Digital Dash Upgrade - Was it Worth It?
Thanks to The Zebra for sponsoring today’s video. Click bit.ly/TheZebraMoneyPit to learn everything you ever wanted to know about car insurance.
Thank you to Optimist Studios www.optimiststudios.com for letting us shoot this wicked fun Zebra Ad in their lot! Check em out!
Thank you to our good friends at EAD Exotics-www.eadexotics.com/ for helping us get out hands on cool cars to do fun stuff with!
Thanks to DDE-EFI for all the help on the dash!
dd-efi.com/collections/digita...
So we opted to go the fancy route and swap our Miata gauge cluster for a supercar-like digital dash! Now the problem is that we can’t read fuel levels or oil pressure! So today we fixed those problems by adding some aftermarket bits to our ECU!
Money Pit is where you get to learn about cars as we work on them. Each ep we’ll breakdown how each component works and then we’ll upgrade it. Join us in our journey to build cool cars, learn about them, and drive the crap out of them!
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The dash : *Literally running at 5 fps* Zack : "oh hell yea this smooth as fuck"
Indeed, would be best if they just removed the thing, imagine missing some crucial information because the thing updates once every .5 seconds, also how could that ever be comfortable to drive with.
Not to mention gps speedo...so if you loose gps you don't have a speedometer?
@@twosquids I just did a ECU in my car and i just used the factory speed sender and rewired then calibrated it. Now i can do dumb shit like making 5 mph look like 120 mph and drive slowely past a cop xD.
@@twosquids No you don't.
@@Aaradorn Not to mention the lag between throttle input and the display updating will cause the driver disorientation
That lag, even when “fixed”, would drive me NUTS.
Yeah, that refresh rate *fix* is still nauseating
It looks like 15 fps to me..
"Fixed"
Yeah its garbage.
@@alecto1550 nah bro that looks like 7-10 fps. i feel like that would bother me REALLY bad while driving, especially on track or down curvy roads when i’m really paying attention to the rpms, and engine readings
The refresh lag went from unusable to just terrible
This digital dash is only cool in terms of testing your modifying skills, for actual use it's terrible
I think the rest of the lag after the fix was pure display refresh rate. You can see the menus and mouse just overall have a terrible framerate. The computer he is running it off of most likely needs to be upgraded. Or the screen is a POS screen. He possibly just needs to go into display settings and mess around with resolution and refresh rate. It's a shame he didn't look into the lag a little more. Very cringe. Also I have wired many things and I am not a man of crimping wires. He's all about doing a clean install he should just do it right. Fray both ends, shove them into each other and drip solder then heat shrink. This would be a permanent solution with the least amount of resistance interference. Overall I'd give this install a 7/10.
@@thatguy6214 You seriously think, that a screen, that runs at 4hz, has settings, or ability to increase the framerate? xD Doubt it's screen tho... the software is probably trash, or the pc.. but it's probably software given that the default experience was 1fps or less.
@@beardsntools we don't know what the refresh rate for the screen is. I highly doubt it's 4hz. What I do know is if you have the resolution set higher than what the display can produce, or you set the refresh rate higher than the screen can produce,it creates noticeable lag on screen. This would be the display setting on the actual PC. I personally don't think it's the software unless the display settings are messed up. Or the display really is a POS china 4hz garbage. If the PC he is using is complete dog shit. Regardless, the lag was completely unacceptable and cringe and I can't believe he really sat there and told us "this will work great!".
Even after the “lag fix” that lag would drive me nuts.
Yeah thw refresh rate is still horrendous, that's terrible for a $700 product lol
Ever drove the first Renault Twingo?
same
@@daijoubu4529 Someone's obviously never ONCE actually looked at what digital dashes cost... -_-
@@Cooe. very very expensive, I'll just keep it analog 😅
Zach basically completed all of the main quests, now he's just finishing up the sidequests
i used to be a car guy like you, then my transmission exploded.
