Anyone put a sub inside their spare tire?

Dave Bennett · 08-18-2003, 09:47 PM

Hey guys,
I got a new car about a month ago, a 2004 Impreza Outback Sport. I took the Amp and Sub out of my old Escort wagon but have pretty much decided to go subless in the new car. I've put a JVC MP3 CD deck and 4 new two way coax speakers in it and it sounds good but it could use a bit of bass. I got thinking, if I could put a sub in a spot where it's hidden and doesn't take up cargo space I might reconsider. Anyhow, I've seen a few people who make custom enclosures that fit right on top of your spare tire. Anyhow here have a sub in there? If so, does it rattle the tire much or is it fairly tight? Also, did you make your own box or did you find a place that did it for you? Thanks for any info.
Oh and also, if anyone knows, does installing an amp in your car void any warranties on the car? With my old car, i didn't care as it was already 4 years old when I got it, but with this one I don't want to void any warranties. Thanks

Jason Merrick · 08-19-2003, 08:29 AM

Hi Dave,

The only warranty concern would be if the dealer could prove that the amp wiring somehow caused whatever problem it is you are seeking warranty service for.

I have not personally seen a custom sub/amp installation OVER a spare tire... although many people remove their spare tire and use that space to install a custom box. I don't think you could fit much in the space on top of the spare tire, at least nothing worthwhile. The Acura RSX type-S comes with a Bose Premium Audio system that has something like a 6" woofer (not sub) that fills the indentation over the rim portion of the spare tire. From what I hear though, it is pretty much worthless and doesn't produce audible bass.

EDIT: I was going to suggest checking a Subaru forum (like i-club.com), but I see you already found it Dave...er...Cardiff Giant!

Rick Lyon · 08-19-2003, 01:53 PM

I know of 2 speaker companies who make sub enclosures to fit inside spare tires. Sorry i can't remember the names. One I know simply raised your trunk floor board like an inch up and the other I think just sat inside the tire and down fired. I think you may be limited by the car model, not sure. Your best bet is some google searching for custom sub enclosure in the tire well.

Mounting an amp is no biggie, just be clean with it. When I trade in my Jetta, I have take my stuff out. I have a 500 w JBL amp, 10" Kicker ISObaric and Sony head unit that will need to be removed to add value to my car (ironically) Just be careful where you mount it, the back of the rear seat is good.

Nat Ward · 08-23-2003, 11:19 AM

Dave, if you do a search through the i-club or nasioc you'll see a vendor called Subie Sounds I believe. He was building some nice pre-made subwoofer enclosures for the rear hatch of the WRX wagons. It's not in the spare tire like you hoped, but it does sit nicely in the driver's side corner. Try and find it, might be a new idea that ends up being what you want.

Dave Bennett · 08-23-2003, 02:16 PM

Nat,
Thanks for the info. I've found a few people who made spare tire mounts for their woofers but none of them are mass produced and thus it would be alot of money to get one I think.
I'm thinking about a different option now. Since I'm just looking for a little bit of extra bass, I'm thinking about getting something like the Kenwood woox or a similar model made by Clarion. It's a powered sub that will fit underneath one of the front seats. Obviously it won't be quite as deep or loud as the 10" sealed box sub I had in my Escort, but in reality I'm not as much of a bass head as I was when I was 17 so I think that extra kick would be enough. Also these wouldn't take up any cargo space or be visible from the outside, which is why I was thinking about the spare tire enclosure to begin with. At any rate, I'll keep you guys posted on what I decide to go with.

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Dave Bennett · 08-24-2003, 01:05 PM

I ended up ordering the Kenwood Woox I've read some positive reviews from Car Audio sites/publications as well as user reviews so I went ahead and jumped on it. From what I've gathered, it'll provide nice solid bass(comparable to like an 8" boxed woofer depending on how close you mount it to the driving position). It should fit underneath one of my front seats so I'm sure it'll be adequate for me. I should have it this week, but I'll probably wait until the weekend to attempt to put it in. I'll post my impressions once I get it all hooked up.



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