SVX Differences Between Various Markets

[b3lha]

Originally posted by Phil Hill


As far as I'm aware it's the standard (for a '96 UK model) fit Clarion unit mated to a hi-spec Clarion single DIN head unit. Phil.

The '92 JDM models have Panasonic systems. Either a single DIN unit with a one slot CD, or a double DIN unit with radio casette and controls for a boot-mounted 12-disk CD jukebox.

[paddlesnz]

Originally posted by b3lha
Do any models apart from the '92 JDM version L have the automatic headlights (ie. they switch on automatically when it gets dark and off when it gets light (and flash every time you drive under a bridge!))?

I thought all SVX's had this, but then I noticed that Matt's '93 JDM SVX doesn't. I don't remember whether the UK models have this.

Phil.

AFAIK only the 91-94 JDM Version L had the 'Auto' lights.

After '94 the JDM SVX models became a 'stripped down' version of the Version E and L models in a desperate attempt to cut the price and improve very poor sales. Many of the earlier features were dropped.

[The Monzta]

Wow, the Japanese fitted some really nice 'toys' to their cars that I wouldn't mind on mine in due course, namely the folding electric mirror (great for typical British car parks) and the light sensitive headlights.

The headlights can be easily sorted by just fitting a Clifford alarm with the necessary add-on module but the folding mirrors are another thing. If I could lay my hands on a set how easy would they be to fit? Are their any differences in mounting points, wiring loom or switchgear that would be difficult to overcome?

Glenn

[Subafreak]

What is the point of the adjustable headlites on the Euro cars, and why not have them on every SVX?

[b3lha]

Originally posted by Subafreak
What is the point of the adjustable headlites on the Euro cars, and why not have them on every SVX?

I believe it's for when you are towing a trailer, or have a lot of weight in the boot (trunk), and hence the car is slightly nose-up, you can tilt the headlights down towards the road to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

It's a fairly common feature on UK cars which nobody ever bothers to use. I mean, you want to see where you are going - you don't care about oncoming traffic, right?

I think modern cars have self-leveling headlights for this reason.

[Subafreak]

I haven't seen any cars with auto leveling headlites yet.

[b3lha]

Originally posted by Subafreak
I haven't seen any cars with auto leveling headlites yet.

Current Mercedes models have them, as do Lexus, BMW (including Mini), Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar, to name just a few.

From the link below
European regulations require that the headlamp leveling of HID-equipped cars be linked to the suspension system of the car so the lamps don't glare into oncoming traffic when the rear of the car is loaded down or the car is heading uphill. Xenon-equipped European vehicles imported to this country [the USA] all have self-leveling systems. American regulations don't require auto-leveling. It remains to be seen whether US automakers will install self-leveling systems if not required to by law (my guess is they won't).

http://www.smartmotorist.com/lig/lig.htm

[gl1674]

Aha, know I know what a mysterious sensor is measuring on the front suspension of my A4. It is a resistor that measures suspension travel. If they put a second one in the rear suspension, they can figure out angle of the body relative to the road (if all wheels are inflated of course.).
Now I know how self-leveling headlights work...

[Subafreak]

Oh, no wonder I havn't seen any yet.

[floatingkiwi]

My family has 2 here in NZ, both are Jap imports (1992 models), as follows:

Plastic headlites
Folding mirrors
no Auto lights (except when you turn the key off, they will automatically turn off)....
No headlite washers
No sunroof
BOXER engine cover
ABS, AC etc
Not sure which version of steering, but I suspect only Rev assisted.
POWER button, and MANUAL on stick.
Heated mirrors, front fog lamps.
Rear spoiler
180KPH cutoff
You INSERT the fuse to lock into AWD.
Infrared Keys
Panasonic radio/cassette
NO 4WS

Mine:
No Auto door lock at any stage (but I suspect it may have been disconnected by whomever installed the aftermarket alarm).
CD player in dash
Drivers window switch Auto-up

My mother:
Door locks after 15KPH
Drivers window switch NOT auto-up

Matt

[paddlesnz]

Originally posted by floatingkiwi
Not sure which version of steering, but I suspect only Rev assisted.

91-94 JDM models had speed sensitive power steering.

[Landshark]

does anyone know if it would be possible to wire up a 'POWER' button on a U.S. car? unless there is different software in the ECM, shouldn't be too hard? anyone have any info./schematics on the power button?

[Subafreak]

Do you mean to just engage power mode? I think all you got to do is find out what two wires give it the signal and hook them up to a switch. 007's car had 2 toggle switchs wired in to the TCU, I assume one was to make it FWD and the other was to engage power mode, but we never tested them I just fixed the wires and disconected the switches.

[Landshark]

Originally posted by Subafreak
Do you mean to just engage power mode? I think all you got to do is find out what two wires give it the signal and hook them up to a switch. 007's car had 2 toggle switchs wired in to the TCU, I assume one was to make it FWD and the other was to engage power mode, but we never tested them I just fixed the wires and disconected the switches.

yeah, like the JDM cars - i think they have a POWER button on their shifter instead of (or in addition to?) the MANUAL button. it would be especially nice for me, since i don't even have a POWER light on the '97.

[svxistentialist]

Hi Alan

have a look at the following from Terry McLane's very informative FAQ on the tranny:

http://my.voyager.net/~tmclane/#_Toc482082587

I have the JDM power switch. It is very good for driving hard, as it will hold lower gears longer. Also, of course, it will kickdown with less hesitation, so you can overtake on demand, rather than wait for fourth gear to decide "He doesn't want smooth this time"

I have stopped using it, and the main reason is the nervy hunting for the correct gear, either on slowdown or on a steady light throttle. Gearchanges are much smoother in Normal, if very annoyingly quick to select high gears. [These days I just leave it in 3. It makes little or no difference to the economy]

Joe