Build Help, Quick Question

[CHeinze1]

Long time reader, 1st time posting. I am currently building an enclosure for my car. Basic sealed design, 2 chamber, for 2 Kicker Comp VR 12s. Designed to be rear facing in a Nissan Xterra, 2006. I have the design set, math completed, and ready to start cutting. Problem/question is; I designed the box to be rear facing, however I am frequently hauling stuff in my car and don't want to risk having anything banging into my subs. If I redesigned the enclosure to have the subs facing down, that would keep them protected, however, I know nothing about this type of design. Would it change the sub performance and sound quality? Are there different volume requirements for the box? Can I put regular subs facing down or are there specific subs designed to be down firing? Please help. I am ready to get this build moving but I need some answers before I start cutting. TLDR; Can reg subs be installed facing down? Are there different box requirements? Does it change sound and output? Thank you in advance for the help!

[Hic]

CHeinz1,

Grills go in front of subwoofer, what is travel of cone [X max] ? Place grill accordingly

[CHeinze1]

Linear excursion is 14mm. So just over 1/2". I don't have grill covers, which is an easy fix picking them up. I designed the sealed box with a false front that sets the subs back from the front edge to protect them. I am happy with my design, just curious if building it so they are firing down will make a big difference in sound quality and push, and if I can use regular subs for that or if there are specially designed subs for downward firing.

[papacueball]

https://www.parts-express.com/resour...-mount-up-down

[BigAl205]

Before getting too far into this, I would do some experimenting to see which direction produced the best result, and than go from there. Try facing back, up, forward, and then down (with the box sitting on blocks). You might find that aiming another way justifies buying some grills and/or re-design.

Check out these vids by Mark from CarAudioFab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hkjGm7yngw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPIu-OTMwRk

[CHeinze1]

That link was incredibly helpful! Thank You! Based on some basic math, I think it's best to keep my current design and firing horizontal. Huge help, thank you so much!