Anyone try this yet??

[Almost Famous]

Looking to drop a PC in my new Z and was just wondering if anyone here has done this yet and if so how'd the install go?
Here are a few pics of what it looks like installed in someone elses Z:

Screen:
http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/screen2.jpg

http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/screen3.jpg

Computer installed:
http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/deck2.jpg

[Mrfreddio55]

Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. :) I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it. :confused:

[Ashpool]

I've seen it done before, I think in a '00 Mustang Convertible. Not only did he have a working rig (that was cooled by the A/C, nontheless ;)), he also rigged up a 15" LCD in the passenger seat so he could watch DVD's.

Never while driving, of course...

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. :) I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it. :confused:

DC -> AC Converters. Very common thing to find.

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. :) I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it. :confused:

These new car computer kits are run on DC. There must be some kind of built in converter.

http://www.xenarcdirect.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamCat=10&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&iLevel=1

[Mrfreddio55]

DC -> AC Converters. Very common thing to find.


Yes, I realize that... however whats the point of going from DC--->AC---> DC when you start with what you end with?

[Big_Mac]

There are plenty of DV convertors that will take a 12V line and spit out regulated 5V, 12V and 3.3V lines.

[Ashpool]

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yes, I realize that... however whats the point of going from DC--->AC---> DC when you start with what you end with?

You don't got much of a choice, really...

And besides, wherever the power to your house/apartment comes from, it DOES start out as DC anyways :p

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by Ashpool
You don't got much of a choice, really...

And besides, wherever the power to your house/apartment comes from, it DOES start out as DC anyways :p

Actually, iirc, most electric generators these days are all AC.

And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

[The Love Bunny]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
Actually, iirc, most electric generators these days are all AC.

And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

maybe so, but the power is transferred across the lines to your house in DC, since it is much more efficient (thanks physics class ;) )

[bahocale]

Sweet car.

A Ford lightning pulled into my work this morning.

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by The Love Bunny
maybe so, but the power is transferred across the lines to your house in DC, since it is much more efficient (thanks physics class ;) )

Woah woah woah woah woah...

Wait just one second there.

The entire north american power grid is two phase AC power. Two wires, and they're alternating current. The high tension, high power long distance lines are at a very high voltage, but a minimal amperage (power loss is proportional to VI^2, so using high voltage is more efficient than using high amperage for transmission), but then after that it gets stepped down to a more managable level at base stations, (probably about 540V) and then stepped down again at neighbourhood transformers and you get 110 and 220 AC coming into the house. Nowhere on there is the power ever transmitted in DC.

Now, the electrical subsystems in your car are all run off a 12V DC line, and you can't hook up a regular ATX power supply intended for 110AV to a 12V DC line. It just won't work. However, it's very easy to just step down and regulate yourself a 12V and a 5V DC (and whatever else you need) line from a 12V DC line. There are small power adapters out there that do it, or you can find schematics and make your own. It's no real problem to power a PC off a car's battery, in fact, it's easier (and more efficient) than powering it off a mains line (your house).

As for the lightning... It's a PRETTY truck. But I think i prefer the F-150 Harley to it. Or better yet, a few of these (that come into work)... http://home.cogeco.ca/~jakemachina/work/

[Ashpool]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

Ah. Never knew that :o

[Almost Famous]

LOL talk about OT!
I got it done. Got a screen at Best Buy today and I hardwired a 400watt converter to the glovebox behind the passengers seat, an RCA with an S-Video adapter from the glove box up to behind the dash and a USB extension out the back of the glovebox for my USB GPS Antenna only to find that my 17" widescreen lappy is too big if I have the S-Video and Wireless FM modulator plugged in either side. It looks great though. I'll be picking up a smaller lappy for the glovebox tomorrow and will post picks when it's done. ;)

[sapasion]

I like the OC'd Z ;) Going OT Nissan is really bringing their A-Game. I test drove that Altima 3.5 which may or may not have the same engine as your 350 I don't know and man that was impressive for a four door car costing less than 30K.

[TAZTG]

What would be impressive to me is if this thread stayed on Topic.

The original question in case everyone forgot.
Looking to drop a PC in my new Z and was just wondering if anyone here has done this yet and if so how'd the install go?

:p :p

[Almost Famous]

Finally Got it done...used my lappy in the glove box and this screen from Best Buy for only $199.99 ;)

http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/videoclose_1.jpg

[thebove]

nice work man, looks nice and clean....MORE PICS!! ;)

[bahocale]

I love the car, but why are you playing that stupid movie.


