Consult first with the manufacturer or the retailer of your subwoofer speakers. Ask them about the dimensions of the box. Then, ask them also if the given dimensions are interior or exterior. Interior dimensions would have to include the ???? inch thickness of the wood. On the other hand, for exterior dimensions, the manufacturer has already took that into consideration.

To start off, you should have these tools and materials for you would be using them as you proceed with this task: a ???? inch medium-density fiberboard, a jigsaw, a router, a power drill, a down spiral or a spiral bit, a ???? inch bit, a file, some sandpaper, a razor blade or a scalpel, some spray glue, a tape measure, a pencil, some screws, silicone, a solder, a solder gun, a calculator, some scratch paper, and your car’s carpet.

Start the constructing process by using your pencil and tape measure to trace out the patterns of the enclosure on the fiberboard. Trace out the patterns for the six sides of the box. Also add in a center divider for inside the box which would serve as the separation between the two speakers. Cut these patterns out with the jigsaw.

Take the pattern for the top portion of the subwoofer enclosure. Use the frame of the grille of the subwoofer speaker and a pencil to trace the outer and inner portions of this. Do this on the location of the board where you would like to put in your speakers. Use the router with a ???? inch bit and cut a depth of 3/8 inch. Do this between the inner and the outer circle, and this area would be the place where the frame of the speaker will be flush mounted.

Cut the holes for the speakers using the jigsaw. Later on, use a file to smooth the edges. You can also use the sandpaper to smooth out the area. Then, cut out round holes measuring two inches. Do this on each of the side panels. These holes will be filled with the connectors for the speaker wires.

Using screws, assemble the box. Seal the joints with silicone. This is to ensure that air will not leak out. Leave the front panel off first. Then, spray glue on the outer portion of the box as well as on the back of the carpet. Wrap the carpet tightly into the box. Put in some carpet at the top panel. With the use of a razor blade or a scalpel, cut vertical, horizontal, and angled lines in a star pattern into the carpet. Then, cut out the carpet that covers the connector holes.

Place in the connectors and make them run through the holes. Make sure that the two prong terminals are inside the box. Then, screw down the connectors. Seal around them with silicone. Solder the speaker wires to the speaker and connector. Also solder the positive wire to the positive lead of the speaker. Do the same with the negative ends. After everything has been done, put in the front panel on the box and screw them in. Push the speakers into the star pattern cut out on the carpet that covers the speaker holes on the front panel. You can now install the box inside your car and enjoy the music.

Carpets that you would be needing for this project could be purchased at Toyota Parts Online along with other auto products. This store specializes in Toyota parts like specifically made Toyota Corona parts.
About the author
Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

3 fundamental types of performance chips

Control Modules

A control module plugs directly into your under-the-hood electrical system, standing right in between the data from your various sensors and the computer. The module intercepts the data before it has a chance to reach the onboard computer. Then, it analyses the information, determines the proper adjustments to the air/fuel ratio, ignition timing and other key functions, and then sends commands to the onboard computer. A control module delivers accurate, immediate tuning for your engine because it is always plugged in and constantly reading and interpreting data from your sensors.

Each control module is custom-programmed to maximize the output and efficiency of your vehicle’s specific year, make and model, taking into consideration engine size, transmission type and even your stock tire size. What’s more, many control modules come in different power levels, or stages. That way, you can choose the perfect amount of power for your unique driving habits.

Many of the control modules for diesel rigs have optional in-cab monitors that display up to the second readings of such critical engine information as turbo boost, engine gas temperature and RPMs. Some even display your 0-60 acceleration and quarter mile time, and give you on-the-fly control of different settings. For the best results, you will want to use a higher grade fuel with more octanes, like 91 or higher.

Installing a control module is simple and should not take more than 15 minutes. They have a built-in, heat-shielded wiring harness that plugs directly into your onboard computer, so there’s absolutely no soldering, splicing or drilling required. After all the wires are connected, you never have to worry about adjusting the module ever again, unless you would like to return to your factory settings.

