Which Speakers? - Page 2 - LotusTalk

ivan1 · 01-08-2009, 05:23 PM

removing the seat makes it easier, but I have done the rear swap without removing the seat as have some others....

codymac · 01-08-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivan1

removing the seat makes it easier, but I have done the rear swap without removing the seat as have some others....

Same here.

the1sen · 01-09-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codymac

Same here.

I believe you both. BUT, being the clutz i am with limited ability, and since my Elise is new to me and has some miscellaneous rattles and such coming from under the floor, I am all prepared to remove the seats and get the job done while simultaneously removing the rattle culprits...

I tried putting the speakers back in and could hardly get past the little metal clips without them falling off and then down into the under-seat chasm of doom from whence no one can reach underneath!

I bought a magnet tool as suggested in the tool thread and I think some of the rattling culprits on my car are under the carpet... nasty.

Anyway, I will be doing some cleaning this weekend. I am renting a rug doctor for the house and for the cars and am cleaning the rugs.

The speakers shall have a bunch of stuff written about them and photos taken when I get it done. Nifty.

the1sen · 01-09-2009, 08:11 PM

Twas a few days after xmas
and all through the house
the wife could be heard screaming
about some noise coming from the garage

The tools were strewn about
the garage floor without care
and a few miscellaneous parts
were scattered here and there

in the midst of all of the clutter and smoke,
a beautiful Lotus Elise, and next to it
stood a jolly little bloke

The wife screamed and yelled,
"Can you hurry it up dear?!?!"
and the dirty fat bastard said,
"As soon as I get my new Speakers hooked up in here!"

The fat man removed all the seat bolts and seats
he knew it would make it easier for his knees.

He removed all the gunk and debris from the floors
He vacuumed and wiped down all of the boards.
He cut out the rings fashioned of metal
and yanked out the dash with some pliers (un-gentle)

His wife stood and screamed, horrified at the task
"DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I PAID FOR THAT CAR?",
She asked?

nevertheless, the fat bloke continued with glee
in hopes that soon he would be able to hear his Elise
a little Pink Floyd, some Metallica, and even Jade,
a bunch louder than the factory fabricated...

And when the night was finished,
and the wife had fallen asleep,
the fat bloke choked
and started to weep.

His task was completed,
The speakers were installed...
and all on top of this,
arose a sound which gave his heart bliss...

and then he turned the key and the engine awoke,
and he drove and he drove while enjoying his tunes
and he felt so much joy for all his fortunes.

when he arrived at home, he saw the garage light
and his wife screamed to him,
"YOU'RE SLEEPING OUTSIDE TONIGHT!"

...m... · 01-09-2009, 08:40 PM

...after popping the seats, did you use loctite when bolting them back into place?..seeing dabs on the original bolts is the only thing which has made me hesitant to remove my own seats and perform a similar operation...

the1sen · 01-10-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...after popping the seats, did you use loctite when bolting them back into place?..seeing dabs on the original bolts is the only thing which has made me hesitant to remove my own seats and perform a similar operation...

I'm pulling them again for some other stuff I'm doing today. Shifter mods and whatnot...

may the luck of the 7 pillars of bulu be with me at all times.

codymac · 01-10-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...after popping the seats, did you use loctite when bolting them back into place?..seeing dabs on the original bolts is the only thing which has made me hesitant to remove my own seats and perform a similar operation...

You mean the colored marks on the tops of the bolts or on the threads? On the tops, it's just paint so the assembly line knows they've been torqued. I don't recall any loctite on mine but it's been so long since I've had them out that I wouldn't remember.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the1sen

I'm pulling them again for some other stuff I'm doing today. Shifter mods and whatnot...

may the luck of the 7 pillars of bulu be with me at all times.

Keep track of which holes they come out of as they're different lengths and can dimple the floor of the car (visible from underneath it) if they go in the wrong holes.

kaiynne · 01-10-2009, 08:26 AM

My 08 came with alpines stock which to my ears sound a lot better than the ones in the 07 i test drove but i still plan to upgrade to a stealth box and a new HU. this is the setup i have in mind, anyone using something similar?

HU: Alpine IDA-x100
Fronts and rears: stock (not sure what the 08's came with)
Sub: JL Stealthbox
Amp: Alpine PDX-5
Source: Hidden 120GB Ipod

the1sen · 01-10-2009, 05:46 PM

So today I tore out the seats and did both of the shifter mods and finally glued in the front speakers.

1. Sector 111 Shifter mod = re-ENFORCER - Shift reinforcement for the Lotus Elise and Exige - Sector111 awesome for the shifting feel. don't question the two holes that need to be drilled, just drill them. It will be over with quickly. GREAT MOD... I just got a new Elise today...

2. Stan's Shifter Mod = Lotus Elise Gear Shift Frame Brace Icing on the cake. HOLY FREAKING CRAPOLA BATMAN! My shifter and center console are seriously ROCK solid. I used Hard Nylon spacers and some oversized washers. AWESOME man. I got a newer new Elise today AGAIN!

3. While I had everything out, I also added the soft side of Velcro to the backs of all the plastic pieces I took out so it would make for a less "jittery" sounding ride, and it worked like a charm.

4. I also installed my Garage Door Opener in the left hand cubby directly next to the steering wheel with some Velcro.

5. I removed the old crappy floor mats and the nasty goop all over the tub from the glue they put on them and replaced them with new ones and Velcroed them in place instead.

6. SPEAKERS! NOW MY ELISE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so elated with the speaker upgrade, I'm euphoric right now. I just finished cleaning it up after doing all the work, and then washing/Zaino-ing it for the first time and I am ready for a cruise with some tunes that I can hear! WOW! What a GREAT improvement the speakers have made.

I don't plan to install an amplifier, but I do foresee a new Alpine head unit in my near future once the 2009 line has come out... the Blaupunkt doesn't have the juice to drive the speakers very well... Perhaps, I might eventually grab up a Stealthbox... but I am quite happy with what I have now.

For me, I knew that buying a car like this would be like any great motorcycle. It might need a little tweak here or there, but once it's dialed in, BANG! You've got a real winner. That said, I am so pleased with these two major changes. A stereo with some very decent sound, and a shifter that doesn't feel cheap are truly a wonderful thing.

I must send a special thank you to Jim Clayton for his Speaker Rings - don't complain, just get them. And Jim sent them VERY quickly. FS: Adaptor rings for 5-1/4" front speaker install

I must also thank JL Audio for some killer speakers.

I must thank my wife for the patience of Job.

And I must thank Lotus for making working on a car so much freaking fun.

Lastly, but but not least, I would like to thank the Forum for all the wonderful information available here. You guys made this all happen. Thanks so much.

WOW! I feel so tired, and yet the urge to drive that beautiful beast is insatiable! I think I am going for a ride.

Hasta la pasta compadres!

lotusfan2 · 01-10-2009, 10:13 PM

You're going to like the JL Stealthbox - the sub really helps a ton to get better sound.

> I removed the old crappy floor mats and the nasty goop all over the tub from the glue they put on them and replaced them with new ones and Velcroed them in place instead.

Be careful with that - the mats need to be made of breathable material. Lotus even mentions it explicitly in the manual. Otherwise the aluminum floor might corrode.

the1sen · 01-11-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotusfan2

You're going to like the JL Stealthbox - the sub really helps a ton to get better sound.

> I removed the old crappy floor mats and the nasty goop all over the tub from the glue they put on them and replaced them with new ones and Velcroed them in place instead.

Be careful with that - the mats need to be made of breathable material. Lotus even mentions it explicitly in the manual. Otherwise the aluminum floor might corrode.

They're the Lotus mats that say "Lotus" on them. The bottom is made of some kind of textured rubber. Hope those will suffice.

V-RAPTOR · 01-11-2009, 09:12 AM

I am glad you were happy with the speakers! Get out an enjoy the car now.

the1sen · 01-11-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-RAPTOR

I am glad you were happy with the speakers! Get out an enjoy the car now.

what an awesome ride I just had - and the speakers were great...

ACE51 · 05-07-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the1sen

what an awesome ride I just had - and the speakers were great...

I know you posted a while ago but do you have a picture of those speakers on the dash?