Could you post some exterior shots of your car or pm them to me. I'll send pics of my Jetta.

[5siz]

HAHA

2fast 2 furiouse..

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by bahocale
I love the car, but why are you playing that stupid movie.


Could you post some exterior shots of your car or pm them to me. I'll send pics of my Jetta.

Umm link to more pics is in my sig LOL
Down thereVVVVVVVVV ;)

Edit Here are some more
http://members.rankmyride.com/matrix
and here
http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/

[schultz]

that's awesome man! :) any plans on taking apart the screen any and setting it back farther into the center consol like in the original pictures you posted? personally i think that looks a little bit cooler. either way, though, good job and i definitely wouldn't mind having that! ;)

[5siz]

Originally posted by Almost Famous
Umm link to more pics is in my sig LOL
Down thereVVVVVVVVV ;)

Edit Here are some more
http://members.rankmyride.com/matrix
and here
http://www.imaginetstudio.com/350z/


Oh man I wish I could race you ;).

1987 IROC-Z Camaro here bebe.

[Jagermeister]

Ugh. That steering wheel wrapper thingy ruins the whole look of the interior... I say loose it, unless otherwise it feels like you're driving with petroleum jelly on your hands, some new cars have completely plasticy leather type material that's as slippery as soap.. I know.

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Jagermeister
Ugh. That steering wheel wrapper thingy ruins the whole look of the interior... I say loose it, unless otherwise it feels like you're driving with petroleum jelly on your hands, some new cars have completely plasticy leather type material that's as slippery as soap.. I know.

That and I only have 35% use of my left hand (from being mugged a few years ago)..helps me grip in tight turns when shifting :p

Originally posted by 5siz

Oh man I wish I could race you . ;)

1987 IROC-Z Camaro here bebe.


Bring it on...I've got about 13 Camaro(SS & Z28) kills so far LOL ;)


Originally posted by schultz

that's awesome man! :)any plans on taking apart the screen any and setting it back farther into the center consol like in the original pictures you posted? personally i think that looks a little bit cooler. either way, though, good job and i definitely wouldn't mind having that! ;)


The whole idea was to have something that I can pop in and out very easily. I've made a base for the lappy so it stays put when I use it. The screen pops in and out very easily and survives 4-5k rpm launches without ending up in my lap.
I just picked up a mini home dvd player that fits perfectly in my glove box behind the passenger seat (powered by a 400W AC/DC converter), with the sound wired in through an IP Bus Dual RCA inputs. ;)

[number1sixerfan]

That's sweet. I love the 350z series!

[knuckles644]

1 more month until I get my permit...1 more month until I get my permit...1 more month until I get my permit...:o :o :o :o

Sweet car.

[Jagermeister]

Originally posted by knuckles644
1 more month until I get my permit...1 more month until I get my permit...1 more month until I get my permit...:o :o :o :o

Sweet car.

Yes, but do you have a car?

[knuckles644]

No...:(

So what?:p With a permit it doesn't really matter anyways.

[schultz]

Originally posted by knuckles644
No...:(

So what?:p With a permit it doesn't really matter anyways.

really? i almost never get to drive and that's because i don't have a car, unfortunately.

Originally posted by Almost Famous
The whole idea was to have something that I can pop in and out very easily. I've made a base for the lappy so it stays put when I use it. The screen pops in and out very easily and survives 4-5k rpm launches without ending up in my lap.
I just picked up a mini home dvd player that fits perfectly in my glove box behind the passenger seat (powered by a 400W AC/DC converter), with the sound wired in through an IP Bus Dual RCA inputs. ;)

alright...that makes sense. got pictures of the portable dvd player? i'd like to see how it fits in the glove box...

[knuckles644]

Originally posted by schultz
really? i almost never get to drive and that's because i don't have a car, unfortunately.



Since I'm getting a permit I can only drive with an adult present, so it will only matter when i turn 16. And when I do...hmmm...

[number1sixerfan]

But wait until you get your liscense. You'll then understand that it is all worthless without your own car.:(

[schultz]

Originally posted by number1sixerfan
But wait until you get your liscense. You'll then understand that it is all worthless without your own car.:(

exactly! :( <-- decided to add that in because that is exactly how i am right now...kind of

[knuckles644]

Originally posted by knuckles644
so it will only matter when i turn 16. And when I do...hmmm...

ya, I know guys.:D

[Schmunkel98]

So now you can watch DVD's when you're driving? Sounds like a good way to get plowed. You need to take it a step further and get some kind of wifi hooked up so you can surf. I'll take my Mustang Mach 1 over any of the cars mentioned on here so far.