Power Programmers

Like control modules, power programmers reconfigure your vehicle’s onboard computer to perform at peak levels, but they operate differently. Rather than being permanently installed into your electrical system, power programmers like Superchips http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/20A50218A1.aspx are plug-n-play devices.

Before hitting the road, you connect it to your OBD-II Port, which is handily located right under your dashboard. You will then answer a number of questions about your vehicle, any modifications you have made and what level of power you want. Based on how you respond to the questions, the power programmer then uploads a new set of operating instructions to your vehicle’s computer. The new operating program only has to be uploaded once, so you can pack away your power programmer or experiment with some of the other settings and modes. Best of all, the whole process only takes about 10 minutes, and the only tools you’ll need are your own two hands.

The advantage of Hypertech http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/20A50217A1.aspx and other power programmers is that you have greater control over the tuning of your system. For example, you will be able to recalibrate your onboard computer to any changes in tire size, speed rating or even your rear end gear ratio. These changes dramatically affect your vehicle’s performance, but your computer does know to recalculate unless you use a power programmer to communicate with it. Moreover, many of our power programmers let you tune your engine for regular octane usage instead of the usual 91 or higher fuel grade.

Engine Management Systems (EMS)

If you want total control of your vehicle’s computer system, don’t just reprogram it-replace it. An EMS is a complete substitution for your stock onboard computer, giving you virtually unlimited command over just about ever aspect of your vehicle’s control system.

Engine management systems are designed to customize your car, truck, or SUV to your exact specifications. For those of us who know about the inner workings of your entire drive train, only an EMS gives you full control of every minute detail, from your air/fuel ratio and fuel injector control, to idle speed and nitrous (wet or dry) management.

You mount the EMS inside your engine compartment. Once it is secured, you simply unplug the wires from your old computer and plug them into the new one. Those wires sync your EMS with all of your vehicle’s sensors, so it has an immediate connection to all the data from every critical part on your automobile. It uses the readings from your sensors to run your engine at its peek level. You can even plug your laptop into the EMS to view performance information and manipulate settings.

Application with your ride

Sure, a control module, power programmer or EMS unleashes huge gains in horsepower, torque and efficiency, but you are probably wondering how it actually works. For most performance parts, their purpose is obvious-more power. You can visualize and hear a hotrod exhaust system hard at work, and you can hold the pipes and headers right in your hands. A performance chip, on the other hand, exists in the invisible world of electrical pulses and binary codes.

About The Author
Chris Andretti researches performance products and writes copy for AutoAnything.com. Visit their site for air intakes and various brands like K&N air intakes and AEM air intakes.

You just paid a cool $73,000 for your fashionably new BMW and are cruising down the boulevard enjoying the ride. You zig and zag your way around the slow movers, marveling over the responsive steering and handling engineered into your 750i. As you pull into your driveway, park your sedan, and exit your vehicle, you turn around and your eyes feast upon its stunning Kalahari beige metallic finish. Quite frankly it is the most attractive looking vehicle you have ever owned. Unfortunately, many new BMW owners fail to provide the one level of protection that can keep your car????????s expensive finish from permanently losing its luster. What is that? Read on and I will tell you about a product that simply must be part of every luxury car owner????????s inventory.

If you haven????????t guessed it yet, what I am talking about is a custom fitted car cover for your bimmer. Yes, even if you garage your 750i or other fine vehicle, time and the elements will certainly attack your car????????s finish. Sure, you can do regular washes and waxes, but the inevitable will happen: something, somewhere will damage the finish. Besides, do you want to spend every weekend polishing your car? I doubt that!

No, you can????????t drive with a car cover on, but you can certainly have a car cover on hand to keep your parked car safe. Yes, there are enough things out there that can harm an expensive finish, even damaging it to the point where only an expensive repair can remedy the insult. The following are some of the hazards just waiting to happen:

1. Bird excrement ???????? You don????????t need to be parked under a tree for your car to get hit; a single drive-by bombing by a winged creature can do your finish in.

