Car Computer / CarPC - Upcoming Build and Journal
 

**EDIT** Version 1 of my CarPC install is complete! Page two has the final pics.
**EDIT** HDRadio and Flush-mount AUX installed, pics on page three.

Hey guys, I had a project I've been wanting to do in a car for over a year now, and I wanted to share how it's going with the forum. Not sure if anyone's done a CarPC in the 370z yet, but I'd love some insight!

I've always wanted to have a computer running as my head unit in my car, with lots of functionality. This would include of course playing music, videos, and various aux/usb/disc media (with true 5.1 surround sound support, not that virtualized stereo surround found in most cars), but also would have readouts for OBD scanners, ability to use tuning software, GPS, radio, browse the internet, and record video from multiple cameras.

Originally, I had thought I could do a power inverter with a mac mini or something, and just do iTunes, but then I discovered so much more that a program-dedicated CarPC could do. It really sparked my interest in it, alongside discovering how much aftermarket specialized parts there are for making this possible.

However, one of the most important criteria was that it was to maintain a "head unit" look and easy functionality, but still be useful to a myriad of degrees. It was paramount that the head unit be easy enough to use, that a random person (not that I would let them) who drove my car and wanted to listen to music could sit down and get the software playing tunes in no time.

This install was actually supposed to go in my 4Runner when I bought all the necessary equipment, but issues with the touchscreen monitor lasting over 4 months pushed it so far back, I actually ended up trading in the 4Runner for my beloved 370z. :driving:

I actually just got the monitor working and functioning perfectly as of today, so I feel like this is an appropriate place in time to start my build journal.

Though very far from complete, I'll be updating this regularly as I have more free time from classes and work to get this installed. A full audio build alongside this is going to be awesome.

-----

Currently, this is where my build is at (updated 7/3/2012):

Car Computer Specifications:
-Case: Mini-Box M350 Mini-ITX enclosure
-Motherboard: Foxconn H67S LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
-CPU: Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core
-RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
-Video Card: Onboard Intel GFX (CPU powered)
-Hard Drive: 500GB 2.5" 7200rpm Seagate Barracuda (or something like that)
-Power Supply: M2-ATX 160w Smart CarPC Power Supply (automatically turns on computer on ignition, and has many options for smart shutdown/hibernate, low power mode, toggle audio amplifiers, etc.)
-Misc.: Bluetooth/WiFi/Microphone equipped

Monitor
-MT770 Double-DIN framed Capacitive Multi-Touch monitor @ 1024x768 (removed)
-Lilliput 669GL-70NP/C/T HDMI 4-Wire Resistive Touch Monitor (new direct fit monitor)

Extra Stuff
-Garmin GPS module and Garmin Mobile PC software
-Joycon EX Steering Wheel Interface
-Directed HDRadio tuner with MCS USB interface

Front End Software (The "head unit" of the computer)
-Centrafuse Auto ver. 4.1

As for an amplifier, I haven't really decided what to purchase for the speakers, but I'll figure out that later after I pre-wire the car.

-----

My first plan before installing anything is to pre-wire the car with fresh new speaker wire for all speakers (including the rear, as I have a base with 4 speakers, for future speaker installation), various video/USB/aux cables, as well as the main power from the battery. I'm also going to have to wire an amplifier as well, as well as a subwoofer for when I finally get a Zenclosure. Hopefully, I'll begin working on this soon. I don't even know how to take out the stock radio at this point! :rofl2: I'm sure after some reading of the tech manuals and the DIY's on here, not to mention from the posts here, I'll have no trouble.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-34-45_240.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-23-17_672.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-52-58_210.jpg

Turning on the computer for the first time connected to the touch screen:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-22-38_694.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-27-44_148.jpg

And, my current bench testing setup, car computer is currently powered by an standard computer power supply:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-21-55_173.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...2-22-13_63.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-30-33_396.jpg

this is great stuff, right after I do my full suspension mods, this is on my next list to do. I am thinking about ordering the navigation cubby hole and installing a car pc just like this, maybe even have mimics on it just for fun. Where are you installing the minipc it self? Please keep taking pics etc....

Thanks!

Of course! I'll be taking lots of pictures along the way.

I was definitely interested in installing the monitor in the Navi cubby hole, even alongside a secondary monitor where the stock radio should be, for two screen. Someone here has a Lilliput in the monitor cubby IIRC, and that's something I'd love to look into. For now though, I plan to put this touchscreen in the stock radio location. Maybe down the line I'll have my twin screen idea into fruition.

