push!

 

ok guys i know i am stupid and probably should have spent 60 hours of research before i ask these stupid nub questions. sorry. let me do research. you guys are too high profile to answer my newbie questions.

 

that isn't the case. Sadly, there aren't a lot of mods out there for the 05+ Avy.

You can input a video signal to the stock nav screen with a PAC converter which you can order online from PAC. http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Factory Navigation/Video Integration Visit that link and then confirm with PAC which product suits you best.


The Avalon XLS should already have HID's unless that is a Limited only option. I dont know of any bi-xenon upgrades for the Avy. These would be illegal in the states anyway since it is illegal now to install any aftermarket HID kit. Just buy some PIAA bulbs for your fogs to match your regular headlights.

As far as your license plate holes. In black, they will be barely noticeable. Worst case, fill them with body filler and then use touch up paint. Ideally, you would either leave them alone, or just pay a local body shop to fill/paint it.

There have been Avy's put on 20s, but I think 19's are a much safer bet. Poke around here and you can see pics of a couple of them on 20s.


So far this is the only Avalon site I've found. If you find another, let me know.

 

give em a chance....not all of us check this forum every few hours. yes, some of those questions you should do a little research on. not long ago there was a long thread on hid kits and diff lighting, so first learn to search the forum. it's real easy. right at the top of the avalon forum threads is a search this forum link. you'll find long threads on 20's, lighting, and nav inputs. and i would hazard to say that there aren't many 07 avy's in the hands of twice a week snowboarders so it may take a while to get an answer on that one...lol

 

Go to yakima.com and you can find info there on racks for the Avy. I believe they make Q-clips for the Q-tower system. HID's come in the Touring and Limited.

 

ok guys.. after hours of researching... this is what i am planing to do after my brand new xls gets out of the repair shop.

1. 6000k HID conversion kit - $260 installed (a friend who knew a friend who gets the kits from taiwan)
2. yakima q towers sports rack + a sports gear box - $450-500 (i couldn't find anyone selling it for cheaper) (i am buying them from their offical website)
3. 20" chorme wheels - around $2000 i haven't pick the ones yet...
4. really really black tint -$80 (no bubble life time)
5. 1.25 inches lowered on 4 springs - $240 installed
6. video mod to stock nav screen, - $350 installed
7. xbox360 connected to video mod - free (i already got it)
8. ccd night vision back up camera connected to video mod - $250 installed
9. so far i am happy with the 14 speakers. so i am cool with that.

thats about it i can think of to soup up my car at this moment... its a black 07 =)

pictures are coming soon!

all these will be done before xmas. yay.



by the way... i financed the car 11k down, 4.9%, what apr did you guys get?

 

I have an Black 06 Limited.

So far, this is what I've done to my Avalon:

-Swapped the 215 tires out for 245's on factory Limited 17's
-K&N filter drop in
-Magnaflow mufflers. Just a little more noise and air flow. Not enough boominess to drive me nuts on the freeway. Played with several combinations before settling on the one I have now. I guess I've grown past my racing days. I used to have a 3.2L 96 3000GT VR-4. Yes, I know it comes from the factory with a 3.0L. After that, a GS400 then G35 Coupe. Two kids later... I now drive a LX470 and Avalon. No regrets though
-Added a M3 type spoiler.
-Added 2000ish BMW 7 series twin fin cellular antennae.
-Removed the Toyota, Limited and Avalon badging.
-Added VIP badging from Japan.
-Changed my HID bulb to 6000k Xetronics. Tried 8000k but it made the light look way too aftermarket. The 6000K HID looks good on the car... same ones as I put in my LX470.
-Installed back-up camera.
-Installed Video mod.
-Installed iPod connector. Works with factory steering wheel controls.
-Tint

The iPod connector and Video controller both installed by simple plug and play. They use the factory connectors. If you want to save a little money, do it yourself. It's pretty easy.

If you find springs please let us know. I don't believe there are springs as of yet. A lot of people are waiting. I'm personally waiting for Teins. Lack of springs is the only thing hold me back from wheels.

BTW: where in southern california are you. I'm live in North Orange County and work in Tustin area.

Richard

**Edit** VIP is a type designation used in Japan. VIP = Luxury class.

 

I have an Black 06 Limited.

So far, this is what I've done to my Avalon:

-Swapped the 215 tires out for 245's on factory Limited 17's

How do you like the switch to 245's ?

thanks

 

I have an Black 06 Limited.

