Type R's are some of the better mainstream subs out there for the $. You can do alot w/ them if you know your vehicle, and they can handle 1k pretty well daily. I like those subs at their price point (MSRP vs MSRP of other brands)
To tell the truth, I actually crack up when locals come in talking like memphis M3's, RF T1's, and kicker L5's are the chit. Especially when 3 local places carry Alpine and hardly ever push them...lol. I guess they just don't know they have a nice budge sub on their inventory, that or they just can't design a proper box for them.
We have actually been approached by Alpine Reps to pick them up. The only question I had for them was, "why would we carry Alpine when there are 3 shops within 5miles of here w/ them?" I would like them just for the HU's though. (seeing as Eclipse is out of the game now, guess Pioneer will have to do for now)
Type Rs are terrific subs. affordable workhorses that can take some abuse, handle a good amount of power, but are still sensitive enough to pound pretty hard if you can't afford a huge amp and high output alternator etc.. a type R does great with 350-500 watts RMS. They are also versatile, and work well in ported or sealed enclosures. Not all subs do.
well, a ported 12" will take 2-2.5 cu ft, so you're pushing it with 4 12" subs if that's your whole working space. You could also try a single 18" which would take about 5 cu ft of space, and still hit really hard.