@@abandonedspirit0202 and I took a trailer hitch to the knee...
@@markburkey6371 Let me guess... someone stole your catalytic converter.
Have Donut media blocked me from sending comments please reply if you can see this 🙂
@@sammythewhammy69 saw it
Man that dash is about as smooth as playing flash games on the library windows xp computer
that whole setup is kinda trash bro. laggy, ugly square sizing, and uses a GPS speedo. big downsides for $700
Hahahahahah
@@lincolngolladay Def agree. Normal car digital gauge clusters look way better than that trash.
Pretty uglies
Must be a dash they got of wish from one of their other episodes. Lol
I'm growing more and more uncomfortable with how beautiful I'm finding Zach's hair.
as a guy i also feel kind of uncomfortable
There's no shame in appreciating beauty when you see it; there's no need to date or marry a man just because you appreciate his visage.
@@FreeSalesTips It's a joke. Obviously, if I actually uncomfortable with it, I wouldn't make it public. Zach's a good lookin' dude, but the way I said it first is far more interesting. Plus he drives a Miata. I need my side-piece to drive a hotter car. (P.S. Also a joke - mostly)
You should invite him to your next Lemon party.
I aspire to have lushious locks like Zach
ah man when the editors put in Zach's HP bar I almost choked, that was hilarious
I could watch Zach Jobe host a piano restoration and still be entertained. The man was born to host.
My name is Zach and I restore pianos lol
As a piano restorer that drives a Miata I feel very seen right now.
I mean, Yamaha does great pianos and awesome sounding engines (and mods).
Not wrong at all😂
@@hojnikb it was through Yamaha’s expertise in casting the iron plates for pianos that they were able to begin producing engines in the 1940s.
I swear the Donut ads is better than most typical television ads ngl
Haven't you seen DDE ads??
yall watch the ads? 😂
@@ox.dc5 Bro you don't? Because you need to
@@jimi7170 Yup. The Donut Media ads are unique
Best part is they put a time line on the bottom of the screen so we can fast forward it!
Now we're seeing a LOT of why every mechanic/wrencher haaaaates working on wiring and electrical troubleshooting! Thanks again for sharing your journey and helping people understand what it really takes!
Zach is a legend. This would take me 5 years, 43 trips to home depot and 3,993,329 cuss words to complete.
A lot of it is software, so if you’re over 50, it would probably take you forever 🤣
LOL esp since Home Depot is a home improvment store and not an automotive parts store...
You do realize that he has (more) pros behind for help and the direct phone line of the company's owner for the product he's trying to install?
Ok, the sponsors time is getting better and better. Good job
Yooo, that was DOPE
Why is the FBI commenting? Shouldn't they be watching me from the backround?
@@markymark6567 🙄
first time i watched one all the way through
I agree, whoever comes up with these ads should make ads for more companies
redemption arc: miata gets finished and goes back to the track, defeating its old best lap by 7 seconds
one can only dream it until it becomes a reality
No the redemption arc is that it whoops ass and hangs out with the HI Low Zs on the canyon pass ⛰ because Zack has taken his time on the miata and has perfected all the little details
Need a driver mod episode
The newest best on the track will be better by .001 seconds
Finally at a point in my life where I'm looking for a little Sunday cruising Cressida or Miata to tinker with. You guys do a lot to make everything seem approachable. Keep up the great work!
While I don’t have a customized modded car myself, or desire one really. I do find this fascinating, and admire the dedication that people put into it. Good job
It’s inspired me to mod a car someday, but I don’t even own a car right now 😂
Weekly comment on how hiring this man was the best thing ever.
I agree
Jobe and james are my 2 favorite
Love that he's real smart too, just figuring it out
Absolutely agree, jobe is the best
realtalk
Pretty sure Zach could tell me how to wipe my windshield and I'd be positively enamored the whole video. My favorite person at Donut for sure.
He's such a likeable guy
Gay
my fav Jerimiah, i never get bored watching B2B
@@furhadnasserjah123 yeah, you
what if he's been telling you to wipe your windshield since day one but it's been encrypted.