2. Weather ???????? Rain, snow, ice, and especially hail can damage a car in mere moments.

3. Trees ???????? A small branch can scratch any finish.

4. Sun ???????? Harmful solar rays are bad for your skin and your car????????s skin too.

5. Pollution ???????? There is no place on earth that is pollution free. Acid rain and airborne driven particles just love a new car????????s finish.

6. Kids ???????? Try keeping your neighbor????????s kids away from the car. You may succeed, but hit balls can make a beeline for your wheels. Some car covers even offer protection against minor impacts.

All right, so you are cleverly thinking that your garaged vehicle is immune to such petty insults, right? Well, in one word you are incorrect. Indoor air pollution and dust can take its toll on your car????????s finish as can small impacts from anything that falls off of a wall and onto your car.

The solution? Select a car cover that is right for your vehicle. Even if you keep your car garaged most of the time, the best car cover on the market can protect your bimmer from moisture, the sun, dirt, pollution, and small impacts. Choose one that is custom made for your car with side mirror pockets built in and four layers of quick drying polypropylene material to provide the ultimate level of protection. You don????????t want something so thin that it doesn????????t provide all around protection ???????? you just never know when you will have to have your car outside for an extended period of time ???????? and you don????????t want a car cover that entombs your BMW either. Instead, select one that works with your bimmer, not against it.

Best of all, premium car covers can be had for under $200, a worthy investment for any car luxury or not. So, enjoy your new 750i, but give yourself some peace of mind by selecting a car cover that can protect its finish and keep it looking great for many years.

About The Author
Copyright 2006 — Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering automotive topics from car care to new models. You can protect your BMW????????s exterior with a premium car cover and keep it running great for many years by only choosing genuine BMW OEM Parts and accessories: http://www.alloembmwparts.com

Racing is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s an exciting sport that requires training, discipline and skill. But the streets are no place for racing. Unfortunately, any young person (the majority are young) can get into their car, mash the throttle and drive. No experience, no talent, no discipline. All of this while innocent drivers use the streets for their day-to-day activities.

So what are the solutions. Racing on our streets will never stop, but it can be reduced. What needs to be understood is that street racing is a social activity. People gather in a parking lot, hang out with friends, challenge someone to a race, and come back to the same parking lot once the race is over. Some cities recognized this and have opened drag strips for people to race, socialize and interact. For a small fee, they can prove themselves in a safe, supervised environment. This is also a great way to integrate local police with the participants. In order to reduce racing on our streets, local authorities need to control it. Larger fines won’t reduce street racing. Hundreds of people have died racing on the streets in this country and if the possibility of death doesn’t stop someone, a fine won’t either.

In the end we need to understand that the only way to reduce street racing is to provide an outlit for which it can occur. Until then, the masses will do what they know; they’ll continue to race on our streets.

About The Author
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com.

pjohnson@all-about-car-selection.com

Taking a car out for a test drive is essential before buying any new or used car. Don’t let that new car smell fool you, not every new car is the right one for you. Use this test drive checklist before your next test drive.

Before the test drive ask yourself the following questions:

- Does the vehicle look attractive to you?

- Is it available in a colour you like?

- Is the vehicle easy to get into?

- Does the interior come in a colour you like?

- Is their enough headroom, legroom, etc. when the seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted? Sit in the front and the back.

- Are the gauges easy to read?

Once you are ready to hit the road, answer these questions as you are driving.

- Is the engine as quiet and smooth as you expected?

- Does the steering have a nice feel to it?

- Does the vehicle have adequate power for acceleration? How about with the A/C on?

- Does the vehicle handle well?

- How are the brakes? Does the vehicle stop safely? Try the vehicle on a variety of roads, including the highway.

- Does the suspension absorb road irregularities well? Is it too soft or too hard?

- Are the interior noise levels okay on the highway? Listen for the engine, wind and road noise.

- Try all of the accessories including the radio, heater, A/C, and power features to ensure that they operate to your liking.

Once back to the dealership, try to do the following

- Try parking the vehicle. Does it have any blind spots?

- Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. How does it sound? Also, take a look at the engine while it’s running. Does everything seem in good order?

- Check the trunk. Is it large enough? Is the trunk opening large enough for balky items? - Do the rear seats fold down?

A great way to test drive a new car is to check if you could rent one from a rental company. This has two benefits. First, you can drive the vehicle for a longer period of time. Second, you can see how it has held up with a few thousand miles already on it.

Write down what you would like to look for before you test drive a new car. With all the excitement you may forget to look for something that is of interest to you. Test drive the competition as well. This will help you determine how well the vehicle you are interested in compares with its closest competitors.

Come prepared and you’ll enjoy the experience and learn from it.

About The Author
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com.

pjohnson@all-about-car-selection.com

If you think that the muffler is what makes up the exhaust system, then think again for it is not. The Land Rover exhaust system is actually a series of pipes that run under your car. These pipes are actually connected to your muffler as well as to your catalytic converter.

One of the foremost functions of the Land Rover exhaust system is to actually control the noise of your engine. It also functions to funnel and channel the exhaust fumes away from the Land Rover????????s passengers. After all, these fumes are really harmful to a person????????s health. The latter is the very reason why people actually look at the Land Rover exhaust system to be like a chimney mounted on top of the house. Just like the Land Rover exhaust system, a house????????s chimney directs any by products and waste from burning fuel away from the people inside. The chimney takes away the fumes from the embers burning in the fireplace below. On the other hand, the Land Rover exhaust system, routes gases that the car considers to be waste away from the passenger compartment by take these gases from the engine to the rear of the car. Then, in the rear, these gases are thrown to the wind outside, thus keeping everybody inside the car safe from the harmful fumes. You see, these gases actually contain carbon monoxide. And if you have been quite well informed, you would know that this gas is actually very harmful and hazardous to a person????????s health and it also could poison people especially if taken-in in large amounts.

Aside from taking away these gases from the passenger compartment, the Land Rover exhaust system also converts pollutants. From being very hazardous, the Land Rover can actually change them into becoming something less harmful. Some even of the exhaust gases are directed to other parts of the car????????s different systems for some gases can actually still be used so as to heat the air and fuel.

What makes up the Land Rover exhaust system? The key and major components of this system are the exhaust pipes, the exhaust manifold, the catalytic converter, the muffler, the resonator, and the tail pipe.

Buy top quality discount Land Rover exhaust system parts from Land Rover Parts and Range Rover Parts. This store not only offers Land Rover exhaust system parts but it also offers new Land Rover auto parts, replacement car parts, OEM auto parts, aftermarket auto parts, and Land Rover accessories as well. An excellent, trouble free, and satisfying shopping for Land Rover exhaust system parts, and auto parts and accessories is guaranteed by http://www.landrparts.com.

Enclosed in a steel housing, ball joints are used on the front end of almost every car, truck, SUV, and minivan. As might be expected, ball joints are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so to properly protect them ball joints are housed in an enclosed boot to keep dirt away from the joint assembly.

There are two types of suspension systems that use ball joints. The first is a conventional system that uses an upper and lower ball joint. The second is called a MacPherson strut system that uses a single lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing. No upper ball joint is needed as the upper strut bearing does the job instead.

Maintenance for ball joints has changed over the years for most cars. Many vehicles come equipped with ball joints that are permanently lubed, so lubrication is not necessary nor is it even possible as the pack that holds the lubrication is permanently sealed. When ball joints wear out or are damaged, you can find replacement ball joints that come with lubrication fittings; in this case you would need to lubricate your ball joints on a regular basis as in when you change your vehicle????????s oil.

When performing an inspection of your car????????s suspension, your ball joints should be looked at too. Have a complete wheel alignment performed and make certain that the ball joints are not worn. If the ball joints wear out and are not changed, you will soon experience uneven tire wear or unreliable steering, such as wandering. Clearly, worn out ball joints are a safety issue that must be tended to and fixed immediately.

