2008 Chevy Malibu Install

**mrnelson** · 08-29-2009, 11:40 AM

Car Codename: Optimus Prime

Hey everyone. After reading and planning, I've begun my project to install a CarPC in my car. Here is my ride:
A 2008 Chevy Malibu LTZ in Black Granite Metallic with Ebony and Brick leather interior. It has a V6 and a 6-speed tap-shift transmission. The car is the main piece of hardware:

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime Back

The PC is a custom build:

Intel Atom processor 330 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
SUPER TALENT MasterDrive 64GB Internal Solid State Disk
Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 667 Desktop Memory
Vroom PC2 Car Enclosure
Carnetix M2-ATX-HV 160W Intelligent DC-DC PSU
Windows 7 RC 32-bit OS

The other hardware that I'm going to put in the car:

USB FM/TV Tuner
USB GPS Reciever
iPod Cable (and iTunes to play from my iPod)
XM Stuff

I have build the computer, sans the power supply. I didn't know which one I wanted, so I put the PC together with a standard computer power supply. The real supply comes in on Monday, so I'll install it and have some fun working with the PC.

Pics of the build:

The intial setup after the build.

Windows 7 RC working on the Atom Processor

My first ever PC build was a success!

As I install it in the car, I'll post more information. It's going to take a little bit of time -- It's expensive for a broke college student. And I don't want to mess up my new car.

Any feedback and suggestions are welcome.

**nrf** · 10-07-2009, 05:16 PM

New user here - just saw your post. Exact same car as me. I'm thinking about installing a carpc of my own. Do you have any updated pictures? I am thinking that pop-up storage area in the middle on the top of the dash is a perfect place for a monitor...

**rdholtz** · 10-07-2009, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by nrf

I am thinking that pop-up storage area in the middle on the top of the dash is a perfect place for a monitor...

Consider the effect the sun is going to have on the screen; if you don't have a sunlight-readable screen ($$$$$), you'll probably want a location out of the direct sun.