2014 Avalon Limited Build

[TheTodd]

I figure I’d give one last update… at least until the next time I change something. I got a tune at the NC meet by Jason Carter and I’m extremely pleased. I managed to give several demos throughout the day and all seemed to be impressed. I also got some feedback on some tweaks I can make to improve things slightly even though I’m more than pleased as-is.

On my 6hr trip home it seemed that it was just slightly right-biased but that may be due to my hearing deficiencies in my left ear. So once home I hooked up the laptop and started by first increasing the level on the L tweeter in baby steps. About 2dB is all it needed and everything seemed to come together so I left everything else alone.

I’ve been enjoying the crap out of it and will likely leave everything alone as it’s a pure joy to listen to. Will it win comps? Maybe. Maybe I’ll give it a shot someday just to see how it stacks up but, again, I’m content so this is the final package. Im going to try to attend more meets within a reasonable distance of me so if you see me & the car feel free to ask for a listen. 👍🏻👍🏻

[BigAl205]

Are you coming to SVR?

[TheTodd]

Probably not. But in the unlikely chance I do, it’ll be to spectate.

[BenevolentDictator]

If I don't head to that NY meet, I may try to set something up with you to head to PA and finally hear the Avalon and hopefully mine will be completely done and tuned so we can trade demos.

I figure I’d give one last update… at least until the next time I change something. I got a tune at the NC meet by Jason Carter and I’m extremely pleased. I managed to give several demos throughout the day and all seemed to be impressed. I also got some feedback on some tweaks I can make to improve things slightly even though I’m more than pleased as-is.

On my 6hr trip home it seemed that it was just slightly right-biased but that may be due to my hearing deficiencies in my left ear. So once home I hooked up the laptop and started by first increasing the level on the L tweeter in baby steps. About 2dB is all it needed and everything seemed to come together so I left everything else alone.

I’ve been enjoying the crap out of it and will likely leave everything alone as it’s a pure joy to listen to. Will it win comps? Maybe. Maybe I’ll give it a shot someday just to see how it stacks up but, again, I’m content so this is the final package. Im going to try to attend more meets within a reasonable distance of me so if you see me & the car feel free to ask for a listen. 

[TheTodd]

Sounds good. If you don’t make NY, I’ll be at Ian’s in Sept too.

[naiku]

Mini-PA meet before September :-)

[TheTodd]

Mini-PA meet before September :-)

I could probably plan something up.

[TheTodd]

Ok… one more update. As good as Jason did with the TWK tune, even he admitted it had its limitations. So with the idea of taking my car to the next level, and after a LOT of research, I decided on the MiniDSP 8x12 with Dirac. I can honestly say, except for the TM8s, this was the next best upgrade I’ve done. Luckily the Mini dropped right into the rack with no modifications to the trim panel. So… to the installation…

Like I said the Mini itself dropped right in where the TWK was.


Next up was the mounting of the OLED remote. I wanted it within easy reach for adjustment of the sub level and also to make switching presets easy so I decided to go with the storage cubby just forward of the shifter. First step was bending up a piece of 1/8” ABS with a notch for the wire/plug.


I then screwed the ABS to the cubby from underneath.


Next was drilling a hole and inserting a grommet to keep things tidy even though it won’t be seen


The next dilemma was mounting the actual remote to the mount. I originally thought of using double sided body tape. We use it at work to affix emblems & side skirts. It was a little too aggressive and it’s a real problem to remove. So I tried to think of a less aggressive adhesive so as to not destroy the remote if I ever decide to change anything. The idea of using Command strips came to mind. I tested removal and it came off easily. So I stuck the remote to the mount and road-tested it for a few days. It held really well with no adverse effects so it stayed… still holding up even after 6mos.


So, after multiple GTGs and several demos at each GTG, I can easily say that this is by far the best my car has ever been. Hopefully this is the last upgrade… at least for a while anyway.

[Notloudenuf]

I went through your build again today. I am planning for my IB build and seeing your step by step was really helpful. Good pictures and ideas.
Thanks.

[TheTodd]

I guess that’s kinda why we do these build logs, huh? Glad I could help. There’s probably more detail & stuff over on that other site if you need “more”, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.