So far, this is what I've done to my Avalon:

-Swapped the 215 tires out for 245's on factory Limited 17's
-K&N filter drop in
-Magnaflow mufflers. Just a little more noise and air flow. Not enough boominess to drive me nuts on the freeway. Played with several combinations before settling on the one I have now. I guess I've grown past my racing days. I used to have a 3.2L 96 3000GT VR-4. Yes, I know it comes from the factory with a 3.0L. After that, a GS400 then G35 Coupe. Two kids later... I now drive a LX470 and Avalon. No regrets though
-Added a M3 type spoiler.
-Added 2000ish BMW 7 series twin fin cellular antennae.
-Removed the Toyota, Limited and Avalon badging.
-Added VIP badging from Japan.
-Changed my HID bulb to 6000k Xetronics. Tried 8000k but it made the light look way too aftermarket. The 6000K HID looks good on the car... same ones as I put in my LX470.
-Installed back-up camera.
-Installed Video mod.
-Installed iPod connector. Works with factory steering wheel controls.
-Tint

The iPod connector and Video controller both installed by simple plug and play. They use the factory connectors. If you want to save a little money, do it yourself. It's pretty easy.

If you find springs please let us know. I don't believe there are springs as of yet. A lot of people are waiting. I'm personally waiting for Teins. Lack of springs is the only thing hold me back from wheels.

BTW: where in southern california are you. I'm live in North Orange County and work in Tustin area.

Richard

**Edit** VIP is a type designation used in Japan. VIP = Luxury class.

where can i buy the vip badging you mentioned above? i live in Diamond Bar, Ca, its next to pomona. My in laws live in rancho santa magarita, OC =)

also, do you have any pictures ? much appreciated.

 

Captmark, the ride difference is minimal. However, the change in the stance of the car is significant.

Pics stored at Flickr

Sound from inside cockpit

Sound from behind car


Richard

 

I just added a few more pictures to better show the shark fin antennae.

Richard

 

245s are just wider. How did you put them on a wheel made for 215s? Do they bulge? That overfilled bloated tire look? Or am I just clueless?

 

245s are just wider. How did you put them on a wheel made for 215s? Do they bulge? That overfilled bloated tire look? Or am I just clueless?

The Avalon Limited wheels will accept up to a 245 wide tire. They do not bulge like on a SUV if you keep the correct sidewall height. They provide a look that the Avalon should have had from the factory. 215's on a 17 inch wheel on a car that is equivalent in size to a Mercedes S550 or BMW 745iL is ridiculous. 215's may be fine on a Sentra or a Corolla but when you look at an Avalon from the back... the 215's look like bicycle tires.

Take a look at my posted pictures. The 245/50R17's makes the Factory Avalon Limited wheels look very similar to those on BMW 745iL's. And in my opinion look far better than the factory 215's. I also believe the stance of the car is improved greatly because of the change.

Keep in mind, just because the manufacturer installed 215's on the car doesn't mean they are the only possible fit. Manufacturers have factors they must consider such as wear, COST, ride, sound, etc. With the average age of the Avalon buyer and the way they use it being what it currently is, I'm not surprised Toyota went with a 215 tire. I for one just recently turned 30 therefore prefer look over cost. Especially in this case where I have yet to see a negative. However, your priorities may differ than mine.

One very important added benefit is the 245's will protect my wheels from curb scratches.

Richard

**Edit** Click on the links in my previous post if you want to see what the tires look like.

 

I Like ! :thumbsup:

Might have to switch this Spring, thanks for info. and pics.

 

wangtian777, I've posted pictures of my factory HID with Xetronic 6000K bulbs.

Pictures of HID

The HID are 6000k and the fogs are Sylvania Silver Stars.

Sorry I didn't take pictures of the 8000K. I still have them if you really want to see what they look like.

By the way, I live off of Imperial HWY on the 57 so we're practically neighbors.

Let me know if you like the VIP emblems. I can get them for you.

Richard

 

thanks! where did you get the vip? how much is it? can you get it for me? i could always drive down to brea to pick it up, =) anyways, my avalon is still in factory getting nav and some moldings fixed right now its been 16 days and toyota dealer kept saying "we are hoping to have it fixed by next week". anyways, hopfully i could get it fixed soon so i can start "fixing" it. if its not fixed after 30 days i'd have to dispute with toyota motors and claim it as a lemon... what happend was the nav went crazy and bouch of japanese charactors appeared all over the screen, oh yeah and it was blue (reminds me of the windows 95 blue screen of death), anways, toyota parts/service told me something shorted in the nav computer and they have to get a new computer shipped over from Japan... currently i been renting a loaner car for 2 weeks... in a situation like this, what should i do? wait and be hopeless or take action against toyota?

p.s. i brought over 6 new toyotas/scions from this same toyota dealer in the city of claremont, (i am not saying names) and they never had problems... only this time the 07 avalon is defective... anyways... i'd probably stay away from this toyota dealership in the city of claremont off indiana hills =P in the future.

just my 2 cents

 

also... where do i buy the antena? i looked everywhere for it on ebay and yahoo... no luck.. thanks...

