Alpine iXA Touch Screen - Sound Check

Super Street Audio And Electronics Page

From the April, 2009 issue of Super Street

By Ben Oh

The car audio market continues to face a challenge from the OEs, but judging from the latest crop of new products showcased at CES, it's clear the industry is still full of innovations. In the past it was the aftermarket that led carmakers to incorporate the technologies developed by the former and we enjoy various new car technologies today in large part due to aftermarket companies. Given what's happening in the car market and the general economy, it makes a lot of sense to keep your current vehicle or buy a used one and customize it with the latest gear.

Without expensive new car payments you'll probably be able to afford some cool gadgets like the ones featured here and showcased at CES.

Alpine iXA-W404
A new touch-screen double-DIN dedicated iPod receiver? Yes! If you used the single-DIN version and wanted more, this is for you. There's no disc slot, but who needs it. Just load your Apple DMP with loads of lossless music files. There is an AM/FM tuner and you can connect USB memory devices for more entertainment options. Speaking of which, you can add HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and satellite radio as well. With the NVE-P1 the W404 can also serve as part of a nav system. This is an inexpensive source unit that you can build upon.
MSRP: $550

Clarion FZ409, FZ709.
Who needs CDs. These slot-less source units play music off your iPod or other MP3 player. The 709 has built-in Bluetooth for handsfree calling, while the 409 is Bluetooth ready. Both have OEL (Organic Electro-luminescence) Full Dot Matrix displays with white and blue illumination and are satellite radio ready.
MSRP: $229.99 and $349.99

JL Audio HD800/5
Combine the old 500/1v2 and the 300/4v2 and put it all in a new single chassis and you get the versatile HD800/5, a 500-watt x 1 and 75-watt x 4, 5-channel amp. You can also use it in a 3-channel setup. Available in April, this may be all the amp you need.
MSRP: $1,099

Eclipse AVN4430
Eclipse improves on a great idea, keeping the detachable TomTom nav unit idea, but updating it and adding more features to the source unit. This definitely deserved CEA's Innovations Design and Engineering award. The unit plays CDs and DVDs as well as iPod audio and video. It's available now.
MSRP: $850

JVC KW-NT1
The latest double-DIN nav unit from JVC has a cool security feature, a 6.1-inch detachable faceplate. It is a DVD player as well with built in Bluetooth wireless technology and front mounted full-speed USB 2.0 and AV-input connections. I got a quick demo at the show and this flash-based system is surprisingly fast.
MSRP: $1,099

Kenwood DNX9140
The new flagship model offers a voice control feature so you can fully operate the navigation system and utilize features such as entering addresses, choosing menu options and selecting points of interest. The voice control system will also operate the audio and video systems, With built-in technology by Parrot and Garmin, you're covered for Bluetooth and navigation. This top-of-the-line product does it all.
MSRP: $2000.

Touch Screen

Alpine iXA Touch Screen - Sound Check

Super Street Audio And Electronics Page

From the April, 2009 issue of Super Street

By Ben Oh

The car audio market continues to face a challenge from the OEs, but judging from the latest crop of new products showcased at CES, it's clear the industry is still full of innovations. In the past it was the aftermarket that led carmakers to incorporate the technologies developed by the former and we enjoy various new car technologies today in large part due to aftermarket companies. Given what's happening in the car market and the general economy, it makes a lot of sense to keep your current vehicle or buy a used one and customize it with the latest gear.

Without expensive new car payments you'll probably be able to afford some cool gadgets like the ones featured here and showcased at CES.

Alpine iXA-W404
A new touch-screen double-DIN dedicated iPod receiver? Yes! If you used the single-DIN version and wanted more, this is for you. There's no disc slot, but who needs it. Just load your Apple DMP with loads of lossless music files. There is an AM/FM tuner and you can connect USB memory devices for more entertainment options. Speaking of which, you can add HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and satellite radio as well. With the NVE-P1 the W404 can also serve as part of a nav system. This is an inexpensive source unit that you can build upon.
MSRP: $550

Clarion FZ409, FZ709.
Who needs CDs. These slot-less source units play music off your iPod or other MP3 player. The 709 has built-in Bluetooth for handsfree calling, while the 409 is Bluetooth ready. Both have OEL (Organic Electro-luminescence) Full Dot Matrix displays with white and blue illumination and are satellite radio ready.
MSRP: $229.99 and $349.99

