The Second Official Car Thread

DT · 10-21-2009, 03:56 PM

Got my X100, per the auction, brand new in the box (all cables, manuals, etc.) Looks awesome! My P&P harness won't be here till Friday, but I'll probably pull the stocker tomorrow in preparation. It has two ports: one for USB and one for iPOD so it should be super flexible, even without an optical drive. Got a 16GB USB drive all ready, setup with MP3s, playlists and album art.

**GnipGnop** · 10-21-2009, 04:30 PM

So sick DT. I've always liked them.

DT · 10-21-2009, 04:50 PM

Yeah, I haven't done anything audio-wise in a car for a long time. I had always planned on a car-PC in the Z06, but it was always on the back burner.

There's a small contingent of folks who think the 9000 series Alpines have better SQ vs. the IDA stuff, but if there is, I don't hear it, and the convenience factor of a HU designed from the ground up to interface with digital media is hard to beat.

**GnipGnop** · 10-21-2009, 04:53 PM

Yeah I don't think the SQ will be anything that will take away from your listening. Maybe to an audiophile who enjoys sitting in his car not running with the garage closed and a set of headphones plugged into the auxiliary it would make a difference, but not to anyone actually driving it.

**Skim4Lfe1988** · 10-21-2009, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by DT

Yeah, I haven't done anything audio-wise in a car for a long time. I had always planned on a car-PC in the Z06, but it was always on the back burner.

There's a small contingent of folks who think the 9000 series Alpines have better SQ vs. the IDA stuff, but if there is, I don't hear it, and the convenience factor of a HU designed from the ground up to interface with digital media is hard to beat.

they only think this because of CD(9000) quality vs Mp3(IDA) quality sound because the IDA doesnt do CD but the bur brown converter on the IDA is supposed to convert the mp3 quality music to CD quality. Even so... I don't notice a difference even with 500$ components and I'm a salesman for Al & Ed's. The difference is in the quality of the recording. btw.. just a tip... the actual "ipod" specific connection is slower than the USB connectoin for the ipod. Sooo.... use the USB connection for your ipod and save the regular ipod port for someone else who wants to bring thier ipod along.

**Matt.** · 10-21-2009, 10:01 PM

speaking of S2K

**GnipGnop** · 10-21-2009, 10:10 PM

rear wheel fitment = teh gay

**ShockSkim** · 10-22-2009, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by GnipGnop

rear wheel fitment = teh gay

not so much...

**Mapdash** · 10-22-2009, 08:08 AM

S2k's look so good with body color hard tops.

**DJ-NJ** · 10-22-2009, 02:39 PM

hey i wasnt fracking kidding. no more honda's, you hear me?

**LAXitives288** · 10-22-2009, 03:00 PM

Alright guys, DJ said no more Hondas. I think he's serious too, we better listen.

**megadeth** · 10-22-2009, 06:43 PM

yah, or else he may put water in someone's gas tank.

**LAXitives288** · 10-22-2009, 08:11 PM

Only an asshole would do that.

**GnipGnop** · 10-22-2009, 08:37 PM

Anyone ever notice how many VWs, Porsches, BMWs and Audis have either a stuck on brake light or a malfunctioning one?

**Mapdash** · 10-23-2009, 06:01 AM

Those are rear fog lights. A lot of the european cars have them. Sometimes it is one part of one tail light and on others it is one part of both of them. I am not sure but i think Canada is even more strict on DRL than we are so you guys might require rear DRL/fogs. They are not required here in the US.

**megadeth** · 10-23-2009, 06:25 AM

speaking of rear fogs (well kind of lol) I could go for some side markers.

I think it makes a car look so much cooler.

DT · 10-23-2009, 01:17 PM

Got my Modifry harnes in today, and I'm all installed! Really awesome, sounds better (seems cleaner, crisper, bass a little more isolated and punchy).

I ran the USB interface cable into the secret compartment (S owners will know

) which is a great place to store an iPOD (the smaller front compartment.). I would up not removing it, just the two screws at the bottom and using a hanger to pull the connector up and through.