Absolutely loved this video. Lots of good info. Keep bringing great content like this! My own black NA needs more ideas and I love this build!
Great vid. Learning resistance on fuel and oil pressure sensors gives insight on how to repair those tricky dudes. Also wiring into an aftermarket ecu seems daunting to me but Jobe on point with that helpful info. Thanks guys!
Zach needs more airtime on Donut. He’s just as much a character as everyone else but he shows you things you can’t find this in depth most of the time.
@Nima Elyasi Let Jordan know
agreed, he's more knowledgeable. Doesn't just read the information found on wikipedia.
The man knows.... and it shows
@@4RMS7TRONG He does his research. He doesn't just know everything already. And you do realised Donut videos are much more scripted than it appears right? They are churning these things out just like any other production company. Channels like FortNine and GMBN do the same thing. Their presenters don't just know everything already.
@Flippy obviously you moron. Anyone who makes videos does research first so they don't get factual information wrong. The difference is he actually knows a lot of stuff and articulates it in a way simple people can understand. You can tell he doesn't just read from a script like some of the others. He actually understands what he's researched.
I don't know what this man's compensation plan looks like, but he deserves a BONUS.
He gets paid in free Miata parts
@@fairyboy444 Also the Miata could be considered a collector's item, so it could be of greater value if people are willing to pay for it in a auction.
@@brytonmassie From what I can remember, the Miata is no longer his. Donut actually bought it off him.
Next job offer, I won't ask about my salary, I shall be inquiring about my annual compensation plan.
You have the charm and personality for these videos. I thoroughly enjoy your explanation videos! Thank you and please continue to make them!
Seeing that shrink tube on the end of that sheathing was so satisfying. I absolutely love seeing good wiring jobs. Knowing how clean your wiring is can take a lot of stress off your shoulders. I label all of mine so I'm not googling with dirty hands.
19:43 "This episode was maybe a little bit more, in the weeds than normal" Well i loved it more Please go EVEN more into the weeds I love educational videos like these.
I also like weed!
Yep, this is good stuff!
^^^ This guy knows whats up
Yeah getting more technical is more interesting. There’s a billion well made turbo install videos on youtube, a lot fewer electric fuel reg setups that are entertaining
I got lost and zoned out when he got deep into the wiring stuff, so going further into detail would make the videos more boring. Gotta find a balance.
2:58 Zach: The piece de resistance Subtitles: The PAs there was this dance
Love that this is actually something quite advanced in my mind yet you dont assume people know what your doing at every step and explain things like the multimeter - bloody brill!
Good work, man! This was great detail. As a mechanic and tech on airplanes / boats / cars / electronics /machining, I approve.
New drinking game: Take a shot every time Jobe says "Mega-squirt" throughout the entire build series
update: canteve n tpe corrrrrrrrctly afterthevideo
Its 3:45 in the morning and I am drunk
Bro ive been doing that with every donut video they upload while at work 😂👌
When you said refresh rate, i thought you will fix the actual refresh rate of the screen so it's smooth
It seems like the adjustment they’re doing is trying to compensate a bit, but it can’t predict the future (between when data comes to the digital dash every 0.5 second or so) well enough to actually make it look smooth. I imagine there’s a fundamental limitation to how often they can poll data from the ECU and any compensation beyond that is a band-aid.
The polling rate is definitely too low. I wouldn't be happy with that on a track day.
@@JosephBader7 I wouldn’t be happy with that in general..
i saw the mouse cursor move smoothly, it is just the rate of the information being shoved into the ECU.
It's the Megasquirt ECU. MS runs some old hardware and has been largely unchanged for a very long time. For instance, the MS3 Pro uses a 50Mhz dual core processor lol.