As for the MiniPC, I had two ideas. First idea would be where people do the battery relocation in the trunk, near the spare tire. They sell L-brackets that let me hard mount the MiniPC anywhere, so that would probably be the cleanest and most secure. I need to put the case together and see if it will fit, especially with the Sport pkg wheel not leaving much room.

The second option is the easy route - under the driver/pass seat. Of course, this is the most easy way to stash the comp - not to mention the space is small and useless anyway, but it's not the most clean (clean to me, at least) install location. I'll have to put some velcro on the case to stop it sliding or something.

I'm definitely leaning towards the trunk area, but worst case, I can just slide it under the seat with some velcro for the meantime. No one will notice the wiring in either scenario.

sub'd

pretty cool! and gd luck.
 

This is pretty cool, I used to have a carputer in my old car (2004 corolla)... Ran it for about 4-5 years...

Check out mp3car.com they have awesome resources for a cap pc.

It looks like you already have the screen but check this out...

Direct Fit Double Din LCD Touch Screen for 2009-2011 Nissan 370Z

When I did my carputer the main challenge was screen fabrication. I still have the DC-DC OPUS PS left and the screen from the corolla....

WIth the OPUS power supply I did a over ride switch, so the PC would not power on everytime I started the car for eg. if in a parking lot etc...

an old pic..
first shot at the screen - Page 2


I had mounted the mother board on a piece of wood covered with trunk carpet like material to make it more part of the car... in the trunk..

Good luck on the project :tup:

Looks sweet, will follow.

Thanks!

Yep, mp3car is where I got my ideas! I had no idea they made a prefit dash kit for the screen! Damn, haha. Ah well. Since I have the base with no bose, I figure the screen will fit flush nonetheless in my dash without the need of a dash kit (or do I still need a dash kit?)

That custom install looked tough. I was thinking of the navi cubby and trying to make it factory fit looking, but my bravery for trying all sorts of fiberglass/putty is low, so I'll revisit that another day. If I set up two screens, I believe centrafuse can split the displays to let usage of two "apps" at the same time, which would be amazing. OBD info on one, and music on the other or something like that.

As for the power supply, I have an M2-ATX which hopefully will behave the way I want it to, seeing that others have had issues with slow response times and non-latching on ignition. I actually haven't tested it yet, but I might pick up an AC-DC bench power supply from my college's lab to test it out. I'm planning on having the computer sit on hibernate for fast boot times, and when I'm away from my car for more than a day, I'll just shut it down.

I think you would need the dash kit... to make the screen fit... The best way to fabricate the screen is ...open the screen take the front trim of the screen and a spare dash kit... then bondo / fiberglass them together ...make sure not to get bondo where you would fix the screen back on...

Cool project. Subscribed.

The screen I have is pre fitted to a double din case. Do I still need a dash kit? Or does it bolt straight in? I have the base stereo, by the way.

I'm also currently wondering if this car has factory crossovers, or if the car just has bass blockers at each speaker. If it doesn't have crossovers, it makes my install so much easier. I can use a turbowires kit to wire the speakers without a hitch.

EDIT: I think I have confirmed that the tweeters have their own caps or "bass blockers." That being said, I'm gonna probably go ahead and use the Metra Turbowires Harness (http://www.metraonline.com/part/70-7552) to wire the amp to the stock speakers. Later down the line, I'll go for fresh wire alongside new components and xovers. For now, I just want to get the car computer put in and working flawlessly before I dump money into shiny new speakers.

If you screen is pre-fitted to a double din case, you might/not need the dash kit. I have a Kenwood 9960 and did not need to use a dash kit... but had the option to... the amount of space between the HU and the trim of the car was not a lot for me to use the dash kit...

So for you it will depend on how snug the screen is with the Z's dash... and then decide based on that... you might be able to measure before hand to get a good idea..

Hello,

I love any project that involves a car and PC.. however after coming from owning 3 cars all with CarPCs to owning my 370z with an Android tablet.. mounting a tablet in our car is well, just AMAZING. i love every bit of it. the music player is nice, 4g tablet is even nicer! Google Maps Navigation is prob the best navigation software out there... and its FREE!

