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2012 Charger - Veronica
I was going to wait until I was much further along or even done with this build, but what the hell, I'm bored at work so here go...
I bought this charger last fall after I got my truck stolen last April. My wife quickly named it Veronica and I thought it was fitting.
The primary goal was being an SQ comp car, after my miserable first attempt with my truck in the 2012 season. It is also my daily driver and our road trip car. Those were at Erin's GTG might caught a glimpse of it before the wife took it out shopping :) It runs high 14's in the 1/4 and I got 27mpg coming back from Alabama. Can't complain.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9...d6f49111_b.jpg
Yes, it's a hemi...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9...24ab9242_b.jpg
This was 1 week after I bought it. I took it the local drag strip on Saturday midnight drags. The silver charger belongs to a good friend's wife. She was there to race another friend in his v6 blazer (she won).
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/9...c3483f79_b.jpg
Anyway... The build will consist of the following:
- Factory HU
- Pac adapter
- Rane RPM88 for processing, with a PSU build by Todd Luliak (highly on the forums)
- JL Audio XD amps consisting of
- 2 600/6's. Each running a side of the car
- 2 1000/1's. Each one going to a coil on the sub
- JL single 13W7AE in a dual mode setup. One for SPL and another for SQ
- JL pair of ZR800's for midbass in footwells
- Fountek FW146 5.25" drivers for midrange
- Vifa XT25's for tweeters
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
While I was trying to decide on what JL equip to order, I did a quick RTA of the factory setup.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/1...b118bc0e_b.jpg
As you can see, it drops off at about 24db per octave at 100hz 8khz. That sucks lol. This measurement was a primary driver for not using an
after amp setup, like an Audio Control piece or even JL's CleanSweep box. Teh PAC unit connects between the HU and the factory amp, converts the audio signal to RCA and lets all the canbus functions continue to the amp so none of that is affected.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
One of the first things I did was think about the trunk layout, especially given this will be as much show as go.
I decided to start learning Google Sketchup and whipped up a model of the trunk.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/1...3b2f043c_b.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/1...66560e3d_b.jpg
The sub box will go in front of where the Rane is positioned. The side 'boxes' are the cavities behind the wheel wells. One will probably house a 2nd battery and not sure if the other will have anything or not. The spare tire sits under the biggest panel and I will not use that space. It is being held in reserve for something else :)
At one point I had some mockup HD amps and was moving them around, positioning them where I thought I wanted them. But then I changed to XD amps and didn't get back to that.
However, once I did get my amps in I started mocking up the amp rack. It's still too damn cold to work on the car itself and it doesn't fit in the garage, so I'm doing what I can in the garage without it. Here is the current layout:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...5711581d_b.jpg
The amps will actually be bolted to 1x1 steel square tube, which will be behind a thin panel, much like this plywood piece I'm using to mockup.
The amps are positioned so the wiring is all contained between them, and all the wires will go through a center section. In other words, all the wire holes will be
lined up for a symmetrical look.
In between the 600/6's will be the fuse block, which I will make from aluminum flat stock.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
In front of that will be a beauty panel with an acrylic section that has the shape of the grill of the car:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/1...7892bf97_b.jpg
The Mopar and JL logos will be laser cut out. It has the shape of the grill because, well, I took the shape off the grill:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/1...6153dcdf_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/1...c8f93a02_b.jpg
I took a picture of that, brought it into Adobe Illustrator and traced it out in actual size. That will be sent to the acrylic guy and cut out.
The panel will be edge lit with red LED, so the logo edges whould be lit up. I'll probably put acrylic under the amps as well, but I'm still thinking about that.
And at the moment that's where I am at. This weekend is supposed to be nice, so I'll should be able to do start some fab work. Probably weld up the amp rack frame first and go from there.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I wish I had an "acrylic guy," he sounds like a useful fellow...
The trunk-grille idea is wicked, Robert. I am especially looking forward to seeing how that turns out. You got some fine equipment selections there, buddy. Staying tuned!
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
millerlyte
I wish I had an "acrylic guy," he sounds like a useful fellow...
The trunk-grille idea is wicked, Robert. I am especially looking forward to seeing how that turns out. You got some fine equipment selections there, buddy. Staying tuned!
Thanks :)
The acrylic shop is Eaton-Quade in OKC. Jason Owens recommended them and has used them in the past for stuff. I emailed the guy (Doug) a picture, gave him dimensions and said how much? 1/4" was $65 and 1/8" was $40 or so. I had to double check that was with the cutouts and everything. Yep. Far cheaper than I was expecting and saves me hours of work making templates, routing, cussing, etc.
I plan to have the car listenable by Todd's GTG. It may not have more than a couple hours tune on it at best, and the cosmetic work won't be done, but it should be playing music.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Can't wait to see how this one unfolds. I'm all excited about the equipment choices, and the Charger too of course :D
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Beautiful car and interesting looking build. What's the plan exactly for the 8's? I'm curious to hear your thought's on the Founteks as I've not had a chance to hear those mids yet. If they're anything like the FR89's you'll be sitting pretty.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Excellent. Can't wait to see and hear it.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Sweet car and it looks like you'll have an even sweeter build.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jowens500
Don't forget about this😏
Yep! I know where this is going as well. I couldn't grab the pic when I was work and posting this stuff.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I 2nd it !!
Excellent Robert :thumbup:
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BHinkle
Beautiful car and interesting looking build. What's the plan exactly for the 8's? I'm curious to hear your thought's on the Founteks as I've not had a chance to hear those mids yet. If they're anything like the FR89's you'll be sitting pretty.
