1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Looking to add subwoofer/amp to Prius (electric/MPG concern)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by okay123, Nov 10, 2011.

  1. okay123

    okay123 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2011
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I may be the few people to have thought about it but my previous cars were easy to setup, I added a capacitor so I wouldnt drain the car battery.

    I am looking to put 1 or 2 15" JL/Fosgate subwoofer in a ported box in my Prius. But I was wondering if the wiring would be the same or would it screw up the hybrid system? There's the weight issue (50lbs at most).

    I think that's basically my plan, may upgrade the speakers with tweeters and circular speakers whatever fits the stock door speakers (havent checked the exact size yet)


    I am an audiophile. I need heavy chest pounding bass when I listen to music.
     
    #1 okay123, Nov 10, 2011
  2. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2009
    1,153
    111
    9
    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    You're. It too concerned with giving up all that trunk space? Two 15's need a big box, no?
     
    #2 mgb4tim, Nov 10, 2011
  3. okay123

    okay123 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2011
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    you're what??


    I think I may go with 1 15 after a sound test if it sounds good or not. I know how to wire up an audio system I was just concerned if the prius is a different story. I usually hook it up directly to the car battery (as soon as the car turns on the alternator runs to recharge the battery, this is not the case with the prius, it runs in battery mode sometimes)


    i think i will hook up the box where it is easily removable should i need to put the rear seats down so that is not much of an issue


    btw theres a specific math formula to determine the best "sound", its not exact but 1 12" would be good in a SUV/wagon/hatchback/truck cab. cars with closed trunks like a sedan/coupe dont really that well. im not doing it to be annoying. i know 2 15s would be overkill and probably best for a big car like a Chevy Suburban
     
    #3 okay123, Nov 10, 2011
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    #4 cwerdna, Nov 10, 2011
  5. okay123

    okay123 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2011
    5
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    i think this might be unrelated lol. i'm well aware of the euro system of litre per 100km

    anyways weight and aerodynamics play a huge role in fuel economy. im looking to put rear wheel fender covers (Honda Insight) and put smooth hubcaps on the car and maybe lower it 1-2in, that should see an increase. to be even more OCD, maybe get rid of the rear seats if im only bringing myself along


    I'm waiting for the Prius C to come out


    i need 5 posts to post pics

    http: // carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/237/4784/25592391767_large.jpg
     
    #5 okay123, Nov 10, 2011
  6. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2009
    1,153
    111
    9
    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Sorry-autocorrect. You're not too concerned with trunk space.
     
    #6 mgb4tim, Nov 11, 2011
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,081
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    A true audiophile would never run 2 15s in a small car. You are more of a basshead as we call it in the car stereo industry. I am sort of one too. ;)

    Y ou don't need a capacitor to avoid draining the battery. That's not what the are designed for anyway. All you need is appropriate sized wiring and bunch of sound deadening materials to reduce the rattles you are going to have. lol

    Do not play a high wattage system with the car off or you'll drain the tiny battery very quickly. Other than that you should be fine. I ran 1,900w RMS for years before downgrading to a single sub and only 900w. I never had a problem but I did end up installing an Optima yellow top battery after the oem unit degraded.
     
    #7 F8L, Nov 12, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)