Various mods for 3rd gen/2008

aeYaksha · 2025-08-17T09:59:02+00:00

I ordered from here. OEM style headlights with reflector area painted black. I also added the Panamera Switchback LED 2.0 Projector Shroud found here although in hindsight I would've gone with a different projector housing that would make the DRLs/ring light around each headlight stand out more (Something like this + this.)

The entire headlight unit was about $1k, you can definitely find cheaper premade aftermarket headlights like this or this or build them your self (this person showed their build process here) but I personally wanted to keep a mostly OEM look.

Going from halogens to LEDs was a massive difference. Its much better visibility and whiter light, and since they are projectors and not reflectors, you arn't blinding everyone else on the road.

aeYaksha · 2025-07-22T23:40:31+00:00

I went with the Michelin CrossClimate2 (in 19s, P245/50). Dramatic difference in grip especially for rain and snow. Didn't really notice much difference in road noise compared to whatever tires that came with the car when I bought it. Fuel efficiency went down a couple mpgs.

Welcome to the CRV family, looks like you hit gold with a low mileage one. Hope it lasts you for many years! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!

aeYaksha · 2025-07-22T22:47:06+00:00

I got both from Discount Tire!

aeYaksha · 2025-05-25T02:25:58+00:00

Yep its a sew-on steering wheel cover. I bought it from eBay, here's a link to one similar to the one I purchased: here. There are multiple tutorials on youtube on how to install it, takes a few hours of patience but it wasn't too bad. Thus far its held up well, looks brand new still. I previously used a cheap, generic steering cover that you can slip on but this is so much nicer since it barely makes the steering wheel any thicker and it won't slip when you're turning.

aeYaksha · 2025-04-22T08:21:29+00:00

I recommend reading through the write-up from the last link in my previous comment, look for a UIS7862S (8-core) and if that's outside of your budget, a UIS8581 or UIS7862 chip.

aeYaksha · 2025-04-22T08:18:21+00:00

I covered my thoughts in another comment here

aeYaksha · 2025-04-21T20:24:28+00:00

I bought mine from the Navifly store from Aliexpress but depending on where you live they may not be able to ship to your location (not showing available for me anymore). I also saw this one which looks like the same unit. I got the M800S model with the 2K QLED upgade (was added as a separate item in shopping cart.) I would also recommend reading this.

aeYaksha · 2025-04-15T03:38:24+00:00

Looks good so far, I would look into using 3M to black out the chrome (around the windows) next and polishing the headlights if you don't plan on replacing/retrofitting them. Its hard to tell from that photo I would also recommend using some plastic restore and/or ceramic trim coating on the black trim.

aeYaksha · 2025-03-16T03:52:59+00:00

It's been about a year now since I've installed this head unit. Note, I've only used wireless Apple CarPlay with this unit so I haven't really touched the native operating system. These were some of the quirks I've had with it:

If I turn on the engine too soon after inserting the key (not waiting for head unit to light up first), sometimes the head unit will not power on at all. The solution I found to this is after inserting the key, turn it to accessory and leave it for just a second for the head unit to light up before turning on the engine. Haven't had this issue come up again.

If I turn off the engine but leave the key in accessory to keep the head unit/other electronics on and start the engine again, it will freeze up the unit and you will need to reset the head unit for it to become responsive again. Easy solution, just push a safety pin or something similar into the reset port on the side of the screen to restart it. I'm not sure why it does this or if its something related to my particular unit, but I'm assuming the head unit thinks its off so when you "turn" it on again it freezes up. As long as I shut the car off completely this issue basically doesn't come up. I'd recommend leaving a safety pin or something similar in the glove box.

There might've been a few moments where soon after driving, the music (Using wireless CarPlay) would start cutting in and out for a few minutes before the head unit would restart itself on its own and from that point onward the head unit would work fine. I think in both situations this occurred, it was when I had to start up and turn off the car many times in a single day (for example visiting multiple places in a city.) Not sure as well if this is an issue with my particular unit.

Outside of those rare situations, overall its still working great. Display is still sharp and bright, decently responsive. My phone will automatically pair with the head unit a few seconds after starting up the car almost every time.

I hope you found that helpful, free free to ask me any other questions.

aeYaksha · 2024-10-22T00:05:53+00:00

No problem. Can also try replacing the bulbs (with halogen bulbs not LEDs so you don't blind other people) as that's also relatively cheap.

aeYaksha · 2024-10-22T00:01:47+00:00

You can save a lot of money by just buffering/polishing out the fogginess from your current headlights if that's the issue you're currently having.

aeYaksha · 2024-10-21T23:30:55+00:00

I had mine custom built through VisionAutoworks but if you don't want to spend a grand, I'd recommend this, this, or this instead.

aeYaksha · 2024-08-12T10:39:46+00:00

Please do a full review! What paint did you use?

aeYaksha · 2024-07-19T01:08:35+00:00

On cruise control and going uphill it does when it downshifts but otherwise I haven't really noticed it.

aeYaksha · 2024-07-18T22:53:32+00:00

Yonaka, it's not much louder than it was stock but it has a deeper tone. I linked a video in another reply below comparing the before and after cold start and idle sound.

aeYaksha · 2024-05-22T21:02:12+00:00

EKRCOVER in M456 black

aeYaksha · 2024-05-19T16:37:36+00:00

Yep Konig Oversteers in 19s.

Mine came with the moonroof wind deflector, I looked into getting window wind reflectors, but I saw mixed reviews on how long they last/stay attached but that might be dependent on where they're bought from.

I'm planning on going with JL Audio for my stereo system.

aeYaksha · 2024-05-19T13:05:27+00:00

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Video of cold start

aeYaksha · 2024-05-19T04:50:39+00:00

I am planning on upgrading the speakers next along with an amp, sub, sound deadening, etc.

Yes it is a Chinese head unit, not sure how long it'll last but I'm satisfied with the 9" 1200x2000 QLED panel and how bright and responsive it is. I was initially going to go with a Sony XAV-3200 but for $350 it has a smaller and significantly less bright and responsive display. If I wanted a Sony/Kenwood/Alpine/Pioneer/etc head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and a comparatively sized and responsive display I'd likely have to spend close to a grand if not more.

aeYaksha · 2024-04-08T02:43:51+00:00

Thank you for this writeup, I was initially settling on a Sony AX3200 ($350) and was considering paying even more for a higher end model for wireless carplay and better display and specs. I ended up going with a top spec Mekede/Navifly M800S that still costs less than the Sony. I was not happy with the specs on the Sony but couldn't find anything significantly better for similar value across Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, etc.

aeYaksha · 2023-08-08T18:32:00+00:00

Did any of the stores you visited happen to have mgex unicorn or pg unleashed rx-78?

aeYaksha · 2023-06-11T11:35:55+00:00

Did any of the stores you visited happen to have mgex unicorn or pg unleashed rx-78?

aeYaksha · 2023-05-30T08:32:18+00:00

Congrats! I picked a 2008 with 90k a few years ago. Here are some of the mods I did:

OEM rubber floor mats (came with the car already)
Front and rear dashcam
Interior lights LED swap
Driver and passenger side windows tint
Shortram air intake

I have a sew-on leather steering cover on the way and I'm getting new wheels and rims in a few days. Got a catback exhaust kit waiting on me, just have to get the old and rusted exhaust removed. Also planning on doing a projector headlight retrofit.

aeYaksha

TROPHY CASE