Tazman

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.

truemagellen

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

TRU681

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!

Tazman

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.

TRU681

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.