My Big Day of Mods...
 

Not really - I am actually just a piker when it comes to this stuff, compared to the heavy hitters here.

But I do plan to do a few things to my FRS today:

- Plug the sound tube: man, there is excellent info on this forum about this. I did as suggested in so many threads - I got the plug from Lowes just so I don't have to leave my glovebox power outlet unplugged. I'll report back to let you know if I hear a dif.

- Set my stock head unit to TC: I've read that some FRS'ers really prefer this car setting. I've tweaked my settings, especially potting-up the back speakers to boost needed mid-range - another good tip I got here. Still, I want to give this a try.

- Ditch the dealer plate frames, replace: I hate dealer license plate frames. I purchased plain black plastic, 2-hole frames real cheap on eBay. The actually look very very nice.

- Remove the dealer sticker: I've never done this and I am a bit unsure about it. It's the vinyl type and I always have had the dealer remove it before delivery. I was far too head-over-heels after my FRS test drive to notice - so it's my job now. I plan to use the hair-dryer method. It's cold here in MD, so I don't know how that will affect the removal. Any advice would be appreciated. I'll report back.

I never heard of anyone liking the TC setting on the stereo, I'd be interested to hear a comparison.

Do you got a link for the DYI?

Wait I answered my own questions :D

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72263

Actually there are a bunch of guys that recommend it. It does boost bas a hair but I felt it muffled mid range so went back to the FRS setting. Took about1/2 an hour of messing with the limited settings but actually got it sounding better. Probably the only thing I miss from the Lancer GT is the stock Rockford Fosgate system with the 8 speakers and woofer.

Done!

- Plug sound tube: makes a difference. Nice. Much quieter, but still real easy to hear the engine. Not Lexus quiet, but I don't want that.

- TC setting: Yuck. IMO, it passes frequencies that are too low to the dashboard speakers - they don't want to handles those freqs. Boomy too. Tried the other car settings. IMO, the FRS is far and away the best setting. Makes sense!

- Dealer license plate frames: Gone. Good riddance. Nice solid black frames look simple, clean, nice.

- Dealer stickers: Man, I spent an hour researching this yesterday to make sure I don't futz up the paint. Turned out to be super simple, even in 35 degree weather. The car was in the sun, so the vinyl decal was a little warm, but even if it wasn't it still would have been a breeze. Didn't even reach for the hair dryer. Each letter in the dealership name was a separate decal, but still, it took 90 seconds, tops. No adhesive to clean up. Easy.

Now that that's all out of the way, time for the real mods to start!

:)

The mod bug is dangerous, my bank accounts are cowering in phear.

Its kinda like this...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sDpp2mkOAk"]My Mind Is Telling Me No... But My Body Is Telling Me Yes! - HD Remake - YouTube[/ame]



Except with car parts lol.

Yup - should have posted there.
Oh well!

@billyk can u post the link to the ebay listing of the license plate frames. I still have the frames on mine w/ some lame dealership quote like "... Toyota. Let's go places!" ugh.

Should I fork over ~15$ on 2 frames or should I just use black spray paint to black out the dealership font on my current ones? thoughts?

if you have an OEM Audio 400+ system , the tC setting is the best.

The sound set up is purely subjective. There is no "best" or "worst" except for personal preference. I thought the TC setting sucked big time.

Hey - here ya go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111511747592...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The frames look great, shipped free and fast. $7.99 for two frames. They have tabs on the back side that hold the plate tight. Can't say how they'll look in a year or two, but at this price it's great to just get those dealer frames OFF!!