Corey's 2007 FJ Cruiser Build-Up Thread

[Toddski]

Two thumbs up. Looks great. When are you gonna take the rig in and weigh her

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[BT17R]

Corey, please lower your Comprehensive deductible to zero!

Nice arrangement. My concern is with the rear lateral mount. Twice now I've had the topmost adjustable crossbar loosened and moved back by low hanging branches. Your axe is positioned so that if a branch hit it hard enough it could (theoretically) pivot down into the roof or door. The side longitudinal mount might be safer, though tougher to get to than the rear mount.

[Corey]

Not sure what it weighs Todd, close to 5K I imagine.

Bob, the mounts are not mounted to the slats though, only to the round bar that makes up the frame of the rack.

I put it on the back this time to be more aerodynamic.
Without the axe/shovel being there, and it the mounts were on the side, they would create drag like the Hi-Lift mounts do on the other side.

With the bare mounts on the back, it is less drag.
Every little bit helps on the beast.

Got around 18.5 MPG though last fillup.
Not bad for combined city/freeway for such an unaerodynamic rig with weight to it.
But then I am light on the throttle too.

[KD7NAC_07FJ]

Listed weight is about 4500 pounds for the 4x4 6 manual. 2x4 and automatic are both lighter.

[Corey]

This is a mod I have been wanting to do for awhile, but have put it off.
Why?
The stock FJ Cruisers exhaust sounds pretty darn good, but lacking that extra loudness and rumble I enjoyed with the Magnaflow muffler my '91 4Runner had on it.

No need to replace the whole exhaust system, as the FJ already has nice 2.5" tubing in place from the muffler back.

I had a local shop test fit the Magnaflow 11226 which has a 14" body, and 20" overall length achieved with 2 x 3" ends.
The fit was great, and it tucks up higher than the stock muffler did.

I tooled around this morning, and it seems I have a bit more low end torque, but the best part is it just sounds so darn cool.
If you do not like anything louder than the stock FJ Cruiser muffler, then this can is not for you!

It is not overly loud like some, just a nice low tone and some grumble/rumble to it.

Whether gently pulling away from a stoplight or goosing it, it lets you know that it is there.

Having really liked the Magnaflow I had on my '91 4Runner, this is a warm welcome to my new rig, I really dig the sound of it.

Here is the stock Toyota muffler.



Here is the Magnaflow 11226 muffler.



Here is a 3.83 MB video I compiled from three shorter ones I shot this morning.
The videos do not do it justice, it sounds so much better in person.
Click here for the vid.

I will get some better ones next time I go off roading, and in 4low, it will sound killer driving up a hill.

If you want a little more loudness from your FJ Cruiser, I do not think this muffler will disappoint.

[Strap22]

Power........Sounds good.

[Corey]

He he, more than I am use to.
The FJ is the fastest vehicle I have ever owned.
More power even than my first car, a '68 327 Hurst Competition Plus 4 speed equipped Chevelle.
The FJ would blow it away.

[BT17R]

May the (VVT-i) Force be with you!

Sounds great, def louder than the TRD and you can hear a 'whoosh', almost like a CAI.

[Corey]

So it is a tad louder than the TRD exhaust.

You can see some of the wind damage too Bob that we had before Christmas in the latter part of the vid, as I was shooting out the passenger window since the exhaust is on that side.

That guy's fence got mangled in a few places by some good size trees getting blown down.

That hill I am going up twice is quite steep too, the 4Runner use to have a hard time going up it when the engine was cold.

I am really happy with the installation of this.

[BT17R]

Yeah, you've had a bear of a Winter there. I don't mean to discourage you, but a friend who survived back-to-back record hurricane seasons during his time in Florida moved there right before the storms hit.

Good to hear you're happy with the mod, it sounds amazing. Give it a couple more tanks for the ECU and AI tranny to adjust and hold on...

[Corey]

So they have to adjust to when you open up the exhaust a bit?

I got a kick out of it this morning.
Coming into work I turned down this one two lane street like I always do.
A semi was in the lane to my left, and he was inching closer to me when I was right behind him in my lane.

I barely pushed the pedal down and it threw me back against the seat and I swooshed on by him at breakneck speed.

It was fast before, but with the hi flow can on here, it opens up quicker.
I would like to see if it improves the MPG a bit, but I can not overcome the temptations to goose it from time to time

I do not remember my '68 Chevelle ever having such low end torque like this.

