I just called La Jolla audio who did awesome work on my PT Cruiser - new speakers, Alpine head unit with IPOD connection, subwoofer. A bit expensive at about $80 an hour labor on top of high end parts, but you definitely get what you pay for. I talked to the manager Scott about wanting to upgrade my RX-8 and that I probalby had to stick to speakers and a amp, no new hea unit because of the integration of the unit into the dash.

He seemed to remember getting a brouchure recently from a vendor that had something for the RX-8. He is going to call me back. More to follow when I hear back.

cool keep us updated...but really you can already do anything you want...just kept the HU core intact and the tempature dials...disgard everything else

I just called La Jolla audio who did awesome work on my PT Cruiser - new speakers, Alpine head unit with IPOD connection, subwoofer. A bit expensive at about $80 an hour labor on top of high end parts, but you definitely get what you pay for. I talked to the manager Scott about wanting to upgrade my RX-8 and that I probalby had to stick to speakers and a amp, no new hea unit because of the integration of the unit into the dash.

He seemed to remember getting a brouchure recently from a vendor that had something for the RX-8. He is going to call me back. More to follow when I hear back.

Hey Tazman, where are you located?That $80/hr seems to be kinda high even for custom work! Most highend places charges $60/hr of uninterrupted work. There are ways to replace the stock unit.A few people here have already done that.I didn't replace mine but I had a Eclipse Avn2454 installed on the top of the dash.If they cahrge 80/hr, I would have to assume that they are a big shop & suppose to have a lot of quality & knowledgeable installers so replacing the stock unit shouldn't be that hard for them & since they charge $80/hr, I would make them replace it.They might not want to do it because it's hard to do it not that they can't do it.That's just what I think.In my opinion, if they are going to charge that much, they are suppose to be able to do whatever kinda owrk you want to be done to your car!

PS: I had my car done for a flat fee(usually it will be a better deal), not by hourly because you never know actually how many hours they really did work on you car!

I am in San Diego, and the cost of living if very hight here. $80 is high for this, but like I said, this is a high end shop with a very good reputation for quality work.

I am in San Diego, and the cost of living if very hight here. $80 is high for this, but like I said, this is a high end shop with a very good reputation for quality work.
I live in San Francisco & everything here pretty muh cost more than everywhere especially the cost of living.Good luck with your custom work! I know there are lots of high end shops in San Diego & LA area.At least more than my area.