Can't decide to go with the now old VR's or the new TR's

Thanks!

the1sen · 05-07-2009, 04:03 PM

I don't unfortunately - They fit very nicely however and were $74 per pair on ebay.

yes, you need to be sure to grab the metal ring with a pair of pliers and twist/tear it out. It's a scary, but easy process.

The ones I got are great. I would get the 6.5" set for the rear if I were to do it again. Pulling the seats was easy.

PS - don't loctite the bolts down.

Smoky · 10-24-2009, 09:11 PM

Hi all

Asking in this thread as well... Need some quick help

Seeing a number of folks purchase JL TR525 for the front speakers here, I picked some up myself. I am using Jim Clayton's adapter 5.25" adapter ring. I have an 07 Exige S. Maybe it is because this is an Exige, but the TR525 does not fit. The duct is in the way of the magnet.

Am I noobing out, and it should fit, or did I buy the wrong speaker? If not this speaker, what fits?

Thanks!

V-RAPTOR · 10-25-2009, 05:44 AM

I had some problems and just had to rotate the speaker some and it dropped right in then.
I have an Elise though so it might be different, but you can give it a try.

Smoky · 10-25-2009, 06:40 AM

Thx. I did try turning them...360 deg. No go. I think that trick is to help the wires find the big slot for their fitment. The TR525 is an inch and a half or so deeper than the stockers.

I guess i can fit these tr525s in the back? They wont be a complete waste then i they do. But what should i use in the front?

Are Exige owners forced to use 4"speakers im front?

Thx again

jim-clayton · 10-25-2009, 06:50 AM

They should fit. The magnet hits the ac duct on the drivers side sometimes. You can make room with a heat gun on the vent tube.

Does the passenger side fit?

The TR's will definitely fit the rear.

You don't want 4" in the front.

Here's a picture of the heated vent tube. I used a heat gun and a hammer handle to push down on the softened plastic..

Smoky · 10-25-2009, 07:31 AM

Wow. I didnt realize id have to melt stuff! Thx for the pics. Ive never read that before, that this melting was necessary. I can do it, but prefer not to.

Are there any speakers that just fit using your spacers, without requiring melting or anything so severe?

01-08-2009, 05:23 PM	#21 (permalink)
ivan1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bedford, NY Posts: 6,279	removing the seat makes it easier, but I have done the rear swap without removing the seat as have some others.... __________________ 2008 Elise SC Ardent Red - Touring, Sport, Starshield Previous car - 2005 Elise Saffron Yellow (totaled in flood- the original underwater elise)

01-09-2009, 08:11 PM	#24 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	Twas a few days after xmas and all through the house the wife could be heard screaming about some noise coming from the garage The tools were strewn about the garage floor without care and a few miscellaneous parts were scattered here and there in the midst of all of the clutter and smoke, a beautiful Lotus Elise, and next to it stood a jolly little bloke The wife screamed and yelled, "Can you hurry it up dear?!?!" and the dirty fat bastard said, "As soon as I get my new Speakers hooked up in here!" The fat man removed all the seat bolts and seats he knew it would make it easier for his knees. He removed all the gunk and debris from the floors He vacuumed and wiped down all of the boards. He cut out the rings fashioned of metal and yanked out the dash with some pliers (un-gentle) His wife stood and screamed, horrified at the task "DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I PAID FOR THAT CAR?", She asked? nevertheless, the fat bloke continued with glee in hopes that soon he would be able to hear his Elise a little Pink Floyd, some Metallica, and even Jade, a bunch louder than the factory fabricated... And when the night was finished, and the wife had fallen asleep, the fat bloke choked and started to weep. His task was completed, The speakers were installed... and all on top of this, arose a sound which gave his heart bliss... and then he turned the key and the engine awoke, and he drove and he drove while enjoying his tunes and he felt so much joy for all his fortunes. when he arrived at home, he saw the garage light and his wife screamed to him, "YOU'RE SLEEPING OUTSIDE TONIGHT!" __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com Last edited by the1sen : 01-10-2009 at 05:47 PM.