[BT17R]

Originally Posted by Corey

So they have to adjust to when you open up the exhaust a bit?

Aye, the systems can compensate for easy mods like exhaust and CAI within a limited range.

I still don't understand how it would deliver better fuel economy while developing more power.

[Corey]

So new Pioneer does not even have any info on their website yet.
Cartoys where I bought and had it installed has some good into on it.
http://www.cartoys.com/Default.cfm/p...tion_Receiver/
Click the full description link to get tons of info on it.

This will work out great later when I decide to add back in old school Rockford Fosgate 500a2 amp.
Will have to look into a good subwoofer setup, as there is not enough room back there for my JL Audio 15" W6.
Darn!

Here are a few pictures of the unit.

The backup camera, mounted above the recovery shackle.



A few shots of the iPod interface on the touch screen.
You control every single function of the radio, iPod, navigation, settings, by the touch screen.
You only have to turn the volume control know and two other buttons to get the main menu or to show the map of where you are when you are driving.



Here is the radio station that shows on the screen



Here is the navigation map that shows on the screen



Here is a 5.5 or so MB WMV file showing the D3 in action.

This is my first navigation headunit I have owned, and I am very impressed with it.
The store manager came out personally to give me a quick run down on how to operate it, although I had been reading the manual there for two hours while it was being installed.

I punched in my home address and the unit instructed me exactly how to get home, even when I deviated from the route to try and mess it up.

Eventually I will have the stock speakers replaced, and then my sub amp and a dual 10" subwoofer setup installed in the back.

I really like this unit, and if you are looking for a good DVD navigation headunit, go demo one out at a car audio store.
I think you will be impressed with it.

You can also play videos off of your iPod on the screen too.

The backup camera is very impressive, and the way he mounted the camera I have a nice wide angle field of view.
You can see that in the video I made.

[Toddski]

That is so nice. I like the back up camera.
I'll try and swing by "AGAIN" to check out the new toy

[Corey]

Thanks Todd.

The backup camera works great in the dark too, just got back from grocery shopping, pitch black out still.

I never thought I would be a candidate for an in dash DVD navigation setup, but let me tell you:

1. No fumbling for a road map, having to take your eyes off the road to look at it.
2. No fumbling for a Mapquest/Yahoo map you print off the Internet, and no taking your eyes off the road.

I use to use road maps all the time while traveling to Eastern WA. many years ago.

You do not even have to look at the screen and view the real time moving map, you just listen to the voice commands telling you ahead of time you have a turn coming up, then when you get near the turn she tells you again where to turn.

Same exact principle as the Tom Toms and other GPS units that sit on top of your dash.

I could have added a Blue Tooth gizmo to it too for truly hands free cell phone, but my cell phone does not have Blue Tooth, and I am not into talking on the tele while driving anyways.

[BT17R]

Very clean installation, looks factory, congrats!

I've used both a backup camera (Prius) and rear parking sonar (FJ) and prefer the sonar. The Toyota backup camera distorts with the fisheye lens, especially to the sides. Hope yours is better.

I couldn't tell from the specs, can you load other maps like Natl. Geo. topos? That would be cool, then you could slip in your "How To Get Unstuck" DVD when needed!

[Corey]

Thanks Bob.
I do not think this does Topo.

The backup camera is not distorted.
Here it is.
http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=943688

I found out earlier this morning I can have it on all the time instead of just when you hit reverse.
It automatically comes on whenever you move the shifter to reverse, but in the map menu is an option to have it on all the time.

It is distracting though, almost as bad as if you were watching a DVD while driving

Just went out again for a quick errand, and I could see the people in the vehicle behind me when we were stopped.

I will have to shoot a video later of how it looks like when you are driving forward and have the cam on the screen.

[KD7NAC_07FJ]

Nice setup Corey. Did you have the factory Sub before? I looked at Crutchfield and it says you would loose both the factory sub and the aux jack.

[Corey]

Thanks Wayne.

No, I did not opt for the factory sub, as I knew I would eventually be putting some type of setup in the rig in the future.

I will get one of those 2x10 or 2x12 enclosures that fit where the factory sub went.
http://www.smartcart.com/FJCruiser/c...item_num=Boxp1

http://www.wickedcas.com/gallery/mai.../fjcruisermbx/



The only time I used the aux input was for the iPod before I got the DICE unit to run the iPod, which was better sounding that using the aux input.