Don't get me wrong im excited for your project as i still love carpcs, but the tablet is just way more reliable, stable, ease of use, multi touch, and i got mine for under 200 dollars.

My buddy and i fabbed in the cubby hole, a case of beers was plenty for his help, lol

Here is a pic of what im talking about
http://kevinholy.com/images/z3.jpg

What did you fab the tablet holder out of? Did you make a DIY for that project? Looks very clean. Do you remove the tablet as you exit the vehicle? One last question... which tablet is that? Me likey a-lot.

^ Looks like a Galaxy Tab 7 or something like that.

After watching Sliknik's install videos (awesome videos in that sticky, by the way.), I think I'm set on mounting the CarPC on where he mounted the amp. I'm also gonna mount the amp in the same place. I'll get some L-brackets to hard mount the PC to the wood boards alongside the amp, and it should be swell.

I was looking at how to run the power cable into my cabin, and it seems that on the 2012's, there's a hell of a lot more stuff stored in the "brake fluid" compartment. There's two resivoirs of fluid, and it all intersects where the grommet usually is, making it impossible to reach from there. I think I'm gonna cut into the main wire harness grommet, and just feed it through there. Moisture seals shouldn't really be an issue unless I flood my engine bay, in which case I have more serious issues. From there, everything else is just interior stuff, which I'm not too worried about.

All I need before I start putting this thing in is to test my DC-DC power supply, and the speaker wire harness. After that, my install will commence. :happydance: I'll keep you guys updated as I go along. Hopefully next weekend, the project will be ready to rock and roll.

its made outa fiberglass wrapped in suede... it is the galaxy tab 7 the orignal, im going to upgrading it soon to the 7.7 or the 7 plus not sure, but its more than twice as fast!

I was hopeful that I might be able to fit an iPad in that space. Looks like I was mistaken unless they produce a smaller version. Looks like we only have 8 inches to play with.

Plus ipad vs new android tabs, id never go ipad

Had this in for a year now.

http://www.the370z.com/members/pokey...uch-screen.jpg

More pics and please detail what you have in/done to the system.

Thanks in advance,

Cool thread, subbed.

I'm planning on doing a CarPC build, as soon as they release this bad boy:

Raspberry Pi | An ARM GNU/Linux box for $25. Take a byte!

Computer is a Fujitsu P1620, and you have to do some trimming off the cooling vent mounts to get it to fit. I am working on a single plug connection to the car using a docking station as a wire harness donor. I am also looking at running all my audio/video on the computer and making the current head unit a second monitor. The touch screen on the Fujitsu is only active with a fingernail or something hard. I would make the second lower monitor (true finger on glass touch screen) a GUI for the most common functions. I am deployed 6 months out of the year so work has stopped for now.

Hey everyone, sorry for not updating in a while - 40 hour work weeks and midterms are really taking away time from the Z and her projects.

I tested the computer's M2-ATX smart power supply, and it's green lighted to go. When the ign wire is plugged in, the computer waits 5 seconds, ignoring if the ign is turned off and turned back on (as in when you start the engine, the radio and lights cut out), and boots the computer. When the ign is turned off or disconnected, the computer waits 5 seconds, then "presses" the power button. Pretty cool.

I got down to tearing apart the interior, for locating good amp/computer mount positions as well as getting a feel for where to wire everything. As I said before, I ran into issues with not being able to reach the grommet that Sliknik used in his videos for the power cable - the clutch piston is in the way, and it is impossible to remove either the clutch unit or the brake fluid distributor thing. Luckily, I discovered another spot I plan to use. It's definitely the best place to run wire, automatic or manual tranny:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-38-17_818.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-37-26_895.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-37-20_993.jpg

In order to get to this spot, I removed the cowling near the windshield as well as the battery cover completely. This cover pops off by prying at one of the sides, and you can see straight into the car and look at the footwell. I'm just gonna cut a small hole into the rubber and thread the wire into the hole, and seal it up with silicone to be safe.

The power wire dumps straight down the passenger side footwell, and I plan to tuck it under the side of the floorboards and send it straight to the back of the passenger seat, where I'm gonna split it up with a distribution block, and send the power to the amps and the CarPC power supply.

Again, thanks to Sliknik for awesome videos, wouldn't have been able to remove nearly anything without em. Anyway, after clearing out the trunk, I decided to mount the car computer near where Sliknik mounted his amplifier - lucky for me, the computer fits flush and level with the bare metal - barely. The foam cover clears the sides of the computer like it was meant to be there. I'm gonna run to home depot or NAPA to pick up some rubber feet or standoffs to give the computer some vibration resistance, then just simply stick it down with some permanent 3m double side tape.

Picture of the computer. You can also see the circuit board taped to the front - that is the M2-ATX power supply. It is powered by connecting 1/4 standard blade connections.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-11-44_346.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-17-45_704.jpg

Unfortunately, with the computer here, there is definitively no space for an amplifier. Even though I have a small amp, it's gonna have to go under the passenger side seat. Ah well. I should be able to run the speaker wire under all the carpet and cut a slit right where the speaker wire connects to the amp.

As for the front of the car, I got down to getting to just the radio sitting in the surround, and I stopped there for the evening. All I have to do for the cabin is remove the center console, and the passenger seat, and I am wire-ready. I will be finishing this install completely on saturday, and I'll be posting some more photos and a video of how the computer works.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-17-58_729.jpg

There are some more modules I would like to add to the CarPC, namely HD/SAT Radio, USB cameras, and the GPS/Steering Wheel Control Interface I have here, but that will be down the line. First, gotta get this baby working and fired up! :happydance:

nice! good luck :tup: waiting to see your progress.

Has anyone thought about using one of these for the PC.

ZOTAC - It's time to play! - mini-PCs


And if you wanted to get crazy you could just buy a USB Cell adapter, or Tether your cellphone.

Done forget this.

http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-Entertain.../dp/B003UE52ME

Hi Alstann,

I can see, your going to combine the M2-ATX 160W Power Supply with the Foxconn H67S Motherboard. What I understand that the Foxconn H67S comes with a 24 pin headers for power, and the M2-ATX comes with 20 pin connector.

Please let me know if I am wrong, cause I really want the Foxconn H67S to work in my car, but afraid it wont work with my M3-ATX. Or please let me know if any other possible way to connect it to M3-ATX.

PS: M3-ATX and M2-ATX has the same connectors but M3-AYX is much smaller.

Thanks in advance

Fahad

That keyboard is a bitch. I own one for my mediacenter at home. And its so goddamn tiny haha.

Check these out

Maximum PC | Itty Bitty "Cotton Candy" USB-Sized PC Available For Preorder

Alright everyone, version one my install is complete! :happydance:

I've finally had some free time to sit down and upload the pictures.

The first issue with the touchscreen is that I had not realized the dimensions of the screen will not fit the stock double din face correctly. Bybyte, the company that makes the touchscreen double din mounting, lists the height as 107mm, which is 7mm taller than the ISO Double Din international standard.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-38-55_939.jpg

This was a rough first test fit - as you can see, the width is also shorter than the outer frame, since the stock radio is contoured to fit this perfectly. At first, I actually ordered a Metra Double Din kit to see if that would help. It was a larger opening, but that led to the issue of me trying to make it fit neatly in the Metra frame, and I decided it wasn't worth the effort of attempting to use some filler material and such.

On the backside of the stock frame, the monitor clearly got stuck on some points on the frame. I just simply dremeled my way through the bits and got the frame to sit much, much closer to the screen. You'll be able to see this later down. As for the sides of the frame being too large, I found some strips of black foam I cut to fit the sides of the frame. It covers the gap nice enough for now. I'll figure out some cleaner fitting material later down the line.

There was also a second issue - I had to later take out the screen again after one day due to some erratic touchscreen behavior. I kinda forced the frame to sit on the monitor, and a pressure point somewhere made the touchscreen think I was constantly pressing the corner of the screen. After some more dremeling, the frame simply sits over the monitor, with absolutely no pressure.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-39-08_748.jpg

This is the picture of my final mounting point for the amplifier. I went to home depot and got a heavy duty velcro sticky pad, and stuck the carpet side to the car's carpet, and the other to the amp. It is held solid, and can still be removed so I can tune it or whatever. The seat sits over it perfectly, and still leaves a gap so there's no direct heat transfer.

As for the computer, I took some more of the foam I used for the monitor and made some feet for the computer, and double side taped it down. The computer can jiggle about enough to ease my mind about the everyday rigors of driving on sport tires.

Here are the pictures of my finished results for V1:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-45-16_841.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-45-03_644.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...-44-33_121.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...4-44-41_13.jpg

There's only one thing I have an issue with - I think I have a ground loop interference somewhere along the line. My monitor, which has an autoswitch function for a reverse camera, sometimes autoswitches randomly, even though I have no aftermarket reverse camera. I'm gonna try grounding the RCA input in the hopes that will go away. It only happens once a blue moon, though.

For my next audio upgrade, I have planned the following:
-New 6.5 components and possibly rear speakers, depending on my research
-Steering wheel controls over a USB interface
-HDRadio / Sat Tuner
-12" JLW3v3 in a ZEnclousures box
-Dynamat the trunk and door panels
-Buying the newer Centrafuse software for the more uniform apps and features, and for OEM-style navigation

I'm gonna record a video of how it operates, starts up, shuts down, etc. hopefully soon. :tiphat:

Sweet.

Rep for you.

Well rumor mill has it that Apple is going to release an 8 inch iPad. I bet that would fit great in the cubby.:happydance:

awesome...

Hey guys! I just thought I would update you on my CarPC:

First off - I updated the front end software to Centrafuse 4.0. I have to say, it is much better than the older versions of which I "found online," so to speak. The functionality is much more touch oriented, and has many more cool features, such as gestures, quick search by letter, updated GPS mapping, etc. Also, I am looking into how to skin the software, to better match the interior of the 370z. I'll hopefully be able to get that done soon.

Also, I finally got around to installing three things: an HDRadio tuner/receiver, a Flush-mounted AUX input, and the JoyCon EX Steering Wheel Control Adapter.

The HDRadio receiver is made by Visteon, and is normally used to provide HD Radio to pre-existing stereos and headunits. However, via a USB controller cable made by MoCoSo, it can be used for the computer as long as you have an antenna input.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_114042.jpg

Metra sells the antenna adapter kit here:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_113901.jpg

The install was pretty simple - the HDRadio just needs 12v Constant, IGN+, and a ground. Since these were already wired to the rear of the car for the CarPC, just simply tapping into them did the trick. I ran the 12v Constant through the distribution block under the passenger seat. I just mounted the HDRadio unit next to the CarPC, with plenty of room to spare.

Another thing I did to save me some time was to cut the foam insert that sits above the CarPC so that you could lift it straight up and out of the trunk. This saved me a huge amount of time so that I could directly access the computer in case of removal, or hard reset, etc. without having to disassemble the trunk.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_115003.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_115008.jpg

The second thing - the Flush-mounted AUX input - came out fantastic. I decided to install the AUX input inside the center console, right next to the 12v power outlet. I don't have too many pictures, but I have the ones that matter. Besides, it was a super straightforward install - plug the aux cable into the computer after I mounted it.

Here is a picture of the AUX input. It is really a flush install - almost factory. The pictures show the darker color of the washer, but in person, you couldn't even tell.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_141717.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_141734.jpg

I plan on possibly adding some USB inputs next to the AUX input, for iPods or thumbdrives or whatever.

The third thing I installed - the JoyCon EX Steering Wheel Control adapter - wasn't so lucky. I ran out of time today to figure out how to make it play nice with the steering wheel controls. Basically, it is a small unit that has wires that you tap into the resistive lines off of the head unit wire harness, much like the AXXESS AWSC or the PAC SWI. Unfortunately, even though I rechecked all my connections for the ground and the Switch A and Switch B, the unit wouldn't register an input to the CarPC. I'll be doing some more troubleshooting tomorrow, but it's still disfunctional for now.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_130212.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...509_112934.jpg

After figuring out my steering wheel controls issue, my next steps for my CarPC include running a GPS module and a microphone, for calling and whatnot.

I am also looking into getting the second screen installed in the cubby hole - probably gonna have to find a custom professional to do that. I found that mp3car.com sells a custom-fit for the 370z screen for the double din slot that looks much more professional than my custom hack job. I'll be buying that, most likely, and relocating the screen I have now to the cubby hole. Centrafuse seems to have the ability to run multiple screens with different outputs of info. I think if I have music on one screen, and an OBD readout / Navigation on the other, it will be quite dandy. Plus, I've never seen it done before.

The alternative to that is to run a Magden CarPC for more detailed OBD data and car diagnostics. However, this would be extremely cost prohibitive, basically doubling the cost of the entire project.

Direct Fit Double Din LCD Touch Screen for 2009-2011 Nissan 370Z

Audio-wise, I still need to get around to ordering a ZEnclosures sub box for my 12" JLW3v3. I also want to do a high-end component set all the way around, but that will be a little ways off. :tiphat:

Looking good!

I have navi/music from an HU and a carpc dedicated for OBD2 on a second screen.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/IMG_1625.jpg

I still need to fill that gap with some molded plastic and then wrap it in leather.

Thats starting to look real good my friend...

Nice........very nice looking.

you mention issues with a ground loop with your monitor. How are you powering your monitor? nice setup. I have been thinking about setting up hd radio on the carputer but have not decided to make that jump yet.

Now that I have more knowledge about my screen, I doubt it's a ground loop issue causing the issues. I still haven't discovered the cause of the erratic touch issues or the auto switching, but it seems to improve randomly, with expiremental testing, haha. My monitor came with a 12v cigarette lighter power cable, so I bought one of those 12v cig lighters terminated in a red +12v and a black negative, so you can tap into a power source. I did this because this monitor was actually my 2nd RMA due to a power circuit failure, and I didn't wanna tap directly into a power line, due to fears of it breaking again. Don't fix what isn't broken. :icon17:

HD Radio is pretty awesome, and for sure a great addition to a CarPC setup. The one I have, the Visteon HDRadio Tuner, I got from:

Amazon.com: HD Radio¿ Component Car Tuner Kit: Car Electronics

Unfortunately, I see that it went back up to the correct market price. I bought it when it was only $30 bucks, it was nice. But in any case, the HDRadio works awesome for being a radio. When connected to HD, it sounds very clear and the frequency response from all levels is great. The only time it becomes weird is when it frequently hands off from HD to StandardFM. However, this only happens once a blue moon, and it's no big deal.

I see. yea you can't power these screens direclty from the batter that will break them quick. I am using the computers powersupply to power mine.. I took a fan cable and spliced it to a power cable that I ran to the screen. Works great and the screen turns off with the computer.

Hey fellas,

After spending weeks and weeks attempting to remedy and fix my touch screen problems (erratic mouse behavior and random input switching), I finally gave up and ordered a brand new touchscreen, this time however, a well known and used brand: Lilliput.

I ordered a Lilliput 669GL-70NP/C/T HDMI monitor from Mp3Car.com, and also opted for the Direct Fit version. Basically, they modify a dash kit so that once installed, it leaves no gaps and looks OEM inside the dashboard.

Here's the direct link, in case you guys are interested: Direct Fit Double Din LCD Touch Screen for 2009-2011 Nissan 370Z

And here is the monitor itself, preassembled in the side pieces that mount to the innards of the interior:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...622_164957.jpg

The touchscreen itself is a 4-wire resistive, as opposed to my glass capacitive touchscreen. As such, multi touch is not supported, but you can now use your fingernail or a stylus to touch the screen. I can also report that the resistive Lilliput is a damn sight more accurate touch-wise compared to the MT700 I had. Also, since it has an HDMI output, the image is also more clear and has no wavering effect due to the analog nature of VGA.

The Direct Fit kit also includes a face plate made by Scosche that fits over the monitor, giving it that clean, OEM look.

Here's test fitting the whole kit in my car (Note that the monitor has a gap - I have not attempted to adjust the monitor yet):

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...628_104808.jpg

The way the monitor is mounted to the side pieces in the direct fit kit, you can move it back and forth, to make it fit snugly to the faceplate. I had to adjust it several times, until I became satisfied with the fitment.

You can see in this picture how snug the unit fits - the top could be adjusted just a hair more, but in person, and without a camera flash, you could really never tell there was a gap. The flash makes it seem larger than it is. I'm too lazy to go back through my dash to just move it a hair. :icon18:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...628_104744.jpg

And here is the finished product:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...628_115955.jpg

I have had this Lilliput installed in my car for over a week now, and I can say there is not a single issue whatsoever with the touch screen. It works flawlessly, detects every single input, and exhibits no bad behaviors. It's well worth the premium over the cheap touchscreen I bought. Especially since the fitment is bar none, clean as it can be.

I also haven't attempted to fix the steering wheel controls yet - I'm gonna do more research in the wiring diagrams and figure them out better before I attempt to do it again. I might buy a steering wheel controller adapter for an aftermarket radio, and use the wiring in the kit to make it work, but for now, the screen is awesome, and exceeds my expectations.

update?