2002 Grand Am Carputer

mercury7 · 07-30-2005, 03:17 PM

2002 Pontiac Grand Am Carputer

What it will have:

Hardware:

Mp3Car MTS12000 Fully Motorized In-dash VGA Touch Screen LCD (link)
- VIA EPIA SP13000 Mini-ITX Motherboard (link)
+ Mobile AMD Athlon (link)
60GB HD
Slot Load DVD/CD (link)
- OPUS PSU (link)
+ M1-ATX and Husky Inverter (link and link)
512 MB RAM
D-Link 802.11g
BU 355 GPS Dongle
- Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 NX (link)
+ Maya EX5 (link)
WinFast 2000 XP FM (link)
USB Hub (4 slot)
Monsoon Amplifier (existing stock amp in the trunk)

Software:

Windows XP Pro
Centrafuse 1.4
Destinator
G-Force
NetStumbler

I plan to put the actual computer in the trunk, and to not use a head unit.

Original Dash:

Planned Dash:

So, what do you guys think? Am I off to a good start?

Shelbrain · 07-30-2005, 09:00 PM

Is your car the GT version? I just traded my 02' GT in for the Impala and I am missing the Grand Am. I would love to see the 2nd picture take shape. I wanted to mod that car but got rid of it too soon-needed a new transmission after only 20,000 miles. Good luck with the PC install.

Dwaine · 07-30-2005, 09:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shelbrain

Is your car the GT version? I just traded my 02' GT in for the Impala and I am missing the Grand Am. I would love to see the 2nd picture take shape. I wanted to mod that car but got rid of it too soon-needed a new transmission after only 20,000 miles. Good luck with the PC install.

Impala is a better car.

Shelbrain · 07-30-2005, 09:11 PM

I like the Impala better too, however the body style of the Grand Am was what originally attracted me to it. It has nice lines...

mercury7 · 07-30-2005, 10:02 PM

Well, I'll have you know, I like my Grand Am!

Yeah, it's the GT version, 25th anniversary baby! It's got 78,000 miles on it, and no transmission troubles yet (knock on wood). I did have to replace the steering column and one of the window motors, but overall, it's been pretty solid.

I like the GT version much better than the SE models. Especially in the latest years. The SE's don't have the ripples on the side trim, which is part of what makes a Grand Am a Grand Am in my opinion.

I've only seen one other Grand Am carputer install, so if you guys know of any, I need all the help I can get.

mercury7 · 07-30-2005, 10:28 PM

I changed my mind already. Why do I need a mini-atx if this baby is gonna go in the trunk? I could probably do something like this for a lot cheaper (and it would be faster)...

Taken from http://webpages.charter.net/cookscastle/pictures.html

Shelbrain · 07-31-2005, 09:12 AM

[quote=I've only seen one other Grand Am carputer install, so if you guys know of any, I need all the help I can get.

[/QUOTE]

Are you talking about the guy who drives a Black Grand Am with black rims? I think he is a cop as he calls it the Interceptor Edition. That is an impressive looking install which is made me want to mod my Grand Am. I agree about the door mouldings...that is one of the things I like. As for the picture, I wouldn't go that big because then you'd have to worry about powering it...no inverter for me here, I have already bought an Opus

MP3GTP · 07-31-2005, 11:56 AM

same platform (w-body) as the impala, with the pontiac styling.

mercury7 · 07-31-2005, 02:24 PM

No OPUS for me.

I'm going to use the M1-ATX to power the computer and prevent the amp from 'thumping'. I'll use an inverter that I already have for the screen, DVD drive, and usb hub up front. That way I'll save $90 just because I dont have to buy the OPUS.

M1-ATX

Husky Inverter

mercury7 · 07-31-2005, 08:16 PM

After a good read about the Corvette Pace Car setup I've decide to use the Maya EX5 to get the sound from the computer to the amp, as well as WinFast 2000 XP FM for the TV/Radio.

Also, there's a lot to be said for using a laptop. For one, you can get a powerful machine with a broken screen for dirt cheap compared to the price of one with a working screen. Also, running off battery power would be nice since I have a tendency to listen to music while the car is turned off.

Shelbrain · 08-01-2005, 07:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MP3GTP

same platform (w-body) as the impala, with the pontiac styling.

Funny you should say that...when my tranny went out on the Grand Am, they gave me a loaner car (Grand Prix) and when the work was done I didn't want to give it back.

mercury7 · 08-01-2005, 11:59 AM

Listen, I'll have no more Grand Am bashing on this thread! You obviosly should have drove yours into a lake a long time ago. It didn't love you either.

Shelbrain · 08-01-2005, 07:14 PM

In all honesty though, it was a great car and I am looking forward to seeing your project.

mercury7 · 08-01-2005, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Shel.

I emailed Xenarc today, because from what I've read, they have got the best monitors. I received a reply staing they would be releasing an motorized in-dash screen in a couple of months.

I will not get a Lilliput because of all the trouble their monitors have. And, on my monitor I've decided that I don't want the amp/TV/radio anyway, because I already have those taken care of with other devices, namely my Monsoon amp and WinFast.

I will get a laptop. The trick is just to find one with a fast MOBILE processor, a trashed screen, and a docking station. This might take a while; which is why I have time to wait on the Xenarc.

Shelbrain · 08-14-2005, 05:27 PM

Here is an example I found today of an in dash monitor in a Grand Am (see Post #5):
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57122