On The Road Again......Phase One Complete Power, Video, Audi

[lcap]

....And my wife has reassumed the con. ~Thanks Chavez!!

...Headlight booster installed ....Check

...Sylvania Ultra's installed........Check

...Windshield Clear.....Check, Rainex Cleaner working....check....Blades clearing....check

....If this works the Mac + Launch2Net + Cell Phone......Work...>Check

.....Kids quiet......Check--Ipod pluse Skull Candy Headphones -- Sleep

Now I have almost zero downtime for working. Hmmm, I might have to install a computer in my work truck.

[K-dub]

"Hmmm, I might have to install a computer in my work truck."

You work?? I thought you were a mod on this site for a living?

[tball]

K-dub, I still think he's Jernberg's alter ego.

[lcap]

[edrex]

[Chad H]

lcap,
I was reccomended dynomat on my truck by Chavez, just never got around to putting it in.

[lcap]

edrex

I read all six pages and looked through the pictures. Very, very nice job. Did it only cost you $1,750 for the head unit, speakers, amp, headrest monitors?

I've been reading about guys wanting to install computers in their cars and after reading your thread I understand. You run the Navigation through the computer, looks like with the USB ports you can play DVD's, Access your music library---everything! That makes A LOT more sense than having all the seperate components--ipod, navagation unit, dvd player, cd player etc.

I didn't see a picture of the computer box installed, do you have any problems with skipping, re-booting, hard drive crashes or is it mounted in some sort of system that allows it to move?

I hooked up to Cingular with Unlimited Data for $19.95/ month. It's not as fast as broadband but I had connections over three mountain passes and now in a canyon. I figured if I really need fast, I'll drive by a neighbors house for free connections.

Did you also install some sort of soundproofing with all the other modifications?

I'm really excited about the computer in the truck! I could also reprogram my engine and tranny on the fly.

WakeboardDrumma

Chavez is rarely wrong when it comes to cars. I just ordered (4) Dynomat Extreme Door kits off E-bay for $30.00 each kit. One kit will do the inside and outside of the door panel or two insides. I'm going for quite so I'm going to try two. If that works, I'm moving onto the hood and then the floor/backwall. I'll let you know if it's really as good as people claim it is. But if it's half as good as they say, I'll be in tall, tall cotton.

[edrex]

lcap, $1750 was the total price that the project cost me. That includes parts, shipping, install, EVERYTHING!! Well worth the money for what I get out of it.
Here is what mine does:
Music (mp3's)
Movies (mostly avi's, full length movies, music videos, TV episodes, etc)
GPS (using Delorme Topo 5, but will probably switch to iGuidence for easier touch screen use)
XM radio

Those are the main features I use. Others have added cell phone control through bluetooth (dial from touch screen, read/send text messages, hear callers through car speakers, mic installed in sun visor), car diagnostics (through OBDII), internet, rear view cameras, and more.

My PC is built in a Mini ATX case. I have it installed in the trunk. I put some padding underneath to help shock absorbtion, and have never had a problem with hard drive skipping. I don't have the DVD drive installed yet. Haven't had a need for it with all the movies I already have on the hard drive. The only problem I've run into a couple times is on REALLY cold nights the hard drive will not spin up during boot and the system will need rebooting after the car has warmed for a minute or two. A 3-way switch can be installed in the cockpit for easier reboots if that happens... another thing I've been meaning to get too.

I didn't install any kind of sound proofing, but a friend that did my audio install says Dynamat is worth the price.

As far as controlling your engine and tranny, those things are tough unless you have a program that can do it. Most of the firmware in your trucks computer system is proprietary, and can't simply "plug in" to any computer system for reprogramming. Do some research on it first before you jump in if that is a big part of why you would want a system like this.

Also, one thing to remember: This is a hobby, not just a product. As long as you are into it, you can get it to do almost anything you want. But its not the type of system that you can have installed at Best Buy and read the instruction manual to find out how it works. It takes time to work out the bugs.

If you decide to do it, mp3car.com has great forums and tons of info on everything. Let me know and I'll help get you started with it all too.

[lcap]

edrex

If you dont mind, I'll be hitting you up for some tips. I'm thinking after the Dynomat, I'll build a box under the rear seat. On side for a mini xt box, the other for an X box and the middle for a subwoofer. For years the only thing under the seat was used for was to collect the kids french fries, used gum and old candy. With a box, I won't have to worry about cleaning under the seat.

There is some software for re-programing the entire car, EFLive but I'd just end up destroying the engine, tranny and running gear. I'll settle for an idiot box for my own protection.

I noticed from the start of your post to the "almost" complete post was over a year. Most certainly a hobby with everything that goes into such a project.

[edrex]

lcap, Sounds good. My setup is the front monitor (touch screen), and 2 headrest monitors (non touch). Another possibility since you are adding an xbox is to connect it to a second video input to the headrest monitors so the kids could play while you still maintain control up front and have music. You just have to work out game audio, maybe to head phones.