Your level of comfort working with this stuff is awe inspiring. "Oh ya no problem" as we solder inline resistors to add functionality
Soldering a single resistor is like the easiest thing he did lmfao
I LOVE watching these!!!! thank you for the amazing content
Maybe there are some who won't say it out loud, but sure every single one of us here desperately wants to be like Zach and do everything by themselves 😂😂😂
As someone who tries to do as much themselves as possible, I wish I just had the money to throw at everything to have someone else do it.
Absolutely. I had the confidence in switching out my front end and ball joints on my s10 because of these guys. Did it for $580 less than I was quoted.
@@TheTouchdownBrown Exactly! I also replaced some parts myself and saved significant amount of money. 😁
@@LubosGloznek Same here, and youtube helped me a lot. We learn every day. Mad props to Zach, for his calm and clear exposition.
kzhead.info/sun/gLSRZ5V8iqSeea8/bejne.html
That lag would still keep me from changing from the stock dash. Also this entire video is basically wizardry to me.
I'm the same. Digital displays are admittedly very utilitarian, and I'm all for that. But I can't get iver how unresponsive digisplays are compared to good old analogue displays
@@bigbalticbox I feel like you can get away with a DIY version by buying a bluedriver Bluetooth OBD-2 scanner and hooking it up to your phone or tablet that's mounted on the dash. And any sensors your car has will have a live graph show up. That's my version of an alternative
It seems that whoever made the software for this dash, made it insanely heavy for that little raspberry pi that is running it
@@petrosdimitriospilichos9195 I had an elm327 (bluetooth obd2 reader) and it was the same as this. I think its just the way it communicate to the ecu that is slow.
@@pascha4527 that's because your probably using a cheap one like I am gotta try the USB connector or obd mx or lx instead of the cheap ones
been watching donut for the last 2 years and god damn was Zach a big addition to the team, just realized after recently seeing one of his older video on ECS TUNING. keep it up bois the content is great
Loved this! It felt like the kind of attitude towards problem solving that I strive for, patient and detail oriented. Every time I go to deploy a solution to a successfully diagnosed issue, I mention that each step is theoretically simple and relatively easy, but the true implementation always brings up some form of unforeseen challenge. Great video, but I could never give up an analogue rpm gauge. All the others, sure, no prob. But yeah that RPM lag would bother me like crazy.
This man just be wingin most of the time and almost always gets it’s right, he’s on another level of mechanic 👏😭
He's winging it, semi-accurately.
That’s some real mechanic stuff right there
"This episode was maybe a little bit more in-the-weeds than normal." We absolutely love this super in-depth, useful content. Thanks, Zach!
I loved it even more than normal
Great job ! Funny I have just finished a new wiring for a new set of tailights for my Audi. Even so many kilometres away I used nearly identical tools, quick connectors and measuring techniques as Zack.
money pit with Zack Jobe is just absolutely awesome I've learned so much about cars while having fun keep up the good work
Idk if there hasn’t been a money put episode where Zach doesn’t say “should be pretty easy” 😂
I also don’t know if any of them have actually been easy and I’m starting to sense a pattern here
I don't mean to be rude, but I think he always say that to motivate the viewers (and probably himself too, unconsciously) to tackle the problem and get stuff done.
@@rally2727 It's easy because it's not complicated to do, it's just very time consuming.
You should absolutely do a montage broooo
158 days of still being confused why Zach still leaves the removable steering wheel attached while working on the dash. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
lmaooo true
Probably to simulate working with a standard...? Probably? Idk what else to think lol
Lol
4:00 So he can rest his head on it lol
Just in case 🤨
Love the more in depth stuff. Keep it coming!
