Still working away at this at every opportunity. Last week I went through my dash harness to make sure I had all of the remaining dash inputs set up right. I never did get the oil pressure sending unit wired to the AIM Strada. I had originally had the factory boost gauge wire running to it, but I later found out that the boost data is included in the CAN data from MAP2. Looking at the diagram, the AIM requires a pullup resistor from the V+ reference wire, through the signal line. I designed a small inline harness resistor casing with the proper junction, and then installed it inline from the AIM unit. This will protect the solder joints from vibration. I am replacing the stock oil pressure switch with a pressure transducer. The AIM will provide pressure info, as well turn on an oil PSI light below a certain threshold. I will just leave the ECM oil PSI signal out, as I read all this will do is throw a code but does not affect ECM function.
I welded in 2 1/2' square tube supports to go under my custom floorboards to provide longitudinal support to the floorboards. I will mount the floorboards at both ends using 5mm countersunk screws and rivnuts, isolated by 1/8' neoprene strips to prevent metal to metal contact and road/subwoofer vibration.
Another interior issue I had previously addressed was the courtesy lighting. I came up with a somewhat articulate design, retaining the factory BCM courtesy lighting functionality. When the keyless entry is pressed, it not only enables the electronic starting system/ ignition switch, but it also throws a door open signal to the BCM, which then turns on the courtesy lights. The interior lighting is composed of 7 strategically placed LED's, which creates a nice ambient effect and makes it much easier to see while climbing into the car at night. I had originally had 2 LEDs mounted to the side cage to illuminate the seats.
I wanted a cupholder because I plan to drive this to work regularly and coffee is part of my morning survival. I decided to design magnetic removable cupholders that mount on the side rails, with a housing that also incorporates the hidden LED focused beam to illuminate the seat when the courtesy light circuit is active. I was skeptical, but I like the position of the cupholder. My coffee cup is in reach with the shoulder harness fully tightened and can be utilized without taking my eyes off the road. Now I am just waiting on the LED bulbs, and a hole punch to prepare the neoprene rubber strip for the floorboard isolation.
Once I get the floorboard properly installed, I will install my new center console and then do a complete and final electrical test of all of the interior and dash circuits. After that, I plan to move to the engine compartment and finish the remaining wiring there, as well as mock up all of the plumbing and install/design mounts for the intercooler pump, coolant reservoir, oil vapor recirculation, ect. Still debating on whether I want to run the stock subframe or purchase the DF Goblin one.