The planning stage takes the longest. I wanted to have a solid idea on what functions I wanted, and know how everything was going in. Once you can work it out on paper so that everything fits, and works how you want, the only other obstacle is TIME and MONEY. I never have both at once, so I ordered my parts here and there. Once I got the PC built I tested it at home, and loaded it with music and movies and software that I would need. Once that was all set up I started on the screen installs. This started the period of time where I had no music or radio in my car. Once those were installed and I was happy, I was finally able to put in the PC. Some more troubleshooting and getting all the configs how I wanted them, and I was up and running and showing it off to everyone I knew. There have been some minor issues here and there with it, but overall I am completely happy with my decision.

Feel free to ask any questions you have, PM me if you need also. And cruise those forums, especially the Install/Projects section, to see what is possible. What kind of truck are you working with?

[lsurulz]

If I could throw my 2 cents into this I would have to recommend using Elemental Designs for sound deadening. I have used most of their sound deadening products and they have all done me well, without breaking the bank. One added bonus is that they have online customer support on their website and it is most definitely the best customer service I have ever received.

[Lop]

lcap, dude, you are completely leaving out space for the french fries. Just imagine where they will end up.

[K-dub]

lcap, on the subject of the Dynomat....a friend of mine just did te entire cab of his F350 PowerStroke (mainly because of the stereo system)...but what I noticed is that the noise of the engine and the straight piped exhaust in the cab has been reduced to nothing since he did the install. (with the windows up of course)
He removed all of the interior (seats, carpet...everything) and lined the whole inside with the Dynomat and it did wonders.
I was thinking of doing mine soon...but I kinda like the noise right now. I find myself running with the windows down when driving on surface streets since I did my straight pipes because the loud roar of the Power Stroke combined with the jet engine whistle sound I have now since my Cat decided it didn't want to be with the truck anymore......I love it!
The only thing that bothers me is when i'm on the freeway cruising around 70-75 mph....I have a deep groan in the cab now that will only go away if I speed up or slow down.....but at 2000-2500 rpm at 70 mph its pretty loud.
I'm thinking Dynomat in the near future.

[vawakemonster]

DONT BUY DYNOMAT, second skin is better, secondskinaudio.com they make a slew of noise and heat dampening materials. their damplifier pro is just like dynomat extreme but cheaper and better. I am going to use the second skin putty in my new truck over spring break.

[lcap]

K-dub

Ah the beauty of youth; good body, no hair and ears that still enjoy the sounds of POWER! I'm guessing that with the "straight pipes" you and your buddy also installed an after market intake and probably a tuner. With all this extra air and HP you still don't notice the whine of the turbo? That is amazing!!! I ordered the Haynes books today to teach me how to remove the seats without setting off the airbags. I'm going to start on the doors and move to the floors when I figure out the computer stuff.

Thanks!

lsurulz vawakemonster

I've read about both of those, I'm thinking I may use of one of them on the firewall. Dynomat is less than $1.00/s.f. on E-Bay. They also had the best instructions and a list of materials for my truck. I'm kinda new to this stuff so I really need the instructions.

edrex

What all can you run through the computer? Stereo, video, what controls the amp? How about an X-box or Playstation?

[edrex]

lcap, the PC would run music, video, GPS, satellite radio (XM or Sirius), FM radio, your cell phone, and probably some stuff I am forgetting. It wouldn't run your video games (those are better setup going to a secondary video input to your screens where you could hit the "input" button on the screen to switch to the video games).
The PC feeds sounds to the amp. A nice sound card in recommended, one that has RCA outs makes connecting it easier.
A more user friendly solution is to have both a CD player headunit, and a PC controlled from the touch screen. This way you keep an "easy" way to listen to the radio/CD's, but have the functionality of the PC with all the extras for when you want to listen to MP3's, video, GPS, etc. I got rid of my head unit completely so I'm not sure how it would be wired, probably with a switch for what sound output gets fed into the amp. Plenty of people have done it both ways, so there is no shortage of info on any direction you want to go. Take a look at your dash, if you have a double din headunit already it would be pretty easy to replace with a screen. If you have enough room, you can put the screen somewhere else and keep your head unit, or relocate the head unit and make the screen the center piece of your dash. Send me a good shot of your dash (preferrebly taken from straight on) and I'll let you know how I would do it.

[chavez]

edrex, your car is over the top man. One of these days I really need to get a look at it.

lcap, Dynomat will be fine. All of the brands that have emerged all do the same damn thing - I really can't tell the difference between Dynomat & others. Dynomat is easier to come by, so they win IMO.

Honestly, if it wasn't so damn hard to work with, I'd use more spray rubber or solartex to do soundproofing. I've even used fiberglass to create sub enclosures within vehicles. That works great if you have the patience.

Anywho - glad everything worked out for you Dan.

[lcap]

chavez

Hahah, I'm just starting this process. My Dynomat should be here by Wednesday for the doors. Along with the 1,200 F. Milwaukee Heat Gun. Tonight I'm going to start removing door panels. Changing out those fuggly door handles with ones like on the LTZ.

Then it's the seats for the floor insulation.

Far, far, far from being out of the woods. Matter of fact I think, with my patiences, I'm going to a very, very, very dark place.

edrex

Thanks again! My dad is a retired rocket scientist who loves building computers. I put his nose in the problem tonight.