Legit loved seeing someone go in depth into something that is pretty easy if you already have a functioning knowledge of wire running, using a multimeter, and proper wire splicing techniques. But the bit about solder being more brittle if it isn’t heated enough - makes sense and I’ve seen it, but I just though that was my shitty soldering, not an inherent property of the solder!! Also, when soldering (for those not in the know) tin the tips of the soldering iron by melting some solder onto it when it heats, removing any unnecessary excess, and tin the tips of the wires before connecting them. It will make the process and final product that much better. And it will save your iron tips! The crimps he used may have been the high quality solder filled crimp fittings, they are much more secure and as you saw can be heat shrunk around themselves to seal out any moisture and debris. Excellent video man!
zach looking at the camera as the beep goes, pausing, and going "hey. we did it." with no emotion was incredible
hahaha second to none
it gave me some serious blue's clues vibes, and now i think zack would make a perfect host for a kids show about fixing cars
I love these the zebra ads. They just keep getting better
@@iainrussell6027 Nolan would be happier if it was donuts and drinking milk
Tbh,all of the ads that donut media does is great
I'm pretty sure that by the time the ad campaign is done we will get one with Nolan riding an actual Zebra!
they are in perfect harmony
That is by far one of the best ads I've seen in a while, a long while mind you. Congrats you guys are killing it, since long ago.
Zach you are a very knowledgeable man thank you for sharing your wisdom
"I don't think it's going to be hard, but I've been wrong before." - The words I live by!
Steering rack flashbacks...
I don't even admit it
Seeing 20 minute video to follow, guessing it's foreshadowing
Inside joke of a 45 minute job around here...
Ruin your 69 likes
I know Ive heard it like a thousand times already but everytime I hear MegaSquirt, I couldn't help but chuckle 😏😏😏
As I've been getting into wiring a lot more lately I found this video very interesting and helpful
This deep cuts. I’m glad you guys show how difficult these jobs can be. It’s simple on paper, but difficult an tricky to execute. Turned out awesome🍻
Donut ads are the only ads I don’t skip because they are so creative
True
"Engine vitals are kinda important" You might even say they are 'vital'?
I know very little beyond the basics about the inner workings of cars (I would like to learn more but there's a lot to learn), but I really enjoyed watching this.
I am old but not to old to learn and that did seem fairly easy... I think that the wiring in new wires and not making a mess of that is the key to success. I seen a older cadillac that had the digital dash and they were nice when working but those rigs were blessed with a lot of other problems that made them not so nice or a mechanic's nightmare.
Day 1 (remastered) of asking donut to do a b2b on their cars
I really wanna see this
Yes! That would be awesome
They did a b2b on aarons rx7
@@johnathanm1273 which was awesome, but I’d totally love to see more Donut vehicles too, like the two Nissan 330Z’s and this Mx-5
I also want to see their cars
whoever made the soundtrack for this episode is a genius
I agree
This was a great episode I didn’t really understand that you could really make a car from a bunch of aftermarket parts and this whole Miata journey although I won’t have a Miata to work with I’m having a lot of anxiety removed because I’m understanding how these parts work now keep it up donut!
I've seen so many of the sillier videos y'all do it's nice to see an actual technical video.
I’m an analogue man through and through, but it does seem handy having exactly the information you want right in front of you.
honestly, it just depends on the build. analogue gauges definitely looks way better though.
@@remy7663 It isn't as laggy too.
@@yannikschaschel4070 FPS: Infinite.
I'd rather have a thousand different pod gauges than a digital dash.
LESSGOOO EARLY GANG!!!!
LESSSGOOOO
Yesssiirrrr
ikr
Yessir
Lesgooo
First recommend video on KZhead. Subbed now. Auto repair degree here I come thanks for the inspo and tips guys👍🏽
Loved the videos, somehow after many videos of how to solder you explained it better in about 30 seconds!
Laughed at the "oh hey there" style turn around and talk at 3:08
Smooth asf. Donut is the only auto channel with such high production quality. Keep it up guys.
😅
He sure has gone a long way from changing out the steering wheel.
This was by far one of my favorite videos with the Miata build!
looking good! although i will say the lag in the gauge would still drive me crazy. id probably get something with more ram, or something that would make it smooth
This was well over my head. But I’m glad to see this page post a video flexing your skills more than the basics like a stereo or exhaust. Very informational. Good to see you post something different
I appreciate the video Zach! You have taken some anxiety out of doing wiring and explaining it well!
