Subaru Impreza 2.5RS '05 Wagon Install... on a budget

**CdRsKuLL** · 07-01-2005, 05:09 PM

nice install fella :-) like the way u have moved the h/unit about.

CdR

**Pseudo Nim** · 07-01-2005, 07:22 PM

Thanks, hehe.

Now if I could only solve my USB power problem.... looks like the M1-ATX isn't providing enough power (or the VIA board isn't..... not sure which) - but I can barely hook up an external 2.5" drive, and hooking up a CD-ROM fails.

Guess it's time for some resistors and splicing of the 12V rail, hehe.

**infinitiFX45** · 07-02-2005, 02:48 PM

im really loving your install. i want to do the same in my 04 truck, its looks clean and OEM factory (especially with that boot screen). im a newb to this forum so i have a few questions. what software GUI do you use, and how can you customize it? how long does it take to boot up (is it quick or does it take toooo long)? how can you seamlessly integrate a factory headunit (and its controls/steering wheel controls)?

i would post in the newbie forum, but i love your install and want to mirror it in my infiniti, down to the GUI and Boot Screen!

Thanks in advance

**contaygious** · 07-02-2005, 07:23 PM

sweet job looks great!!!!!!!!!

**jcdillin** · 07-02-2005, 07:37 PM

damn, very nice! I wish I could still have a HU

great job!

**Pseudo Nim** · 07-02-2005, 07:58 PM

infiniti: I am using RoadRunner with the BMV2 skin (haven't really had time to make anything better, and I doubt I will... though I'd like to). It's pretty customizable - you can find more details in the Software Discussion -> Front Ends -> Road Runner forum. The boot time is reasonable: I'm using hibernation right now ('cause I can't get my M1-ATX power supply to send proper signals to the motherboard... otherwise I'd use standby). I was stupid enough to put 512MB of RAM into the system, so the hibernate / start up takes longer than normal - I think I'd recommend putting 256MB and stripping your Windows so that nothing runs - you could get it in about 80 - 90MB of RAM and have plenty left over for RoadRunner and support apps.

As for the head unit - depending on your unit, you may or may not be able to integrate it seamlessly with the system. I would say forget about using it as a CD-ROM (that will probably almost never happen), and as for other functions, I've heard that some Sony units can be connected through a special cable (do a search in the forums - I don't have one, so I forgot the link, hehe). Steering wheel controls can be done with enough work - but since my Subaru doesn't have any, I didn't really bother. It would certainly not be easy, though, and it depends how far you want to go with it (I'd say it would involve rewiring your steering wheel controls completely to route to the PC rather than the head unit, and you'd need to do lots of soldering).

The boot screen is very easy to do, though. You need a program called AWBMTools, which would allow you to edit the BIOS of your EPIA board (or any Award BIOS, for that matter). His homepage is here, and there's instructions on how to do the boot logo. The Windows one is harder - but check the forum called Operating System Optimization, there's some information on doing it in there.

Cheers,

-pN

**Pseudo Nim** · 08-23-2005, 10:41 PM

SOUND SYSTEM INSTALL UPDATE

So I went to the dealer the other day. He was showing me off his WRX that he boosted to 250hp by installing a blowoff valve, and completely replacing the exhaust system. That was beyond me (since I drive a naturally-aspirated Subaru...), but I did see a small Infinity sticker on his windows, so I thought I'd ask. He said "Yeah, I have an Infinity sub here, just installed it." He showed me his install, and it was not bad - a 12" Infinity sub and a 300W dedicated Infinity amp mounted under plexiglass just in front of the amp. He turned on Haddaway and turned the woofer to the max. It started to roar (not really thump anymore, just roar) and he closed the trunk. The license plate and the spoiler started rattling. The speakers were clipping. I said fine. Look. If you're going to show off your sound system to me, I'll show you mine.

So we went downstairs and he went off to the side to talk to a customer while I powered up my PC. He got back into my car and, with huge eyes, asked me what the LCD screen was. I said it was a computer. He said, "you put a computer in your car?!?!??"... anyway, long story cut short, I found the Haddaway song he was playing (having 170GB of music has its benefits, hehehe) and turned it on.

He froze.

My sound was clear, base was clean and powerful (even though I have only a 10", in a closed box with no air vent, unlike his), and ... well, he just sat there.

The guy used to treat me with disrespect ("you young'un" type of attitude), but this time, his attitude changed 180 degrees.

Moral of the story: do NOT listen to people who tell you to keep your stock speakers and add bass. That's a waste of money... go the extra mile and invest into everything. Get refurb/used stuff on eBay - that'll save you a billion dollars.

Here's my install saga.

**Pseudo Nim** · 08-23-2005, 10:48 PM

First, out with the seats

SO much space!!!

**Pseudo Nim** · 08-23-2005, 10:49 PM

Garbage in the trunk...

Had to drive like this for a day because I ran out of time on Saturday

Looks kinda like Terminator... or some kind of a computer AI

**Pseudo Nim** · 08-23-2005, 10:54 PM

OLD vs NEW speakers

Infinity are beautiful, and heavy. The Subaru stock ones are simply **** on a stick (and weigh even less than that - I don't really know where the magnet in them is).

I had to fashion my own spacers out of plumbing rubber gromits.

Amp (Infinity 7540, 550W)