just "installed" power mode mod

Nevin · #1 10-19-2008, 04:56 PM

Well just like the title says, I just did the power mode mod. I hadn't even planned on doing this until about oh... two hours ago, and I was doing some reading on here and I just decided to go give it a whirl. So, first off I just ran a wire straight from the connector to a ground to make sure it worked. Sure enough, worked great. I almost decided to keep it like that, but the fact that it wouldn't let the torque convertor go into lockup kinda bothered me. I don't often use my cruise just driving around, and while I liked the kick in the pants difference, I didn't want it to be on all the time. Yes, I know it gets turned off when you use the cruise, but I dunno... something inside me just likes extra switches. lol

So anyway, I stopped by my local radio shack and got an on/off switch and some 18 ga. wire. After a few splices, some soldering, and drilling a hole in the steering column cover closest the driver; I was quite happy. I'm a fan of this mod, but I'm even moreso a fan of the "clean" look. I think this looks pretty slick, if you ask me.

Have many other folks been doing this as well? How do you guys like it?

mysvxrocks · #2 10-19-2008, 05:51 PM

What the Radio Shack part number for that switch? It will be on the bag the switch came in. I work there, and really like the clean look of it there. I may copy your design. I have it in a different location in my 92, but for my 95, its a lot cleaner. Thanks! Great job too! -Dennis

immortal_suby · #3 10-19-2008, 06:38 PM

That's a great spot for the switch - good job. I really like that mod but I put a crappy toggle switch on the console.

svxcess · #4 10-19-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysvxrocks

What the Radio Shack part number for that switch? It will be on the bag the switch came in.

It is a SPST rocker switch catalog # 275-693

Rated for 10A at 125V, it requires a 3/4" mounting hole. $2.99

I have the same switch mounted on the side of my console to control the auxiliary LEDs for my alarm system. The only difference is that the surrounding bezel on mine has been color-matched to the console, leaving just the round switch black. Looks like factory.

.

Mensaf · #5 10-19-2008, 07:14 PM

Sweet. Did you literally run a wire? Got a link to the write up?

mysvxrocks · #6 10-19-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxcess

It is a SPST rocker switch catalog # 275-693

I have the same switch mounted

.

Can you post a pic of yours?

ShiuludeSVX · #7 10-19-2008, 08:03 PM

That really looks nice.
For newcomers to the car, it would look like it was meant to be there.
Thanks for showing it off

Nevin · #8 10-19-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxcess

It is a SPST rocker switch catalog # 275-693

]

Yep, that's the one. I thought about the same style one that was red with a black surround, but I like the subtlety of this one more. To a car guy, yeah you know it's not a factory style switch, but it's pretty darn close and would fool anyone else. Just took the cover off (4 screws) made my hole, and and ran the wires down through the column.

Also, not sure about a write-up. There's really not alot to it in the first place. lol You just ground out one of the empty pins on one of the connectors to the TCU and then run a switch. I think I just searched "power mode" on here and read how to do it in Nomake Wan's (I think that's is name) write-up. It would literally cost anyone else less than $10 to do the exact same way I did it though. Great bang for the buck mod, if you ask me.

I still have a smallcar shiftkit on the thing too, but I think I'll be removing that in a few weeks when I get my hands on a QuickChange. However, these two mods (shiftkit + powermode) work really well together. It's a much more..."enthusiastic" drive. Stock it feels "unsure" of what it should be doing as far as gearchanges, etc... but with power mode enabled, it seems more more sure of itself, and it seems to be in the "right" gear more often. You can drive perfectly normal, or you can go full bore; your right foot is what decides.

Just do like I did, just run a wire into it first and see if you like it, then mount it somewhere nice if you decide to keep it.

b3lha · #9 10-20-2008, 10:41 AM

Nice work, very tidy job.

svxcess · #10 10-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysvxrocks

Can you post a pic of yours?

Here it is. I took the console lid off and had Home Depot scan it and color match some satin finish urethane latex enamel.(The kind they use to refinish plastic siding on your home) Adheres very well to plastic.

.

immortal_suby · #11 10-21-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxcess

Here it is. I took the console lid off and had Home Depot scan it and color match some satin finish urethane latex enamel.

John - you are a true svx nut!

SoCal LS-L · #12 10-21-2008, 10:32 PM

Looking around, cant find a link to the How-To for this mod. This keeps the transmission in POWER mode right?? Can anyone tell me more on this? Thanks

oab_au · #13 10-21-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L

Looking around, cant find a link to the How-To for this mod. This keeps the transmission in POWER mode right?? Can anyone tell me more on this? Thanks

You can read about it here:
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ght=power+mode

Harvey.

SilverSpear · #14 10-22-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by immortal_suby

John - you are a true svx nut!

+1, I have been following his replies... I am pretty sure we can call him Mr Knowitall

Wikedjuggalo · #15 10-22-2008, 05:33 PM

So I just finished the install of this mod again using that switch mentioned and new mounting location. I used a 3/4 Wood drill bit (proper name slips me) after removing the plastic and made a perfect hole. It looks like the switch belongs there. Great thanks for the tip on where to place it, ran it nicely to where you can't see wires and looks completely stock. I have the Grey interior so it looks more stock then with the Tan.