on my '99 ES 300, I noticed that my subwoofer is 2 ohm and looks to be 10 inch. Does anyone know what the factory amp is rated at?

 

It's very low probably, maybe not more than 50 rms watts. OEM amps are very underpowered and so small.

 

The stock subs on our 3rd gen ES's are 8 inch-ers...

 

yeah, I figured it wasn't rated very high. I want to find a very efficient sub and build an efficient (ported) box and make the most out of the factory amp.

 

Usually using the factory amp is a big mistake. There is no way it will give you good results if you're going to spend the time to construct an enclosure. Most generic amps will easily outperform the stock amp for very little money ($100-200), let alone the good stuff. I recommend putting in an aftermarket amp for the sub by using an LLC on the existing amp output, running that into a new amp. Then build your box with efficient sub and your results will be a lot better. This will also allow the stock amp to only drive the new amp inputs, which are much higher, constant impedance, so will be much cleaner.

 

engin_ear, would you need a crossover then if you go to an aftermarket amp? cuz i'm wondering if the stock amps have crossovers built in or if the input signals to the stock amps are already at a low frequency.

by the way, i'm removing my stock sub amp and replacing with and A/D/S amp. that's why i'm wondering about the crossover. i'm directly hooking up the low level in puts with a self made RCA wire to the A/D/S/ amp.