Altered Mental Status (1G AWD 5spd)

[CrackedDSM]

What headunit is in the car? I just scored an alpine from 2005, trying to keep everything on the older side. I'm not huge into bass like I once was but a sub in the trunk definitely ties it all together.

It's this one.


I am also not a bass person at all. But just a tiny bit more clarity/power would be the cherry on top. However...I know nothing about sound systems so I may just leave well enough alone.

 

[DarkStalker]

I hear ya going time period, I want one of these Sony Xplodes again so bad. I don't like the $500 price though

 

[CrackedDSM]

Going retro/period correct is kind of accidental. All of this stuff was included with the car, and I legit just plugged it in for giggles seeing if it would work at all.

The fact I now have a working sound system that sounds great is the biggest bonus ever. I fully expected it to not power up, not work, or have major issues.

My pickle is thoroughly and completely tickled to a level that should disturb you greatly....and possibly tickle a pickle of your very own.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I think old sound systems will never go out of date. My Accord still has the factory Alpine speakers from 1993 and they sound great.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Got the mounting screws in, and they turned out to be bolts so they didn't work. Luckily, in a fit of inspiration I remembered I bought this kit awhile back, and it had just the screw size I needed. Both in width, and length! Perfect. As a bonus, I can also now say that kit exactly works perfect to replace the other U clips in the 1G interior that you're missing and need. Work perfect!


Anyway, got the OEM radio brackets bolted up(thanks to my boy @jersygsx !, bought these from him ages ago) and well..just look at how she fits!

To say I am a stereo newbie is an overstatement of the year. I have legit never touched stereos, stereo wiring, or tried to install ANY kind of headunit ever...and I am just so pleased as punch with how it turned out. And Crutchfield says this radio won't fit a 1G! Pfffft.


But yeah. Couldn't be happier right now. It sounds great, and I can hear it over the running/driving car. So surreal. One step closer to a creature comfort equipped classy street DSM. God, 16 year old me would lose his shit right now if he could see the car we own.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Drove the ol' girl to work today again. Boy did I get used to the "easy mode" 2500rpm starts. Lol. But, she made it.


The old AEM Water Temp gauge was so slow to respond and read temps, that everytime I drive this car for decently long distances, I get paranoid it's gonna overheat. Temps will go up to 196-199 only to go back down once it's driving or the cooling fan kicks on. Hilariously if I turn both fans on with the A/C fan switch in the interior, it drops rapidly like 20*.


But yeah. I honestly don't even know what to do with having a working, functioning stereo. I find myself turning it down at stoplights because I want to hear the car and make sure it's not about to explode. New experiences all around, man.

I think for the drive home I'm gonna re-enable old-man/chump mode and put the 2500rpm launch limiter back on it. Being able to floor the gas and come to a gentle start anywhere is just too addicting.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Just wanted to give a shoutout and a thank you to everyone who has commented on this thread, and who continues to follow along. Not many people say much anymore, and I fear I've pissed more than a few off. So, just know whether I've irritated you or not, I do genuinely appreciate everyone's advice and everyone that has followed along or continues to do so. Car has come such a long way, and you guys deserve some credit too. I'd be lost without yall.


No other updates other than the picture I posted in the "what did you do to your DSM today" thread. Drove the car to work, forgot to even use the stereo because I'm so unused to having a working sound system in any DSM. Fun stuff.

 

[enriquez2000]

Keep enjoying! Glad to see things fun for you again!

 

[1cleangsx]

I still personally love the updates! Everyone who’s followed along with you knows what you’ve been thru with the car, and I think we’re all happy to see a fellow dsm’er get to enjoy their ride

 

[CrackedDSM]

Ever since installing the radio, the radio wouldn’t pick up any FM stations due to no antenna on the car. Of any kind. I don’t really plan to use the FM Radio portion of the stereo but the fact it didn’t work bugged me. So I went on Amazon and found a little stick on radio antenna for like $8 shipped, and figured it was worth the monetary risk.

