Decided against ipod integration. Upgrading HU instead. Recommendations?
 

Ok, so I decided to put the 80-150 dollars I would spend on ipod integration into the stock HU, into a new HU that has built in support for ipods.

Here are my questions.

When I replace the HU, can I keep the small screen above it installed? If so, anyway to connect it to the new HU? Or is there no point to doing that :-P

What HU do you guys recommend? At this point, I don't mind replacing the front plate for a double DIN HU.

Do I need to get a new wire harness or anything with the HU? I plan on doing all the install myself, so a list of what I need would be great.

Can't think of any other questions, just looking to try and order the parts tomorrow so I can have them all by next weekend so I can put them in :)

Oh ya, I want the steering wheel controls to work still.

Thanks guys/gals!

theres a couple of kits out there that will supplys everything you need for this swap, i personally have the corksport kit and have been pretty happy about it

I think I might go with the Metra 95-7510, flat black. Its the cheapest one on Amazon and I have a $125 gift cert for amazon :)

Only found 1 corksport model and it was for the 2009 model... probably didn't look hard enough.
Now I have to try and find an HU, and hope I have enough money after buying the Metra kit. Didn't realize it was going to be that expensive :(

Just found a sweet HU.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-FH-P80...661926&sr=1-12

If I buy the metra kit, will the wire harness that comes with it fit this HU? Actually, will it fit any HU I decide to buy?

No kit just plugs right into any aftermarket headunit. Many connections must be made, and the RX8 kit in particular has more than most. Sure you can attempt it yourself, but you may find the $100 given to a professional worth your time and headache. Their labor usually comes with a warranty too.

Hey fireflypulse... can I know why you decided to go with aftermarket HU rather than using a iPod integration kit? What additional things were you looking for?

I've read that the XCarlink and some other ipod integration kits work very well with RX8... they work well with the built-in screen and also with the steering wheel controls.

I'm in a dilemma myself, as to which option to go for. Your comments will help me decide. Thanks.

i got the pioneer avh4100 double din with metra kit in glass black...i love it, brings ipod to screen but must by adapter...is very pricey with accessories... but im satisfied....check my youtube video of it... just type in brob's rx8

Reason I decided to go with an aftermarket HU is because the ipod integration units seemed sketchy, and the amount of work required didn't seem proportionate to the end result. I really wanted to be able to control the music from the ipod or the stereo, and for it to play songs that weren't necessarily already in a playlist. Basically I decided it was a much better idea to put my money towards a unit that already had ipod integration, and would help my speakers sound better than the stock HU. I do plan on upgrading my speakers, but for now, I am hoping this will be fine.
Got the new HU in a couple days ago, just waiting for the metra kit to arrive, and then I will probably get it professionally installed. I figure $100 to get it done right is worth it.

Pioneer makes the exact same unit with slightly upgraded features as a Premier-branded unit (FH-P800BT). I have it in my RX8 and absolutely love it. I highly recommend. The Metra kit fits fine except don't use the rear-portion of the mount.

There really is nothing sketchy about the audiolink integration kit. I installed it in my 8 and have had no issues. It took me like a half hour to install. You can still control your ipod from the ipod itself. However, if you have the money by all means go for the aftermarket HU. With the metra kit you will retain the lcd except it will no longer display stereo information. I'm not 100% sure you may lose the clock as well, but if I remember right you still have your climate control and ambient temperature displayed. You can also customize the start up message on the lcd with the metra kit. All the information regarding the metra kit should be in this thread though https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=metra+kit.