mattt

cheers for this - it was exactly that. Aircon now lovely and cold!

Shall we pick this up when spring comes around then

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Shall we pick this up when spring comes around then

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Shall we pick this up when spring comes around then

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I'm game

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Highly recommend this!

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Had a lovely time at Wadebridge Wheels in Cornwall
 
Here's some pics, including a weird JDM Nissan van... thing.
 
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Temporarily installed window box when my wife decided to buy plants on day out in Worcestershire countryside.  I’m thinking it looks good enough to become permanent 😎

Had a lovely time at Wadebridge Wheels in Cornwall
 
Here's some pics, including a weird JDM Nissan van... thing.
 
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So this has happened... Again.
 
Someone reversed into it whilst it was parked. At least it wasn't a lorry this time, just over a year ago.
 
Left a note thankfully, but what a absolute PITA.
 
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Not commented on this thread yet, but I completely empathise with how these hard knocks can set your opinion of human beings backwards. Glad that the kindness of others have kept you going. Wish you better fortune in getting the car working how you want.

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Part four: Every day impressions a year on!
Hello all!
I didn't quite intend to leave this a whole year before giving a day to day impression, but actually that seems like a really decent time period to give a fuller review of this head-unit.
First, TLDR: I still very much like this headunit. Not perfect, but for the price and function I dont think it's beatable at present.
Now to more in depth.
1. Changes since original review
I have made some changes both hardware and software.
In addition to  Focal 165TOY speakers, I've added an amplifier to drive them and a subwoofer. I'll tell the tale in pictures below:

Power wire through a firewall grommet next to battery

RCA cables / Speaker cables / Remote on wire routed via centre console

Boot tray before for reference

Hertz compact subwoofer (Hertz Energy EBX F20.5) - added some foam around edge to reduce fibrations

Modifying boot tray

Alpine MRV-F407 4 channel amplifier that I had lying around....

Installed in boot floor

Stealth  Used a speaker grill and rubber trim to create ventilation for the amplifier and air flow for the subwoofer.
Set the low-pass crossover to about 75Hz: now sounds very good! For some reason the treble seems very over-pronounced from the tweeters so requires reducing them in a graphics equaliser to balance the sound (at least to my ears).
Software changes
1. Hal 9k firmware
The XTRONS OE firmware is a bit so-so. Hooray for opensource android: Hal 9k firmware fixed a slightly sluggish user interface and added some useful features like screen lock and so forth.
Link here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcd-software-development/rom-hal9k-rom-3-mtcd-e-head-units-t3847477
2. Automate
Cheap app that replicates the Android Auto interface and therefore looks nice and clean. Can be used on its own, or set as a replacement "Home" UI:


Conclusion
With the above changes, I'm now very happy with the sound. The ability to use spotify and google maps with a slick stable interface is great. With the upgraded software, everything works well and looks good to boot.
Final verdict: 8/10 (everyone loves an arbitrary number!)
For improvement: needs a better screen. Black level isn't very good so there's a fair bit of backlight bleed. Would prefer the ability to reassign what the capacitive buttons do - would have preferred a dedicated 'Music' and 'Maps' button.
Future stuff: 
I haven't really sound deadened anything so I'm sure this would help the sound alot. I'm just a bit lazy to do it but we'll see!
Wondering whether a DSP might help sort out the treble better than the software equaliser. I'm just not sure if this isn't really worth it for the effort / expense.
To end with here's some gratuitous car pics...

Hello all
 
I have the TD NA package (uel) + OEM 2nd cat + invidia q300 exhaust. I'm thinking of forced induction in future, but as I understand it from Mike the TD turbo requires the removal of the 2nd cat. As I need my car relatively hassle free and MOT worthy this is unfortunately not an option for me.
 
What options are available to me? If going turbo (or indeed supercharged), would I need a more free flowing sports cat, and would the car likely pass MOT despite catless manifold?
 
Much appreciate any responses to this "have my cake and eat it" question!
 
