2004 350Z Enthusiast Install

danielkh · 10-03-2007, 09:07 AM

Ok,
RAM should be in today so going to begin the install. Touchscreen is finished and install details can be found here:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/1125421-post4.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/1125486-post7.html

Screen mounting turned out better than expected. I had read that the Xenarc was a perfect fit, but DANG!

I have decided to pull the Bose and all periferals for it (preamp, axxess unit for XM/Ipod+text) and reinstall the original crap radio. Only going to be used as a clock anyway. Should be able to offset some of the cost of this upgrade by selling it as an "Enthusiast/Base upgrade". It is a really nice system, but can't see keeping it just for a clock.

Does anyone have the RadioSHARK.exe patch available for radioshark v.1? Links are down.

danielkh@aol.com

danielkh · 10-03-2007, 06:04 PM

Got the screen installed and hooked up. Pulled Bose setup and installed original radio and hooked it up to harness, but not speakers. Pulled out all old wiring that wasn't going to be used.

Hooked up speaker amp and installed under glove compartment. Then put cover back in and installed sub amp and computer. Only way it is going to work is to stack them. Hooked up computer (after replacing RAM) along with hub and soundblaster live! external. Started up and the sound is AMAZING! Can't wait to get it all setup.

Going to try and get everything back in and in position tomorrow. Other stuff going in the glove compartment: XM unit, XM USB unit, and Soundblaster Live!

Dan

danielkh · 10-04-2007, 08:46 PM

Was able to get the subwoofer amp underneath the glove compartment. This made things a lot easier for the computer and extra stuff. Got everything up and running. XM is working kind of hit and miss. Going to have to look at that.

The only things that show anything in the car that didn't come from the factory is the GPS, the Cellular antennae, and now the wireless antennae that is right next to the cell one.

Tired, will write more later. Not liking the temperature in there. Running around 160F. Ordered 4 50mm fans. Going to see if I can get it a bit cooler in there. Don't like that kind of heat in an enclosed space. The XM is putting out a bit too which isn't helping.

Since I had to rebuild the computer, I blacked out the builders logo. ADDENDUM: After getting everything up and running, it appears the computer WAS in fact built well. The problem was the builder went with a new style connector that appears to have caused all my problems. I have reported back to the builder these issues.

Also there is a picture of where the Motorola IHF1000 control unit is hidden.

danielkh · 10-05-2007, 03:01 PM

Ok, this isn't very exciting considering the company here, but keep in mind I am trying to keep the car looking as stock as possible. The XM Antenna is temporary, the one on top of the car got damaged and the one in the picture is from a home unit setup. Actually works pretty good! XM works fine now. Problem yesterday was the antenna.

Only problem I still have is static coming through the Line-In (XM). If muted, it goes away. Wondering if there is a way to keep line-in muted except when XM is active. Can manually mute it, then turn on XM, then when turned off, it doesn't remute.

Other than that, it's great. Sound is 10x better than the Bose.

danielkh · 10-06-2007, 10:51 AM

After running it for a day, finding the heat to be more than I like for an enclosed space (165F). Saw another thread where someone added a fan on top of the case blowing directly over the CPU. Decided to go that route. However, along with heat, gravity is a major enemy of a moving PC (conductors falling into the PC). Cut the hole for the fan, but then covered the entire case in a fabric screen (walmart special for screening in porches). Waiting for the silicon to dry and then will see how temp is. May wind up also cutting a hole in the glove compartment door to get outside air in, but going to try this first.

Caelric · 10-06-2007, 12:27 PM

Good work! My CarPC is installed in my G35 coupe, so a lot of similiarities (of course, when I say installed, it's never done, there is always something more to do).

Let me know if you have any Nissan/Infiniti specific questions.

Dave

RedGTiVR6 · 10-06-2007, 05:27 PM

Thread moved! Congrats!

danielkh · 10-06-2007, 07:01 PM

That G35 Looks great! I know what you mean about never finished. Heck, ran it for a day and already found several things I want to upgrade. I see a lot of 350Z dissing in that thread though.

danielkh · 10-06-2007, 07:04 PM

Added the cooling fan and just by itself, temp is down 30 degrees. Going to add more fans to the side later to get some heat out of the compartment, that should fix it the rest of the way!

Thank you for moving me Jan! Definitely a fun hobby. Next project is to setup the garage as a high speed wireless access point for syncing as soon as I pull in.

Caelric · 10-06-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by danielkh

I see a lot of 350Z dissing in that thread though.

Not by me! I love 350's, I just needed back seats, a trunk (small as it is) and a slightly more classy image. I track my car on a regular basis like it's a 350, though.

Dave