So... I got my TVandNav2Go, and started looking around for ideas for a source for the DVD player. I decided I also wanted to be able to play games, so I looked around the forums here as well as in some magazines. I saw some posts on the boards where some members had installed an X-Box 360 in the trunk or under the driver's seat, but didn't really like those setups because it meant having to stop the car if you wanted to change the disc. I also ruled out the PS3 because I wanted the ability to turn the system on via controller, which the 360 can do. This decided, it was time to figure out how to make my idea a reality.

The dashboard was already completely apart from my remote start/alarm install, so I decided just to finish them both at the same time. I then took apart the dash console to remove the dash storage bins.

Next, I disassembled the X-Box 360 to remove the DVD drive. I had to take apart the DVD drive and use a razor blade and a dremel to remove the four posts and 2 side screw holes to make it into an even rectangle shape. I ordered a 39" SATA cable from NewEgg, and the came to power cord. Luckily, the 360 DVD Drive power cord was just ten individual wires with two connectors. I used some 20 GA. wire, measured out ten pieces the same length as the 39" SATA cable, then just cut and reconnected each wire with the new extension. Since the 360's outer plastic pieces were removed when I took the system apart, I used electrical tape to secure the hard drive to the side of the 360. A quick hook up of the new cords to make sure the drive still worked, and it was on to the next step.

Now it was time to modify the top dash storage bin to fit the 360 drive. This was a very painstakingly long process involving the dremel. Many replacement dremel bits were used because as I was cutting and grinding away, the bits started meting the plastic that was being cut, which would adhere to the dremel bits. Anyways, after some time-consuming work, I was able to get the drive to fit snugly in the bin, with the door still able to open and close normally. Time to put it all back in the car...

So, I connected the two wires to the back of the disc drive and went to put it back in place, and encountered a problem. A metal bracket behind the dash storage console was blocking the disc drive, since it extended out further than the back of the factory storage bin. After removing the bracket, I tried once again, only to discover that I had to remove the air ducts that ran along behind the storage bin and along the sides of the gear shift/parking brake. Finally, I was able to fit the console and drive back into place. Time to wire up Dom's unit.

Dom's was fairly easy to install after reading the DIY posts on here. Since I am among those who don't need a backup camera installed in Video 2, it made it very easy to use my custom modified fog light switch which mounts next to the VSA switch. Only problem I had with installing was that the wire that came from TVandNav2go that had a 12V sticker on it was actually supposed to go to ground, and the one w/o sticker was power, thank you to DCC's DIY with the really big pictures for allowing me to catch that error. Ran the video cable, 12v wire and switch wire back under the rear seat and the trunk portion of this install was done.

Audio was not at all a dilemma for me. I have read about others who had issues with decided how to get audio from their DVD source, but mine was a simple as getting an RCA to 3/8" jack adapter from Radio Shack. Connect the RCA end to the 360 cords, and plug the jack end into the AUX input after I removed it from the center storage bin. Voila. I used the hole from the AUX plug to run the charge cord for the 360 controllers.

Next up was power. I researched online that the 360 uses about 160-190 watts continuous when running games and movies, so I picked up a 400 watt inverter just to be safe. Unfortunately, the cigarette plug adapter for the inverter wasn't strong enough to run the 360, so I had to run a 4 GA. wire from the battery and hook up an 8 GA. ground from the parking brake. These in place, the power inverter runs without a problem, and has plenty of juice for the 360.

Finally, I put every thing back together and connected my custom switch next to the VSA switch. Thanks go out again to DCC for his VSA push button switch thread. Unlike the standard DVD, I had my local shop make a custom X-Box 360 logo for the front of the button. Now that everything was connected, I put back all the panels and tried it out.

I'm very pleased with the results... The graphics on movies are just as good as watching them on my 42" Plasma, and the audio is just as good. And to finish it off, I had an airbrush artist I know design my custom controllers... painted with authentic Acura KBP and gold logos and buttons to match my paint/gold emblems

Onto the pics... if anyone has any questions about this, please feel free to ask

The 360 disc drive in the center console



The inside of the car before I started putting the center console back in



Dash Center area with the metal bracket removed.. you can still see the air ducts in this one...



Center area after the air ducts were removed



Center dash console back in place



Console door open/360 drive showing



What can be seen of the 360 under the driver's seat



The power inverter and 360 power brick under the passenger seat. Note this was taken before the excess wiring was hidden



The charger for the 360 controllers



Custom switch in daylight



Switch lit up at night



360 Logo Screenshot



Watching a movie on the new setup



Pic 1 of the custom controllers



Pic 2 of the custom controllers

 

wow...awesome job...

but i could never pull this off...seeing all those wires out like that would make me faint...

 

One thing to keep in mind is keeping the 360 cool.

Yes you have it out of the case and all but its in an "enclosed" area where air flow isn't great. Since 360s have known issues with over heating, maybe you should install some extra fans to improve air flow underneath the seat...

Other than that, sweet!!! I wouldn't leave my car. Haha

 

Keeping it cool shouldn't be too difficult. Yes, it is opened, and also the disc drive is not there either which reduces heat buildup. I already sat with it running in the car watching an hour and a half movie and there were no problems, and when I had it in my entertainment center before it went to the car, I ran it for at least 7 hours one time with no problems...

That and I keep the A/C switched to Head/Feet when its running too just as a precaution

 

^ Good. I just got the RROD for the 3rd time!

Damn 1st gen 360s!

 

very nice, where are you located in FL? Also when's your birthday in november?

 

hahaaha oh my...
i laughed for some reason, maybe its just the amount of work put into that but i can respect that if it's clean and looks stock which it indeed nearly does. very original, you get props from me

 

Having done my own custom AV install as well I can truly appreciate what you have done! WOW you really went all out to get it in the console. I give you props!! Someone is always trying something new; and just when I thought I saw everything. Great job!

 

Looks great man, good job!

 

Wow dude, this is an awesome install and good job on all the work! I wish i had the time and patience to do something like this.

 

DUDE YOU PUT THE CONSOLE ON YOUR TRUNK!!!! Maybe I'm just extremely anal about my car, but I would flip if someone put something on my car that could scratch it.

 

^^ HAHA I was thinking the same thing but didn't say anything. Sometimes my friends do that on my car and I FLIP! I guess it doesn't bother most people. Who's weird? I guess we are.