JL Audio System - Performance Audio - 2008 Chevy Tahoe

2008 Chevy Tahoe Performance Audio Stereo Products

Got bass? We’re not talking about the factory subwoofer “upgrade” that you splurged on when you signed on the dotted line; rather we’re talking about earth-shaking, eardrum-shattering bass that makes your neighbors angry. In the world of car audio, JL Audio is a leader in performance and sound quality. What you may not know is JL Audio makes enclosures loaded with subwoofers that mount in your truck or SUV without impeding on cargo or seating space. These enclosures are called Stealthboxes and are easy-to-install enclosures that will let you crank up the bass to 11. All of that sounds great, but without quality amplifiers, your speakers might as well be made from burlap sacks. Amps provide the signals to your subs and components—skimp on these and your system will suffer. Combine JL Audio’s amps with a Stealth Box and your truck/SUV will be pounding in no time. Window-rattling bass is a key factor to enjoying the overall aural experience in your truck, as hearing the high and mid frequencies, which is why upgrading your factory door speakers is key to hearing the entire range and not just the booming bass.

When it came time to upgrade the audio system in our project ’08 Tahoe, we headed straight over to Performance Audio, in Tyler, Texas, for the installation of a complete JL Audio system. Removing all of the factory speakers, Monty Jones, James Halter, and Seth Davis began upgrading the Tahoe’s tunes with two pairs of components, two amps, a trick Stealthbox, and all of the necessary wiring and audio cables. Check out how the team at Performance Audio used their knowledge of wood-working and audio how-to inside our Tahoe to create a rolling concert hall that still retains all of its cargo space.

1. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” is true in the case of audio products. JL Audio gear isn’t cheap, but the sound quality and long life of the speakers, amps, and wiring make it a sound investment (all puns intended).
1. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” is true in the case of audio products. JL Au
2. Arriving at Performance Audio, in Tyler, Texas, James Halter and Seth Davis got to work removing the factory center console. They had some cool tricks up their sleeves and we hope this kind of ingenuity will inspire you.
2. Arriving at Performance Audio, in Tyler, Texas, James Halter and Seth Davis got to work
3. Seth took apart the factory console, which houses a small Bose 6-inch subwoofer. A JL Audio Stealthbox was in the Tahoe’s future, so the little sub went into the trash can. There’s a lot of dead space underneath the console and Seth devised a plan to utilize the empty void.
3. Seth took apart the factory console, which houses a small Bose 6-inch subwoofer. A JL A

4. After taking several measurements of the space under the center console, Seth used ½-inch square tubing and welded together an amp mounting bracket.
4. After taking several measurements of the space under the center console, Seth used ½-in
5. This photo will help you get a good idea of how the bracket will be used to secure the JL Audio amps. Once the final fit was perfect, the bracket was bolted to the tranny tunnel. You can also see the four-gauge JL Audio power cables that were ran inside the cabin.
5. This photo will help you get a good idea of how the bracket will be used to secure the
6. Seth then secured the amps to the bracket and began inserting each corresponding wire into the amps. For this application, the team at Performance Audio used JL Audio Marine amps. Despite being designed for boats, these amps work great in a truck or SUV and you can oftentimes find them on clearance sale, as they’re not as popular.
6. Seth then secured the amps to the bracket and began inserting each corresponding wire i

7. Once they were wired, Seth reinstalled the center console and everything fit like a glove. The amps used were JL Audio M400/4 four-channel for the two pairs on components and a M600/1 mono-block amp that will power the two 10-inch subs housed in the Stealthbox.
7. Once they were wired, Seth reinstalled the center console and everything fit like a glo
8. Moving to the door speakers, James Halter removed the door panels and factory speakers. Most factory speakers are made from a cheaper paper material and don't provide true sound. We're upgrading to JL Audio's Evolution C3-650 convertible components. These speakers are versatile, as you can mount the 1-inch silk dome tweeter onto the 6.75-inch-woofer, or you can separate them and mount the tweeter anywhere you desire.
8. Moving to the door speakers, James Halter removed the door panels and factory speakers
9. The only drawback to replacing the factory speakers is figuring out a way to mount them into the oversize speaker housings. James had a great solution and started to make mounts for the speakers by first tracing a template onto thin MDF board. It was cut out with a jigsaw and a router was used to notch a hole around the opening for the speaker to sit into.
9. The only drawback to replacing the factory speakers is figuring out a way to mount the

10. James then used Zip Kicker adhesive promoter and Select Products’ adhesive to bond the two pieces of wood together. Each speaker mount was then given a coat of black paint.
10. James then used Zip Kicker adhesive promoter and Select Products’ adhesive to bond the
11. The speaker mount was secured to the metal door panel and the JL Audio component woofer and crossover were wire and installed.
11. The speaker mount was secured to the metal door panel and the JL Audio component woofe
12. and 13. Because the Tahoe was originally equipped with a factory Bose system, the team at Performance Audio cut out the Bose logo on the A-pillar and wrapped the section in speaker grille mesh. The new JL tweeter was then mounted in the original location and the pillar reinstalled.
12. and 13. Because the Tahoe was originally equipped with a factory Bose system, the team

12. and 13. Because the Tahoe was originally equipped with a factory Bose system, the team at Performance Audio cut out the Bose logo on the A-pillar and wrapped the section in speaker grille mesh. The new JL tweeter was then mounted in the original location and the pillar reinstalled.
12. and 13. Because the Tahoe was originally equipped with a factory Bose system, the team
14. For the rear doors, the JL tweeter was left on the woofer cone and the crossover was installed next to the speaker location.
14. For the rear doors, the JL tweeter was left on the woofer cone and the crossover was i
15. Satisfied with the installation of the amps, speakers, and crossovers, James moved on to the JL Stealthbox. The enclosure is specifically engineered for a Tahoe with powered rear hatch. James got some help from Nick, and the two disassembled the rear D-pillar area.
15. Satisfied with the installation of the amps, speakers, and crossovers, James moved on