just wanted to give an update. I installed the Polk db 6.5" in the front and Polk db 5x7 in the rear. They are running off the HU and sound about 500% better than the stocks. I can't wait to amp them! Thanks for guiding me towards Polk. Very clear, crisp, and great bass for the size! The only complaint is the size of the tweeter flush mounting cup and crossovers. These really limit your mounting options. Not really much of a complaint though, because they mount right where they need of be for best SQ instead of where they would look best.