I'm at a little over 1000 for where I stand...and I still am not satisfied at a bunch of things.

very true my audio addiction (when it comes to cars) well never be solved
translation
i will never stop modifying my audio electronics

I've found it depends on the car. Almost all the cars i've installed systems in always sound the best facing rear. But some like my old 87' Somerset and a friends 94 Prizm, pounded facing forward. I think it has to do with the size of the trunk.

It'* all on personal preference, yes firing rear will allow the bass wave to mature more but firing forward can sound tighter and more accurate, so will ports firing into cabin.

For me I fire forward with a sealed box and set up the system to compete in sound quality. Right now running subs and front components, no rear fill.

As far as being loud outside the car, get a couple of layers of dynamat on and that will make a huge difference in outside volume, but who cares how it sounds on the outside, it'* how it sounds on the inside that matters.

I compete in db drag and bass race competitions with my car, and have been for about 4 years, just for fun. I have always seen a rise in the db'* facing the rear.

When you face them backwards it lets the sound waves reflect off of the rear of the car and fire forward back towards the passengers. Bass does not travel through metal (which is why trunks rattle, I know mine does). Bass will travel through any cloth, human or wood thats in its way.

If you like to hear bass outside of you car, you can always roll down the windows, but I could car less. I have to spend time tightening bolts in the rear of my car on a monthly basis because they get rattled loose, this does not sound good. I have already had a taillight fall out before I started tightening things.

BTW - I have 2 15s and no trunk space, so you have to give a little to get a little

sounds like you need some threadlock.