People usually choose which direction based on preference. So do what sounds best. Currently, my sub and port are facing forward, but my box was built that way on purpose.

Will give it a shot and post how it sounds to me. My enclosure was factory made. Wasn't sure if the carpet would absorb all the sound

Is the box sealed? You may notice that it sounds louder when they face the front as well.

Yes the box is sealed.
https://www.mtx.com/tne212d-mtx-car-subwoofer-enclosure

How do you think these would look guys? I am starting to consider the waffle grills as they provide the best protection.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-GW12BK...ubwoofer+grill

Just make sure it has enough clearance, it says the product height is 1.6 inches.

I will have to figure out if the plastic ring that runs around them comes off

Took your advice sounds better. Punchier bass. Barely enough wire to reach the amp. I didn't feel like switching the amp placement on the box

Due to the fact that the amp causes radio static I am going to turn my subs back around towards the back.

I am stuck between the Alpine Type r grills, a black bar style grill, or a waffle grill, though I dont see how it will fit.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...e-KTE-12G.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...che-WGB12.html

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.com/p-5...kit-bgb12.aspx

I have a pair of grills that look exactly like those, but the ring around them is made of rubber that wraps around the edge. The whole disc is stamped metal (vinyl coated). I used a 12-inch size on ten-inch woofer, so it could mount to the box, not the woofer. The depth is about one inch, but these I got back in the 1990s.

I was searching on google and came across a picture of waffle grills on the same subs I have. They fit nice and I was very surprised. I will probably go that direction. I prefer protection over looks because the subs are not seen, only heard.

If thats the case you can get a grill grill for cheap. one like for a little 12" charcoal grill. I used one for a while at one point. Didn't look to terrible, it worked, easy to mount up, and only had to go the hardware store and get it for like $5.

a good sealed box will help a ton. ^When I had mine back in the day I noticed with 1 or 2 12's putting them against the back seat- speaker facing the trunk I got the most out of them. Any other place in the trunk I noticed a notable decrease in "bump" in the cabin. Facing the magnet toward the trunk (speaker in the back of the seat) was only nice if the seat was down. Other wise it was the same result as the seat was absorbing a lot of the punch.

True, that's why my seats are always down in the back.

Yea I noticed that the seat absorbed a lot. They sound a lot better facing away from me

I picked up a set of waffle style grilles from the local audio place. Guy said to use standoffs to clear the plastic lip on my subs. I plan on installed them this weekend if I get the time. I will post pictures when it's all done. It would be nice to finally be able to use my trunk to put stuff in.

Nice yeah mine don't have grills either. It's funny too I almost got that the box. They had it paired with an amp. I opted for the Jackhammers and a separate Kenwood 8105D amp for a little more. Not sure how they fit that jackhammer box in my trunk things Ginormous. Interested to see how much difference the Sound Dampening makes. Could you elaborate on the plastic tabs? I was just going to put a layer of matter under the plate.

The plastic lip is the plate around the sub. I thought about putting the grill under it and using the plate to hold it down but I like how it looks on top. Plus the rubber surround barely clears with the grill on top of the plate

Got my new grilles mounted up. Post a picture when the rain stops. Have to fix one grill cuz I mounted it crooked but I figure waffle grills are more for protection than anything

Well the cheap ass waffle grilles broke yesterday. I may be hearing things but I could swear my subs hit harder and moved more with the grills off.
In light of this, being I need them protected, I'm getting the 4 bar style grilles from GS audio in the matte black finish as the box and speakers are black.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H9DRTV8...I3MUZJOS7J7K7D

This will provide protection from like grocery bags and stuff like my tool box when I have it in the trunk but won't impede on the movement of the subs and not block or distort the sound.