I initially used the iPOD specific harness, but realized it (KCE-422) isn't the preferred connection for later gen models, so instead of pulling both wires to the SC, I just pulled the regular USB (which is faster, shows ablum art, etc.). I also tried a 16GB USB stick and it also worked perfect!

I'm going to set a custom wallpaper/BG in just a sec, but I've got the illumination and BG set for red which looks pretty outstanding with the OEM red lighting.

100% satisfied

**Ill Perfection** · 10-23-2009, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by DT

This is the most interesting new car currently approaching production - the FT-86:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/t...pt-tokyo-2009/

I'm sure everyone knows about it by now - a joint project between Subaru and Totota, that will be sold under both brands. The Toyota will be *RWD*, and have at least two models: a 2.0L boxster engined, base model (175-200HP), and a beefier model with larger fenders, and a 2.5L boxster (~250).

Word on the street is Subaru (and hopefully Toyota) is thinking of a 3rd variant of the higher end model, an Sti version with a turbo 2.5L (and the same body work with larger fenders, etc). Something in the neighborhood of 300HP would be the target.

I'm thinking the Subbies will likely be AWD, as that's the whole brands claim-to-fame, so possible more weight, and less driver experience, but I think they real winners, especially with the prices being suggested in the $22K-25K range.

With the S2K gone, there's not a whole lot of options in the lightweight, RWD market (most are either BMW or Porsche).

You know what just crossed my mind? How much this thing reminds me of the new LF-A. The body styles look pretty similar.

**Ill Perfection** · 10-23-2009, 07:17 PM

Toyota: LF-A > FT-86

Porsche: 911 > Cayman?

DT · 10-24-2009, 07:36 PM

OK, open top vs. new HU, er, air flow wins. Getting some other shit on deck so I can hear at speeds...

**Ill Perfection** · 10-24-2009, 07:48 PM

If I had this I would put it on my floor, kick out my girlfriend, grab a sleeping bag and be very content

DT · 10-24-2009, 08:31 PM

Those PaswordJDM fracks are insane, but cool stuff, but seriously, WTF, but so delicious.

The company I love to hate...

**LoganM** · 10-24-2009, 08:43 PM

my dream car
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/1430320841.html

DT · 10-26-2009, 06:24 AM

My rotors look like dookie. I was semi-kinda holding off for something a little more radical brake-wise but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on some Stoptech or RB parts. A BBK would be pretty choice, but it also highly limits wheel choices (especially since I want to run some 16 or 17" stockers with stickies on track).

**Mapdash** · 10-26-2009, 06:36 AM

So are you just going to go the slotted/drilled over sized rotor, SS lines, synth fluid, with the OEM brakes?

**Mapdash** · 10-26-2009, 06:37 AM

I think i did stoptech stage II on my Z.

DT · 10-26-2009, 07:04 AM

Stock sizes. I haven't seen a sized up bracket for the S to accommodate larger rotors (only complete replacement calipers, i.e., full kits). There's a couple of folks using an Accord Coupe caliper that's a little bigger (same diameter, larger sweep area) - I'm sure there's a small gain, but not enough to hassle with it (and from a cosmetic standpoint it looks basically the same).

I have an extra set of calipers - I think I'm going to do my original plan: clean those up with a Dremel (remove extra flashing/cast marks), send them to Rick for a nice PC job (in Formula Red), do some upgraded, OEM sized rotors, stainless lines and call it a day.

**Mapdash** · 10-26-2009, 07:24 AM

On the totally opposite end of the spectrum......i just washed my FX for the first time in 2 weeks yest. She was NOT happy. two week old dried bugs. Some cargo scratches that needed compounding. It was rough. She is feeling better and slightly more loved.

**megadeth** · 10-26-2009, 11:32 AM

Got back from court for the 3rd time today. Had to make a scrapbnook and an essay of what I have learned about all this. Read my essay to the court. Ended up with 450 in fines and 25 hours of community service. No points, so thats good, but I have to drive another hour to go up there for a 4th time. Definitely getting sick of it.