JL Audio HD800/5
Combine the old 500/1v2 and the 300/4v2 and put it all in a new single chassis and you get the versatile HD800/5, a 500-watt x 1 and 75-watt x 4, 5-channel amp. You can also use it in a 3-channel setup. Available in April, this may be all the amp you need.
MSRP: $1,099

Eclipse AVN4430
Eclipse improves on a great idea, keeping the detachable TomTom nav unit idea, but updating it and adding more features to the source unit. This definitely deserved CEA's Innovations Design and Engineering award. The unit plays CDs and DVDs as well as iPod audio and video. It's available now.
MSRP: $850

JVC KW-NT1
The latest double-DIN nav unit from JVC has a cool security feature, a 6.1-inch detachable faceplate. It is a DVD player as well with built in Bluetooth wireless technology and front mounted full-speed USB 2.0 and AV-input connections. I got a quick demo at the show and this flash-based system is surprisingly fast.
MSRP: $1,099

Kenwood DNX9140
The new flagship model offers a voice control feature so you can fully operate the navigation system and utilize features such as entering addresses, choosing menu options and selecting points of interest. The voice control system will also operate the audio and video systems, With built-in technology by Parrot and Garmin, you're covered for Bluetooth and navigation. This top-of-the-line product does it all.
MSRP: $2000.

Japanese Trends - Big In Japan

The Popular JDM Trends That We Love

From the May, 2009 issue of Super Street

By Charles Trieu, Sean Klingelhoefer

Photography by Courtesy Of Retailers, Super Street Archives

Let's face it; we love to mimic the Japanese when it comes to tuning their cars. It's no surprise or news to anyone. Some of these trends are functional and some can be just plain idiotic. We love being JDM as much as the next guy, but sometimes it's just too much. We'll let you decide which ones you want to portray.

JDM Plates
Well in Japan, Japanese cars obviously use Japanese license plates. What a shocker. So to mimic that tuners here like to run fake vanity JDM plates. We're not even sure if you can actually get a vanity plate in Japan.

Who: A Spec products
What: JDM Vanity Plates
Where: www.aspecproducts.com
Wallet: $46

Who: Password JDM
What: Koleshiya (Kareha) Badge
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: $11.99

Driver Badges
In Japan, if you have a Soshinoya (or Wakaba) badge on your car, you're a beginning driver, or simply put a retard. In the US, you're an icy hot JDM stunna. In Japan, if you have a Koleshiya (or Kareha) badge on your car, you're elderly, or simply put you shouldn't be driving. In the US, it's slightly less cool than the Soshinoya.

Who: Password JDM
What: Soshinoya (Wakaba) Badge
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: $11.99

Reservoir Socks
Originally intended to soak up leaking fluids, since then they have become the entry-level accessory for JDM enthusiasts. It's hard to deny these terry cloth cuties. Use anything from the actual JDM ones to cartoon wristbands.

Quick Releases And Tilts
It's great to take off your steering wheel for clearance from getting in and out of your bucket shell. But it's not much of a security feature. And you're a dork if you think it's cool to carry it around with you at an Internet car meet.

Who: Takata
What: Harness Pad
Where: www.takataracingproducts.com
Wallet: $95

Who: K-Sport
What: Steering Wheel
Quick Release
Where: www.ksportusa.com
Wallet: $112

Who: MOMO
What: Steering Wheel Quick Release
Where: www.momousa.com
Wallet: $200

Who: Works Bell
What: Rapfix II Steering Wheel Quick Release
Where: www.aspecproducts.com
Wallet: $298

Who: Works Bell
What: Rapfix II GTC Flip-up
Where: www.aspecproducts.com
Wallet: $385

Who: Nukabe Automotive
What: Cusco and Safety21 Rollbars and Cages
Where: www.napsusa.com
Wallet: Starting at $470

GPS-Navigation Unit

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT Navigation Unit - Sound Check

Super Street Audio And Electronics Page

From the December, 2009 issue of Super Street

By Ben Oh

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT: Extended Review
The new AVIC-U310BT is a double-DIN navigation unit with a detachable screen. But it isn't a separate PND; it's more of a security feature. You can still use the map; however, the detachable unit doesn't have a GPS. Nonetheless, I do think this is a decent selling point, especially for an inexpensive unit.

