dad just gave me a 2002 mini cooper for college (gonna be freshman at ucr this fall) which i have been using ever since we got it back then... this is the model in which the hatch to pop the HOOD is on the passengers side...

... i really need some help w/ audio... i dont think it has the h/k option, and am not sure if should just add an amp/new deck to the system i already have or to change all the speakers..get a new amp/deck...i just need a clearer/better luxury (like a bose system) sounding system...i am into hip-hop/rap/r and b... keep in mind im still in college but will be making 700 dollars a week next summer... just trying to plan ahead

i am also interested in putting an infinity 10' subwoofer... which sounds very nice in my brothers es300

also.. you guys have any ideas to make a normal mini coop look sporty from the outside...THANKS

so any opinions/comments PLEASE...otherwise im thinking of just fixing up a few of the other cars in my familys garage... range rover/ audi 2.7t

oh yeah, forgot to mention, im a real handyman around the house, but not when it comes to cars so please no links to DO-it-YOURSELF stuff...
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP GUYS

 

See your other post on comments on audio upgrades.

As far a subs go, for the least expensive option consider the Infinity Basslink which is a small powered sub for the rear boot area for under $300 installed by circuit city (see the ads). I know of one young owner that added only the BassLink to the stock system and was happy with that.

If you add a sub and then a custom enclosure and an amp it starts to all add up fast for more cash.

Also do some planning for sound deadening material for the doors- usually Dynamat, Dynamat extreme or the equivalent. This helps to reduce outside noise, resonance, rattling and buzzing.

 

would a 10" sub w/ box fit in the trunk? i dont think it would take that much space away...since i can always fold the rear seats down...

gonna put a
Infinity 10" Subwoofer (1030W)

w/ MTX THUNDER 421D

so you really think i should keep the deck?... its kinda crappy... no mids/ bassy/ controls are terrible... as for the front speakers... i have to get custom spacers? or is there a place where i can buy speakers that already have them... im also gonna put some infinity kappas 6x9s in the rear.. opinions please!

 

:smile: Welcome to NAM, andrewb! Be sure to check out the SoCal forums and start going to MINI Meets! Tell us more about what your MINI looks like...maybe start a new thread in MINI Talk...so we can better advise you on how to make your MINI look sportier! BTW, my dad lives in Riverside! :smile:

Clover

 

This is a very cool sub encolsure for the boot designed for the MINI, I have seen a number of members with it. Also JL makes good equipment, usually sold at independent installers/dealers. Might be a little more $$$ than the Infinity 10".

http://www.jlaudio.com/stealthbox/minicooperD.html

Remember that BOSE is a four letter word.

Welcome to NAM.

 

You can look up the past threads on the JL steathbox which is more like $500-600 plus installation and you still need an amp to drive it. It uses a 10" sub in a special enclosure that fits into about 30% of the rear boot area on the left. You'll need to mount the amp on the boot floor or on the back of one of the seats. This is roughly twice the cost of the powered Infinity Basslink at under $300 installed but the Basslink isn't as strong on performance. The performance of the Stealthbox can be good if you use a very powerful amp otherwise it is moderate in performance.

The stock radio is made by alpine and with the stock speakers is efficient enough. Most aftermarket speakers are not more efficient so changing speakers only may not improve the sound due to the lack of power from the stock radio. You'll need a better powerful and clean amp. Another option is to get a better indash radio with a bit more power and use that to drive the speakers but it is still a compromise and you'd do better with a separate amp. The stock speakers in the front lack deep bass because they are only 5.25". If you upgrade try 6.5" speakers for the door but you'll need to create/make a spacer to fit the door mounts and raise the speaker height to get it nearer to the speaker grill which is built in to the inner door panel.

You can do any of these upgrades in stages and not all at once. It is very easy to spend from $1000-2500 on upgrades and one thing leads to another.

Another good thing to do is go to your local MINI meets and see what others have done for audio upgrades and go for a ride and listen. Bring your own CDs to listen to so you have an idea of what it might sound like in the car as you go. Before you upgrade the exhaust and make it all noisy consider the interior quietness. A performance exhaust will mean that you'll need more power from your amp to make up the difference.

 

Hi Gang - I have been following NAM for weeks now and I am happy to report that Sherri Darling - my new HyperBlue S will be born this week for late Oct Delivery - proud dad

I have collected the following audio goodies:
Alpine 9830 Head Unit
Xtant A4004 4 ch /50 Amp
Alpine 6 1/2 SPX 177A'sComponents for Front Door
MB Quart 6x9 coax rears and might use an old Bazooka that I have lying around for sub duty
Might also add an ALPINE ainet/MP3 CHA-S634 CD Changer

I have seen many cool installs so my first question is - is boot/false floor or under seat better option since I have NO NAV? (and I am leaning towards under seat install)

what length RCAs will I need if I go under seat and how long if in boot under fake floor?

Are there big differences in brand of wiring for amp kits and speaker wiring and what are your favorites?

And thanks for al the great info, opinions, sharing and advising that goes on here and is making my future Mini ownership so much fun already

Happy Motoring............Norms

 

I have the stock Alpine HU on my cooper, no HK or Nav and simply replaced the front 5 1/4's with Infinity 6002si shallow mount 6 1/2 inch two-way speakers and used styrofoam for spacers with glued on felt so the styfoam wouldn't squeak...cost me $80..very efficient speakers, greatly added to the clarity and brilliance and plenty enough bass for my liking...not into spending $1000 on the sound system...I left the 1' stock tweeters operational too..very easy wiring...very good sound overall....has any one else out there simply changed the fronts and were happy with the sound?....I had planned to replace the rears too but decided not to as I was happy enough with the results after doing just the fronts