Audiolink, the guy @ the RPM store has good customer service. My first one failed but he replaced it at no charge and covered shipping both ways on the replacement. You should be able to get the center console out in under 5 mins if you know where to look for the security bolt. My advice is to get a very long extension, take the panel off under the steering wheel and stick your head in there as far as you can laying on your back.

 

Okay great thanx for the reply.

 

Hmm, there used to be some sort of device you could buy to plug into the back of your head unit which made this really easy. In fact, I bought one myself! I've never tinkered with a car before, and it was a really fun (albeit occasionally frustrating) way to get to know it better. Auxmod? Yeah! I think that was it. Wow, I actually remembered the name of something. Here's a link: http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

There are lots of good threads about how to remove the head unit. BY FAR the hardest part is finding a #$#@ng hidden bolt, and removing it was tough too. It requires tools that you probably don't have, namely, a socket wrench (of the right size), and a socket wrench extension. So, find a friend that has it.

There are lots of good threads that explain how to remove the head unit (which is the CD player/radio/etc.). Here's one: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-mp3-factory-head-unit-removal-install-7644/
In a nutshell, you:
1. Unscrew your shifter (manual?)
2. Find/remove hidden bolt. Good luck. I only found it after 2 hours of looking, and a flashlight, and it started getting dark, and I saw a glint of metal right as I was about to give up. There are threads galore about this too.
3. Pull out radio
4. Plug in Aux-Mod
5. Put in radio
6. Screw in shifter!

Again, it's easy if you've done it once. In retrospect, it was easy. While you are doing it, it will be hard. So I recommend buying a friend a case of beer and finding a nice Saturday or Sunday to learn more about your car. It's fun if you've got the right mindset - this isn't a chore! And the reward is certainly worth it

 

I'm screwed with my 9.50 firmware unless I want to drop big bux...

 

Best money spent for those with firmware 9.55+

http://cgi.ebay.com/iPod-Adapter-Dig...QQcmdZViewItem

Grom Audio based in Las Vegas. Installed it WITHOUT REMOVING THE STEREO! It is interesting install but I did it, ran the cable through the center to the aux power space.

 

I purchased the Audiolink Ipod kti from the RPM store, took it to Best Buy to get it fixed, but it didnt work, because apparently, there was some compatibiltiy issue. I called the RPM store and the guy there told me there was some sorta bug with the current pieces that makes them incompatible with the 2008 RX-8s. They said they fixed it and they'd ship me another one for free and would pay for the shipping for the old piece. They seemed helpful and nice. I'm still waiting for the new piece to arrive, hope this one works!

 

Thought I might share this too:

I hate clutter in the car. Loose wires, FM kits, whatever. So when choosing a place for where your connections are, I recommend doing something like this:







Keeps things neat and tiddy for the most part.

- Matt

EDIT:

PS. Madz, If you're still checking out the forum sorry it took so long for any kind of response from me, I thought the thread died. I personally can't remember the exact kit (and the only way I could find out again I fear is to dig into my car again). It sounds exactly like the kits Laythor was talking about, however.

 

Null, I did mine similar to yours, sept the one wire comes out the back near the aux power, the only problem I have is the cable is a little short so I plan to re-route it.

The Grom on ebay is the cheapest like 60 unless you want the freedom of any mp3 player they make an RCA kit for cheaper. The best part is if you take a flashlight and squeeze your hand into the driver side area of the stereo, you can kinda feel the connector for the jack to plug into. No removal of stereo.

Back to Null, Awesome work! Is your power tap next to the Aux power for charging something? GPS?

 

That's actually where I plug in other .mp3 players. Because I wanted to cut down on wires just floating around the cabin.

In the third picture, you can see the cable is plugged into both the ipod and the jack.

With a little custom work (you have to cut a wire and drill some plastic), you can put that little port in your car and make it look clean. Then, plug the cable into it, along with whatever mp3 player you want to use.

I should also point out that this is much easier to do than it looks, as that peice is totally seperate from the rest of your ceneter console.

- Matt

PS. you can find those little port goodies at Radioshack or a similar store... as well as the cable.

 

LEBREN how did u install the grom audio without removing stereo? Did you remove teh steering column cover and get to the port that way? I took every thiong apart I was supposed to but the stereo wouldnt come out and I was afraid I was going to snap it in half if i kept trying.

 

Great product. I recommend it.

 

danp, you have pm

null, thanks for the info. I have to find out what signal the Grom uses for left and right channels. Im not sure if I'll be using anything other than ipod in the car tho.

 

Does anyone know if this allows you to control the ipod with the click wheel while connected? Also, are the songs displayed on the LCD? Thanks.

 

With the Grom Audio Jack, your click wheel will work along with the LCD. It works as if there are headphones plugged in.

The only thing that bothers me is the need to pause when turning the car off. sometimes it automatically pauses and sometimes it doesn't. I have a feeling it has to do with how fast you shut down the car & the signal that is sent to the ipod.

It does charge the unit which is a huge plus, even with car off!

 

I know I am allowing this to be a zombie thread but I felt the need to say thank you for everyone's comments here.

I just got a 2005 Shinka and I love it, I just wanted aux integration and I have the knowledge to do it now, so thanks all!



*UPDATE* - Installed the GTA Car Kit with bluetooth and aux input, works amazingly, would certainly recommend!