I need help instaling a computer into my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTB?

Question

I'm trying to get a hardcore system set up so I can use my computer in my car. I'll have the CPU in the trunk, have it wired through the frame up to the front so I can have my monitor(possibly touch screen), mouse/keyboard(maybe, if so it'll be wireless).

The biggest issue is that I don't want to trip the onstar system by them thinking it's being stolen because I want to get my computer wired through my sound system. It's all factory default, 12 speaker system.

Is there a module or something I can use?

Anybody ever done anything like this? Install a computer into the car and wire it through the radio so my CD's/DVD's can be heard through the speakers.(without using an FM/AM transmitter)

Answer 1

Please don't take this personally but putting a home computer in the trunk of a car and running all that mess through your car sounds rediculous.  You really should just get a laptop.  You can hook up a mouse, keyboard, monitor, all that stuff to a laptop and keep it closed and under the seat if you want.  Otherwise you can just use it like the cops do, get a mount from ebay for $35 and bolt it to the floor around the transmission hump somewhere.

Depending on whichever computer you go with you will have to buy some extra items, too:

1. Power Inverter.  If you are running a laptop you only need a small one from any auto parts store.  200 watts is plenty, and they plug into the cigar lighter in the car.  For a home pc you will need something a lot bigger as the power supply from the pc probably draws 350 watts or so and the monitor will draw another 300 or so, and you will have to mount the inverter and run the wires to wherever the pc is hooked up (trunk) all the way from the battery.

2.  Some kind of connection betewwn your computer and the stereo.  It's all about the speaker jack or headphone jack on the computer.  If your stereo has an auxiliary input on it (like a headphone jack) then your worries are over.  Just go to any electronics store and buy the cable that has headphone jacks on both sides, one for the computer and one for the stereo.  If you don't have that type of input on the stereo then you are going to have to invest in an expensive FM transmitter.  $50.00 is a low end price for a good one.  There's not much else to suggest other than switching out the factory stereo.  The stereo itself amplifies the car's speakers.  They would never sound 1/10 as good through just the computer.

I have my laptop installed in my Grand Prix.  I have the audio running through the car's system (aftermarket) via the auxillary input.  I have Actron's scanner software and the laptop is hooked into the OBD2 port on the car.  I get real-time info on everything and can even change my air flow, fuel mixture, idle speed, etc. all right there.  I use Microsoft Streets and Trips for the gps software.  It came with the gps receiver and was $68 on ebay.  I also have a webcam mounted to the dash for race day!  When I cruise around I listen to the mp3s on the computer.  I am so glad I put the effort into hooking it all up, it is very impressive to show off.

Disconnect the battery while you are installing everything so on-star and whatever security system you have doesn't flip out on ya.  If you run a pc to the trunk you will be hiding wires for days, and where you gonna put the keyboard, monitor, mouse and all that?!  Plus you will have to buy extention cables for those things and they are bulky.  You can get wireless like you said, but the batteries will always be dead if you don't shut them off, and you still have to run the receiver from the trunk to the line-of-sight for the key/mouse.  But if that's how you want it I suggest a floor mount of some sort for the monitor for stabilization.  Idk about the keyboard platform or mouse, but I rarely use my mouse.  You would be amazed the keyboard shortcuts you use when you are driving!  Also, I suggest running the power for the inverters along the opposite side of the car as the computer cables.  

If you need any more pointers or have some more questions, I may be able to help.