01-09-2009, 08:40 PM	#25 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...after popping the seats, did you use loctite when bolting them back into place?..seeing dabs on the original bolts is the only thing which has made me hesitant to remove my own seats and perform a similar operation... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

01-10-2009, 08:26 AM	#28 (permalink)
kaiynne Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 284	My 08 came with alpines stock which to my ears sound a lot better than the ones in the 07 i test drove but i still plan to upgrade to a stealth box and a new HU. this is the setup i have in mind, anyone using something similar? HU: Alpine IDA-x100 Fronts and rears: stock (not sure what the 08's came with) Sub: JL Stealthbox Amp: Alpine PDX-5 Source: Hidden 120GB Ipod __________________ '08 Canyon Red Elise Touring, Hardtop, Starshield. HID's, Exige Mesh Upgrade, Reverie Side Scoops, Stealthbulbs, Black and silver wheel/steering logos, lidbone, metal carpet buttons. '92 GMC Rally Van 3500 (Band Van)

01-10-2009, 05:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	So today I tore out the seats and did both of the shifter mods and finally glued in the front speakers. 1. Sector 111 Shifter mod = re-ENFORCER - Shift reinforcement for the Lotus Elise and Exige - Sector111 awesome for the shifting feel. don't question the two holes that need to be drilled, just drill them. It will be over with quickly. GREAT MOD... I just got a new Elise today... 2. Stan's Shifter Mod = Lotus Elise Gear Shift Frame Brace Icing on the cake. HOLY FREAKING CRAPOLA BATMAN! My shifter and center console are seriously ROCK solid. I used Hard Nylon spacers and some oversized washers. AWESOME man. I got a newer new Elise today AGAIN! 3. While I had everything out, I also added the soft side of Velcro to the backs of all the plastic pieces I took out so it would make for a less "jittery" sounding ride, and it worked like a charm. 4. I also installed my Garage Door Opener in the left hand cubby directly next to the steering wheel with some Velcro. 5. I removed the old crappy floor mats and the nasty goop all over the tub from the glue they put on them and replaced them with new ones and Velcroed them in place instead. 6. SPEAKERS! NOW MY ELISE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so elated with the speaker upgrade, I'm euphoric right now. I just finished cleaning it up after doing all the work, and then washing/Zaino-ing it for the first time and I am ready for a cruise with some tunes that I can hear! WOW! What a GREAT improvement the speakers have made. I don't plan to install an amplifier, but I do foresee a new Alpine head unit in my near future once the 2009 line has come out... the Blaupunkt doesn't have the juice to drive the speakers very well... Perhaps, I might eventually grab up a Stealthbox... but I am quite happy with what I have now. For me, I knew that buying a car like this would be like any great motorcycle. It might need a little tweak here or there, but once it's dialed in, BANG! You've got a real winner. That said, I am so pleased with these two major changes. A stereo with some very decent sound, and a shifter that doesn't feel cheap are truly a wonderful thing. I must send a special thank you to Jim Clayton for his Speaker Rings - don't complain, just get them. And Jim sent them VERY quickly. FS: Adaptor rings for 5-1/4" front speaker install I must also thank JL Audio for some killer speakers. I must thank my wife for the patience of Job. And I must thank Lotus for making working on a car so much freaking fun. Lastly, but but not least, I would like to thank the Forum for all the wonderful information available here. You guys made this all happen. Thanks so much. WOW! I feel so tired, and yet the urge to drive that beautiful beast is insatiable! I think I am going for a ride. Hasta la pasta compadres! __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

01-10-2009, 10:13 PM	#30 (permalink)
lotusfan2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 418 Images: 1	You're going to like the JL Stealthbox - the sub really helps a ton to get better sound. > I removed the old crappy floor mats and the nasty goop all over the tub from the glue they put on them and replaced them with new ones and Velcroed them in place instead. Be careful with that - the mats need to be made of breathable material. Lotus even mentions it explicitly in the manual. Otherwise the aluminum floor might corrode. __________________ '06 Elise, Canyon Red

01-11-2009, 09:12 AM	#32 (permalink)
V-RAPTOR STARLIGHT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NOVA (Winchester) Posts: 663	I am glad you were happy with the speakers! Get out an enjoy the car now. __________________ 2005 Starlight Black Biscuit Interior // Hard Top // Von Hep Exhaust // Von Hep Rear Delete // Full Heat Shield Removed // Fujita CAI // Rota Torque Wheels W/ Toyo R1R's // ForceFed Carbon Fiber Splitter // Carbon Fiber Engine lid cover // LidBone // JL Audio VR525-CXi Front and Rear // Micro Mirror // Painted interior bits // Bling Buttons // Darth Holder

