You guys were right about the port. Instead of moving the box around because I have it bolted to the car, I blocked the port so the sub was having the bass output. Sure enough the thing sounds %75 better. So I ordered a sealed box and I can't wait. I am no longer confused or angry.

 

Good. Glad we could help you out.

 

With a port box most of the vibration of sound actually comes out of the ported box, along with all the air moved by the subs. I have 2 12" l7's in a ported box and you can feel it if you stand behind the car with the trunk open. since your port is facing sideways, all the sound was going out towards the side and just bouncing around laterally and almost none of it was getting to you... just like everyone else said... lol. Ported boxes are really nice for bigger subs with a lot of power because it gives more air for it to move, but it also depends on personal preference. I would say try and turn it sideways like someone else said, with the port facing the trunk, just for shates and grins to see how it sounds.