Just saw your question :)
The 8's will be going in the footwells mounted IB, play up to about 150-200hz, depending on what the Fountek's like for lower end. I've heard the 8's in a few cars (Erin and Todd's namely) so I know they can rock pretty good. The footwells also give me the most forward possible location which is good for depth of the stage, but can cause issues with cabin modes, due the big ass console and deep wells. We'll see though :) This car really has no room for a traditional kick setup, without the driver sticking half way into foot area.
I have not heard these 5's, but I have heard their bigger 6's and they are outstanding. They have gotten good reviews from the DIY home crowd as you may be aware. I am expecting good things from them, as long as the door location doesn't hinder them in way. Part of the reason for the vifa's is their ability to play down to 2.5k or so, which is right about where the 5's will start beaming. While I haven't tested it or heard it, a driver that low in the door and firing straight across and beaming probably isn't a good thing.
I was going to get some JL 4's, but they aren't available separately, or more correctly they are on 'indeterminate back order' from JL, so 5's it is for now. If I have to go dash the 5's will be some serious work to get in there and I'd probably find a good four for that location this time around. Most likely a scan 10f or so. But, I am hoping to take this setup pretty far before I get a wild hair and rip the dash apart. I did that in the truck and it isn't easy, and even though the dash is huge on this thing, it is jam packed with 'stuff'.
In a couple seasons I'll probably get the itch and do it anyway. I think about it a LOT every day on the drive to work lol. Besides this lets me step down to modex (the truck was extreme) and learn my car before moving up with the big boys (and Ally...) in extreme.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AL9000
Outstanding!
Thank you sir :)
BTW, the wife said she was going to wear her CAJ t-shirt to Todd's GTG. Made me smile :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pocket5s
Thank you sir :)
BTW, the wife said she was going to wear her CAJ t-shirt to Todd's GTG. Made me smile :)
:woot:
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I'm eager to see how this all comes together.......but please, could you elaborate on the proposed "dual mode" setup on the 13? I'd love to know exactly what this eludes to.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
For spl it will be ported, no secret there. But for sq i will have an actuator that closed up the port, making it effectively sealed. I've also thought about sealing the port and open the side or back to make it infinite baffle. Depends on how big the ported enclosure is as to which route I go.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I like the infinite baffle option
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pocket5s
For spl it will be ported, no secret there. But for sq i will have an actuator that closed up the port, making it effectively sealed. I've also thought about sealing the port and open the side or back to make it infinite baffle. Depends on how big the ported enclosure is as to which route I go.
The ported sealed thing was along the lines I was thinking......but the ported to ib might be interesting!
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I'm glad you're posting a build log here. The Charger forum will no doubt be impressed by the build, but they really have no clue what it's all about.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pocket5s
For spl it will be ported, no secret there. But for sq i will have an actuator that closed up the port, making it effectively sealed. I've also thought about sealing the port and open the side or back to make it infinite baffle. Depends on how big the ported enclosure is as to which route I go.
Now that's some seriously creative thinking, bravo sir, bravo.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hic
I like the infinite baffle option
Quote:
Originally Posted by
claydo
The ported sealed thing was along the lines I was thinking......but the ported to ib might be interesting!
Honestly I'd REALLY like to try this option. I've heard some of the best setups with IB. If I wasn't going to do SPL (mainly for meca's bobos) I'd go AE 15's IB in a heartbeat. Interestingly enough, this 13 has the piston volume of almost two AE 15's. Think about that...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
papacueball
I'm glad you're posting a build log here. The Charger forum will no doubt be impressed by the build, but they really have no clue what it's all about.
I agree. I started it there because I figured it would be low key for a while. Then bam I saw your comment, recognized the name and ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hi-FiDelity
Now that's some seriously creative thinking, bravo sir, bravo.
Thank you :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Excellent! Another one of Brampton's finest.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
This is an excellent build. I really like the plexiglass work you did, thats awesome.
If you are looking for a descent 4" mid, you can try to look into CDT.
http://www.cdtaudio.com/sep_componen...ofers/es4.htm/
http://www.cdtaudio.com/sep_componen...fers/es04.htm/
Its worth a look into. Anyways, keep it up. Everything is looking spectacular. I'm tuned in.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Weather was good today, so I got outside and into the car a bit.
Took out all the factory beauty panels.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/1...63d84467_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/1...efba518a_b.jpg
A second battery will go in this location
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/1...2df5a641_b.jpg
Here is the driver side
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/1...533e98fb_b.jpg
Which is where I think I will put the Rane. Luckily I have a spare while the other is getting modded :)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/1...936de287_b.jpg
Tucks in pretty nice
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...eb089a83_b.jpg
Also pulled up the carpet in the driver footwell to see how much room I have in there and it turns out the dead panel area is just a bit piece of plastic, so I have a good 3" extra outboard than what I thought I would, which is a good thing :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Black Rain
Thanks for the info. Fixed your links :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I don't know if I'd call these cars well put together, but they are a bitch to take apart. :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
I hear ya. I'm glad I got a set of panel pullers, both the plastic and metal ones. I'd still be cussing those little plastic pins they use to hold the panels in.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Pictures?! Sweet!
Consider me sub'd. I'm in this gm for the long haul. I'll be Thelma. You be Louise.
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
erinh
Pictures?! Sweet!
Consider me sub'd. I'm in this gm for the long haul. I'll be Thelma. You be Louise.
LMAO!
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Love it when they break out the welders! Those are some good looking welds Robert. :thumbup:
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
millerlyte
Love it when they break out the welders! Those are some good looking welds Robert. :thumbup:
He ain't showing the one he muffed up. 😏
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jowens500
He ain't showing the one he muffed up.
just had to spoil my awesomeness... yea my first one I had it too hot and blew right through the tube. oh well, it isn't a car chassis :)
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Re: 2012 Charger - Veronica
Very nice progress today! Looking forward to this one unfolding.