Alright folks, I need a senior project to have for next semester. I'm in electrical engineering so it has to be something decently complicated and electronic. I had a topic already but it turned into a masters thesis (already, yeah).

So think deep... what is something nifty that we could use in our cars? Preferably something engine-performance related, but I'm open to anything.

One good example item I can think of is the "shift view" display somebody on xxxxgp created -- tapped into the harness to detect which gear the car is in.

Thanks

How about a knock gauge? If you can make them cheap enough, you could sell tons, because the main reason people buy scanners is for the knock reading. If you can sell them for under $100/ea, you could make some nice profit and complete a senior project.

Another is an rpm activated device for spraying alcohol or water.

I'm all about the KR gauge. I'll buy one.

A cheaper iPod interface.

There are sooo many things I come across, that I get soo pissed at engineers or manufacturers for, but right now I can't think of those, only when they happen. Yesterday, however, I came across this thing that pisses me off soo much. It must be the reason for them to do it soo regular consumers don't mess with it. But the hook ups to tvs, receivers, dvd players, vcrs etc.. It is soo damn hard to get your fingers in there to tighten or play with the hook ups. The coaxials are a PITA all the time, why can't they extend it out from that area they have it nudged in the back of the devices. When I come across something else (shortly in life) I will post up again.

x1000000
i would love that. especially if it could be sub-$50

I'm taking a look at OBD2 stuff now. Thats probably the only way to grab that info since the PCM analyzes the knock sensors to decide what is knock. Too bad digital wasn't my concentration .

Too bad digital wasnt your focus. I'd say a FULLY customizable LCD dash. You dont care about fuel level, but want tranny pressure and temp? dont much care about speed, wanna keep tach and coolant pressure with tire temp, pressure, and wear? That would be tops. Plug into an OBDII splitter, maybe have a laptop-usb programmer, and off you go. How expensive? Dunno. I just got a B in Microeconomics. Good luck.

Create your own PCM programmer for under $400. I'd buy one.

A KR guage would be sick....but a cheaper powertuner would also be nice because i know imma need one

Charles at DHP has spent years on the power tuner. Waaay to complex.

Looking into the KR gauge...

go for it Zuul!!

I'd buy something with a LED display showing what gear I'm in, so long as it's like $20-30.

I don't think there is much engine/performance related that would be feasible to make.

Maybe you could make a color organ? One of those things that flash with music. Build one that runs like 4 different channels and get underbody neons.

That'd look slick as heck.

I'm liking the kr guage. But whatever you do make be sure to let us know. I would love to have a new never seen before part on my car.

And I would love to buy it from a fellow club member and not go to a store or order somthing off the internet and get that sick feeling that you get when you know that you are getting screwed.

I say go for it. You get your senior project and have a gotta have item that will make a good chunk of those student loans go away.