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This one caught my attention and I'm hoping to find an answer.
I have a 99 coupe which did not come with HUD. I was able to retro-fit it about 6 years ago and love it.
I also just bought an 03 Z06 equipped with HUD and I noticed one difference immediately: the Z hud appears larger, or is slightly "zoomed" by comparison.
I wondered to myself if the Z windshield had a layer which magnified it, since it is an actual HUD windshield, but that cannot be or everything in that area would appear larger.
I also see a LOT more reflection of the HUD housing on the windshield in the Z when in the sun.
Did someone make a zoom plate or something? Now I need to go look at the dash when I get home tomorrow and check.
Anyway - I thought this was weird. And I have to say... I MUCH prefer the HUD in my 99. The Z is apart right now or I'd light it up and do some comparison pics. When I get it back together I will follow through on that idea.
My 01 coupe has HUD and i do believe there is a layer of film in the display area. i could be wrong but thought i read that here. also read that they are different but HUD will work with a regular windshield. as to the size of the display, no idea.
Last edited by Vinny 2001; Apr 30, 2019 at 07:44 AM.
Yes. I've known about the windshield. In my prior reading it was only ever mentioned as a film layer within the glass which helps to reflect the projection without distortion. I can vouch that not having that layer certainly does not impede visibility.
Agreed. I have never associated speeding with HUD function. It is a way to be alert and not take your eyes from the road. I enjoy night driving, so it has a more amplified purpose along those lines in that I can black out the interior lighting and dim the HUD appropriately and drive unhindered with clear views.
Not about "speed" IMO- it's about being able to monitor speed, engine functions and a variety of things without taking your eyes off the road.
It's a safety feature that I think should be on ALL vehicles.
It's just more stuff to go wrong and break IMO, I'll take EFI and all the other stuff you can keep including electric windows.... I love the drop top with no motor...
Additional thought: fighter planes developed HUDs for good reason. You are constantly in a pattern of sweeping your gauges and checking the airspace in view at least twice a minute. When things get hairy, though, the key info is dead center and up front.
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I do not believe the HUD itself is different between the various years but yes, cars that came with the HUD from the factory had a windshield specifically designed for it. However, it will work with a regular windshield too.
Additional thought: fighter planes developed HUDs for good reason. You are constantly in a pattern of sweeping your gauges and checking the airspace in view at least twice a minute. When things get hairy, though, the key info is dead center and up front.
You should probably mount a 50 calibur on it with a few cruise missiles just in case things get hairy on the highway.