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Auto Talk => General Automotive => Topic started by: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 06:23:57 AM

Title: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 06:23:57 AM
More power, more brakes, more tire, better suspension, easy fixes.

Theres some other shit though that just cant be fixed by the aftermarket, but still bothers me. In the Z the steering, clutch and shifter were comically heavy. Helped make inputs deliberate when pushing it, but for just tooling around it seemed pointless. Wifey's Rabbit has W123 Benz grade slow steering, and 6th gear is tall to the point that it's barely usable. Pretty much everything I don't like about the Civic can be fixed so I'm happy about that.

Any shit you dont like about your car that the aftermarket cant fix
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Rich on June 25, 2015, 06:39:24 AM
Steering feedback. 

Been thinking about going to a manual rack on the Miata, to get somewhere near as an Elise or Atom as I can get.

but it can't really be fixed in newer cars.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: SJ_GTI on June 25, 2015, 07:20:55 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 06:23:57 AM
More power, more brakes, more tire, better suspension, easy fixes.

Theres some other shit though that just cant be fixed by the aftermarket, but still bothers me. In the Z the steering, clutch and shifter were comically heavy. Helped make inputs deliberate when pushing it, but for just tooling around it seemed pointless. Wifey's Rabbit has W123 Benz grade slow steering, and 6th gear is tall to the point that it's barely usable. Pretty much everything I don't like about the Civic can be fixed so I'm happy about that.

Any shit you dont like about your car that the aftermarket cant fix

Pretty sure clutch and shifter can be "fixed" in the aftermarket to some extent, but maybe not to the level you want. Gear ratios can certainly be altered.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Byteme on June 25, 2015, 07:22:36 AM
Anything can be "fixed" if one is willing to throw enough money at it. 
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 07:23:22 AM
Quote from: SJ_GTI on June 25, 2015, 07:20:55 AM
Pretty sure clutch and shifter can be "fixed" in the aftermarket to some extent, but maybe not to the level you want. Gear ratios can certainly be altered.
Aftermarket clutches and short shifters in the Z just make them heavier. Stickier wider tires make the steering heavier. And there arent any gear options for wifey's 6AT Rabbit in the aftermarket (or OEM)
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 07:26:00 AM
Just about anything can be fixed, except weight(we miss you Colin). So while it all can be fixed, if you start out with a heavy overweight turd you're pretty much screwed.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: SJ_GTI on June 25, 2015, 07:32:41 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 07:23:22 AM
Aftermarket clutches and short shifters in the Z just make them heavier. Stickier wider tires make the steering heavier. And there arent any gear options for wifey's 6AT Rabbit in the aftermarket (or OEM)

OK, but the rabbit comes with a stick shift too. Not to mention there is an OEM option: the GTI.  :lol:
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 08:56:45 AM
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 07:26:00 AM
Just about anything can be fixed, except weight(we miss you Colin). So while it all can be fixed, if you start out with a heavy overweight turd you're pretty much screwed.

Some of us like to color outside the lines of Stage I, Stage II, etc. :lol:
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on June 25, 2015, 09:01:33 AM
The driver.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 09:17:20 AM
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 25, 2015, 09:01:33 AM
The driver.

Huh? That's the easiest and cheapest thing to mod.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 09:18:06 AM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 08:56:45 AM
Some of us like to color outside the lines of Stage I, Stage II, etc. :lol:

I don't know what you mean by stage 1,2, etc. I don't think anyone even uses "stages" any more in modifying vehicles(GM Probably, because it's still the 60's at the corporate office).
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: AutobahnSHO on June 25, 2015, 09:58:34 AM
column Shifter in 03 Odyssey <<< console shifter on 04 Sienna

Good luck fixing that..
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 10:27:21 AM
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 09:18:06 AM
I don't know what you mean by stage 1,2, etc. I don't think anyone even uses "stages" any more in modifying vehicles(GM Probably, because it's still the 60's at the corporate office).

Z32 guys
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 01:32:15 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 10:27:21 AM
Z32 guys

Was that a poor attempt at some sort of joke? I haven't seen a stage package listed for a Z in 10+ years.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Payman on June 25, 2015, 01:44:07 PM
Pretty soon I don't think you'll be allowed to mess with the proprietary coding of electronic steering, shifting or braking systems in new cars. This is being discussed in another thread.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: SVT666 on June 25, 2015, 03:25:51 PM
G37:  The 7spd auto transmission sucks in normal mode.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: MX793 on June 25, 2015, 04:27:42 PM
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 01:32:15 PM
Was that a poor attempt at some sort of joke? I haven't seen a stage package listed for a Z in 10+ years.


Only "stage" packages I hear of these days are turbo upgrade kits (from Cobb and the like) for Subarus.