Ball joints are developed for the specific make/model of your vehicle. Many models share the same suspension system as other models within the brand, but to be sure check your vehicle????????s repair manual for the right replacement ball joints. Certain manufacturers, such as Moog, develop ball joints for many makes/models and can be used by mechanics that prefer this particular product. Check online to find out more information about Moog ball joints and whether they are right for your car.

Remember: ball joints are an important part of your vehicle????????s suspension system. Annual check ups of the suspension can head off costly problems which can also impact your safety.

Nothing else enhances the look of your car or truck more than custom wheels, the bottom line is that rims make the look of the car. Within 15 minutes you can install chrome mags and the look of your car is totally different, from boring to show stopper. Everyone likes the look of aftermarket wheels, but how do you choose the right rims for your sports car?

Custom mag wheels are available from so many aftermarket wheel manufacturers it is truly amazing and the list grows every year. Some of the most popular names include Eagle wheels, Chip Foose rims and Weld wheels, to name a few. When choosing aftermarket wheels you can get cheap prices which sometimes means cheap quality or you can spend a little bit more and be 100% completely satisfied with your purchase. You get what you pay for, so you have to make sure you know what type of quality you are getting. But quality can be very expensive, so can the style of the wheel.

Wheel styles range from regular 5 spoke alloy wheels, to wire wheels, to the latest and greatest, chrome spinning wheels that run up to $3,000 per rim. Chrome spinning rims are the newest invention to hit the custom car crowd, “chrome spinners” as they are called actually spin, even while you car is standing still!

Now back to how to choose your rims, if you are looking stricly from an appearance perspective, then it’s easy, just choose custom wheels that you feel fits with the style of your vehicle and your personal preferences. If you want perfornance for racing, then light alloy wheels are the best way yo go. Steel rims are no good, they will only slow your automobile down. Heavy wheels add unnecessary weight to your car, which in return lower the driving performance.

If you do lots of city commuting in traffic, then alloy wheels are a great choice. Alloy rims actually offer cool air flow over your car’s brake system which will prevent overheating. Alloy aluminum wheels are lighter than chrome or steel wheels you can also improve your gas mileage slightly.

Another tip to help the performance of your auto is to install rims that are one or two inches larger than the stock factory wheels. Larger wheels also give your SUV truck or sports car a more sporty look and feel. Also make sure the custom wheels you purchase have a maximum-load rating compatible with your vehicle, and you have to find wheels that match the bolt pattern of your automobile.

The offset is also very important If you install the wrong offset size, there will be problems with the steering and handling of your car, so make sure to find the right offset. A sales person at the wheel shop will be able to help you choose the right offset for your vehicle, so don’t worry if it sounds complicated.

Where can you buy wheels from? You have a few choices here, you can shop at the local car accessory store or you can shop online for your wheels. Each has their own benefit. If you shop at a brick and mortar store you can touch and feel the rims before you and if you have questions a sales person can answer your questions. If you shop online you have less help, but the benefit is in the savings, you can save hundreds of dollars compared to retail stores. It’s a give and take situation, if you have the knowledge I suggest you shop online, why pay more if you don’t have to.

Super-expensive gas is here to stay. Drivers are in a scramble over how to afford their morning commute. They’re resorting to a number of solutions, some the result of fuel economy technology in the form of hybrid vehicles, others steering for quick-fix gadgets carrying a high price tag and dubious claims.

Don’t downgrade from your favorite ride into a sub-compact clown car! Stay away from fuel saving gimmicks, too. There are simple ways to save gas, increase gas mileage and stick it back to the greedy barons stealing your spending cash.

Improving Air Flow

A great place to start when looking to increase gas mileage is with your vehicle’s air filter. It is by far the easiest performance upgrade around, and the quickest way to increase gas mileage.

If you’re still lugging around town with a disposable paper air filter, you must toss it in favor of a performance air filter. A disposable paper air filter is incredibly restrictive to airflow, a restriction which essentially chokes your engine. Compare this to a performance air filter which uses either cotton or foam filtration material. Air flows much easier through these performance air filter materials which puts plenty of oxygen into your engine for burning fuel. With the extra air on hand, your engine’s computer responds by using less fuel per air part.