I am infinitely pleased with how it worked out. You cannot see it is there from inside the car in either seat, and you can’t see it from the outside either. I hid the wire as well, and best of all…it works great. For an $8 antenna I’m pleased as punch. Seriously, so awesome. I love little things like this.


Thanks guys above for the kind and supportive comments. Much appreciated!

 

[Anfurnyy]

Ever since installing the radio, the radio wouldn’t pick up any FM stations due to no antenna on the car. Of any kind. I don’t really plan to use the FM Radio portion of the stereo but the fact it didn’t work bugged me. So I went on Amazon and found a little stick on radio antenna for like $8 shipped, and figured it was worth the monetary risk.

View attachment 756195View attachment 756196

I am infinitely pleased with how it worked out. You cannot see it is there from inside the car in either seat, and you can’t see it from the outside either. I hid the wire as well, and best of all…it works great. For an $8 antenna I’m pleased as punch. Seriously, so awesome. I love little things like this.


Thanks guys above for the kind and supportive comments. Much appreciated!

I have my stock antenna that's not going to get used for the foreseeable future if that's what you need/ want?

 

[DogWhistle]

Just wanted to give a shoutout and a thank you to everyone who has commented on this thread, and who continues to follow along. Not many people say much anymore, and I fear I've pissed more than a few off. So, just know whether I've irritated you or not, I do genuinely appreciate everyone's advice and everyone that has followed along or continues to do so. Car has come such a long way, and you guys deserve some credit too. I'd be lost without yall.

Oh, we're still here enjoying our popcorn while we read about your victories. You've inspired many of us to get back to work on our own cars so that's why we're commenting less.

 

[DarkStalker]

Ever since installing the radio, the radio wouldn’t pick up any FM stations due to no antenna on the car. Of any kind. I don’t really plan to use the FM Radio portion of the stereo but the fact it didn’t work bugged me. So I went on Amazon and found a little stick on radio antenna for like $8 shipped, and figured it was worth the monetary risk.

View attachment 756195View attachment 756196

I am infinitely pleased with how it worked out. You cannot see it is there from inside the car in either seat, and you can’t see it from the outside either. I hid the wire as well, and best of all…it works great. For an $8 antenna I’m pleased as punch. Seriously, so awesome. I love little things like this.


Thanks guys above for the kind and supportive comments. Much appreciated!

Nice I never thought of that. I removed the fencing sword antenna and went with the stubby, love the look.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I have my stock antenna that's not going to get used for the foreseeable future if that's what you need/ want?

I will absolutely take it! Just in case this antenna doesn't work out.

Nice I never thought of that. I removed the fencing sword antenna and went with the stubby, love the look.

View attachment 756239

That looks awesome too. I love the little CF accent.

 

[CrackedDSM]

So I did another 0-60 run and it was 5.5 seconds because I’m still chicken footing it.

I also took a log this time, and got some hilarious stuff for you guys.

My 1-2 shift took .91 seconds. Almost a full second. the 2-3 was a tiny bit better at like .70-.80 but still. Even granny can shift faster!

So, goal for the car these next few days is simple.

1) Do a proper non-chicken footed launch. Send the hell out of it.

2) shift faster than a granny on Sunday.

The thing that makes me happy though is I did 0-60 in 5.5. If I shifted faster both 1-2 and 3-4, that cuts an easy second out of it. So honestly it’s in the mid 4’s as it sits currently. I think if I nail the launch, I may stay in it for a full 1/8th pass.


But yeah. That’s all. Feel free to laugh at me because I’m laughing at me. The auto newb finally learning how to race a manual. Lol.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I did it!!

I got it sub 5 seconds 0-60 and didn’t change a thing. I just launched it semi properly (spun all four wheels just a tiny bit) and revved it out to 7-7.5k. Only had to shift once and that was into 2nd. 4.93!

What really tickles me is below.

The first 1/8th pass was tonight in the talon. The second 1/8th was in the edge for comparison.

This would’ve been an 8.5X 1/8th mile pass all day had I not let out. I freakin let out at mid 60’s and just coasted to a 9.0. look at the 330’ time on the edges 1/8th mile pass. It’s identical. And the talon has way more top end than the edge does.