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Schmunkel98
So now you can watch DVD's when you're driving? Sounds like a good way to get plowed. You need to take it a step further and get some kind of wifi hooked up so you can surf. I'll take my Mustang Mach 1 over any of the cars mentioned on here so far.


What year...I've killed numerous Rustang GTs....they aren't worth the metal used to build them :p

[hydrobond]

Originally posted by Almost Famous
What year...I've killed numerous Rustang GTs....they aren't worth the metal used to build them :p

Yes, I have also killed my share of mustangs in the caddy. (mmm.... northstar.)

Anyways, that setup is sweet, both car and puter.

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by Almost Famous
What year...I've killed numerous Rustang GTs....they aren't worth the metal used to build them :p

There's a wee bit of a difference between a GT and a Mach1. Something to the tune of 45HP and 18lb/ft of torque.

Stock 350Z:
3,225 lbs and 287HP / 274lb/ft

Stock Mach1:
3.465 lbs and 305HP / 320lb/ft

It would actually be an interesting drag to see (stock to stock).

Actually, what I'd like to see is your 350Z against one of the regular Impalas I have in at work.... It's a '69 that's a bit of a sleeper (just shy of 600HP at the rear wheels and it doesn't sound at all like it). You'd never see it coming.

Yes, a 350Z is a nice car, espescially for taking corners, but if I'm more concerned with just going fast, I'd rather have 8 cylinders of american muscle under the hood, if it's all the same to you.

[Schmunkel98]

I'll autocross my Mach 1 for the first time in March. It's supposed to handle a lot better than the GT's.

[soul04]

I love the setup! Here are a few pics of my ZX3:http://www.geocities.com/ianlavery24/focus/

I've since removed the front grill and replaced the exhaust with a Pacesetter Monza. I've been pondering the use of a laptop to hook up to my car's computer, altering shift points, air/fuel ratios and the like. Maybe have a few different settings for different driving conditions (e.g. bumper to bumper, strip, etc). Has anyone done someting like that?

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
There's a wee bit of a difference between a GT and a Mach1. Something to the tune of 45HP and 18lb/ft of torque.

Stock 350Z:
3,225 lbs and 287HP / 274lb/ft

Stock Mach1:
3.465 lbs and 305HP / 320lb/ft

It would actually be an interesting drag to see (stock to stock).

Actually, what I'd like to see is your 350Z against one of the regular Impalas I have in at work.... It's a '69 that's a bit of a sleeper (just shy of 600HP at the rear wheels and it doesn't sound at all like it). You'd never see it coming.

Yes, a 350Z is a nice car, espescially for taking corners, but if I'm more concerned with just going fast, I'd rather have 8 cylinders of american muscle under the hood, if it's all the same to you.

Stock to Stock, but I am no longer at stock, and next Thursday I go on the bottle. NOS kit gets installed and am going to run a 100 shot. 100 additional RWHP at the push of a button, which will put me @ approx 400+ RWHP...bring on that Mach1 LOL :eek:

[soul04]

You got 'em beat for sure. Be careful with a 100 shot, though. Don't wanna blow anything. I don't know anyone with a new Z, so I don't know what the engine can handle. Are you running the stock cam gears?

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by Almost Famous
Stock to Stock, but I am no longer at stock, and next Thursday I go on the bottle. NOS kit gets installed and am going to run a 100 shot. 100 additional RWHP at the push of a button, which will put me @ approx 400+ RWHP...bring on that Mach1 LOL :eek:

Well, if you want to get away from stock, then grab new Marine heads for the mustang (the 4.6 is used as a marine engine where pollution regs are much more lax. Marine heads add a few horse).

Then dial a few extra pounds of boost on the super and light up the back wheels.

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
Well, if you want to get away from stock, then grab new Marine heads for the mustang (the 4.6 is used as a marine engine where pollution regs are much more lax. Marine heads add a few horse).

Then dial a few extra pounds of boost on the super and light up the back wheels.

ROFLOL..we could go back and forth on this all day long..I just whooped up on a Mach I yesterday w/out nitrous..the point is now moot ;)