Installed Smartmadness MDC cruise control yesterday

satxbiker · 05-05-2009, 06:08 AM

These have been back ordered for a week or so and I finally got mine in yesterday. Now first let me start off by saying I was not expecting any big difference in feel with the sprint boost module that came as part of this setup.

Here are my observations.

1. Everything is plug and play... even the optional led. No splicing of wires or soldering required. Very nice.
2. Instructions were very clear and easy to follow. It took me a total of an hour and a half to do it all including the led install.
3. I highly recommend the led. It makes setting the level of sprint boost and the defaults for how the cruise works extremely easy. If you don't have it, you have to leave the control box that is in the middle by the floor between the driver and passenger exposed so you can see the led on that box to tell what is set.
4. The cruise control works great. It matches the existing controls nicely. I love how the led flashes green to tell you it is ready to set and then turns solid green when it is actually keeping your speed.
5. Sprint boost - all i can say is wow - no more hesitation when pressing that gas pedal. I could not replicate the response this thing gives my by simply just pressing down harder on the gas. I set it on level 4 of 5 and I now feel I can drive around in Drive mode a majority of the time. Prior to this I was always manually shifting.
6. The smartmadness people (yea Rachel) were very helpful and alway eager to answer any questions.

Note on the install: You do remove the speedo up top, the steering wheel plastic behind the wheel, gas pedal and carpet down below. If you are not a flexible person or a very large person I could see someone having issues installing this. A tip when installing... before hooking up the control box to the break pedal, I suggest hooking up the speedo, led and cruise control wires first... it just makes it an easier process. I did this in my garage in Texas yesterday and I did work up a sweat. But hey... if a chick like me can do it, anyone can do it!

I did consider the 451 cruise control and considering the 451 was running 479 and the MDC was 479 with the led and the sprint booster I went for that. I highly recommend it.

Now I am just waiting on my cold air intake with the K&N filter from smartmadness to come in. I will give a review on that.

ibking · 05-05-2009, 07:19 AM

Someone after my own heart, good job. I really like the MDC cruise control from Smartmadness, it is set at level 3, I found level 5 a little too sensitive especialy driving slow over bumpy roads

IBKING

SubSlr88 · 05-05-2009, 09:52 AM

Thanks SATX - I've been wondering which would be an easier install. You've just sealed the deal for me . . .

CruisingAZ · 05-05-2009, 01:18 PM

I too wanted one but did not know which one to buy, this helps. I wish they would run a sale however.

kdfcogwheel · 05-05-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks SATX -- my MDC is in the "mail". Am anxiously awaiting to do the install. Thanks for the tip on the order of installation.

jwarner6 · 05-05-2009, 01:39 PM

Awesome post! Thanks so much for the extra input regarding the Sprint Boost feature and the install. I can't wait to finally get one!

Jeff

fts1966 · 05-05-2009, 03:53 PM

good deal, i'm not sure which one to buy. does it match the factory stalk that is in new smart. can you put the led in its place in the dash were the icon is already in place for the cc? have just over a month to deside on which one to get car will be here around then.

thanks frank

JimDantin · 05-05-2009, 04:37 PM

I also just finished installing an MDC unit from Smart Madness. The installation is very easy - just read all the directions and ask for help if something confuses you. The beauty of this cruise control is that you can remove it as quickly as you installed it -- no futzing around with tiny connector pins.

Operation is very simple and easy. I certainly recommend this unit, especially with Smart Madness there to support you.

Woody14619 · 05-06-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fts1966

does it match the factory stalk that is in new smart. can you put the led in its place in the dash were the icon is already in place for the cc?

In short, yes and yes.

The stalk is about 2% more grey than the one stock one. But unless you're holding them up next to each other, you can't tell. Installed, it looks stock.

Both cruise options have a second LED that can be placed in the console. The MDC version is optional (though I think SmartMadness is bundling it now?), is made by MDC, and had an orange socket to plug into the board. The Area451 version is not made or sold by Area451, and splices into the existing lines with crimp-on wire conenctors.

Personally, I have the MDC installed and love it. I've installed both, and find the MDC easier to install. Both are good cruise units though, so either way you can't go wrong.

satxbiker · 05-06-2009, 10:18 AM

The new stalk looks pretty much like the old one color wise. People who have gotten in my car since the install have not noticed anything. The one thing they mention is that you can take the end cap off the old stalk and put on the new one, but I have not figured out how to take the end cap off of the old stalk without possibly destroying it.

You can put the led behind the speedometer but it does involve extra steps and disassembly. I just chose to mount mine to the right of the speedo in the dash. If anything it looks like an alarm led.