New GT Owner- Add Back Speakers?

[66Bronc1]

Hello, my first post- I am the new owner of a 2018 Mustang GT, 6 speed manual- base, no options- well I should say one- it has the black accent package. It’s a long story how I ended up with this GT.


First I love sports cars- fast, good handling, good sounding and easy to work on. I have owned a few Honda Civic SI’s, Subaru WRX’s, GTI’s and Mazda Miatas. I traded 2 cars for the GT- a 1985 C4 Corvette and a 2017 Camaro 2LT RS. It all started out with transmission problems with the Camaro- it had the problematic 8 speed automatic. It’s my first automatic in a car- ever and I will never own another automatic again. It had the “shuddering” issue that is all over the Camaro and Corvette forums. I was sick of having it be in the shop with only 6K miles on it so I started shopping around for a new car. I test drove many other Camaros (Manuals)- I wanted to trade for another Camaro. I liked my Camaro- except for the transmission problems. I also test drove a new Miata and the GT that I bought as a comparison. The Camaros- 2 were V6, 6 speeds and 1 was an SS- I did not like the feel of the gear boxes and they all needed alignments- they wandered all over the road and the steering wheels were off center. They did not track good. I drove the GT- I picked one off the lot I loved the looks, and with the cheapest price. I loved how it drove and shifted compared to the Camaros. It tracked true and straight, alignment was perfect and it shifted crisp and flawless. The seating position and view are also so much better than in the Camaro. So I got my C4 and Camaro RS appraised for the GT- very decent trade ins. But I was not sure, could not pull the trigger. A week later, the Camaro shuddering gets so bad I had to bring the car in- it’s now at the dealership in line for a new torque converter. They can’t do it right away, there is huge queue of other cars with the same issue. I do more car shopping, then my C4 dies. I have been trying to sell it for 6 months, no offers. I test drive a new Miata, loved it but can’t get my trade ins there- since the C4 died and the Camaro is in the shop. I drive 2 more Camaros and they are the same as the other ones, bad alignment, poor tracking. So I go back to the Ford dealer and take the deal on the GT- they come and get the C4 (Thank god it started) and they agree to take my Camaro even though it’s in the shop in line for new tranny parts, with no set date for when it would be done!


So back to the GT- did I do OK, I got it for a very low price- I love how it drives and the gear box is one of the best I ever shifted- it’s like a Miata ND (2016 and up). And it sounds amazing- I think I bought it for the sound and gear box to be honest. But I did not realize it’s so base though. I turn the radio on, think it’s defective as the back speakers do not work- find out there are no back speakers! I guess with the super nice sound of the exhaust who needs a radio anyway! But seriously, one question for today is can I install back speakers, do I need to get a better sound system completely, get a better radio from the dealer or what options do I have? Does anyone else here have a base, bare bones GT? Down the road can the shocks be upgraded, add a front strut tower brace? I don’t’ need a track car, just a competent fun, weekend driver.


Thanks, I look forward to being part of this forum. My two other cars are a 2017 Ford Fiesta ST (daily driver) and I am restoring a 1966 Bronco.

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[Ninjak]

I run a GT350 in my sig. It has the 9 speaker system, which to say is wanting. I upgraded my speakers with Infinity Ref's. Huge difference. The only speaker I did not replace is the center. I also have a 10inch comp in the back powered by a Alpine and a IC2 dsp. The system sounds really good set this way.

So it come down to how much you want to hear. I used the stock amps for the speakers and it sounds fine to me. Some replace everything. But I will say upgrading speakers are not a bad way to go.

 

[Bluelightning]

I didn't realize that they didn't have rear speakers. I got the premium and it has rears and I think you would enjoy the car more with them. The locations to mount them should be accessible from the trunk.

 

[Snook66]

Are you positive you don't have rear speakers ? Maybe they changed in '18 but my '17 base has rear speakers , the factory speakers are terrible. I ripped out everything but the head unit and replaced with aftermarket speakers, amp and sub.

I also took out the factory e.q. using Forscan, much better sound now.

 

[HeelToeHero]

Canadian site shows 6 speaker for the base: https://www.ford.ca/cars/mustang/models/gt-fastback/

I'd check the corresponding ford site for your country.

 

[GTP]

Yours is a simple question with a complicated answer. There are much longer threads on all aspects of the factory stereo systems.

My personal conclusion is:

1. ALL the factory systems are quite poor, with the 401a the least bad.
2. Rear deck speakers are so bad that they only worsen the sound. I fade most of the signal to the front.
3. You cannot simply replace the rear deck speakers (I tried), because the system rolls out the bass to them anyway.
4. The center dash speaker degrades the left/right sound stage to the degree that it sounds better when disconnected.
5. Which leaves just the door speakers, which actually aren't too bad overall.

I'm waiting to audition the 2018 B&O system. I tried to improve my 400a system and decided that every dollar put into it is better saved for 2019.

