HELP PLZ 8" woofer choice for existing enclosure

[mkellypc 0]

Hello all and thank you in advance for any help.

I am in need of a new woofer for an existing enclosure.  It currently has an Image Dynamics ID-8 v3.  I am interested in the Sundown E-8 line but have been unable to get ANY help thru Sundown.

I am open to other brand drivers as well.

This is a budget/low power system in my daughters first car.  Will be have approximately 250 watts supplied.  Needs to be a 2 ohm load.

Enclosure is .76cu' GROSS volume.  3/4 mdf construction.

Port is 2" x 11" sch 40 PVC, flared on outlet end.  Port can be modified in length only.

Woofer and port rear facing in 2013 Honda Civic sedan.

Thanks again for any help in suggestions of box modeling if anyone is able.

Matt

[///M5 2,833]

HOLY port noise. I'd turn that box into a sealed an remove some air space to shrink it. Even at 50w you are going to have a noisy ass port. Then just grab an 8" that is geared towards a sealed box.

Do you have depth concerns?

Also is the ID dead? If not, why not just use it. Changing woofers won't gain you anything....

[mkellypc 0]

Thanks for the speedy reply.  The ID is a 2 ohm DVC driver and this amp won't last long at 1 ohm load.  So before I buy the same driver in 4 ohm DVC, I wanted to see what other options are available.  The box is built to ID specs, with the 2" port.  I really should have known better but did not think it thru well enough.  The enclosure I built with my kid ( first build together!) so I'd like to try and salvage it..and yes its already been carpeted.  SOME port noise can be tolerated since its in the trunk.

No depth concerns, would like to keep ported enclosure vs sealed.

Edited October 2, 2015 by mine

[///M5 2,833]

To keep it ported you'll need to add an external port. If ID recommends a 2" port they should be shot. Absolutely absurd.

If you are happy with the sound then just get a different amp. It will be cheaper in the long run. Sell what you have and go for it.

I will also add that in general ported 8's are not logical in single units. I built an enclosure with a large enough port for a single 8 and took pictures to show the point. Regrettably this was about 8 years ago and I can't find the pics online anymore. Either way, that 8 ported took more space than my 12" sealed and had way less output.

[mkellypc 0]

Thanks again.  That may get more envolved than I'm willing to do for this project.  This is a very limited system that was just intended to improve the crap factory equipment.  We retained the factory head unit as we wanted to keep the factory Bluetooth, separate radio display/rear view camera display, steering wheel controls, etc.  There is a small 5 channel amp installed under passenger seat (Soundstream  PN5.640D).  All new speaker wire, doors deadened, replacement coaxials all around.  It surprisingly sounds much better than I anticipated.  My goal was a budget system, with decent quality components, and a solid install.  I was an installer for 20 years in mid 80's to early 2000's.  Competed at IASCA National events in early 90's.  However, I have been retired from it for quite some time.  I REALLY don't want to lose any more trunk space for her and question the amount of power that really comes from this amp, tho not willing to replace it.  I could redo the port to a 3"  if I had to, but would rather not since it has been carpeted and existing port is recessed nicely. 

[///M5 2,833]

The port noise in that box would drive me batshit crazy...

If the amp never gets hot you could just gamble on it...

[Tirefryr 1,742]

That amp is indeed doing what it says.  I've used two of them.   That's a great little driver you have too.  I'd buy another and just swap them out.  As Sean's said, vent is small, but you'll never hear it in the trunk.

[mkellypc 0]

Thanks for the input.  I have 2 of these drivers in my truck on a Zapco 600 watt amp and they are unreal.  Have been beating the s*^& out of them for 4 years and never a hiccup.  The one in this enclosure sounds pretty good, just not comparable to my truck, less power and in the trunk.  I don't hear any port noise in the car, but am sure there is some.  I thought before I just bought another one I would see if some of the newer long excursion models may be better for this application.  IF I were to redo the port in this box, any input on what length a 3" port would need to be.  I don't have any of the programs needed to model enclosures any more.

Thanks again.

[frogcase2002 393]

You would need over 20 inches of port length if you use a 3 inch port and want it tuned low

[mkellypc 0]

Interestingly, I discovered that ARC Audio recommends almost the exact same enclosure and port for their ARC 8D driver. 

"SQ" .7 cu'  2" x 12.75" tuned to 32hz

                   or

"SPL" .75cu' 2" x 4.5" tuned to 44hz

 

Does this seem right?

 

 

edit...The ARC driver looks very similar in build to the Image Dynamics.  I compared T/S parameters and they are EXACTLY the same..... same driver!  ARC wants $60 more for theirs.

Edited October 3, 2015 by mine

[Tirefryr 1,742]

ID manufactured drivers for ARC.  Not sure if they still do since Eric has sold out.