I am pleased, however I do think it’s time to experiment with some anti lag. It ever so slightly screeched the wheels but it didn’t launch anywhere near where I know it can. I want these wipers to come on during the launch!! Then I’ll know it’s proper!

But for now, super happy with it. And this tune is nowhere near the ragged edge. It’s running 11* of timing up top and rich-ish AFRs.

Stooooooked though. I think with a harder and better launch it’s got 4.5’s in it.

Edit - Meant to say, my shift was still slow. It wasn't grandma slow, so that's a win, but it's like..."dad driving to the store" slow. Not quite "16 year old Honda driver trying to race a mini-van on the interstate on-ramp" fast like I want it to be. Legitimately though, not sure I'm ever going to just R-A-PE the car into gear on the shifts. It's got solid bronze shift bushings, and I'm really not trying to hurt this transmission. Lol.

Double Edit - Utterly hilarious. There's a pattern in all of these screenshots. I just went in and pulled the quickest 1/8th mile I could find from the edge in Florida, not paying any attention. Apparently I like to make Dragy passes 1) After 8pm 2) When it's less than 70* outside and most importantly 3) When my phone battery is at or below 22%.

 

[DreamChaser7]

Your analogies never cease to entertain me Cory.

 

[SixBolt_16G]

I did it!!

View attachment 756619

I got it sub 5 seconds 0-60 and didn’t change a thing. I just launched it semi properly (spun all four wheels just a tiny bit) and revved it out to 7-7.5k. Only had to shift once and that was into 2nd. 4.93!

What really tickles me is below.

View attachment 756620

View attachment 756621

The first 1/8th pass was tonight in the talon. The second 1/8th was in the edge for comparison.

This would’ve been an 8.5X 1/8th mile pass all day had I not let out. I freakin let out at mid 60’s and just coasted to a 9.0. look at the 330’ time on the edges 1/8th mile pass. It’s identical. And the talon has way more top end than the edge does.

I am pleased, however I do think it’s time to experiment with some anti lag. It ever so slightly screeched the wheels but it didn’t launch anywhere near where I know it can. I want these wipers to come on during the launch!! Then I’ll know it’s proper!

But for now, super happy with it. And this tune is nowhere near the ragged edge. It’s running 11* of timing up top and rich-ish AFRs.

Stooooooked though. I think with a harder and better launch it’s got 4.5’s in it.

Edit - Meant to say, my shift was still slow. It wasn't grandma slow, so that's a win, but it's like..."dad driving to the store" slow. Not quite "16 year old Honda driver trying to race a mini-van on the interstate on-ramp" fast like I want it to be. Legitimately though, not sure I'm ever going to just R-A-PE the car into gear on the shifts. It's got solid bronze shift bushings, and I'm really not trying to hurt this transmission. Lol.

Double Edit - Utterly hilarious. There's a pattern in all of these screenshots. I just went in and pulled the quickest 1/8th mile I could find from the edge in Florida, not paying any attention. Apparently I like to make Dragy passes 1) After 8pm 2) When it's less than 70* outside and most importantly 3) When my phone battery is at or below 22%.

So... much....WINNING! Looks like all the setbacks, spider infestations and rage quitting have finally paid off

 

[CrackedDSM]

Your analogies never cease to entertain me Cory.

Haha, thanks. I’m glad. My wife says I’m really good at analogies.

So... much....WINNING! Looks like all the setbacks, spider infestations and rage quitting have finally paid off

Appreciate it. I’m 100% sure there’s more rage quitting and setbacks ahead. Name of the game. But man am I glad to be actually enjoying the car and using it for the purpose it was built.


It’s a solid lesson in missing the forest for the trees. Sometimes you need to stop and remember what the original purpose of whatever you’re doing was.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I know this might be a big ask, but does anyone have any tips for the launch for me? FP Green, stock 2.0L. Clutch is fully broken in and grabbing great. Full-face ceramic. 235 wide all season tires, and Megan Racing coilovers that are all set to the softest setting(still pretty stiff).