05-07-2009, 04:03 PM	#35 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	I don't unfortunately - They fit very nicely however and were $74 per pair on ebay. yes, you need to be sure to grab the metal ring with a pair of pliers and twist/tear it out. It's a scary, but easy process. The ones I got are great. I would get the 6.5" set for the rear if I were to do it again. Pulling the seats was easy. PS - don't loctite the bolts down. __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

10-24-2009, 09:11 PM	#36 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 458	Hi all Asking in this thread as well... Need some quick help Seeing a number of folks purchase JL TR525 for the front speakers here, I picked some up myself. I am using Jim Clayton's adapter 5.25" adapter ring. I have an 07 Exige S. Maybe it is because this is an Exige, but the TR525 does not fit. The duct is in the way of the magnet. Am I noobing out, and it should fit, or did I buy the wrong speaker? If not this speaker, what fits? Thanks! __________________ -Smoky '07 Exige S, Chrome Orange, Track/Touring, LSD, Starshield, 2Bular 8x24, ACT XTSS Clutch, Fidanza Flywheel, S111 RTD brace, S111 Ultra Discs, rls Intercooler, Goodrich S/S brake lines, Innovative engine mounts, Valentine 1 Last edited by Smoky : 10-25-2009 at 08:22 AM.

10-25-2009, 05:44 AM	#37 (permalink)
V-RAPTOR STARLIGHT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NOVA (Winchester) Posts: 663	I had some problems and just had to rotate the speaker some and it dropped right in then. I have an Elise though so it might be different, but you can give it a try. __________________ 2005 Starlight Black Biscuit Interior // Hard Top // Von Hep Exhaust // Von Hep Rear Delete // Full Heat Shield Removed // Fujita CAI // Rota Torque Wheels W/ Toyo R1R's // ForceFed Carbon Fiber Splitter // Carbon Fiber Engine lid cover // LidBone // JL Audio VR525-CXi Front and Rear // Micro Mirror // Painted interior bits // Bling Buttons // Darth Holder

10-25-2009, 06:40 AM	#38 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 458	Thx. I did try turning them...360 deg. No go. I think that trick is to help the wires find the big slot for their fitment. The TR525 is an inch and a half or so deeper than the stockers. I guess i can fit these tr525s in the back? They wont be a complete waste then i they do. But what should i use in the front? Are Exige owners forced to use 4"speakers im front? Thx again __________________ -Smoky '07 Exige S, Chrome Orange, Track/Touring, LSD, Starshield, 2Bular 8x24, ACT XTSS Clutch, Fidanza Flywheel, S111 RTD brace, S111 Ultra Discs, rls Intercooler, Goodrich S/S brake lines, Innovative engine mounts, Valentine 1

10-25-2009, 06:50 AM	#39 (permalink)
jim-clayton Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Lauderdale Florida Posts: 1,632	They should fit. The magnet hits the ac duct on the drivers side sometimes. You can make room with a heat gun on the vent tube. Does the passenger side fit? The TR's will definitely fit the rear. You don't want 4" in the front. Here's a picture of the heated vent tube. I used a heat gun and a hammer handle to push down on the softened plastic.. Attached Images __________________ 2005 Elise Storm Titanium Last edited by jim-clayton : 10-25-2009 at 06:56 AM.

10-25-2009, 07:31 AM	#40 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 458	Wow. I didnt realize id have to melt stuff! Thx for the pics. Ive never read that before, that this melting was necessary. I can do it, but prefer not to. Are there any speakers that just fit using your spacers, without requiring melting or anything so severe? __________________ -Smoky '07 Exige S, Chrome Orange, Track/Touring, LSD, Starshield, 2Bular 8x24, ACT XTSS Clutch, Fidanza Flywheel, S111 RTD brace, S111 Ultra Discs, rls Intercooler, Goodrich S/S brake lines, Innovative engine mounts, Valentine 1 Last edited by Smoky : 10-25-2009 at 08:18 AM.

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