Ponies on The Run (Again)
2/21/08, 11:07 AM
Legacy TMS Member
I'll probably get flamed here, but unless someone runs their car on the autocross circuit, I don't understand what's wrong with the factory suspension. I think these cars handle pretty dang good while stock, and LCAs, Panhard bar, & springs along with tires make a big difference- enough for me to not warrent replacement shocks and struts anyway.
The AVIC D3 is awesome...... while my car was at Brenspeed for 2 weeks that is one thing that I missed the most about it being gone. The only thing you need for Ipod control is the cable which I think was like $30. Otherwise, the controls are great and mine has worked flawlessly. If you do the video safety bypass like I did, you can watch videos, etc. from your Ipod on the D3 screen while in motion. Plus the camera inputs and 2 other a/v inputs are awesome for game systems, etc.
The only, and I mean only, thing that I wish was different on the D3 is the Ipod search feature- there basically is none. You can sort by Playlist, Artist, Album, etc. but once you select how to sort, there really isn't a search that I have found. Meaning, if I sort by Artist it will bring up (for example) all artists in alphabetical order- then you have to scroll down thru to get to the one you want. If you listen to artists that start with M for example, you'll be scrolling down for several seconds. However all of this is down right on the touchscreen on the D3, so my Ipod is stashed in the console and is never moved. In the end, I've just created more playlists so that I can get to my faves faster and easier.
Otherwise, it's plug and play beauty.
The AVIC D3 is awesome...... while my car was at Brenspeed for 2 weeks that is one thing that I missed the most about it being gone. The only thing you need for Ipod control is the cable which I think was like $30. Otherwise, the controls are great and mine has worked flawlessly. If you do the video safety bypass like I did, you can watch videos, etc. from your Ipod on the D3 screen while in motion. Plus the camera inputs and 2 other a/v inputs are awesome for game systems, etc.
The only, and I mean only, thing that I wish was different on the D3 is the Ipod search feature- there basically is none. You can sort by Playlist, Artist, Album, etc. but once you select how to sort, there really isn't a search that I have found. Meaning, if I sort by Artist it will bring up (for example) all artists in alphabetical order- then you have to scroll down thru to get to the one you want. If you listen to artists that start with M for example, you'll be scrolling down for several seconds. However all of this is down right on the touchscreen on the D3, so my Ipod is stashed in the console and is never moved. In the end, I've just created more playlists so that I can get to my faves faster and easier.
Otherwise, it's plug and play beauty.
2/21/08, 11:14 AM
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I'll probably get flamed here, but unless someone runs their car on the autocross circuit, I don't understand what's wrong with the factory suspension. I think these cars handle pretty dang good while stock, and LCAs, Panhard bar, & springs along with tires make a big difference- enough for me to not warrent replacement shocks and struts anyway.
The AVIC D3 is awesome...... while my car was at Brenspeed for 2 weeks that is one thing that I missed the most about it being gone. The only thing you need for Ipod control is the cable which I think was like $30. Otherwise, the controls are great and mine has worked flawlessly. If you do the video safety bypass like I did, you can watch videos, etc. from your Ipod on the D3 screen while in motion. Plus the camera inputs and 2 other a/v inputs are awesome for game systems, etc.
The only, and I mean only, thing that I wish was different on the D3 is the Ipod search feature- there basically is none. You can sort by Playlist, Artist, Album, etc. but once you select how to sort, there really isn't a search that I have found. Meaning, if I sort by Artist it will bring up (for example) all artists in alphabetical order- then you have to scroll down thru to get to the one you want. If you listen to artists that start with M for example, you'll be scrolling down for several seconds. However all of this is down right on the touchscreen on the D3, so my Ipod is stashed in the console and is never moved. In the end, I've just created more playlists so that I can get to my faves faster and easier.
Otherwise, it's plug and play beauty.
The AVIC D3 is awesome...... while my car was at Brenspeed for 2 weeks that is one thing that I missed the most about it being gone. The only thing you need for Ipod control is the cable which I think was like $30. Otherwise, the controls are great and mine has worked flawlessly. If you do the video safety bypass like I did, you can watch videos, etc. from your Ipod on the D3 screen while in motion. Plus the camera inputs and 2 other a/v inputs are awesome for game systems, etc.
The only, and I mean only, thing that I wish was different on the D3 is the Ipod search feature- there basically is none. You can sort by Playlist, Artist, Album, etc. but once you select how to sort, there really isn't a search that I have found. Meaning, if I sort by Artist it will bring up (for example) all artists in alphabetical order- then you have to scroll down thru to get to the one you want. If you listen to artists that start with M for example, you'll be scrolling down for several seconds. However all of this is down right on the touchscreen on the D3, so my Ipod is stashed in the console and is never moved. In the end, I've just created more playlists so that I can get to my faves faster and easier.
