fireflypulse

Ok, so I want to change the Head Unit, speakers and add 1-2 subwoofers in boxes that go on the sides of the trunk. Also an ipod hookup in either the glove, or the compartment right behind the cup holders that has the same lid as the cup holders.
But I want to keep the stock head unit look, and I want the controls to work with the new head unit for radio, cd and the ipod hookup.

I don't know much about this car (just got it last saturday 10/17/09), so I don't know if there exists a head unit that works well with the stock look and the controls on the wheel. One think I was looking for in a car was the controls on the wheel so they have to still work with the new head unit, ipod would be a plus but not necessary.

I also want to replace all the speakers, but have no idea what size they all are. Also would love some recommendations on speakers I can get. Or some sort of combo deal maybe? I know this might cost a bit, but it's something I really want and miss from my old car (which btw, was a 2001 mustang, not a gt, not stick, but did have the upgraded sound system, plus my brother put a new head unit and subwoofers in it, so I miss that...).

Just want to put a thanks in here, found this site before I bought my 8, and I am glad I did. Knew all the right questions, what to check for, and now I am happy to be part of club! You guys are awesome.
Btw, any events going on near CSUF or southern OC area. Apparently Cali has the most RX-8 activity going on << Read that somewhere on these forums.

Juice

iTrader: (1)

Not going to happen.

You can do everything you want like replacing speakers and headunit, keeping steering wheel controls, adding iPod compatability, subwoofer and amps. You will NOT be able to keep the stock stereo look with a new head unit. Just not going to happen.

Pick your priority, you can use the stock headunit for signal and upgrade everything else, or use an aftermarket HU and not have the stock look.

As for speaker sizes and harness information, look at the Auido Install Reference Sticky thread at the top of this (interior/audio/electronics forum).

fireflypulse

I was afraid of that.

How do you go about replacing the HU?
Cause it doesn't look like it would be easy to change out.

What HU looks the best?

Thanks guys!

The Reverend

iTrader: (1)

Check out the Pioneer Avic line they have some nice double dins, of course most companies have nice double dins, my F90BT has been a great performer though.

And check out the West section of the forums, you will get a taste of what So Cal has to offer we have lots of hang out meets, install meets, etc

Juice

iTrader: (1)

Like the Reverend said, check out Pioneer units. I also really like Kenwood units and have a DDX-514 in my current car. Alpine makes great radios as well, but I don't have experience with their DDIN units.

Replacing the HU will require the Metra Kit, you can search for threads on that. If you want to keep steering wheel controls you need a steering wheel interface from PAC. They have different models for the different radio makers. PAC SWI-JACK is for Kenwood, JVC, Alpine and Clarion, SWI-PS is for Pioneer. Simple to wire and easy to program, but they all have a slight delay from the button press to the radio reacting. You get used to it though.

fireflypulse

Alright, at this point I have very little money (poor college student, haha), and its way to expensive to buy a new HU and that replacement cover for the new HU. So I think I am just going to buy either the Axxess or Dice ipod hookup and wire it into my glove or center cup holder thing (console?).
It looks easy enough to do it myself, and I would love to take a look at my baby's insides

And then I have to buy some speakers, a custom sub box and a sub. I'm gonna be saving up for those, but I really want the ipod hookup, since I don't have a 6cd changer, and I hate loose CD's in my car.

Any recommendations on good speakers? I would like something with good mid to highs, and then I will have the subwoofer for the lows.

Also, should I replace the stock amp? I'm thinking I might need to.

Thanks a bunch guys!

Salamanth

This is somewhat untrue and/or misleading. There are good aftermarket options for keeping OEM headunits and providing good signal.

Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2
Alpine PXE-H650 - AMAZING soundstage, but *COMPLETE* lack of configurable EQ (would definitely run a hardware EQ with this if you care at all about sound...)
JL Audio CleanSweep

Sounds like you can't afford much, so these are probably out of your price range (no bashing, they're out of my price range too!)

Hit me up on AIM if you want to chat, i've done a good deal of research on this exact topic.

fireflypulse

Added you to aim.

I don't know if I have enough money for much of that.
I realize a new HU is definitely the way to go, but for now, I would rather have new speakers and an ipod hookup that works and have it look stock.
For now I want a stock look, but I am sure the time will come that I will want it to look custom, and hopefully by then I have the money to do that

I know for a fact that when I first thought of replacing the speakers (on the drive home from the dealer, haha) I thought I should take it to somewhere to get it done, but I kinda want to do it myself.

My brother is studying auto in college and he is currently taking the electronics and wiring class so I can use him for help

But ya, I don't think I have enough money for an HU right now.
Will just replacing the speakers sound a lot better? I know having a new HU will be much better, but right now I am looking for good, not perfect. Also I was looking at the sticky with the speaker info and wiring etc... and I don't remember there being window sails in my car. It's a 2006, so are the tweeters in the same place? Could be I didn't notice it, lol. (edit) << Just noticed them on the drive to school today (/edit)

Also is there any point to keeping stock HU and replacing stock amp for the speakers?

I love this club/forum!

Oh, 1 more question. I have heard of dynamat, not exactly sure what it is. Do I need to use this at all?