The screen size is on the small side at 4.3 inches, but as long as you have a car that allows for mounting the unit at a decent height, it shouldn't be a problem. On my old Volvo S40 (with the double-DIN opening at the very bottom of the dash) it was a bit difficult accessing the virtual buttons and getting a comfortable view of the map. That being said, ameliorating the difficulty caused by placement was the AVIC-U310BT's touchscreen responsiveness, which was excellent.

The Flash-based nav/source unit has map data from TeleAtlas in 2 gigs of internal memory. You get the entire United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada. There are only about 400,000 points-of-interest (POIs) though. As-is, it was difficult to find much of anything, including the most basic places, such as common restaurants or major chain retailers. There's actually no restaurant category under POIs. But with the addition of an optional POI SD card, you can get over 12 million places. (Note: While you can add data via the SD card slot, you can't play music off an SD on the U310BT.) That might strike some users as being a little strange, but there are plenty of entertainment options for the unit so I don't think that's a major detraction.

Speaking of entertainment, a USB cable is included so that you can play music files off your thumb drive, but you will need a separate iPod cable to connect that device. Considering that there are inexpensive source units on the market that with iPod connectivity included, it's somewhat disappointing that you have to get another cable. But then again, the aforementioned inexpensive receivers don't offer navigation.

One feature that this unit does offer built-in is Bluetooth by preeminent Bluetooth manufacturer, Parrot, and is an absolute necessity. It took a little while to connect my iPhone, but once connected I was able to load my contact list in half a minute or so. And Bluetooth disconnect and reconnect are incredibly fast. There's no delay from turning on the car and being able to access the Bluetooth feature.

The AVIC-U310BT is satellite radio and HD Radio ready. In addition, the unit has a rear panel 3.5mm mini-jack input which can be used with auxiliary audio devices. Of course the disc slot accepts CDs (sorry, no DVD playback at this price point). While we're on the topic of price, the suggested retail on it is $699 but you'll find it widely available for far less. And in terms of the product as a value proposition, that makes it much more attractive if you can get it for around $400.

While the various illumination colors add to that attractiveness, the U310BT does have an ergonomic issue that tempers that cosmetic positive.The volume knob/toggle wheel is so smooth that it's frustrating adjusting volume while you're driving. Your fingers will slip around it. And it's far too easy to toggle when you're only trying to turn the knob.

Another minor issue is that the voice guidance volume must be adjusted from the settings window from the menu. You'll probably need passenger help to get to the secondary screen if you want to raise or lower the volume safely while driving. The rest of the navigation features were very good. I didn't have an issue navigating around Southern California. The map graphics are more on the utilitarian side, but they're clear and effective for conveying information.

Wing,Wheels ,K&N Filters, Prosport Gauges , Brake Pads

Voltex GT Wing - New Products February 2010

Hot New Products

From the February, 2010 issue of Super Street

Who: Voltex
What: GT Wing
Rides: Many
Source: www.evasivemotorsports.com, 626.336.3400
Known the world over for their Evo body kits, Voltex of Suzuka Japan is no stranger to aerodynamics. With experience in F3 race car design it's no surprise Voltex hand fabricates all of their products with exacting attention to detail. If you're finding your car is lacking some rear traction this is the wing for you!

Who: Tomax
What: Performance Brake Pads
Rides: Nissan/Infiniti
Source: www.tomaxcorp.com, 310.320.0570
What good is that new turbo kit or engine swap if your car doesn't have the brakes to stop it? Well, no good at all. Tomax has been manufacturing OE brake pads in Japan for years and the knowledge gained has allowed them to step outside the OE realm and put their data to the test. Available in several friction compounds these pads are sure to please even the harshest skeptic.

Who: Shutt Auto
What: S-Quared Shift Boot
Rides: All
Source: www.shuttauto.com, 888.748.8828
What can we say about a shift boot that hasn't already been said? It's a shift boot, but what if yours is missing, destroyed or downright ugly? Well Shutt Auto has got you covered (get it, that's a pun bitches!). Mating a black leather boot with grey stitching to a satin silver base this setup will look right a home in any car, no matter how mild or wild it is.