Love to see how entertaining and educating these videos are i learned aswell with a multimeter if the positive wire on the multimeter is on the negative side it will give you the same reading just a minus beside the number
I love the more in depth types of videos like this!
I love this kind of in-depth stuff! Zach is the man! And this is the only channel I actually watch the ads on!
The only channel where I sit through the sponsorship spot
without a doubt and sometimes even replay it.
Young buck, I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. It's fascinating watching you work.
Great video. Very helpful. Thanks!
Loved this episode. 5V sensors now make sense - and that's so useful. Next, can you and Jerry teach us how to intuitively use a multimeter?
When your aftermarket ECU is just an arduino uno w/ a body kit
Love the video. It also showed me, there’s no way I’d want to put in an electronic dash. The need for tech support would break me. (And I’m sure the way I do things I’d hit a bump, something would go out and I’ll never find that gremlin). Great video though. Money pit is awesome.
I watched the entire thing like 5 times, first time normal, other 4 times while I was napping cause it was so pleasant to hear in the background - need more Zach content
“Always heat up your joint” Don’t worry Zach, my joint’s always hot
Man, I love seeing money pit pop up in my feed. Today’s a good day! Edit: NO WAY! Can’t believe I got a like from donut media! Love u guys sm ❤️❤️ Edit 2: I didn’t know the like disappears after editing. Pain
Instead of editing, reply to your own comment next time
@@yeetyeet4380 thank you! I’ll keep this in my mind for a good couple years till they like another one of my comments. Still, big sad
@@TeoSolly yes big sad
ouch! I'm sorry to read edit 2 bro :[
@@MarcandThings I just wanted to let the crew at donut know I appreciate them :( F
Dope. Just like all your vids. Always learning something new.
This is the type of content I live for and what the money pit Miata should be centered around, dyi upgrades and repairs
Diggin the music selection in this episode 10/10
The world of difference a simple dash cover can make is crazy. Love how it’s coming along!
Learned a LOT from this vid! Thank you!
loved the video. zach is a badass. the intro was about as quality as it gets.. for the algorithm. amazing as always.
I really like these in-depth, hands-on videos. I look forward to all Money Pit episodes because of that. Zack honestly is my favorite Donut host.
Zach every day at Donut: "Can we do some more Zebra ads?"
I come for the content, but stay for those ad's. Amazing work all around.
"Doing donuts are easy" I mean yeah the already have a pre cut hole.
That ZEBRA ad... f*cking amazing!!!!! Cheers from Brazil!
The fact that there is a timebar in the add makes me actually watch the add because you know it won't take long
A tip on soldering (16:54): press the tip against the wire and touch the solder to the spot where the wire and tip meet. This will melt the solder around the tip and on to the wire which creates a really good thermal contact at that point. This will heat everything up quicker and more localized. This will help prevent overheating the wire and causing the insulation (or wire/components/whatever you're soldering) to burn.
A rewarding, informative episode, only you guys can pull that off.
Out of all the donut ads the zebra ones are some of my favorites
My favourite are the rock and morty themed ones
Lovin when americans speak French Greetings from France 🟦⬜🟥
Greetings from Germany, dear neighbor
@@husky9104 Ich war letzten Sommer im Urlaub in Bayern bei Nürnberg
I hate having to learn your language at school
@@null3319 that’s tuff 💀
@@null3319 I understand, this language is as difficult as it is beautiful 🇫🇷❤
Man, watching your guys' channel, it seriously makes me wish I could take time out of my life to just do things with a project car, something that isn't so time restricted and can be done whenever I'm free.. I have fun putting my PC together, especially when it comes to custom watercooling, so I can only imagine how much fun I'd have with doing different upgrades for a car
makes me want to change my dash to a full on digital dash, great stuff....now i need a video tutorial on window track modification on a diamante, find out what i can use or style of track that i can repair or replace with better parts