Kicker speaker install (Review and pictures)

[parakalien 0]

Hello all, I am the proud new owner of a brand new 2014 Spark LS in red with a manual transmission.

I bought the car for the low purchase price (I paid $11,720 before tax) and I've been pleasantly surprised at how fun it is to drive!

That being said, the sound system sucked, bad...

It was easily the worst sound system I've heard in a modern car.

That all changed when I installed a pair of 4" 2 way Kicker speakers in the front and a pair of 6x9 3 way Kicker speakers in the rear. Everything was $135 total for the speakers.

I modified the stock cargo cover and cut holes in it so the 6x9 speakers would mount directly to that.

The result? It looks like it belongs there, it doesn't take up your cargo space, and it sound 1000x better than it did! It went from the flat out worst sounding new car today to sounding better than any premium factory option I've heard anywhere. All for $135.

I found the 6x9 make more than enough bass for the small cabin. I thought I would end up putting a sub where the spare tire should go (they left a nice space filled with foam, but no spare tire, thank a lot chevy) but the bass is very adequate as is and I won't be adding a sub after all.

I would recommend this for anyone looking to upgrade their sound without spending $$$$ and taking up your trunk space on a sub.

[Greg_E 211]

Did you stiffen that cover with anything, it's a bit flexible and you should get better bass if you fiberglass the back side to about 1/4 inch or cut some plywood to fit, etc.

The only thing I don't like about your install is when you have to put the seats forward for cargo, only been about half a dozen times for me so I could probably just disconnect the speakers, but still something to think about. Also be careful because the stock head unit doesn't have much power, turn it up too far and you will clip the amps and could burn a speaker... I think a head unit upgrade is in your future.

[powel01k 2]

Was going to do that same install but I have to take the cover off to get my golf clubs in so I axed that plan it just wasn't worth the hassle for my needs. But, overall really nice install with good pics to show others.

[bluer101 241]

Yep, replacing the factory speakers and sub was the best upgrade I did. Here is my build.

http://chevysparkforum.com/topic/729-kicker-upgrade/?hl=kicker

[parakalien 0]

I may stiffen the cover, but it seems to work pretty well as is. I've not had to fold the seats down yet, as I only use this as a second car to get to work, but I can see how it would be a hassle if I needed to fold the seats down.