can the stock amp power a larger sub?

[asdfghjkl]

I have a 1991 town car with the jbl premium audio. My stock sub has deteorated to the point where it is no longer usable so I removed it along with the enclosure and amp.

Would the stock amp and wiring be able to provide enough power to run a 10"? I am not looking for some boss system that will shake windows and wake up neighbors, I just want something that is a little better than the stock one that I will be satisfied with until I get a new car in a few months.

If the stock amp is strong enough, what is a good, cheap, and efficient 10" sub? If it is not powerful enough, what is an amp that could use the stock wiring that could support a 10? If the stock wiring sucks and can't handle any more than the stock components, where could I get the OEM sub?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[purelux]

Have you taken a look at the audio setup in the trunk. I believe on a 91 there is a sepereate amp for the mids and highs & a radio tuner module. Then a sub & amp together as a essentially self contained unit. The problem with the setup is I believe they send a signal to the unit which is propritary. The sub is probably a 6 1/2 sub in a enclosure specifially designed/sized for it to maximize bass with minimal power and size compared to a typical sub setup. While it "may" be possible to tap in and wire another sub to the amp output may not be optimal. Since the ohms (resistance) may be odd and output too low at usual listening levels to power the sub. Basically the volume may have to be nearly maxed to provide adequate power to the sub, if even then. Another amp wouldn't be able to be wired in since the signal on this setup is not standard. You can't use a line out converter since the frequencies are seperated between the cars speakers and the subwoofer. Below a certain threshold only to the sub & above only to the cars speakers. I'm not sure where to find a replacement, but given the age ebay, or junkyards.

 

[Trainwreck]

Funny you ask this! I have a 95 w/the JBL and my sub and rear speakers were all blown out as well. I had an 8" Punch sub in a small enclosure and just for grins cut the wires that went to the original sub and plugged it into my 8". It sounds pretty damn good! It'll vibrate the rear view with the volume at about 15 on the knob.

Try it with a 10. I have one in my boat that I may pull out just for grins!

 

[purelux]

It may work, though to be safe I would check the ohms of the factory amp or the sub may say on it as well. To ensure the amp is compatible with whatever sub you use, working isn't the same as continuing to work. Using the wrong combo could wreck either the amp, sub or both.

 

[asdfghjkl]

It may work, though to be safe I would check the ohms of the factory amp or the sub may say on it as well. To ensure the amp is compatible with whatever sub you use, working isn't the same as continuing to work. Using the wrong combo could wreck either the amp, sub or both.

The factory sub and amp do not have any labeling and I was unable to find the resistance in the manual or on the internet. I think that it is most likely an 8 ohm system since that seems to be common on older amps. If it is indeed an 8 ohm amp, I could probably run a 4 ohm sub with out hurting the sub but I am concerned that the additional current could ruin the amp.
I don't care if it lasts a long time since I will probably be getting a new car in a few months. If the stock amp works well with an 8", I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work with a 10 as well.

Now that I have decided to get a 10", I still need to decide which one. If anybody has any recommendations, I would like to hear them.
I was looking at this one because it appears to be the most efficient. If I'm wrong in assuming that higher sensitivity numbers mean high efficiency, please correct me.

Thanks for the responses and information.

 

[Trainwreck]

I put a Kicker 12" DVC speaker that I have had in my boat into the lincoln over the weekend just for kicks. I can't believe how much power that little bitty amp has back there.

So far no issues, if it messes anything up I'll let you know.

I say just go for it man! You dont need to spend a ton of money on a sub, they are going to make the same noise. Go to a discount audio store local to you or a flea market. They are a dime a dozen.

 

[asdfghjkl]

I put a Kicker 12" DVC speaker that I have had in my boat into the lincoln over the weekend just for kicks. I can't believe how much power that little bitty amp has back there.

So far no issues, if it messes anything up I'll let you know.

I say just go for it man! You dont need to spend a ton of money on a sub, they are going to make the same noise. Go to a discount audio store local to you or a flea market. They are a dime a dozen.

Great, thats what I will do.

Thanks for the help.