OUTSIDE MODS (1 of 2)

I have a 2004 Sorento EX (3.5L V6) with pewter gray body cladding.






As you can see, it's got a KDM grill and emblem (one of the few things I've ordered from TeamFalconRacing before CustomSorento became a household-name).




KDM Rear Badge




Here's a front-quarter take showing the wrap-around window tint, OEM side steps, and OEM window visors.




Super whites
These pics are a little old since I've had H1 and H7 HIDs for quite a while now; will take vids when time permits.







... Page down to go to Outside Mods 2 of 2

INSIDE MODS (1 of 2)

Below is the Kenwood DDX-7035 in-dash 2-DIN audio-video unit; it's got touch-screen and a remote control. The TV tuner (hidden under the dash) was bought separately. For those who are wondering what the differences are with the U.S. DDX-7015, the 7035 is basically region-free, that is, you can play this in the US, Asia, or Europe. Bought this from HongKong.

I usually play just music videos (no movies for me, too distractive); on screen is a Metallica concert. I am a heavy rock fan and owns a black Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.




Kenwood KDV-C820 10 Disk DVD/CD/MP3 Changer
Great device! A magazine can contain a combo of 10 DVD's, CD's, or MP3's. I originally thought I can install this under the seats but no dice since it is thicker than the available space. Anyway, I installed it instead at the cargo area in upright position so as not to impede the opening of the cargo well.




Here's the Kenwood WOOX powered subwoofer. Usability of the cargo area, the underneath floor, and side compartment cavity are essential for me that's why I went with this sub. I installed it standing on its side near the left area cavity, thus I am still able to open the cargo hold below the floor and still able to put things in the side compartment cavity. The WOOX surprisingly provides kick-ass bass despite the size. It can be controlled via the video unit or through its dedicated controller (see device at the bottom left of the video screen). In the power outlet, by the way, is just an air ionizer.




Now, on the the back up camera. The camera is hooked to the video unit and it automatically takes over the monitor screen once the gear is put in reverse. This type of camera is usually installed at the bumper but my primary use for such a device is actually to try to get as close to something when backing up. If it's in the bumper, I would be able to see what I will be backing up against but will not have a visual cue how close I am to that object already. So what I did was install it to the panel just above the rear window hatch (pic taken from the rear with rear door open; the lightened round area at the top is where the camera is). One big advantage is that the camera never gets dirty. Wires are under the panel.



Here's a sample of how it works: I back up and the the camera automatically kicks in. You can see in the monitor screen what you would see if your eyes are near the rear-dome light. What's visible are the whole rear window and part of the cargo area. While backing up, as soon as the bottom part of the object (red car in picture) I am backing up against start to disappear, I know that I am already less than a foot close.



And now the actual distance from the car.




Here's a shot of the sports pedals. Each goes over the existing pedals and it's got "arms" in the corners that go behind the rubbers of the existing pedals that you screw to tighten. Because of the larger surface area of the accelerator pedal, it lightens and smoothens the feel when you apply pressure or depress the pedal.




Then the fold-down table at the back of the passenger seat. Basically, it folds down into two major parts when open, the top half is composed of the removable white plastic plate, the fold-down cup holder, a small mirror, napkin holder, and, of all things, a tooth-pick holder. The bottom half is where the excess food and trash are dumped after eating; then it's just a matter of pushing back up the two halves to close it.




... Page down to go to Inside Mods 2 of 2

ENGINE/PERFORMANCE MODS

Here's an engine mod, it's called the AeroGas Power Injector. This was actually invented in the Philippines and one of the winner's of the annual Inventors Award so this is relatively unknown to other parts of the world. This device contains a catalyst that converts the components of air (N2 and O2) into active elements to enhance its reaction with the fuel, making total fuel combustion possible; more power basically but I don't have a dyno test to prove it although, I can personally say that I indeed felt an increase in power upon its initial installation. Connection is through a hose to the intake manifold.



One other thing that adds power is the gas I regularly use to fill up. I use a 96 Octane Gas, called Petron Blaze in our side of the world; provides a bit more kick during acceleration. I've already tried driving up to 185 kph without any problem and I am sure it can do much more. Chickened out in taking a picture of the dash at that speed though so this 160 porn would do for now.

OUTSIDE MODS (2 of 2)

60mm Eibach Wheel Spacers



Here are my comments regarding this mod:

1. The wider stance made a lot of difference in the looks department.

2. It seemed to produce less sway in tight curves, therefore, better handling.

3. The different wheel offset (now +15mm instead of the standard +45mm) seemed to cause a little bit lightness in steering than usual in low speeds; this is great for me in city driving since I tend to somewhat under-inflate my wheels for better ride comfort, thus, the bit of lightness in steering makes it more comfortable to manage turns and tight parkings.

4. One thing that I am not sure of is how it will handle in high speeds because since installed I haven't yet travelled far enough to test it. I hope that this lightness won't be the case in high-speed driving where steering automatically becomes tighter the faster you go. [Update: Not light at all during high speeds]

5. A disadvantage that I am expecting is more dirt being kicked out to the sides of the vehicle during wet seasons since the wheels are out a little more than the mud flaps.

6. By the way, the bolts of the Eibach are a bit long so you will need to change your lug nuts into deeper ones since the OEMs are not deep enough and will crack at the top when tightened.


Side Mirror Half Chromes and Chrome Handles




Rear Handle Chrome




Painted Brake Calipers and KDM Wheel Caps
Actual color in person is a nice bright yellow; my camera did not do it justice. I used high-temp paint, by the way.

INSIDE MODS (2 of 2)


Audio/Video Steering Wheel Remote using PAC-SWI-X




KDM Steering Logo



LED Dome Lights




KDM Carpet Matting
As you can also see, I already replaced my Autobahn pedals with Type-R Sports Pedals




Escort Passport X20 Radar Detector




Gauge Panel Wodd Trim




For those looking for a place to put in multiple switches, here's an idea and what I've done.



1.  I purchased a 4-input audio/video selector.

2.  Hidden it under the panel directly opposite the driver's knee (where my TV tuner also is).

3.  Ran RCA jacks to the head unit.

4.  Soldered the ends of a CAT5 cable (usually used for network connections) to the the video selector switches; soldered half-inch long switches at the other ends; ran the cable down to the center panel where the gear shift is then straight underneath the center compartment.

5.  Removed the lining of the center compartment.

6.  Drilled holes.

7.  Inserted switches.

8.  Replaced back compartment lining.

Presently the switches are used for watching DVD from the head unit (Kenwood DDX-7035); watching DVD from the Kenwood DVD 10-Disk Changer; backup camera (looking back through video monitor with gear not in reverse); playing and listening to regular CD or MP3 audio disks from changer while some other video (audio disabled) is playing in the video unit. Future use would be connecting the TV Tuner in one of the switches so I don't have to reach for buttons in the head unit; and finally, for a front bumper camera.

I am not sure if other drivers will find the location okay; for me, it's perfect since my right arm is usually resting atop that center compartment anyway during slow city drives, therefore it's just a matter of flicking a switch with a finger.


Finding time to install more mods: Blade Eyeliners, LED Door Sill Lights, Cup Holder Lights, a bunch of LED Billet switches, StreetGlow Headlight Strobes, and rear spotlights for backing up at night.

"ARTSY" IMAGES


Stalker



Shadow