 

[66Bronc1]

Actually I do have rear speakers- they are in the rear deck lid- I looked in the truck and there they were. I only drove the car home so far and have not driven it since. I was trying quickly to adjust the audio settings and I only heard music from the front and I could not seem to fade to the back. I am going to check again later this week. The audio system sounds pretty good and if the back is working it will be more than fine.

 

[michail71]

I run a GT350 in my sig. It has the 9 speaker system, which to say is wanting. I upgraded my speakers with Infinity Ref's. Huge difference. The only speaker I did not replace is the center. I also have a 10inch comp in the back powered by a Alpine and a IC2 dsp. The system sounds really good set this way.

So it come down to how much you want to hear. I used the stock amps for the speakers and it sounds fine to me. Some replace everything. But I will say upgrading speakers are not a bad way to go.

Do they not have a matching center?

We recently discovered active exhaust cars are wired for the Shaker Pro sub in the trunk. So I'm upgrading the DSP and sub that way. A good set of speakers might be good if they match to the factory Shaker amp.

 

[driden]

Hello, my first post- I am the new owner of a 2018 Mustang GT, 6 speed manual- base, no options- well I should say one- it has the black accent package. It’s a long story how I ended up with this GT.


First I love sports cars- fast, good handling, good sounding and easy to work on. I have owned a few Honda Civic SI’s, Subaru WRX’s, GTI’s and Mazda Miatas. I traded 2 cars for the GT- a 1985 C4 Corvette and a 2017 Camaro 2LT RS. It all started out with transmission problems with the Camaro- it had the problematic 8 speed automatic. It’s my first automatic in a car- ever and I will never own another automatic again. It had the “shuddering” issue that is all over the Camaro and Corvette forums. I was sick of having it be in the shop with only 6K miles on it so I started shopping around for a new car. I test drove many other Camaros (Manuals)- I wanted to trade for another Camaro. I liked my Camaro- except for the transmission problems. I also test drove a new Miata and the GT that I bought as a comparison. The Camaros- 2 were V6, 6 speeds and 1 was an SS- I did not like the feel of the gear boxes and they all needed alignments- they wandered all over the road and the steering wheels were off center. They did not track good. I drove the GT- I picked one off the lot I loved the looks, and with the cheapest price. I loved how it drove and shifted compared to the Camaros. It tracked true and straight, alignment was perfect and it shifted crisp and flawless. The seating position and view are also so much better than in the Camaro. So I got my C4 and Camaro RS appraised for the GT- very decent trade ins. But I was not sure, could not pull the trigger. A week later, the Camaro shuddering gets so bad I had to bring the car in- it’s now at the dealership in line for a new torque converter. They can’t do it right away, there is huge queue of other cars with the same issue. I do more car shopping, then my C4 dies. I have been trying to sell it for 6 months, no offers. I test drive a new Miata, loved it but can’t get my trade ins there- since the C4 died and the Camaro is in the shop. I drive 2 more Camaros and they are the same as the other ones, bad alignment, poor tracking. So I go back to the Ford dealer and take the deal on the GT- they come and get the C4 (Thank god it started) and they agree to take my Camaro even though it’s in the shop in line for new tranny parts, with no set date for when it would be done!


So back to the GT- did I do OK, I got it for a very low price- I love how it drives and the gear box is one of the best I ever shifted- it’s like a Miata ND (2016 and up). And it sounds amazing- I think I bought it for the sound and gear box to be honest. But I did not realize it’s so base though. I turn the radio on, think it’s defective as the back speakers do not work- find out there are no back speakers! I guess with the super nice sound of the exhaust who needs a radio anyway! But seriously, one question for today is can I install back speakers, do I need to get a better sound system completely, get a better radio from the dealer or what options do I have? Does anyone else here have a base, bare bones GT? Down the road can the shocks be upgraded, add a front strut tower brace? I don’t’ need a track car, just a competent fun, weekend driver.


Thanks, I look forward to being part of this forum. My two other cars are a 2017 Ford Fiesta ST (daily driver) and I am restoring a 1966 Bronco.

Just my opinion on this... With a base system your best option (and easiest) is to replace the head unit and all speakers. You can buy a component speaker set (6.5" & Tweeter combo) for the front, and coaxial 6.5's for the rear deck. Get a decent 5 channel amplifier. The amplifier will power all the speakers with the 5th channel for a dedicated subwoofer (10" or 12") you can have in the trunk. If you want or need more control over the sound (that your head unit can't provide), you can add a digital sound processor (DSP) from the head unit to the amplifier.

Personally, I have (had) the 9 speaker system. I kept the touch screen head unit but replaced everything else. I run tweets, 3", 6.5" in the front and a 12" sub in the trunk (no rear deck speakers). The signal runs through an 8 channel DSP to two amps.

 

[Rwardjr]

Yours is a simple question with a complicated answer. There are much longer threads on all aspects of the factory stereo systems.

