Hey everyone...

Im a new member, the names Brian and ive just bought a gorgeous MY02 WRX with PPP and UK300 wheels and lights...i used to drive a toyota celica GT4 and i cant believe what ive been missing all this time...!!!

Anyway, im thinking of replacing the awful factory CD/radio headunit and going for a SECS and an Alpine headunit...ive looked at alot of the posts and id be grateful if anyone could let me know what i need to install them and how to do it...im not exactly clueless, but i wont be getting a job on a WRC pit crew if you know what i mean...

Any help/advice greatly appreciated...cheers, Bri...

 

not done it myself - but you may find this link helpful!!

www.powerstation.org.uk/secs1003fitment.pdf

alan

 

thanks mate...i actually had a look at that site, but i need to know if i need to connect anything to the engine, what cables go where, etc...im assuming there must be some connection to the ECU or something...

 

Hi Brian,

Welcome!...Not 100% sure, but think the SECS unit connects to the ECU via the connector usually found underneath the steering column; a multipin job that's linked directly to the brain....well, it is on Classics, presume this is still the case on NewAge/BugEyes

Have fun!

Spen

 

Yes the SECS unit unit just needs to be connected into the connector under the steering column.

 

The whole installation is quite simple. The SECS unit just plugs in where described. The head unit may need an adaptor to suit the Subaru wiring, my Kenwood item did. Even without a speaker change (yet) the sound quality is better, and having 10 cd's on tap is nice!
JohnD

 

Cheers guys...

i didnt realise it was that simple...one SECS unit coming up i think...!!!

 

and whats the difference between VFD and LCD and is it worth the price difference?

 

VFD (Vacuum fluorescent display) is a lot brighter and can be seen even with sunlight shining directly on it. LCD can fade when cold and is not as clear or as easy to read as the VFD. IMHO.

I would buy the VFD if I could afford it, otherwise I would plump for the LCD as there is not a HUGE difference under normal driving conditions.

Nathan..

 

Take a tip and buy the ECUTEK version as it has seven pages of display info instead of four.

bob

 

Wheres the best place to get one & are they more expensive.

 

Quaility bit of kit.

Try here:

www.scoobytek.co.uk

 

and whats all the with/without pod all about...? whats the pod...is it for fitting...?

 

AFAIK there are 3 types.

A pod mounted version for fitting where the clock tray would be.

A single din version for fitting in the radio bay with a single din head unit.

A standalone unit which you can mount where you like as it's contained in a box. Or you can just connect it when you need to reset or check things out.

I personally prefer the unit Nevetas has above. As it looks neat and allows you to have guages above in the old clock tray space.

Nathan..

 

and i think theres a view of the VFD version on that scoobytek site...looks like an LED type display is the best way i can think of describing it...does that sound right?

 

LED type display does sound more like the VFD version.

The LCD has a green back ground with black writing. The VFD has a dark background with blue, green or red writing.

 

what do you reckon to this for my MY02 WRX...alpine head unit with green display, PSI3 SECS unit with red VFD display, or should i go with green dispaly to match the dash lights and stereo...?

 

and why is the VFD version 450 quid on the Psi website, and 399 on the scoobytek site?

 

I just upgraded mine, so useful

Before


After

FULL RES: http://www.nevetas.co.uk/albums/album21/IMG_5744.jpg

 

looks good nev...

did you fit it yourself, and if so was it difficult? does it come with all the necessary leads, etc? and how much did you pay for yours and where did you get it from...?

cheers, bri...

 

its soooo easy to fit!!

Got mine here

http://www.ecutek.co.uk/products/dashdisplay/

 

do the ecutek ones come with a black facia, and are the prices they quote inc/exc vat, shipping, etc...im on the verge of buying a psi3 one...

 

The Ecutec models are the same price as the PSI3 models, prices quoted on both websites exclude VAT but Ecutek did ship mine for free, which was nice of them.

Not sure but I think the Ecutek version only comes in white face.

Can't wait till mine arrives tomorrow

 

oh, right, thanks mate...

think ill stick with the psi3 version as i want a black facia...i guess prices are going to be fairly similar once vat & shipping are taken into account...just a quick one, i bought an alpine headunit from car-audio direct on the recommendation of someone on here and it should be here tomorrow hopefully...local dealer wanted to charge me a hell of alot more than car-audio, and was still going to charge 30 quid fitting...!!!

 

What are you asking, how easy is the Alpine to fit?

I bought an Alpine from the same place recently. If the old head unit comes out easily then it's a piece of cake to change. My old one was jammed in because someone fitted it with the wrong cage so i had to take it to my local Subaru dealer to be removed.

Remove old head unit and cage.
Fit new Alpine cage into existing hole, bend a few of the tabs outwards so it locks in place.
Connect up new head unit to the loom, you will need a ISO to Subaru wiring adaptor if there isn't one in the car.
Slide new stereo into place until it clicks.
Hey presto.

 

Is the colour of the VFD version switchable between the red / green / blue or is it one unit - one colour?

 

One colour per unit.Same for push button colours.My 03 WRX has green backlit dials hence my choice of green display & the red buttons are easy to see in low cabin light when night driving.The VFD is very good in direct sunlight & i'm told can be seen by fellow convoyers following me at night.
Shift light (near fuel gauge) is optional extra but the unit has a connector ready to take a wired feed from one.I wanted to keep my cubby hole under my Sat/Nav so went for the clock pod mount up top.

Well you gotta have somewhere to put your chewing gum & tissues & pad & pen & stuff.





GUIDE TO MY CLOCK POD INSTALL HERE

 

I went for the VFD version much brighter. This is in a my01 WRX UK300 which has same dash colour scheme as the my02. Installed with Alpine head unit. The install of the SECS and Headunit was peace of cake, simple plug and play. Although high power Alpine unit require seperate 12v feed.

This was the first VFD unit sold, screen colour is filtered to either Green / Red or Blue. Colour of facia is up to as is colour of the buttons. These can also be changed at a later date if you change your mind or move it to another car.

http://images2.fotopic.net/?iid=y1hfw1&outx=600&oq=0