How to install component speakers into a DC2 Integra.

Disclaimer: The following is provided as a GUIDE ONLY, and neither myself nor Ozhonda take any responsibility for the outcomes of someone else doing the following. You follow these steps at your own risk!

Hey there everyone,

If you’re a member of other car forums you may have seen our ‘how to’ threads regarding component speaker installation. To that end; since we did the DC5 tutorial here a while back I've received emails aplenty asking if we could post a tutorial up here for installing component speakers into the DC2. So without further ado; here we go.

As a side note; these images are taken across numerous installs if you’re wondering why the differing colours. Also; although this is only one particular Integra the concept is the same across the entire range.

Step one: Take one original door complete from factory. Give them a nice clean and remove any debris and dust.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/1.jpg

Step two: Apply sound deadening to the entire outer skin.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/2.jpg

Step three: Add diffuser panels behind the speaker to combat wave reflections. Now it’s important to note that this is only necessary if you’re using deadening with an alloy skin. Products like Focal BAM already have a foam layer installed so it’s acts as a diffuser.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/3.jpg

Step four: Run your aftermarket speaker cables through the loom tubes into the doors. This ensures you have adequately sized cables for higher current flow as the factory speaker cables are not overly large.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/4.jpg

Step five: Make the baffles in a similar shape to the factory drivers. These must locate through the factory holes to avoid damaging the door, thus meaning when you sell the car the factory speakers can go right back in. Our baffles are usually constructed from timber but we've made them from Perspex or even 6061 alloy depending on application. If they’re timber then they should be painted with polyester resin and black paint to avoid absorbing water and being seen through the factory grille.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/5.jpg

Step six: Sound deaden inner skin and remove all air bubbles. Make sure you leave enough clearance for door handle and lock control rods to move freely. Also leave a little deadening around the top of the speaker hole to act as a 'roof' against water when it rains.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/6.jpg

Step seven: Screw the baffle onto the door and seal the baffle onto the deadening with gap filler. Make sure you also install a gasket between the speaker and the spacers because air leaks out here too (ever tried to run your car without a head gasket)?

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/7.jpg

Step eight: Solder the trimmed speaker wires onto speaker. Don't use crimp terminals because their two best traits are falling off and creating resistance.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/8.jpg

Step nine: Heat shrink around the terminals to protect them. Unlike electrical tape, heat shrink will not fall off after a couple of months.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co..._integra/9.jpg

Step ten: When it comes to the smaller driver; we tend to machine up a small bracket to hold the drivers in place, attaching them via the original mounting point.

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co...integra/10.jpg

Step eleven: Sit back and enjoy your new found midbass. This is what the door looks like when complete:

http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co...integra/11.jpg

So there you go folks; that’s how you do a component set installation on the DC2. Using this method you have about 70mm of mounting depth in the doors. Any deeper than that you’ll find the speaker surround will impact on the door trim and the magnet may foul on the window and its associated mechanisms.

If you’re a serious sound quality enthusiast though, and are looking for the ultimate staging and imaging; then you might still want to consider making a set of custom a-pillars to mount your tweeters and midranges on. Because whilst the factory location is more than adequate, especially if you’re running a processor; you will discover that firing directly into the windscreen does pose certain sound azimuth and dispersion issues.

http://fhrxstudios.com.au/images/faq...acement_21.jpg

http://fhrxstudios.com.au/images/faq...acement_22.jpg

If you wish to read more about what sound deadening, diffuser panels and sealing does click here.

If you wish to find out more about staging, imaging and how our ears relate to them both click here and click here.

I hope that helps you guys out. http://www.fastfoursforumscarclub.co...epsismiley.gif

+ rep

Good work man, looks like a quality install. looking forward to seeing more of your work. What do you use to remove the residue as you call it?

quality work , great pictures and have to say learnt a thing or two .

thank for you sharing sir .

Im interested to see how you just "Run aftermarket speaker cables through the door loom tube."
I've attempted this over the past couple of weekends, and there is quite a significant issue - One end of the door tube is a solid plug, rendering (at least my car) unable to proceed with aftermarket speaker wire until I drill holes in things.

where would i be able to get some of that sound deadening and diffuser mat? also where would you mount the amp for these bad boys?