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I'm still absolutely loving my URL NA tune Mike The shifter springs have made it a joy to change gear!

I wish I could go for the turbo but I haven't got the space / time / friendly MOT tester to not have a second CAT

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Cheers! Must be 'first car modding jitters'. Alignment happening on Thursday. Can't wait!

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17x8 ET35 Japan Racing JR18 wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 3 in 225/45/17

Car is lowered 20mm on Racecomp Engineering Yellows

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Thanks Lauren that's really helpful. I think I've found a place in Cornwall, will give them a ring next week.

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This response from PattersonLaw sums up the many 'opinions' out there:
- Are you allowed to drive in the UK whilst listening to music via a pair of headphones?
- Yes as long as there can be no suggestion that you are not in proper control of the vehicle or driving without due care and attention.
The crucial thing is whether you are excluding any chance of hearing external sounds.  If you are, then you are driving without due care and attention.

Thanks for sharing your experience - it seems like it could easily turn into an obsession getting it 'just right'!

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Welcome to see the Toyota specific android headunit in mine since you're local. I think Kenwood do a 200mm wide unit but I forget the name of it.

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A fortnight ago I took my car to Mike at Tuning Developments to work his magic. I opted for the UEL manifold as I wanted that characteristic burble to the exhaust note. Mike also persuaded me to have uprated shifter springs fitted.
 
Firstly I want to say how friendly and knowledgeable Mike was. I've never had a car tuned on a rolling road before, and Mike put me at ease and answered all my questions.
 
Two weeks in and I can say that I'm really pleased with the better midrange torque the GT86 now has. Combined with the more positive gear change, the car is an absolute joy to drive.
 
In terms of acoustics, I haven't changed anything else so have the factory second cat and catback exhaust. It's only marginally louder and not intrusive at motorway speeds. If anything it's making me reconsider whether I would actually want a louder exhaust as that boxer burble is so wonderful!
 
One very minor side effect to mention is that there is a very small increase in NVH into the cabin, which I suspect is from the unequal exhaust pulses.
 
Another thing to note for anyone who would like to use this as a first step towards a turbo in the future, Mike explained to me it wouldn't be possible to keep the second cat if turbocharging. Come MOT time one would have to swap a cat back in. For my personal circumstances and preferences, this rules out a turbo for me as I don't have the time or facility to change a cat in and out.
 
Overall I am happy to recommend this tuning package. It's great value for money and well worth the trip!
 
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A fortnight ago I took my car to Mike at Tuning Developments to work his magic. I opted for the UEL manifold as I wanted that characteristic burble to the exhaust note. Mike also persuaded me to have uprated shifter springs fitted.
 
Firstly I want to say how friendly and knowledgeable Mike was. I've never had a car tuned on a rolling road before, and Mike put me at ease and answered all my questions.
 
Two weeks in and I can say that I'm really pleased with the better midrange torque the GT86 now has. Combined with the more positive gear change, the car is an absolute joy to drive.
 
In terms of acoustics, I haven't changed anything else so have the factory second cat and catback exhaust. It's only marginally louder and not intrusive at motorway speeds. If anything it's making me reconsider whether I would actually want a louder exhaust as that boxer burble is so wonderful!
 
One very minor side effect to mention is that there is a very small increase in NVH into the cabin, which I suspect is from the unequal exhaust pulses.
 
Another thing to note for anyone who would like to use this as a first step towards a turbo in the future, Mike explained to me it wouldn't be possible to keep the second cat if turbocharging. Come MOT time one would have to swap a cat back in. For my personal circumstances and preferences, this rules out a turbo for me as I don't have the time or facility to change a cat in and out.
 
Overall I am happy to recommend this tuning package. It's great value for money and well worth the trip!
 
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I've put in a Huawei "wingle" (yes, I know) so have WiFi in the car. Means if someone steals the car can track where it is using 'find my device'. Sweet!

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joined the club yesterday collected this my17

Looking absolutely fantastic!

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