Recent content by jarredduq

I'm at 126k on a 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT. Just replaced the first set of brakes. Has only required normal maintenance and tires so far. I got 40k out of the factory tires, and 60k out of the 2nd set. Looks like I should do around the same on the 3rd set.

What's funny is the OEM plugs I took out say FoMoCo on them, which would indicate they were made by Ford, but the number on them says ILTR5A, which is the same model as the NGK. I know Ford and Mazda have partnered up on several designs. I think the Ford Fusion has the same 2.3 liter engine...

My 2008 Mazda 3 2.3L is at 76,000, so it was time to change the plugs. I bought them at Kragen, which when they looked it up, Motorcraft AYFS22FM was the recommend plug. However after some research, I noticed that NGK ILTR5A seem to be the ones most people go with. These Motorcraft are...

The gauges button shown in the picture referred to gauges in the RoadRunner front-end. The monitor has two other composite video inputs that can be used for other purposes. It also has a wire that can be wired into the transmission backup-lights for a backup camera to switch inputs automatically.

The main reason for installing a computer in the car is the fact that you can customize it to the way you like it. For instance, if I do not like a certain front-end, I can try another, without having to replace the entire unit. There are no other options that are as flexible. Plus, it is...

Yes, the 2008 LED-Backlit units are a big improvement over the previous screen I had in my prior vehicle. There are screens that cost close to $700 that are trans-reflective, and work perfectly in the Sun. For my uses, I would rather save the almost $500 difference.

It works well in daylight. Between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm it can get somewhat washed out, if the sun hits it just right. With the high contrast colors I'm using in the skin, it is always legible.

Near Sacramento, CA

I have not had any overheating issues. I've had the computer in the car since July, and it has hit over 100 degrees where I live. Several things help keep it cool though. The Intel atom processor is designed to run cool, and there are dual fans that are part of the computer case, and another...

If you have to buy it all at once, yes it get's expensive, but this has been spread over several years. A basic install will cost under $800, if you just need music and GPS. Also, getting the custom screen mount makes it more expensive than my previous car. Here is a link to my prior car's...

Please see my first post. It shows the cost of the items involved. My windows are tinted. The main reason I wanted a stock appearance was to reduce the chance of theft. The screen folds down into the dash, so it just looks like a typical Mazda 3.

I bought my amp at Frys for $79 (Crunch P500.2), although a stereo unit, it has the ability to bridge the two channels into a mono signal. You can see the specs at the manufacturers website here: http://www.maxxsonics.com/crunch/PZ_amps_details.html I'm using it with an 8" JL Audio Sub in the...

Yes a double din screen would work as long as it supports hooking up to a computer (aka VGA input). Here is one for example: http://www.autoaccessorystore.com/home_n.asp?dir=detail&id=2823

I added more pictures and descriptions.

I typically use 2-3GB a month. I don't use the Slingbox that much in the car for Safety reasons. The primary application I use is Pandora Streaming Radio and Microsoft Folder Share to keep my music and talk radio Podcasts in sync with my home computer. Jarred