Who: Prosport Gauges
What: Analog Clock
Rides: All
Source: www.prosportgauges.com, 727.572.9011
So you finally got around to boosting your older chassis and everything is looking great. All your gauges are hooked up and the car is running but something is missing... a clock! To match the rest of your premium series gauge setup the people at Prosport have designed this tasteful clock to complete your interior without losing the race look.

Who: Volk Wheels
What: Ce28n Genesis
Rides: Most
Source: www.mackinindustries.mom, 562.946.6820
So we all know that the CE28N is one of the most badass wheels ever made. It's super light, super strong and aesthetically second to none. So how do you take a wheel that has become a staple among import tuners and make it better? Simple, offer it in a special Burnt Silver finish, add a Hibosscal spoke emblem and limit the production to 500 sets. Get them while you're hot, if you can find them.

Who: K&N Filters
What: Intake System
Rides: '09+ Honda Fit
Source: www.knfilters.com, 800.858.3333
What do you get when the leader in cleanable air filters gets a hold of a new Honda? A killer intake system of course! Guaranteed to increase horsepower, this kit features a cone shaped filter, mandrel bent tubing and a powder coated heat shield. In their own dyno testing K&N showed an increase of 4.5hp over the stock setup, quite an improvement considering the low base output of the engine.

Up In Arms

Project S14 Nissan 240SX - Up In Arms

Project S14 Gets A Rear Adjustment

September 30, 2010

By Charles Trieu

Photography by Charles Trieu

After the install of the Drift Speed high steering angle knuckles, Circuit Sports tie rods, and tension rods, it was time to attack the rear suspension geometry. There's no point to getting the front end to go straight if you can't get the rear to follow along. After weeks of driving with the new front suspension components, I was very confident that Drift Speed knew what they were doing and that Circuit Sports suspension parts were not like the cheap quality you see on eBay. So I went back to Phase 2 Motortrend where they recommended me a set of Circuit Sports rear upper camber arms, rear toe arms and rear traction arms. The 240SX is one of those few cars that are lucky enough to have tons aftermarket support. You can pretty much buy any suspension arm on the car in an adjustable form with spherical rod end bearings. Not only will this allow you to gain the correct suspension settings for any lowered height, it will also remove the slop that factory rubber bushings have.

Circuit Sports Rear Upper...        read full caption Circuit Sports Rear Upper Camber Arms (RUCA)

Circuit Sports Rear Toe A...        read full caption Circuit Sports Rear Toe Arms

Circuit Sports Rear Traction...        read full caption Circuit Sports Rear Traction Arms

I've always been the guy with the super-slammed car who always had poor suspension alignment. But now that I've replaced all these arms and had a legit alignment done on the car, I see how much of an improvement correct suspension can play in a car's handling. The improvements are completely night and day difference. And this is not for just the track, but even on a daily street driven car I can feel a huge difference. In the turns, down the straights, and on the highway, everything is so much better and more predictable. Huge thanks to Phase 2 Motortrend and Drift Speed for setting me straight.

Circuit Sports vs OEM	These Circuit Sports rear...        read full caption These Circuit Sports rear toe arms fit both S13 and S14. However, the S14 requires wider spacers, which Phase 2 Motortrend included with the purchase.	To properly adjust your length,...        read full caption To properly adjust your length, all adjustments must be done in the center rod to keep both end lengths equal. Do not adjust one end, then the other. Instead adjust both all the way in, as short as they go. Then turn just the center rod until both ends come out to the desired length.
For installation, I just eyeballed...        read full caption For installation, I just eyeballed the length. Drift Speed will do the alignment after installation.	Factory arms come with eccentric...        read full caption Factory arms come with eccentric bolts, which allow for some wheel adjustment but not nearly enough. The tip to taking these out is to hold the bolt with an open-end wrench while taking off the nut first. The eccentric washer keeps the bolt from spinning and so you will have to back the nut off first.	Koji and Jerod at Drift Speed...        read full caption Koji and Jerod at Drift Speed use a computerized laser alignment machine to get all the adjustments dialed in perfectly.
	Right rear suspension with...        read full caption Right rear suspension with factory arms.	Circuit Sports arms installed....        read full caption Circuit Sports arms installed. (1) Toe Arm, (2) Camber Arm, (3) Traction Arm