 

The Avalon Limited wheels will accept up to a 245 wide tire. They do not bulge like on a SUV if you keep the correct sidewall height. They provide a look that the Avalon should have had from the factory. 215's on a 17 inch wheel on a car that is equivalent in size to a Mercedes S550 or BMW 745iL is ridiculous. 215's may be fine on a Sentra or a Corolla but when you look at an Avalon from the back... the 215's look like bicycle tires.

Take a look at my posted pictures. The 245/50R17's makes the Factory Avalon Limited wheels look very similar to those on BMW 745iL's. And in my opinion look far better than the factory 215's. I also believe the stance of the car is improved greatly because of the change.

Keep in mind, just because the manufacturer installed 215's on the car doesn't mean they are the only possible fit. Manufacturers have factors they must consider such as wear, COST, ride, sound, etc. With the average age of the Avalon buyer and the way they use it being what it currently is, I'm not surprised Toyota went with a 215 tire. I for one just recently turned 30 therefore prefer look over cost. Especially in this case where I have yet to see a negative. However, your priorities may differ than mine.

One very important added benefit is the 245's will protect my wheels from curb scratches.

Richard

**Edit** Click on the links in my previous post if you want to see what the tires look like.

Looks good. What is the sidewall height? Any rubbing?

245/??/17

 

osidepunker:

I used 245/50 R17.

The factory tires were 215/55 R17.
(215mm X 55% X 2) + (17inches X 25.4) = 668.3mm

The tires I currently have 245/50 R17
(245mm X 50% X 2) + (17inches X 25.4) = 676.8mm

So, according to the calculations... my current set up is approximately 8mm taller (or LESS than 1cm) in the overall diameter.

Since the overall diameter is kept, for all purposes, the same (factoring in slight tire wear)... there is no up and down travel rubbing. Furthermore, I have experienced no rubbing during any full lock turning.

However, if you are worried, you can try 235/50 R17.
(235mm X 50% X 2) + (17inches X 25.4) = 666.8mm
With the 235/50 R17, you are for all practical purposes exactly the same diameter as factory.

I went with the 245 because a 8mm difference means each side wall is 4mm bigger. Which to me can be written off to wear.

YMMV.

Richard

 

Wangtian777:

I own several repair shops in Santa Ana, hence I have a resellers' permit and get wholesale price at dealers... I can get the parts for you if you want.

Also, I'm sorry to hear about your car. Can you give me some more details? Are you paying for rental? When you purchased the car new did you option it with NAV? Etc...

Depending on the facts in your situation I may be able to ask my contact at Toyota Corporate to help out.


**Now here's my disclaimer... No attorney-client relationship has been formed as a result of my conversation with you here. We are simply talking one car enthusiast to another. DO NOT solely rely on our conversations here as your legal advice. You may have other causes of action so you may want to discuss your situation with a retained attorney.**

(Sorry, as an Attorney I have to give this disclosure to cover my behind)

Richard

 

Thanks for replying! and thanks for offering me help!

Today I was so mad i called toyota corp. They told me that they will pass the case back to the dealer. Then i called the dealer Claremont toyota, i had to speak to the public relationship lady, she told me that there is nothing she could do. She told me at the end to call toyota corp again to start a abitration, once it gets approved in 6-8 weeks, i should be able to either reject the car/refund, or exchange for exact same car.

Yes, toyota is paying for my rental. and when I brought the car it came with nav as a option which i think i paid too much for... anyways...

this afternoon, the lady at toyota dealer at claremont called me, ruby said, we have your car ready, HOWEVER, it is not fixed, but you can drive it for now, just without nav. Ruby also said that, it will take 1-2 weeks more, HOPFULLY, they could receieve the part and get it fixed. then, she offered me a bribe. she did not say exactly what i will get, but "there will be some kind of compensation for your inconvinences, we will find out what when your car gets completely fixed."

honestly, i have a soft heart, i am just gonna pick up the car tomorrow... drive it around for ... hopfully 2 weeks, and have it fixed...

they are now too cheap to even pay for my rental =( but honestly, since a bad nav is not like a bad brake... i just i could still drive in it...

if your contact in the corperate can help me out... i will be SUPER appreciated =) thanks!


thanks again~

 

 

I have also bought an 07 XLS Phantom Grey. Couple of questions -

Do you know of any bluetooth kits that will integrate with the nav sys?
Where can I find directions to upgrade the headlights as you did?
Do you know if there is any additional features locked in the factory installed dvd nav sys...if so do you know how to unlock it?
Question of the gas mileage readings - owners manual p. 383 states fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 70 (18.5, 15.4). Tank should hold 18.5 gal, when I refill - top off - cruising mileage maxes out at 355? 18.5 gal @ low end 22mpg should provide a cruising range of 407? explanation?

Appreciate any responses - thanks.

 

I've noticed that as well. Cruising range should be well above what it reads. I am guessing that they are calculating worst case scenarios just in case. Better to over estimate than under.

 

hey Richard, do you need to splice the wire for the video mod?