But wait - there’s more. The bountiful airflow puts extra horsepower at the pedal for your driving pleasure. Not to mention the cleaner air volumes now entering your engine, which contribute to overall vehicle condition. Be careful, though. Overusing the power boost provided by a performance air filter will negate any mileage improvements.

Improving Aerodynamics

Ever feel like something is holding your truck back? Surprisingly, it’s probably your tailgate. Passing air rushes over your truck’s cab and flows directly into your open bed. With nowhere else to go, the turbulent air crashes into your tailgate - catching your truck like a trout that swallowed the hook.

Adding a tonneau cover to your otherwise exposed truck bed provides a tight surface for airflow to blow right past. Without a drag-prone tailgate to slow your truck down, you can see an average gas mileage improvement of 5% to 10% immediately.

If you’d rather not get a tonneau cover, or need full uncovered bed access at all times, consider an air-flow tailgate. drag is reduced immensely, thanks to a mesh or louvered design that allows turbulent air in your truck bed to slip right through the gate.

Though studies show the gas mileage improvement is not as dramatic as adding a tonneau cover to your ride, air flow tailgates will show an immediate gas mileage improvement that exceeds unsafe driving with the stock tailgate down.

Tire Pressure Effects

If you’re getting worse gas mileage than usual, check your tire pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, your vehicle has to work that much harder to spin them. The friction caused by these flabby tires could be sucking your gas mileage by 2mpg or more. Not to mention the premature tread wear that will cost you serious cash down the road.

Check your pressure with a digital tire gauge for the best possible accuracy. The recommended pressure for your tires is usually given on a label inside your door well. If they’re low, fill them up at most any corner service station and check the pressure again with the digital tire gauge. Under-inflation can have cash-swallowing consequences, but over-inflation is just as bad for your wallet.

Sharpen Your Shop Skills

The overall health of your car contributes greatly to the gas mileage you’ll see throughout its life. Follow the regular maintenance schedule for oil changes, tune-ups and inspections. Don’t keep driving your vehicle if something is blatantly screwed up! Get the problem fixed, and it’s less likely to drain your gas tank.

I was watching Miami Ink the other night on TLC and Ami James, the shop owner, was buying himself a car now that the shop is doing well. He ended up buying a 1972 Cuda with a 340. Being someone that has had toy cars in the past it got me to thinking. Why is it that guys are so into cars? Ami makes some money and the first big purchase he made was a car.

I tried to figure out what it was about cars that made me buy toy cars. My last toy car purchase was a 1987 Buick Grand National with 10,042 original miles. The car was beautiful. So beautiful in fact that I hardly ever drove the car for fear of something happening to it. As much as I enjoyed driving the car, because they are very fun to drive, I loved just looking at it shining in my garage as well.

In an effort to get to the bottom of this I posed the question to some friends that are also into cars, even more so than I am. Each of them said that they couldn????????t put it into words but they felt it was in their blood. They grew up around cars because of their dad and they just always loved them. The same was true for me, my father was into cars and we went to car shows together. But, that still does not answer the question. We all have a sister and the sisters were all exposed to the same things we were as far as our father being around cars. They could care less about cars, as long as they have one to drive the kids and get to work they are fine.

So what is it? What causes men to go spend thousands and thousands of dollars on weekend cruisers? I see cars for sale on eBay where it is obvious that someone had put $30,000 worth of parts and goodies in their cars.

I do not think the reason for the interest in cars is hereditary. There is something about the ???????need for speed??????? or the power of some of these cars. That gives me a rush when I drive them, but I could get those things from many cars off a showroom floor nowadays. There is also a sense of freedom when you are on a nice cruise on a brisk fall day. Once again, I could get that from any car I was driving.

The conclusion I have come to is that there truly is no way to describe it. There are just some things that you can never find words to explain, such as your love for a child. You obviously love your kids but there is now way to explain just how much. I would love to hear from anyone that could put into words why they like cars as much as they do, I think that would be interesting conversation.