Since I was in high school, I always wanted to have a Buick Grand National. Maybe it is just me, but I always thought that car looked super mean. And yes, while Buicks are considered a grandma’s car those who know what a Grand National can do, will say to the contrary. Now that I have the means, I decided to find myself a Buick Grand National. After finding one in perfect condition, I went ahead and purchased it.
Since acquiring my mean black Buick, I’ve done a little bit of work on the engine. I have upgraded the turbo, install an oversize intercooler, added a high-pressure fuel pump, aftermarket wastegate, a new computer, and several other upgrades including wheels tires, suspension, and exhausts. I have to say that I like my car. However, the sound system sucks. If you’re not familiar with this car it came with a Delco 1.5 DIN cassette radio, 3 1/2 inch speakers in the dash, and 4×10 speakers in the rear deck.
As you can imagine, this is no match for the 650 horsepower engine under the hood. The problem is that with these speaker cavities, what can you do? The first thing I did was stop by car audio near me places looking for experienced installers, familiar with this vehicle. That did not work! It seems like kids nowadays are just interested in boomy car stereo systems.
After asking around, I was able to locate an old-timer who claimed to have competed in car audio with a similar vehicle. At the end of the day, I ended up having custom door panel pods built. Unlike many door pods, I had these made, so that lay over the factory door panel, and that can get removed the day I want to sell the car.
Just to be clear, I am not rich, and everything I do has a budget! So with that said I know there are people out there who are going to say that I could have done much better, and maybe will upgrade in the future but taking into consideration where I am coming from this is a huge upgrade.
The system consists of a Rockford Fosgate 5-Channel amp mounted on a custom rank that contours the left side of the truck wall being fed by the Alpine CDE-163BT Advanced Bluetooth CD Receiver. I know that nowadays kids are into everything Bluetooth. To be honest with you I don’t care much about the Bluetooth,” type of guy has to believe in the quality of the CD. The fact is until somebody can show me an MP3 with a 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution I will be sticking to CDs. I did not use the front speaker location which houses a 3 1/2 inch woofer. Instead, I opted for a pair of Q-Logic kick panels and mounted the Pioneer TS-D1330C 5.25″ D-Series Component Speaker Package on it. I chose the NEUPRO 65 V2 4 from Sundown Audio for the custom door panel. That is a 6.5″ 4-Ohm Midrange Speaker that is very shallow, and with an excellent midbass snap to it! The midbass is further enhanced because the door pod enclosure is sealed.
For the back speakers, I also avoided the factory location. Instead, I opted to use the panels above the hand rest for the rear seat. After making custom plates, I mounted a set of Pioneer TS-D1730C 6 3/4″ component speakers with the woofer in the custom plate and the tweeter flush-fitted to the side panel all the way back near to the rear window. For subs, I decided to use two Pioneer Free 12″ subs. I fabricated a reverse box with the back open and sealed against the back seat wall. You may question this, but if you hear it you agree it was the best choice.
