SamD

I just bought a 2011 RX-8 Sport and I would like to replace the existing stock audio system with a system capable of Navigation, Sat Radio, and phone integration. I realize this will require the replacement of the head unit and integration with the existing AC and steering wheel controls, so I would like to find a vendor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex that has this experience. Does anyone have a recommendation for a high quality installer that can do a clean install and not break any existing functionality?

Sam

REtali8

iTrader: (2)

Welcome Sam! 2009 GT in Irving here. I've been by Earmark in Addison and they have some real quality work. The AC controls are simply screwed onto the bottom of the headunit (My headunit is currently out if you want to see) so that's not a big deal to just make a new cover. For steering wheel controls they will need to get an aftermarket harness. You'll also need a special harness if you want to keep the stock speakers. Your biggest issue will be when you replace your headunit, you lose the ability to reset your clock and outside temperature. Do a search for rxduino (sp?). Forum member created a workaround for aftermarket head units.

SamD

Thanks! I see that Metra also has a wiring harness (70-7903T) that stays with the car that plugs into the stock radio when the Time needs adjusting.

By the way, did you use the metra (997515-HG) dash cover kit when you changed your head unit out? Did all the wiring harnesses you needed come from your audio system manufacturer, or did you need to get them from other vendors?

Thanks!

Sam

bhammer

Sam, are you up to doing this yourself or do you need an installer? I recently changed out all the factory Bose stuff, including the speakers. You can check out my build thread at https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-in...-build-227419/

As REtali8 said, nothing needed for the AC controls. This changed from series I to series II. You can use the Metra face plate and the two wiring harneses. One is to go between the new head unit and factory wiring and the other is for the time adjustment. You will also lose the ability to see the outside air temp.

I can't help with the connections to the speakers as I replaced all mine and went total custom. I also sound dedened my car and dropped it by 9dB which was a big improvement.

SamD

Bhammer, What is the part numbers of the wiring harness(s) i will need? My Sport doesn't have the Bose system is that makes a difference. I don’t plan to replace any of the speakers or the wiring at this point in time. I am just trying to add navigation, satellite radio, and a backup camera to my wife's car at the moment.

Sam

bhammer

If you go over to the Metra site, it'll tell you what you need. Here is what I used for the radio:

99-7515HG is the high gloss face plate
70-7903T is for the clock adjustment
71-7903 is the radio harness
Axxess ASWC for the steering wheel controls.

SamD

Bhammer, for some reason I dont see the ASWC and 71-7903 parts when i look up my 2011 Sport without Bose on the Metra site. I see them when I look up a 09 with Bose, but not the 11 without Bose. Looks like I need to give them a call.

Sam

bhammer

I don't think they made any changes between 09 and 11. I don't know if the wiring harnesses are any different for bose and non bose. Metra would be the right call.

SamD

bhammer, I just spoke with Metra tech support and they told me I don’t need both the 70-7903T AND the 71-7903 harnesses. They said the 70-7903T is the radio wiring harness and the clock adjustment harness together. Does this makes sense to you?
Sam

bhammer

Unless they changed it in the last couple of months, no it does not make sense. I needed both connectors for mine.

HotKgon

Did you ever sort out whether you required both the 70-7903T and 71-7903?

I'm looking to do the exact same thing as you and would love to know the answer.

Cheers!

SamD

No, I’ve been busy with other projects, so I haven’t moved forward with the new head unit install. All I can say is that when I called Metra, they were adamant that I didn’t need both harnesses. I would suggest you call them and see if you get the same advice.

Sorry I can’t be more help.

Sam