Speakers in rear of V8

[mike carroll]

Hi,

I've got a 1998 V8 in New Zealand, and would like to install speakers in the rear bulkhead, behind the seats. My previous 1989 Esprit had speakers already installed here, which may have been factory - not sure.

However, there may have been a reason why Lotus stopped chopping out big holes in the bulkhead when it got to the V8. Last thing I want is my Esprit breaking in two...

Anyone have any experience with this, and any tips for installation?

Thanks, Mike.

[ErnestM]

Mike...

I think the holes are still there. I haven't checked on my '98 but that is what I hear (no pun intended).

ErnestM

[mike carroll]

Thanks for the reply, Ernest. I'm just a bit hesitant to start pulling off that carpet bit to see what's hiding behind! Will give it a crack.

Cheers, Mike.

[jbrauer]

Keep us posted on what you find. I'm intersted in the same thing for my '99 V8.

If you could get a few pictures once you find the location of the holes and what it takes to install speakers there it would be greatly appreciated.

[ErnestM]

Mike...

You may want to ask this question on the TurboEsprit list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/turboesprit/

...before you go pulling carpet. If those holes are there, somebody on the list will know about it...

(You may get a "not the rear speakers again" reaction because I think it has been discussed before, but they really are a bunch of great guys. To show you the depth of the TurboEsprit knowledge - Niel Micklewright (sp) of Players/Forsythe racing - CART - is a constant contributer to the banter)

ErnestM

[cnh1990]

They are there behind the seats for a round 6" speaker. More towards the doors or exterior from center. My car also has flush tweeters installed outside of the head rests in the same wall. It's not a big deal to peel up the carpet.
Calvin

[cnh1990]

oh forgot the speaker holes might be covered up by foil and the mat they use for insulation. so if you don't see them right way it's behind those things.
Calvin

[mike carroll]

Excellent, thanks Calvin. However, is this what you found with your S3, or do you know this to be the case with the later V8? I'm away on business at the moment, but will start poking and prodding this weekend.

Cheers, Mike.

[cnh1990]

It is the stock mounting for speakers on the SE. We had 6" speakers rear of the seats in addition to the dash mounted speakers in the corners. No speakers in doors. I asked a friend from the turbo list if he found the holes in his 98. He mounted a set in his as he found the door mounted speakers a bit lacking. Is it my imagination or does everyone end up hitting the door speakers with their foot and denting the grills? Just about every V8 I have seen has either dented grills or scuff marks on them at the very least on the door mounted speakers.
Calvin 90 SE

[jbrauer]

Calvin - You're right about denting the grills in the doors. However, when I removed the door panel on my '99 last weekend to fix a rattle, it was easy to return the grill to undamaged condition. From now on I warn everyone about the tight fit when they get in the first time!

[Peter J. Park]

My 97 V* has 6" speakers in the rear bulkhead right about where Calvin indicated. They are factory and there are also speakers in the doors. I used the rear speaker holes to access the chassis/bulkhead mounting bolts recently, no big deal pulling up the carpet AND foil backed insulation but it's tight. Goes back down to original position without glueing and looks untouched.You shouldn't have too much trouble peeling back to see if there are pre-cut holes, you could maybe push in on the carpet to see if you can 'feel' the outline of the hole. Just a thought.
Peter

[armynick]

I've got a UK late 97 GT3 and also found the two pre-cut 6 inch holes behind the seats.

I've stuck Infinty mid-range speakers in there, from their Kappa series.

In the doors have left the standard Alpine speakers and tweeters.

On the dash, I've again used Infinity Kappa speakers.

And I've put an active sub-woofer from Panasonic in the passenger footwell. (This is a flat, upright unit)

Oh, I've got and Alpine head unit and also placed an Alpine amp behind my V8 passenger seat. (Going to have to move it to the boot though as it's getting too hot there and cutting out on maximum volume)

Not enough bass though, and not enough room!

[cnh1990]

I just don't see how to get more bass out of a sub enclosure with the room we have to work with. Just can't get enough air space for the sub to work at peak. Oh sure you will get some sound out of them but it's not like the punch of a proper sub. Unless one gets adventuresome and designs a transmission line sub remoted from where the spare tire is. I heard of someone doing that but have never seen one. Also heard of someone with a bazooka tube type sub mounted just forward of the passengers seat on the floor that the passengers legs go over.
Calvin

[armynick]

Was toying with the idea of a small box that Blaunpoint (spelling?) do. Placing it btween the 2 seats with the leads easily unconectable to stow it.

[cnh1990]

I have seen a picture of an Esprit that was for sale a while back with a JL sub mounted where the map pocket is in between the two seats rear of the arm rests. I would think that it would be to close to the listeners ear. I don't know about other individuals, but I like audio mixed a bit before it reaches my ear. Bass is good if not being overwhelmed by it is what am getting at. Audio is such a subjective thing and what works for one person, others may hate.
Calvin 90 SE