Thread: 1992 Mazda MX-3

I guess it's time to get a worklog going since there appears to be very little to nothing for this particular car.
My opting with a CarPC was for a number of reasons. First, I've got a Megasquirt Engine Management System that requires a serial port PC to monitor and configure it. The flopping around of my laptop just wasn't going to cut it. Second, my current HU and sound system (that I installed more than 11 years ago) is in need of an update. Although my sound system has never hicipped or even blown a fuse in all of those years, I thought it was time for an update. After more than 9 years of daily driver use my MX-3 is now a summer only car. Since this relegation, I've done numerous improvements and modifications to the engine, suspension and interior. I t only seemed to follow suit that a CarPC was in it's future too. So bascially, I'm killing two birds with one stone - a means to monitor my Megasquirt and and a vastly improved soundsystem. Since it's quite easy to piggy back on this project with additional features, I've decided to go with the routine PC add-ons.

My Car - 92 Mazda MX-3 GS






Projected parts list.

PC:

Commell LV675D motherboard $245.00
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/490

Intel Pentium M725 1.6GHz Processor - 400MHz 2MB Cache OEM [PM725] $158.00
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/265

Toshiba 100GB (1032GAX) 5400RPM Laptop Hard Disk $160.00
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...8743a751a54686

Samsung 1GB DDR2 PC-4200 533Mhz IBC-M $99.95
http://ibccomputers.ca/shop/product_...roducts_id=359

Panasonic CW-8124-B Slimline Slot Loading CD-RW/DVD $70.00
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/309

BU-353 Weather-proof GPS Receiver $75.00
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=GPS%2D002

BUFFALO WLI-CB-G54HP Wireless Notebook Adapter $40.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162128

Mp3Car TRANS 7” VGA transflective (sunlight readable) monitor $679.00
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...ctCode=MON-010

RadioShark AM/FM Tuner $64.00
http://www.cdw.ca/shop/products/specs.aspx?EDC=607733

Travla C156B Mini ITX Case
http://www.caseoutlet.com/shopdispla...rebone+Systems

Mp3Car DSATX PSU - 220Watt $189.99
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=PWR%2D023


Audio:


ICBM 5.1CH 2000Watt Amp. This will enable me to send only one optical cable to the optical input.

Front and Rear Surrround Channels: MB Quart RCE 216's

Centre Channel: 2x MB Quart DKE 108 2Way Coaxial

Sub Channel: 2x 10" JL Audio 10W0-4



Project
I sourced from a junkyard a suitable centre console and trim bezel along with an extra glove box.
I trimmed back a few inches of the 2 DIN plastic separator to give me a wide open 2 DIN opening. With next to no triming of that openning, the Lilliput 629 TS display fit just snug on all 4 sides (more or less). To apply pressure from the rear so as to keep from sliding backwards, I'll be adding a thick piece of high density foam to the centre DIN plastic separator. I'm hoping that should keep it from any sort of movement sideways or backwards. To keep from sliding forward, I sourced a piece of ABS plastic from a car stereo installers shop. I cut out a trim piece and attached it to the trim bezel to keep the display from moving forward where it sits completely flush. That trim piece was fashioned in such a way as to allow complete and easy access to the control buttons on the bottom front of the Lilliput display.
I next need to acquire 2x 3.5" speaker grille covers. I'll be placing the 2 MB Quart DKE 108 cntre channel speakers on either side of the centre console. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don't provide 3.5" grilles any longer and I'm hoping to source then through this BB.
Here's what the centre console looks like so far: