AndyZ33HR

Hi folks got my car a month ago and loving it! Low mileage 08 model, when the weather is kinder and I get a free minute ill post a few pics up. Liking the fact my mpg is better than the evo I owned previously. As for plans for the car id maybe like it a bit lower, already done the ipod hack as the head unit was lacking a bit but didn't want to lose the blue tooth and install my old double din dvd player. Id also like a bit more noise out of it. Standard exhaust is subtle but a little too quiet.

Other than that for now id like to just keep it clean through the winter and preferably in one piece!

Just to confirm the cheapo in line ground loop isolator worked perfect between ipod cable and head unit. Virtually no noise at all now or at least nothing annoying/noticeable,very happy with result. In summary: Ipod y cable, hacked usb charger & a cheap ground loop isolator and jobs a good 'un. If you really want it versatile you could also solder in that 3.5mm plug at the start of the project so you can have optional aux as well.

A few pics to show the modified usb charger so that it can be placed out of sight and connected directly to a 12v feed. If you are wondering why I have two wires it's because i was using high amperage cable, it was all i had at the time. Didnt want to risk using too thin wire and my Z go on fire or something. Also just a few pics of the job in question and testing. I also have to note that there is now some 'slight' barely noticable noise as a result of the charging feed but i hope to resolve this with a ground loop isolator added. I am just being fussy and want the crystal clear audio again. I will report back with my findings.

Waiting on the isolator coming and then i'll solder it in and let you guys know.

Yes i have noticed with in car audio systems Bluetooth audio is very hit and miss, some propriety systems the clarity is perfect but I have found cheap bluetooth audio accessories to be terrible. I am a believer that line-in directly connected audio feeds rather than streaming audio gives the best result. I had also considered bluetooth in this little project instead of wired but was concerned about the audio quality.

May even be worth trying on of these, I have just bought one so will fit it all up and see if I keep having to switch it on each time: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200968311264&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:3160

Tried the link but ebay says "Oops. An error has occured." Tried pasting the item number into ebay search but got the same thing, maybe post a pic if you can or an alternative link? Cheers

I done the bose hack, absolutely no noise/hiss/interference at all when device connected. I was surprised. Crystal clear and exactly like a factory aux-in would sound like imo. Tottaly worth the effort

Good guide. Only need to remove a few of the screws from the headunit to get bottom cover off, some were unnecessary. I didn't cut the traces on the circuit board as when tested with the 3.5mm cable I soldered on there was no interference noise, just crystal clear high quality audio, very impressed. The only tiny gripe with this hack is the tape deck making noise when you select it. Tried desoldering the deck mechanism motor and also the reel motor but unfortunately it just won't work either or, be great if it was completely silent operation. Now waiting delivery of a belkin usb charger and ipod 3.5mm/usb y cable to convert the whole thing to one ipod cable and an ipod touch in box above head unit. I will dismantle the belkin cig charger and solder a cable inside to it which will be behind dash and tapped into accessory socket feed. Will post pics soon and maybe a mini guide if it's worth it.