Audio Systems: car speakers, car stereo speakers, 5x7 speakers

Question
I think you can answer my question; it has to do with car stereo speakers. The car I drive has 5X7 speakers that I want to replace, wouldn't I be better off installing 6 1/2" speakers instead if 5X7's if I can make them fit without to much trouble. Won't 6 1/2 speakers perform better than 5X7 speakers? The concern I have is the gap in the door panel that the 6 1/2 will leave due to the larger hole on the top and bottom for the 5X7 cutout, letting road noise in.

Thanks, Larry

Answer
Larry,

 well the only real problem like you said the 6.5's wont fill in the 5x7 holes .. now if you went with an oversize speaker i wouldnt have any concern but the body panel/s actual give some acustic enhancement and the hollowness of the panels aid in bass performance .. the only problem i think you would have is the sound quality because the air wouldnt be directed or chambered into the hollow panel but it could escape through the gaps .. now for the second part i have never heard of any huge differences or benefits from a 6.5 to a 5x7 in todays aftermarket you can buy a 3x6 that can out perform a basic OEM 6x9 so its fairly easy to keep in the size range but get top of line performance and quality.. check out etronics.com they have excellent prices on everything from speakers to head units that is where i buy alot of my components.. hope this helps you out if you need anything else let me know

thanks