Otherwise, it's plug and play beauty.
2/21/08, 11:42 AM
You're right! 
Along the same line, our stock struts/shocks are not tuned for lowered vehicles. They are being compressed an inch+ beyond their static height. And when driven, the compression is that much shorter, thus creating that 'busy-bumpy' ride.
The only draw back with the D-Specs for me is not being able to use the MWAG strut covers.
The only draw back with the D-Specs for me is not being able to use the MWAG strut covers.
2/21/08, 11:44 AM
Legacy TMS Member
Some final highlights from last weekend's photoshoot..
(Brian friendly link
)
Photo Team.. Kai, Luis, Jed, and me. Not too shabby huh Ray!
(Brian friendly link
)Photo Team.. Kai, Luis, Jed, and me. Not too shabby huh Ray!
Looks terrific! I'll probably get flamed here, but unless someone runs their car on the autocross circuit, I don't understand what's wrong with the factory suspension. I think these cars handle pretty dang good while stock, and LCAs, Panhard bar, & springs along with tires make a big difference- enough for me to not warrent replacement shocks and struts anyway.
If I'm under 35,000 miles by this time next year I'lll seriously consider it. I want it now but just can't swing it.
2/21/08, 01:19 PM
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Have you seen pics of Brads strut covers with d-specs? He just drilled a small hole in the center of them. Does it look as good as without the hole? No but it looks better than the alternative which is not having them at all. So assuming I get the D-specs I'll probably do the same. I'll try and see how they seat first though before cutting. Reason being since I only use them for show they might seat well enough that I can just leave them as is.
2/21/08, 01:24 PM
2/21/08, 01:54 PM
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I'm itching for a mod. Problem is I can only get one or the other. Which of the following two would you chose? Looking to get either one early next month.
Tokico D-Spec
Avic D3
Tom281-Does the IPOD feature come standard with the avic-d3? Trying to figure out what if any add-on's I have to figure into the price.
BTW-I was doing the math on a 6k loan and the monthly payment was between 125 and 166 depending on the lenght of the loan. Hmmmm.....
Tokico D-Spec
Avic D3
Tom281-Does the IPOD feature come standard with the avic-d3? Trying to figure out what if any add-on's I have to figure into the price.
BTW-I was doing the math on a 6k loan and the monthly payment was between 125 and 166 depending on the lenght of the loan. Hmmmm.....
D-Specs are on my to-do list also. Just gotta manage away to get the money to do them. Not the easiest thing with this supercharger on the way...
I'm going to be annoying. Whats the 6k loan for?
2/21/08, 01:59 PM
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Have you seen pics of Brads strut covers with d-specs? He just drilled a small hole in the center of them. Does it look as good as without the hole? No but it looks better than the alternative which is not having them at all. So assuming I get the D-specs I'll probably do the same. I'll try and see how they seat first though before cutting. Reason being since I only use them for show they might seat well enough that I can just leave them as is.
2/21/08, 02:37 PM
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2/21/08, 03:08 PM
Team Mustang Source
Hopefully the Tokico's are better than the FRPP struts. I love mine but they are a bit harsh. Being able to dial them out to soften the ride would be sweet.
JMO.... go avic, then Tokico's. With the Steeda springs you probably weren't as bad as mine was with the FRPP's and the rebound, so it's liveable. If I wasn't trying to spend 8K on mine I'd be looking at the nav stuff avic or factory. The avic would have had the nod just for the iPod connectivity. But the factory one sure looks sweet.....
YMMV
I'd have something to add about the covers, but my work's network isn't pulling up the image(took me 30mins to download a 430KB pdf earlier....) Anyway I've heard it's cheaper to get them unpainted then you can have them painted anywhere for half the price. Probably get a trophy......
JMO.... go avic, then Tokico's. With the Steeda springs you probably weren't as bad as mine was with the FRPP's and the rebound, so it's liveable. If I wasn't trying to spend 8K on mine I'd be looking at the nav stuff avic or factory. The avic would have had the nod just for the iPod connectivity. But the factory one sure looks sweet.....
YMMV
I'd have something to add about the covers, but my work's network isn't pulling up the image(took me 30mins to download a 430KB pdf earlier....) Anyway I've heard it's cheaper to get them unpainted then you can have them painted anywhere for half the price. Probably get a trophy......
2/21/08, 03:12 PM
Legacy TMS Member
j/k
2/21/08, 03:22 PM
Looks better than I imagined.
2/21/08, 04:33 PM
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2/21/08, 04:34 PM
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2/21/08, 04:58 PM
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Hey Bill, here some silicon hoses. Haven't look much into them yet. Little FYI if you didn't want the blue connections that it comes with.
http://www.racepartsolutions.com/categories.asp?cat=26
http://www.racepartsolutions.com/categories.asp?cat=26