I think Roush has various stages for their tuner Mustangs.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 05:43:25 PM
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 25, 2015, 01:32:15 PM
Was that a poor attempt at some sort of joke? I haven't seen a stage package listed for a Z in 10+ years.


http://www.zdriver.com/forums/300zx-z32-tech-tips-273/stage-charts-14070/ (http://www.zdriver.com/forums/300zx-z32-tech-tips-273/stage-charts-14070/)
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 08:14:46 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on June 25, 2015, 03:25:51 PM
G37:  The 7spd auto transmission sucks in normal mode.
I really didn't mind it in the 370Z, though I wish it had more kick. Nissan just can't figure out how to make a nice shifting manual transmission though, it's a catch 22.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Madman on June 25, 2015, 08:35:09 PM
The first thing that comes to mind is the proprietary software, available only via download from the manufacturer by way of the dealer, that all modern cars depend on.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: SVT666 on June 26, 2015, 12:21:18 AM
Stereo systems.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 68_427 on June 26, 2015, 12:56:08 AM
Quote from: SVT666 on June 26, 2015, 12:21:18 AM
Stereo systems.

:confused:

I know I've mentioned this thing before but I'll do it again. 

http://www.jbl.com/car-amplifiers/MS-8.html (http://www.jbl.com/car-amplifiers/MS-8.html)

I've heard the results first hand and if I had the cash I'd buy one without thinking twice.

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-MS-8-Series-Digital-Processor/dp/B003KN2TQ2 (http://www.amazon.com/JBL-MS-8-Series-Digital-Processor/dp/B003KN2TQ2)
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 26, 2015, 04:33:41 AM
Wish that thing had an Android/iOS app so I didnt have to put another ugly ass box on my dash. I guess I could set it and forget it.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 68_427 on June 26, 2015, 04:44:36 AM
I'd probably just wire it so I could disconnect it and keep it in the console or something.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Raza on June 26, 2015, 07:15:08 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 25, 2015, 06:23:57 AM
In the Z the steering, clutch and shifter were comically heavy.


Really? I always thought the clutch was a bit light and springy in the Z. And the shifter was just notchy, as I recall, I wouldn't call it heavy. I can't remember anything noteworthy about the steering. I think perhaps you've spent too much time in Japanese cars where controls are so featherweight a sneeze could simultaneously accelerate you, push the clutch in, and steer the car off the road.


Anyway, pedal weight is one of those things. So many cars have really light pedals, and I find that very uncomfortable, especially on long drives where there's too much traffic to use cruise control. I like a pedal that I can rest my foot on and it barely moves. My brother's S4 (and the 350Z, too, since we're on the subject) is a victim of too-light-gas-pedal syndrome. Not the worst, but it could be a lot better.

Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Raza on June 26, 2015, 07:16:47 AM
Quote from: MX793 on June 25, 2015, 04:27:42 PM
Only "stage" packages I hear of these days are turbo upgrade kits (from Cobb and the like) for Subarus.

I think Roush has various stages for their tuner Mustangs.

I think some of the ECU tunes I was looking at for my Jetta came in stages.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: Payman on June 26, 2015, 07:22:47 AM
Quote from: 68_427 on June 26, 2015, 12:56:08 AM
:confused:

I know I've mentioned this thing before but I'll do it again. 

http://www.jbl.com/car-amplifiers/MS-8.html (http://www.jbl.com/car-amplifiers/MS-8.html)

I've heard the results first hand and if I had the cash I'd buy one without thinking twice.

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-MS-8-Series-Digital-Processor/dp/B003KN2TQ2 (http://www.amazon.com/JBL-MS-8-Series-Digital-Processor/dp/B003KN2TQ2)

Don't those work off existing car audio systems? We were talking about whole stereo replacements.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: veeman on June 26, 2015, 08:24:44 AM
Stupid cover our ass legal bullshit beeps and chimes the cars make when you don't put on a seatbelt.  There are situations like in a parking garage I prefer mine off and there should be a way to turn them off.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on June 26, 2015, 08:36:17 AM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on June 25, 2015, 05:43:25 PM
http://www.zdriver.com/forums/300zx-z32-tech-tips-273/stage-charts-14070/ (http://www.zdriver.com/forums/300zx-z32-tech-tips-273/stage-charts-14070/)

That was posted 10 years ago, I'm not surprised by that.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 26, 2015, 10:31:57 AM
Quote from: Raza  on June 26, 2015, 07:15:08 AM
Really? I always thought the clutch was a bit light and springy in the Z. And the shifter was just notchy, as I recall, I wouldn't call it heavy. I can't remember anything noteworthy about the steering. I think perhaps you've spent too much time in Japanese cars where controls are so featherweight a sneeze could simultaneously accelerate you, push the clutch in, and steer the car off the road.
Well, wifey's Rabbit doesnt have heavy steering... just slow.

You may be right. Still though, I will take feedback over heft any day. Z steering, like pretty much all the controls in it, got the job done, but didn't really provide much feedback or inspire a ton of confidence. I got a feel for how much grip the car had and worked up against those limits. Never really grew to "trust" the car though. Civic controls are toy light but I always have a complete sense of what is going on.
Title: Re: Stuff that cant be fixed by the aftermarket in cars
Post by: AutobahnSHO on June 26, 2015, 02:08:20 PM
I'm amazed at how much more feel I get out of my Odyssey than I did from Sienna. They're both about the same heft.

Subaru doesn't have as much as Odyssey, and I would almost compare Odyssey to Miata. 

On a 1-100 scale

5 Miata
25 Odyssey
55 Subaru
80 Sienna
100 1988 Chevy conversion van