[vawakemonster]

im making a sub ecplosure with glass and dampening my car,

Im totally turning my car into a competition SQ machine. Im putting in an epxensive HU that does time alignment(delays speakers colser to driver to give him the effect of being in the center of the car) and a big EQ, Im also buying a component set to encrease imaging and SQ.

[lsurulz]

lcap, no matter what you buy, i would still recommend calling Elemental Designs, I am sure they would be willing to give you some step by step instructions no matter what you buy.

[edrex]

chavez, thanks man. Let me know if you ever head over to Santa Rosa. I'll give you the tour.

[K-dub]

lcap, AFE Stage 2 intake, and Edge Juice w/ Attitude programmer....but don't tell Ford, as those two items are a big no-no.

Oh yeah, I can hear the Turbo.....the truck sounds like a friggen Jet taking off.
I can make every dog on the street start barking when i'm warming it up in the morning.
LOVE the Turbo whistle.

[chavez]

K-dub, Bubb Rubb sez WOO WOOOOOOOO!

(Sorry I can't make wooo woooo read high-pitched.)

edrex, I don't get up there often, but if I do, I will be contacting you.

[K-dub]

chavez, gotta have the whistle tips in Oaktown, yo!

Bubb Rubb rocks....a true pop-culture Icon.

[chavez]

Hell yeah!

Watch out Obama - Bubb Rubb 2008!

[K-dub]

Wooooooo-WOOOOOOOO!!!!

[lcap]

K-dub,

I've been debating between the new True Flow XDI (just cause I like the word "Xtreme in the name) and the AFE Stage 2. Combining this with either the Superchip or PPE (mild tune) for the Duramax. I don't mind annoying the neighbors but I want a Cadillac ride so I'm going to soundproof the crap out of the truck.

[Nor*Cal]

edrex, have there been any problems with the computer mid summer? Just seems like it'd overheat after sitting in a NorCal parking lot for a few hours. This thread has peaked my interest.

[edrex]

Nor*Cal, no heat problems. The PC is off when the car is off, so its not creating more heat in the trunk. I have a heatsink/fan combo mounted on the CPU and 2 case fans to keep the air circulating while the car is on and the PC is going.
Then again, I don't get the kind of heat you guys have out in Sac, so if you are parked downton you may have to worry about the whole thing melting like a popsicle.

[lcap]

So with a "carputer/car cpu" and a few monitors you can have navigation, movies, e-mail, internet, PC software, MP3 player, FM Modulator, etc. All for considerably less than the "traditional car audio/video/mp3/navigation route.

[K-dub]

lcap, through many, many, many hours of research I decided on the AFE Stage II because it's the ONLY aftermarket intake filter that wont let in any kind of dirt/dust.

Seems either the consensus for the best option available was the AFE, though the other half was that the factory Ford was the way to go because thier turbos become caked with dirt/dust, clog the vanes.....then no warranty replacement.
My mechanic at the dealership told me the only afermarket he'd bless me on was the AFE II....anything else other than stock, I was up the creek without a paddle and an empty wallet.
He also gave me a nod and a wink behind the scenes on the programmer with mild tunes, because he knows i'm not drag racing...just towing on an extremely regular basis, so he recommended and which brand programmer, and which tunes I should download....

Not too sure how Chevy/GM views the use of these things on the Duramax, but i'm sure adding the, to your motor will make a nice change to the way she drives.

[lcap]

K-dub

I'm in the same boat as you were in. My first choice on the intake was the AFE for the same reason until True Flow came out with the XDI. Looks interesting but not sure I want to bite off on the cost of a new engine. GM still allows after market intake and exhausts. No on lift kits or programmers.

I'm still not certain on the programmer. I need the same as you, a mild tune for towing and improved MPG. More HP is just for smiles. To make certain I don't run into any "warranty" questions, I need one that restores the factory settings when she goes into the shop. A lot of Dmax guys also swear by the Edge Juice for what I need. Superchip and PPE are close but less money. MBRP for the exhaust to please the neighbors.

[edrex]

[Wakebrad]

edrex, your system looks awesome.

So it uses "roadrunner" for the operating system or is that just for the interface and it has windows behind it?

Does your GPS map feature give you turn by turn directions?

I've got a friend looking to build something similar into his new A6.

[K-dub]

lcap, good choice on the MBRP...

I have the 4" turbo back w/ cat delete and muffler delete....I love it.
Very easy to install yourself, and nice price to boot....$450 complete with a 5" tip. Hardest part about the install was getting the clamp off of the back of the turbo that connects the down pipe. I don't know how Chevy/GMC does it, but the Ford one is a biatch to get off.
Other than that, the MBRP guys make a very very nice exhaust.

You should go down to your dealership and chop it up with a diesel mechanic....become casual friends.....he'll let you know exactly what will and wont slide in his eyes. If you ever have a problem, it's best to have the guy doing the work on your side.

I can't believe they don't allow lift kits?? Every Chevy dealer I drive by down here has lifted trucks on thier lot....weird.