My personal conclusion is:

1. ALL the factory systems are quite poor, with the 401a the least bad.
2. Rear deck speakers are so bad that they only worsen the sound. I fade most of the signal to the front.
3. You cannot simply replace the rear deck speakers (I tried), because the system rolls out the bass to them anyway.
4. The center dash speaker degrades the left/right sound stage to the degree that it sounds better when disconnected.
5. Which leaves just the door speakers, which actually aren't too bad overall.

I'm waiting to audition the 2018 B&O system. I tried to improve my 400a system and decided that every dollar put into it is better saved for 2019.

I don’t understand #4. You can’t simply replace the rear deck speakers with some of higher quality?

 

[Fatguy]

Hello, my first post- I am the new owner of a 2018 Mustang GT, 6 speed manual- base, no options- well I should say one- it has the black accent package. It’s a long story how I ended up with this GT.


First I love sports cars- fast, good handling, good sounding and easy to work on. I have owned a few Honda Civic SI’s, Subaru WRX’s, GTI’s and Mazda Miatas. I traded 2 cars for the GT- a 1985 C4 Corvette and a 2017 Camaro 2LT RS. It all started out with transmission problems with the Camaro- it had the problematic 8 speed automatic. It’s my first automatic in a car- ever and I will never own another automatic again. It had the “shuddering” issue that is all over the Camaro and Corvette forums. I was sick of having it be in the shop with only 6K miles on it so I started shopping around for a new car. I test drove many other Camaros (Manuals)- I wanted to trade for another Camaro. I liked my Camaro- except for the transmission problems. I also test drove a new Miata and the GT that I bought as a comparison. The Camaros- 2 were V6, 6 speeds and 1 was an SS- I did not like the feel of the gear boxes and they all needed alignments- they wandered all over the road and the steering wheels were off center. They did not track good. I drove the GT- I picked one off the lot I loved the looks, and with the cheapest price. I loved how it drove and shifted compared to the Camaros. It tracked true and straight, alignment was perfect and it shifted crisp and flawless. The seating position and view are also so much better than in the Camaro. So I got my C4 and Camaro RS appraised for the GT- very decent trade ins. But I was not sure, could not pull the trigger. A week later, the Camaro shuddering gets so bad I had to bring the car in- it’s now at the dealership in line for a new torque converter. They can’t do it right away, there is huge queue of other cars with the same issue. I do more car shopping, then my C4 dies. I have been trying to sell it for 6 months, no offers. I test drive a new Miata, loved it but can’t get my trade ins there- since the C4 died and the Camaro is in the shop. I drive 2 more Camaros and they are the same as the other ones, bad alignment, poor tracking. So I go back to the Ford dealer and take the deal on the GT- they come and get the C4 (Thank god it started) and they agree to take my Camaro even though it’s in the shop in line for new tranny parts, with no set date for when it would be done!


So back to the GT- did I do OK, I got it for a very low price- I love how it drives and the gear box is one of the best I ever shifted- it’s like a Miata ND (2016 and up). And it sounds amazing- I think I bought it for the sound and gear box to be honest. But I did not realize it’s so base though. I turn the radio on, think it’s defective as the back speakers do not work- find out there are no back speakers! I guess with the super nice sound of the exhaust who needs a radio anyway! But seriously, one question for today is can I install back speakers, do I need to get a better sound system completely, get a better radio from the dealer or what options do I have? Does anyone else here have a base, bare bones GT? Down the road can the shocks be upgraded, add a front strut tower brace? I don’t’ need a track car, just a competent fun, weekend driver.


Thanks, I look forward to being part of this forum. My two other cars are a 2017 Ford Fiesta ST (daily driver) and I am restoring a 1966 Bronco.

This is going to sound weird but the 1985 Corvette was my dream car back in the day. I may buy one just to scratch that one off my things to get list. So: What was the biggest problem or gripe you have with the car? A little off topic “heads up” for an old fart making good on former dreams...

 

[swooshdave]

This is going to sound weird but the 1985 Corvette was my dream car back in the day. I may buy one just to scratch that one off my things to get list. So: What was the biggest problem or gripe you have with the car? A little off topic “heads up” for an old fart making good on former dreams...

I had an 86 C4 (and now a 95 convertible). The 86 was my dream car, a poster of th3 84 was on my wall and I graduated HS in 86. Get a C4 now as they have bottomed out.

The biggest thing to watch out for is the digital dash. They will stop working and people pay a ton of money for replacements. If you take the dash apart it’s judt a simple grounding problem. Once I fixed that it worked.

 

[Enchilada]

Replacing or upgrading factory speakers will only do so much. I have an amp powering my factory front speakers and it really kicks up the volume. I chose not to power the rear since they are so far in the back, nor do I intend on upgrading them. The JL Audio Stealthbox in the rear provides bass.

 

[Rwardjr]

Thanks for that

 

[bpalmer753]

Do they not have a matching center?

We recently discovered active exhaust cars are wired for the Shaker Pro sub in the trunk. So I'm upgrading the DSP and sub that way. A good set of speakers might be good if they match to the factory Shaker amp.

Is this true for 2019

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