Thread: first car pc project

I would suggest before taking any other steps, Read the FAQ section on the site which will explain everything in details for you. Then it will give you an idea of how you should go about planning your system. Also figure out what you want the carpc to do for you, this will also help you in your quest.

I wouldnt suggest you go with dual hardrives, just got one nice sized one. Heat will become an issue as well.

As far as your processor goes that will also generate some heat so unless you have a cooling solution think a little less horse power.

i used desktop parts for mine, Im in the process of building a slim plexiglass enclosure for everything.


Good Luck.

Originally Posted by machineshop

I am debating about using these parts. If anyone has any input please by all means tell me. I have a sony vaio pcv-470ds laying around and it has been updated to 512 mb ram and has a pentium 4 cpu but I think it is a 2.8 gig but not sure. It originally came with windows me but I added windows xp pro shortly before stop using this pc for work.
I am considering using this pc's mother board which has dual hard drives.
I am considering buying the opus 150 watt power supply if it works

A little googling on your machine says that you have an Asus p4t motherboard,socket 423 p4 and rambus memory.Max speed is 2 ghz,but more than likely it came with a 1.5....exactly the same board I have in my truck.
You can use an opus on this setup,but,I'd suggest going with a single big drive to cut down on heat and to avoid stressing the power supply.

Originally Posted by machineshop

The pc also has a dvd rom and a cd burner which is oem equipment and I am hoping to use both, Why I am not sure as I have never burned a cd in my life but I think I need it because I dont know any better.

Again,you don't need one as you can transfer files via a network setup.If you want one,and I like having mine,go with a single slim slot load drive,less power,no tray to break off,and better looking,IMHO.

Originally Posted by machineshop

I am wondering about updating to a sound blaster 2.

Great card,I have a zs myself.Just remember to disable the onboard sound if your board came with it.

Originally Posted by machineshop

I am undecided on the moniter as I think I want touch screen.
The car has a huge dash area and the dash is completley gutted out. I will be fabricating the dash from scratch as most of the interior.

Cool,I'd go with a bigger screen,say a 10.4 or a 12,but anything bigger will be hard to make look like it flows with the interior.

Originally Posted by machineshop

The car is being powered by an aluminum 351 windsor with a clevleand stroker crank forged steel, 8.1 forged pistons and 427 cubes with twin t 4 turobs and a t56 6 speed.

Man,shows you how long it's been since I built a ford small block....I thought the biggest you could reasonably go was a 406,that must be one thick block and one hell of a crank,lol.Twin turbos? I prefer superchargers myself,I hate lag,but,either way,you're going to go like a bat outta hell

Originally Posted by machineshop

I know I want the pc to control all the audio/video, efi, more then 1 video screens (undecided how many) possibly temperature control and rear view and front veiw cameras.

Sounds ambitious,get reading the faq's and good luck with your install.

You can just get a normal VGA thats not touchscreen. Becuase you just want one of them to be able to control the entire system correct?

SLAVE is the appropriate term, machineshop. Your cultural sensitivity is duly noted.

SLAVES!

WHIPS!