FSD on older cars

Discussion in 'Tesla' started by mikefocke, Jun 16, 2025 at 4:19 PM.

  1. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    "Tesla has confirmed that a recent change made to some of its recently refreshed vehicles is, in fact, a strategy it will use to improve its suite as it continues to work toward autonomy." from Teslerati

    So do they upgrade all the older cars? Do they refund the purchase cost of FSD for older cars because they can't achieve autonomy with the hardware suite they sold despite repeated promises?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no refunds, leon needs the cash for drugs and baby mama payments
     
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Perhaps a link to the Teslerati source?

    I have a 2019 Model 3 Std Rng Plus with software 2025.20.3 and FSD 12.6.4 downloaded this past week:
    • My original HW 2.5 was upgraded for free to HW 3.0 nearly two years ago.
    • No refund offered and HW 4.0 is not backward compatible.
      • Used HW 4.0 Teslas are still too pricy but no known features not found in mine.
    Over in "Tesla Owner's Forum" (Tesla Owners Online Forum) we are tracking at least two branches in the Model 3 / Model Y family based on HW 4.0. There is a third in the Model S / Model X family but I don't really follow what they are doing.

    With experience, I typically drive hands in my lap with:
    • 66% - tricking the navigation system to drive not only where I want but how I want to get there.
    • 24% - touching accelerator to get a little speed boost
    • 5% - touching the turn signal stalk for lane choice
    • 4% - steering wheel, right thumb wheel to adjust driving style and max speed
    • 1% - brake or steering wheel to disengage when I've screwed up one or the more above
    There is a significant learning curve with Full Self Driving so I throughly urge having a mentor introduce you to the software. Since November 2024, I have driven so much, hands free, that I've noticed these unanticipated attitude changes:
    • street racing - I can no longer be goaded into maximum accelerations at a traffic light or on multilane roads. It used to be "loud" pony cars could tempt me to "shame them."
    • traffic jams - don't irritate me as FSD is dealing with the mess. Actually, I've gotten better at reducing "standing waves."
    • weaving, two lane, multi-curve routes - OH BOY! So that is how to drive them!! Wow! The "E" ticket ride.
    I try to let folks know when I'm wandering around Dixie or longer distance trips. I have no problem with visiting other PriusChatters with some mentored FSD seat time (must like dogs.) Best done with two 'students' but takes at least 30-45 minutes to go over the "newness."

    Bob Wilson

    ps. I may visit South Carolina in about a month or so possibly via Sandford NC, shopping for a rifle part.
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Jun 17, 2025 at 1:41 AM
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 1:52 AM
  4. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Love to meet you. Sanford, NC 27332 There are various spelling of a similar city name in the various states. Many gun shops in the area. Tell me what you might be interested in and I'll ask my gun using ex-army friend which would be the right choice to visit.

    Just to visit. I am not really interested in an EV or FSD for me any more as where I will probably live in a year or so will not have accessible residential level chargers or even sockets available. I'm maintaining my 2 hybrids as if they will be the last cars we ever own. Sad but you get to that stage.
     
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    My plan is to shop for a 20”, 5.56 pencil barrel. I will be traveling with dogs (saves kennel fees.) Palmetto State Armory is my goal, probably Greensboro. Then open for suggestions. Nothing happens for the next 2-3 weeks.

    Sorry, I knew Sanford as I'd dropped in on the Bear Creek manufacturing facility. Then had one the 'never again' Chinese meals (big time glucose spike.)

    Bob Wilson
     
    #5 bwilson4web, Jun 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 4:10 PM
  6. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Got a preferred maker or any other special items on that barrel?
     
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    No maker preferred.

    I like Bear Creek because they made the carbine upper I have. A perfectly fine upper but going from 16” to 20” increases the velocity that I’ve already found improves the group and accuracy. I’ve already ordered their 20” upper, the lightest they make in that length. When it arrives, I’ll quantify the ballistics.

    A lighter weight weapon means more control when aiming … without bipod or other supports making the rifleman better.

    Bob Wilson
     
  8. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Senior Member

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    I'm also a big fan of PSA...my .02 Pay full price for your barrel. I bought a blemish Spikes tactical 10.5" barrel and after suppression it was discovered the centering of the hole was not milled correctly leading to baffle strike. I bought another one and all issues worked themselves out. 20" is the ideal length of powder burn time for most .223/5.56 loads... You can achieve similar groupings with a suppressor added to a short barrel. My 10.5 with suppressor of 6.5" has great groupings out to 200 yards which is more than enough for this purpose built system. If your bench shooting length and weight aren't as much of an issue but a suppressor adds so much to the experience. Ask to try one on a range day from a local. It is like FSD a great experience but requires a bit of instruction. I've your every near KC let me know I have a few you can try.