The whole competition scene has changed dramatically since the days that I competed...I competed in the mid-80s, when the governing bodies changed from CAN to IASCA.

By the time the serious SPL competitions emerged, I was retiring from my modest stereo competition career...you need sponsorship or very deep pockets to be a national contender!

Anyway, SPL competitions are very different from stereo competitions. For one thing, high SPL requires sound pressure. The vehicle has to be specially prepared for this.

To achieve optimum sound pressure, you need the maximum number of woofers (and associated power) to cram in the vehicle, while having the least amount of volume available for the driver compartment. Only woofers are used, since tweeters and midrange speakers do no provide adequate sound pressure...remember this is not a sound quality competition!

The vehicle has to have specially fastened windows and welded supports on the doors and other body structures. You want the chassis to be as rigid as possible. Body flex reduces SPL. Most vehicles you see in this competition are barely driveable. Everything in the vehicle is removed except for the woofer cabinets and power supplies, usually aft of the compartment. Even the dash is specially modified and welded...again, no flex.

Needless to say, the extreme sound pressure levels will vibrate most head units into oblivion, so the unit is usually located somewhere in the rear of the vehicle, accessible from outside, or can be actuated via remote.

Of course, anything above 120db will cause permanent ear damage, so it is NEVER a good idea to test the system while in the vehicle with no ear protection. For that matter, I wouldn't venture into anything capable of delivering 170+db even WITH ear protection!!!

Hope this gives you some idea of what is required to be competitive. Google "SPL competitions" for more info. IASCA still has this category, but other organizations have created their own competitions as well.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car