Bought a 99 VW GTI: Looking for SQ owners or builders/vendors
 

Hello everyone,

I'm the proud new owner of a 99 VW GTI (2dr). My plans are to strip it (inside and out) and start all over. Fortunately the car is 95% solid. The finished product (for the audio) will be a solid SQ competitor. While my budget is not quite "unlimited", I am more than willing to save for the right stuff. My timeline for the whole project is approx 12-18mos.

Now to business...

Is there anyone who owns or has built an SQ GTI here? If so I'd like to hear about your setup. Not so much the brands but the placement of your front stage and sub(s). I'd like to use a 3pc comp (for show mostly) but am I better off with a 2 pc?

My ideas are still only ideas as i'm still in the planning stages. However, I'd like to avoid kick panels as I'm 6'3 and I'd like to spare as much room as i can in the footwells. Also, I'm going to remove the rear seat completely and I'd really like to use that space for a sub enclosure (nice and low in the rear footwell) and amp racks.

If you need any more info please let me know. I've read the IASCA rules and sort-of understand but I am still learning. Thanks in advance!
Adam

If your planning to buy a 3way component set just for "show" as you say then I would say your already going about things the wrong way.

I'm planning on building the car properly. No shortcuts. I'd like a properly set up 3pc, however if it is impractical in a small car then I will purchase a 2pc. As of right now I'm trying to plan the speaker layout, which I'm very unsure of.

Thanks for the input. Maybe "show" was the wrong choice of words.

If you are game for completely custom install on the door panels or A-pillers then a 3way setup would be fine. Be right aware that to do it properly is going to eat time and install considerably. If you still want above average sound and to simplify the install considerably, a good 2way set would most certainly do the job. It it were me and my car, I would be headed to a solid 2 way set of components and move forward from there.

Nice car. I'd do something like:

2 tweeters
2 6.5"
2 xovers
400w amp

Subs? Go sealed, a hatch is gonna be loud. If the cheaper route, 2 12" SSA Dcon's sealed in 2.5 (2.78) cubes on 600w for 1000W total. You might want a signal processor or an equalizer that'll handle all speakers from 10hz - 20000hz. Deaden the car. You don't need to take out the rear seat, those'll fit. Are the stock speaker sizes 4x6? Buy kickpanels or fiberglass them pointing 1/4" towards you, they won't get in your way. The tweeters you might want to point almost at you. Buy the stuff, hook it up, and then point it in different directions.

Don't skimp on the quality of the 6.5", some are brutal, some are damn clear. If you aren't buying dedicated midbass than buy ones that go down to about 60hz. Some tweeters are too high pitched and sound scratchy. Listen to a pair at a local shop and go from there.

Thanks for all the replies. FWIW, this car will not see the road until it's finished. I'm trying to build a proper show car. I'm shooting for trophies and magazines here. (I can dream can't I?) The audio is only a very big part of a very big project. I'm planning on alot of fabrication, which why the back seat is coming out, as well as several other things.

Just a word of advice, dont go into this just expecting trophies and magazine covers. My best advice to you would be to go to a few shows and see and talk to some of the other competitors that have been doing this for a while, feel it out is what im saying. If you work hard at it and are willing to put in the lots of time and some money then you should be able to achieve your goals. Just dont expect all that to come right away because it takes time like anything else, hell ive been competing for nearly 7 years now, Ive been to three IASCA world finals and I still havent gotten a top 3 finish so just be prepared to spend some time at it.

I understand completely. I've set my goals high and I know the road will be long. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the quality garage time. :smilie_da

When I get my camera going again i'll be sure to post a few photos for reference.