[KD7NAC_07FJ]

I'm sure I could wire in the Aux jack but it might take a bit to do the factory sub.

My head hurts after chasing wiring diagrams


Oh - and where did they put the GPS antenna?

[Corey]

The antenna is up inside with the front right speaker.
One of the vendors over on FJ Cruiser Forums.com said that is how they do all of the FJs with nav, and it works out good.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/363010-post1.html

So far mine has not dropped off at all, I get a good strong signal.
I was messing around in the menu, and I think it tracks 8 sats at once, and it had a lock on 7 of them in my driveway.

[4X4-Play]

Hey Corey, I like what you've done to your FJ. You left me a response earlier about the speed sensor wire...thanks again. Do you have and XM antenna? If so, where did you mount it.

You mentioned above that you are getting around 18.5 mpg (I am too). But it looks like you are running larger tires. Are they 33's and did you re-gear?

[Corey]

Nope, no XM.
I have thought about adding in satellite radio at a later date, but Cartoys says most of their employee's prefer Sirius over XM.

I do not enjoy all the commercials on FM, that is why I prefer to listen to the iPod in the rig.

But after sitting in the lobby at Cartoys and being pumped full of Sirius tunes from the overhead speakers, I like how they do things, so I will more than likely add it in later.

I was getting 21 mpg, then dropped down to 18.5 with the addition of the mud tires, and have now dropped down to 15.5 to 18 with the addition of the ARB bumper and 3" lift.

The tires are the stock size.
Will be switching to the 285x70x17 (33") at a later date.
No need to regear with the bigger size, many are running the 33s with no problems.
You do have to shave the body mounts down when running aftermarket wheels, or the 33s will rub.
But if running the stock alloy rim, many have reported that there is no rubbing.

I many buy another set of the stock rims for the bigger tires.
I really like these stock rims, and I usually do not like factory rims.

Here is a good explanation of trimming the body mounts over on ih8muds forum.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=137655

I may have mine done later if I can find a local shop to take this on.
I may go with an aftermarket wheel which would more than likely require it, but I am kind of hooked on these factory rims.

Good luck on your stereo install, you are going to like the Pioneer AVIC D3.

[Corey]

Added a ton more information with more links at bottom of page two of my mods section.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/fjc/mods/modindex2.htm

Pioneer now has the unit listed on their site too, the link is provided.

[Corey]

I have been wanting a fridge for quite some time.
I hate taking coolers camping and having the ice melt.

I have a nice 3 way fridge (12v, 110v, and propane) that I have sued when camping, but it would suck the battery dry in a few hours.

The ARB fridge (Norcold and Engel brands are the exact same thing) use a swing arm motor design and are very energy efficient.

More info on the ARB can be seen on their website.

I ordered an Engel Slide Loc which screws to a surface with 4 to 6 screws, depending on how many you want to use.
I went for 4 this time, but may add the other 2 for extra insurance.

Here is the Engel Slide Loc.

It called for drilling 1/8" holes, piece of cake in the wood top of my cargobox.
Once the first hole was drilled, I put a screw in to keep the Slide Loc was shifting on me.

The Slide Loc is all the way to the right side of the cargobox, which leaves me plenty of room to slide the fridge in around the Powertank, no problems at all.

There is only 1 lock button on the Slide Loc to worry about when you want to disengage the 4 feet on the fridge.
The package comes with 4 new feet.
You simply unbolt the 4 stock feet and put on the 4 new ones that are made to slide into the Slide Loc unit.

I can not lift up the lid all the way, this is a big fridge, 43 qt, but I did not want anything smaller.
I plan on using this for a long time, and want it to be able to hold a weeks worth of food for camping.

This is also a freezer, so when we go on runs this summer, the crowd is going to get treated to some ice cream bars

Here are some pics of the installation.
The first 2 show the Engel Slide Loc, the last 2 show the fridge mounted to the Slide Loc.
The release button is at the back left side, very easy to reach with the fridge mounted.





I still need full time 12vpower to run the fridge.
This will come with my next mod, a Blue Sea aux fusebox, and two 12v outlets that will be mounted above the 110v outlet like KD7NAC_07FJ did in his rig.

Hopefully next weekend that project can get underway.
Member KD7NAC_07FJ will be lending me his expertise on that project, he is a wizard at wiring projects, and his rig shows it.

Forgot to mention, I bought this through www.trdparts4u.com and since I work about 2 blocks from ARB, I just stopped by after work a few weeks back and will called it there.