Right now I've got the two-step set to 5250. I come up on the two step for a few seconds, then rapidly slip the clutch. I don't side-step it, and I don't baby it(thankfully broke myself of that habit). It launches better...but not like my old Auto did. I know I can do better than 1.9 60' on the streets.


Does anyone have any tips? I feel like right now it spins when I launch(a little bit at least, nothing crazy) and that might be killing the 60' a bit. I'm gonna go out in a few minutes and try lowering the launch limit 500RPM but changing nothing else launch technique wise. But any tips and tricks from you guys with plenty of racing experience is much appreciated!!

 

[TheDude236]

A little off topic from your previous post, but I just wanted to chime in again and say its awesome seeing the dedication you have to this car. I remember following this thread as you were expressing your frustration with this car in like pages 2-4 of your build profile. Now we're at 82 pages??? I really was off this forum for too long!

Cool to see its treating you right after all the hard work, especially since you're (presumably) still a hardworking EMT and a family man. Really inspiring stuff! I hope this legendary car continues to treat you well!

 

[CrackedDSM]

A little off topic from your previous post, but I just wanted to chime in again and say its awesome seeing the dedication you have to this car. I remember following this thread as you were expressing your frustration with this car in like pages 2-4 of your build profile. Now we're at 82 pages??? I really was off this forum for too long!

Cool to see its treating you right after all the hard work, especially since you're (presumably) still a hardworking EMT and a family man. Really inspiring stuff! I hope this legendary car continues to treat you well!

Thanks brother. It's definitely had its ups and downs, and mainly me blowing things out of proportion. But I've got IED Disorder, so I tend to do that. Then afterwords I'm left wondering I was so angry about. Mental Illness sucks, for sure.


But, I'm still an EMT for sure, and if a place will leave me alone and let me work I'll be one until I retire or die.


Definitely appreciate the encouragement.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Well, disappointing results. The DA is like 1200ft right now and there's 20mph winds with 30mph gusts. Nevertheless, I went out with high hopes and I'm a little teeny bit disappointed.


I'm not sure if I'm just spinning, or if the car isn't making the power but the launch set at 4750RPM resulted in a tiny chirp of wheel spin then a bog when it caught traction, and 5.50 0-60. 1/8th mile pass in 9.05@75MPH. I think I kinda got on and off the gas in 3rd so not sure if that's a legit 1/8th or not.


Raised the launch limit back to 5250, and did a hot lap after a tiny short cruise cooling it down. Resulted in more wheel spin, but felt nicer with no bog. 1-2 shift banged it pretty nice and wipers came on...but still resulted in 5.54 0-60. 1/8th mile in 9.00@79. Lol. I stayed in it until like 85ish mph and then let it coast. Hilariously, it coasted to a 14.1@83MPH 1/4 mile pass.


It feels to me like it's ripping up top, I'm not noticing it slowing down or anything. I do think I need to mess with my EBC though because that wastegate crack pressure is set to like 8.5psi, and you can tell it needs to be closed longer. I don't reach like 20-22lbs until almost 6000RPM, so I think that would help a lot.

But regardless, NGL, I'm a little bummed. Not majorly, but not sure if I'm just doing something wrong or if the weather conditions is making things harder. I also think a better/less dirty road would help. I may try to go to a prepped/legit track soon and see what happens. But, advice would be nice.

 

[DarkStalker]

Do you have coilovers? Or stock suspension.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Do you have coilovers? Or stock suspension.

Coilovers. Megan Racing ones(not the blue EZ streets, but the red ones) that are all set to the softest setting. I was tempted to make the rear shocks stiffer a little.


But, I'm pretty sure it's the tune. In a couple weeks I have four days off, and I may try again to start over on the tune and do it right. Even if I just do baby steps and go back to this tune, I really think that would help a ton. Also: I may replace my lifters soon. They're still a little loud, and I think it's causing some phantom knock.

But yeah. I think at this point it's tune related and driver error. How much % each is, IDK.