Front speaker upgrade in 01-03 Eurovan -Kenwood 6.5" KFC-P710PS

[markcm2]

I just installed a SONY XAV-AX100 head unit (see that thread here) and a Kenwood KAC-M3004 amplifier so the next step was speakers.

I am a fan of the Kenwood KFC Pro series components although the 6.5" KFC-P710PS was nearly a 1/4" deeper than a few comparable 6.5" speakers such as the Fosgate and a few other yet Crutchfield said they fit (even with the factory grills) so I went for it and sure as sh!t, they were right, with about 1mm to spare. I used the adapters that came with the speakers which were about .25" thick stacked with a set of Scosche SAC656 speaker adapters.

Install was straight forward:

Pop off factory grill ( be careful not to break the retaining tabs)

Unscrew and remove speaker

Cut the factory connector off and splice on tradition speaker spade connectors

Cut the protruding tabs off of the door's speaker mounting surface

Cut all excess plastic off the speaker adapter plates

Stack up adapters and screw it in with factory screws (I installed the schoshe spacer, then the kenwood adapter because the kenwood was a bit smaller diameter and less interference with the factory grill. Also had to file a new locating slot in the door card so I could slightly rotate the factor speaker grill because one of the tabs was lined up with one of the speaker screws.

Replace stock speaker grill

Here's a few pictures:

I haven't installed the tweeters yet since there are some form of mid/tweet in the dash. I'll have to look a bit closer to see what's going on there.

These Kenwood drivers don't have as much mids/highs as the factory speaker although they are tighter and can handle more power without breaking up or farting like the stock speakers.

So next is to figure out what to do with the tweeters and then put some fosgate 4" R14x2 in the rear which takes a fair amount of customizing to the rear speaker housings.

[Zeitgeist 13]

Very nice install. I should've waited for those rather than install the Pioneers that buzz way too much. I still need to install an amp and filter the feed to the dash speakers so they just function as tweeters--they also buzz.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[markcm2]

There is a seller on eBay selling the kenwood kac-m3004 "open box" for $45 shipped. These are amazing and compact. Mine came without the 8pin connector although you can buy one on eBay for a few dollars; just get a generic molex, not the kenwood branded. I can help with part number and pin out if anyone needs it.

[markcm2]

I got around to installing the tweeters that came as part of this Kenwood component kit. I installed them in the dash in place of the stock tweeters and they are much brighter than the stock tweeters.

Here's the how to:

*Gently pry the grill off using a screwdriver
*Pry the speaker chassis out using a screwdriver
*Unplug speaker connectors

*Remove stock tweeter

*Drill out the frame (I think it was 1-7/8") and I had to cut the flange of the tweeter off flush:

*A little hot glue to secure it in place:

*I un-soldered the stock capacitor and connected the Kenwood crossover harness to the poles:

*Put it all back together using the factory plugs/harness

[markcm2]

Rear speaker replacement is documented here

[mkscott2]

Nice write-up. Love the pics for future reference. Thank you!

Interesting to see that the tweeter seems to fire at the pillar, whereas I would expect it to be directed toward the middle of the van. I wonder if there is a reason for this orientation.

[markcm2]

[jakefromstatefarm]

@markcm2 Great details on the speaker upgrade process. Thanks!

Just curious where you saw the most lift. Not sure I have the energy to replace everything right now. What changes (front, rear, tweeters) did you feel made the most difference?

[markcm2]

[bgrimes]

Has anyone attempted to remove the black plastic basket from behind the front door speakers? I can’t determine how it’s attached and would like to get behind it so I can install some Dynamat. Any help greatly appreciated.

And forgive me, but this is my first post. I've lurked for a little while now and gotten some great advice on our 2002 Weekender. We love our van and look forward to improving it with the help of Samda. Cheers.

[markcm2]

[bgrimes]

Thanks for the reply markcm2. I’m actually referring to something that’s in the plastic door panel itself and accessible if you pop out the speaker. There are three long black screws that come out of this basket, but after that it still won’t budge.

Here is an image of the part in question: https://www.dropbox.com/s/b0fzle0dn20c4k3/IMG_1925.JPG?dl=0

[markcm2]

[chetg]

Fantastic photos, markcm2. I basically replicated your install completely, from the XAV-AX100 thread to the tweeter and speaker install. Invaluable photos! I also added a 10" sub box which adds a lot to the bottom end.

I excessively Dynamatted my front doors because I really detest rattles, and while all is good, I am missing a lot of mid bass response from the door woofers. Next step is to add mass-loaded vinyl throughout the van floor to cut road noise. Thanks again for your fantastic photos.

Interestingly, we're in Bellingham for the summer as well, with another White (non-camper) T4 van. I'll look for you on the roads.

[lucksp]

If anyone has spare (or knows of other options) Tweeter covers for a 1995 Eurovan, please PM me. CarToys did an install and broke them when removing the covers. Not entirely unexpected outcome from them either. 😬🙄

[Steve in Colorado]

Thanks for this thread! I went with Polk DB Plus 6.5”. The door speakers fit directly without an adapter, after cutting off the projecting tabs etc on the door holder.

I hot glued in the Polk supplied tweeter holders, notched to fit, after using a 1 7/8” bit to cut out the holes in OEM tweeter holder. Not knowing any better, I connected the tweeters directly to the original leads, so including the capacitors, instead of using a separate crossover. Feel free to tell me if I’ve done something stoopid.

Sounds pretty good with the Kenwood KMM-BT328U receiver I previously installed. The speakers could take some more power, though, so I may investigate the recommended Kenwood mini amp.

Anyhoo, thanks again markcm2!