As many of us have discussed, the factory subwoofer in the Model 3 Premium stereo is, well, underwhelming would be generous. A trick I've used successfully for small boxes like this one in the past is to fill it with Polyfil. This supposedly slows the sound waves down inside the box and makes the box "play" as if it's bigger than it's actual dimensions.
Good news is that adding it is easy. The factory subwoofer is located in the right side of the trunk, behind the carpet trim, directly underneath the right LED light. There is one trim clip to release and then the carpet just pulls back from the trunk gasket. From there you can see the subwoofer and plastic ported enclosure. I stuff Polyfil into the port and pushed it down into the enclosure using a flexible ruler until it was flush with the port. I stopped there so as to not pack it down too tight. I put the trim back together and tested it out.
Bad news, the results were disappointing. It certainly did not make the noticeable improvement I have experienced on other systems, and if anything, perhaps I notice a big LESS bass response. Although that could just be a placebo since I'm listening specifically for it. Either way before or after it's not very good. Shame because the rest of the system is quite good in my opnion.
Thought I would share my story in case anyone else has done the same (and maybe got a better result?) or perhaps this convinces you not to bother if you were thinking about it. On to the real subwoofer install later this spring. I'm going to put the sealed 12in. JL Audio Powered Subwoofer in the sub trunk. Since the power tap is at the back seat and the signal wires are right there at the factory subwoofer, it should be a relatively easy install. Fingers crossed!
Good news is that adding it is easy. The factory subwoofer is located in the right side of the trunk, behind the carpet trim, directly underneath the right LED light. There is one trim clip to release and then the carpet just pulls back from the trunk gasket. From there you can see the subwoofer and plastic ported enclosure. I stuff Polyfil into the port and pushed it down into the enclosure using a flexible ruler until it was flush with the port. I stopped there so as to not pack it down too tight. I put the trim back together and tested it out.
Bad news, the results were disappointing. It certainly did not make the noticeable improvement I have experienced on other systems, and if anything, perhaps I notice a big LESS bass response. Although that could just be a placebo since I'm listening specifically for it. Either way before or after it's not very good. Shame because the rest of the system is quite good in my opnion.
Thought I would share my story in case anyone else has done the same (and maybe got a better result?) or perhaps this convinces you not to bother if you were thinking about it. On to the real subwoofer install later this spring. I'm going to put the sealed 12in. JL Audio Powered Subwoofer in the sub trunk. Since the power tap is at the back seat and the signal wires are right there at the factory subwoofer, it should be a relatively easy install. Fingers crossed!