Walled Off Sonic (4) 15's on 6kW

[mcanderson0]

Making an amp view window with lexan

 

[mcanderson0]

Port flare


Subs back out so I can do some detail


After filler


After sanding


Stain


Aluminum bolts for the subwoofer leads (bc they dont really make copper 3/8" threaded rod)


Aluminum nuts too

 

[mcanderson0]

Battery ground:
Drill a 3/8" hole through a heavy part of the frame/body and stuck a brass rod through. Cleaned up the paint...


Crimped


Battery current sensor on 4/0 cable


Mounted battery ground


Rust prevention


Tape job well done


Underside

 

[mcanderson0]

Grounded my RCAs to prevent loop noise. Keep in mind, all my amps are grounded to the battery negative terminal, so the amps do not send any signal through the chassis. This also prevents ground noise.

 

[mcanderson0]

Amp rack


Stained

 

[mcanderson0]

Working on installing (2) 8's in each front door:



Silver Flute


Made the face baffle. More on this later

 

[mcanderson0]

Dash reinstalled. The Metra dash didn't fit well, but I modified the tabs a bit.


Got an alignment and 4 wheel corner weights verified:


Gained 723 pounds compared to a "stock" corner weight dataset someone passed along.

 

[mcanderson0]

I took a lot of measurements and sketched up a set of brackets to brace the windshield. A weld shop did the rest:




I'll have a pole welded between the two to support the windshield. I'll also have the pinch seam at the top of the windshield re-spot-welded because I broke all the stock spot welds.

 

[mcanderson0]

Video of the windshield moving like rubber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlPougWvHVg

And another where you can hear the metal at the pinch seam clacking around
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h46yT8h3kVM

 

[mcanderson0]

I cut out a bunch of detailed pics, so if you have questions, feel free to ask.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Beastlick's custom work looking f*cking SHARP.

Damn, I like that grill, how can I buy one?

 

[mcanderson0]

Beastlick (member on this forum) makes them. Or made them, not sure if he still does.

 

[TMac]

Video of the windshield moving like rubber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlPougWvHVg

And another where you can hear the metal at the pinch seam clacking around
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h46yT8h3kVM

You can you clear the snow / rain or dirt off your car (near by cars as well) with that setup.
I'm impressed!!!!
Trevor

 

[mja]

This thread is awesome opcorn:

How do you like the Singer Alternator? That's on my to-do list. Any noticeable idle draw or odd electrical issues from the regulator?

 

[mcanderson0]

This thread is awesome opcorn:

How do you like the Singer Alternator? That's on my to-do list. Any noticeable idle draw or odd electrical issues from the regulator?

The Singer alt is great. 7 week lead time since the winding is a bit more specific than the truck/suv alternators he produces otherwise.

The alternator is still PCM controlled. So the voltage starts at 14.5-15V at startup and swings from battery voltage (typically 12.5V-12.8V), to mid 13s to 14.1V on average. But those swings suck when you're trying to run a ~700A system with 210A alternator that the PCM cuts off at will and fluctuates the charge voltage.

I am waiting on a PCM Module by US Alternator that lets the alt run at a programmed set voltage. Voltage is set at the time of order. Since I live in Houston, I asked him to set it to 14.2-14.4V. When that arrives, I'll definitely provide feedback.

 

[mja]

The Singer alt is great. 7 week lead time since the winding is a bit more specific than the truck/suv alternators he produces otherwise.

The alternator is still PCM controlled. So the voltage starts at 14.5-15V at startup and swings from battery voltage (typically 12.5V-12.8V), to mid 13s to 14.1V on average. But those swings suck when you're trying to run a ~700A system with 210A alternator that the PCM cuts off at will and fluctuates the charge voltage.

I am waiting on a PCM Module by US Alternator that lets the alt run at a programmed set voltage. Voltage is set at the time of order. Since I live in Houston, I asked him to set it to 14.2-14.4V. When that arrives, I'll definitely provide feedback.

lol Jesus, you'll be able to use the sonic as a home generator when the power goes out

At what power level do you recommend a PCM Module for voltage regulation... just if the alt is maxed, or something above it? Gota see this thing in person at one of our Houston meets.

 

[mcanderson0]

Depends on what you're trying to do. If you run stock devices, you may not care about voltage swings. If you run bass amplifier(s) then the regulator helps keep your amp produce more power by keeping voltage high (P=I*V). Or, if you draw more amperage than the alternator normally puts out (power inverter or some other large equipment), then the voltage regulator helps to recharge the battery faster.

Never been to a Sonic meet in Houston, is there info on this forum?

 

[mcanderson0]

Really happy with the offset


I tinted the chrome on the rear mustache and the emblems awhile back. It gives the chrome a good sleek look.


I also removed the antenna and installed a sink stopper with some tint on it. I need to retint it since the metal is corroding a bit. Spent less than $5 on the parts so Im not upset about the having to fix it a year later.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Awesome build! I had no idea this much work went into building a bass enclosure. Artfully done.

I only have one question/concern from the electrical standpoint.

Why do you have copper washers on aluminium terminals? Unless I am mistaken you will run into trouble down the road from current passing through dissimilar metals.

It's a small detail, and as you mentioned, you didn't have the option to use copper for the bolts. However, I heard "Copper", "Aluminium", and "Electricity" in the same sentence and cringed inwardly.

Actually, the battery posts are also a different metal from the copper leads you have connected, aren't they?

Again, solid build. Awesome craftsmanship. I just wanted to bring this up because it is a major red flag in the electrical industry that could spell trouble later on.

 

[carsNskis]

@OP: Just a hunch, but isn't that ss hardware you're using?

This build is epic, Sir. Well executed and solid af.

...Slow clap goes here...