Hi,
I am new to the forum. I am a Jr in High School just getting my first car, and ever since I was 12 I wanted the RX8. I went to dealerships, to sit in it, and had my sister test drive it for me once in a while.
Now its time for me to get the car, and before I do, I want to get everything I can so when it comes I can upgrade it and have it looking and working beastly.

The first thing I want is a body kid... which I still need any ideas for. I have like maybe $1000 for that, so any ideas can help alot. BTW its a 2005.

The other thing was interior... what would be cheap to get and make my car look awesome next to my friends Evo's, BMW's, and Infinities?

The main reason I made this thread was to ask if it was possible to install an ipad in dash on my upcoming RX8. That would be cool, and I could Huck it up to my audio system and watch movie, and listen to music while driving. Also like GPS, and other cool stuff that would usually cost alot but with an iPad I can get a $14 a month plan with ATT and everything else would be easy.
This is what I saw and really like because it looks really cool, and useful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB53-6SWEOk

So any ideas guys? Do you think I can do it, or should I give up due to the RX8's center console layout?

P.S I just signed up today, So I hope this is rightfully located. I also do not drive and watch movies... thats so my friends can watch while I drive and also I can play music videos, lastly because iPad's Pandora app is awesome and so is the GPS app.
Thank,
TeenDriver

 

where in Minnesota are you located? I think your idea is a little out there, I'm sure a customs shop might be able to do it but your $1k budget will dissolve pretty quickly. In my car I have a pioneer in dash DVD player unit that also has auxiliary a/v in. I can connect my blackberry to it and send Pandora radio from my phone to the car. The deck also has a dedicated iPod jack so I leave an iPod always hooked up in my glove box. I am not going to make fun of you for your idea because it can probably be done, but it will be expensive and there are better ways to get the features you are looking for. Also, I think it would look wicked ugly with an ipad crammed in the dashboard. Good luck

 

Here is my suggestion make a template of the IPAD and then place it on the center console. Then you will see if you like the idea of it there or not. Your other option could be to have it removable and find a slightly smaller screen to put in the dash and have the IPAD attached somehow to the glovebox door (somehow easliy removable.)

Your other option could be to find a different tablet, Archos has some really nice tablets that range from ~2.6" (from memory) to 10.1" and they run Android with a better battery life. Or there are other Android tablets coming shortly also.

 

Retarded idea unless you live in a bubble. That ipad would get jacked quick in most decent sized cities. Looks sweet in that Mustang though (aside from the gay Shrek song)

 

Well I meant 1K for the body kit.. Audio.. I really dont care how much it cost.. I just want an awesome interior.

I also just used the iPad as a point of view as to what I want. Anything that can play movies and my phone can connect to (I have an HD2, Droid, Droid 2, Droid Incredible, Droid X, Touch Pro2 and more)... will also be great. So ideas on that would help.

So ya, 1K for body kit (well roughly... more or less is fine) and for interior.. I currently have no limit.
Thanks
P.S I live in Saint Paul On University.

 

Yes that song was pretty bad.. but emm I am sure anything that has a screen would get jacked... But I live in Saint Paul, and that isnt that common. Not like in Minneapolis that you will get jacked in 5 seconds.
I will also have super (almost illegal) tinted windows.
But I used the iPad as an idea, anything that can do about the same works.

 

I personally am waiting on the new android tablets from Archos, which have diff sizes. I'm hoping the 7'' one will fit in the OEM nav dash that I got my current touchscreen in, even though it might need some minor work. And I have this tendency to prefer Android over iOS since you can customize it more.

Here's a link:

http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets...o-350-2010093/

 

^ Now that I like. Too bad it won't connect to Google for Apps.

 

Since you already have a droid, use that. Replacing the RX-8 head unit is a bitch of a job and kills the resale value, because it can't take standard-size drop-in replacements without a dash kit, and an iPad is WAY too big to have sticking up above the radio. You'd block half your windshield.

Do what I did and integrate that smartphone. I use an RX-8-to-IPhone mount from http://www.proclipusa.com/ with an Audiolink stereo adapter and it works perfectly. It totally killed my desire for a car PC and cost me like $200 total. Throw in another $80 for a bluetooth speakerphone and you've got all the functionality you need, albeit with slightly less "gee whiz" than a custom rig would get you... but also way less cost and chop.

And for a body kit, go Mazdaspeed or go home. And don't waste time with replicas.

Of course, as a guy who got his RX-8 as a teenager, what I REALLY recommend is taking that $1000 to a racetrack and taking a driving course. And getting some really good performance tires. Best two "mods" you'll ever find.

 

The Archos are great especially with the range they are going to be offering. For other uses outside of the car I am waiting for the Notionink Adam. So far the BEST tablet that will be coming out. Buy the metra kit and work off of that if you go custom. Thats my plan when I put a screen into my future rx8.

 

market4archos.apk

http://andappstore.com/AndroidApplications/

http://slideme.org/

etc etc etc

 

sell some of those off and add the cash to the body kit fund...

 

anything can be done with enough money, "done well" requires even more money.

 

IIf you don't plan on doing it yourself call Mach1 Customs or Automotive Concepts, they are both in Minneapolis, by Golden Valley. Ask them what they think, they do some really good custom work.

 

Cool, then I hope that thing gets produced.

 

I am not much of a racer.....

But can I get a url for this body kit your talking about.
I guess I can use my devices as my multimedia solution rather than an ipad.

I do not wanna put a limit on a sexy RX8 because since it is my dream car.... I want it to be perfect. So anything that I can do to have a perfect car.... would rock.
Thanks,
TD
P.S I also hope that with all the mods I might have to do.... This car can last me atleast 5 years because I do not want to buy a new one while in college. I want it to last so I have enough so when I am done with college I can get a better 8 or better yet... a Ford F150 SVT raptor (best Truck EVER!!!!)... so ya.

 

they officially debuted this week

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/a...blets-we-go-h/


the larger 7 and 10 models will be available in october.

 

http://www.srmotorsports.com/MazdaSpeed-RX8.html

Quality costs you. And using a smartphone rather than trying to integrate an iPad or a PC or anything really has one very big advantage: technology moves fast and in five years you will want to upgrade. With this setup it's very easy to do that. Look at the factory in-dash nav- state of the art 6 years ago, a bit of a joke now.

 

dont plan on a body kit for $1000. you'll never have it done that cheaply without it looking like total *****, imagine a Neon with one of those shitty looking kits that fits like crap.... for $1000 that is what you will get