PIE Install
 

I just did my PIE install and it works great. I ordered my PIE and cable from Thew. I must say though it was not an easy install and I could not get to the back to unplug the last plug in order to pull the head unit completely out. But I did get just enough room to plug in the PIE cable to the back.

That bolt on the side was a bitch to take out.

That's because they electrical taped the harness (with that blue tape), making it so tight that it has almost no give. I had the same peoblem and when I saw what the culprit was, I pulled a bit more to be able to cut the tape so that any subsequent removal is no more problem if need be.
Honestly, the taping did not serve any purpose other than making the unsuspecting folks' life more complicated. They must have done it from the side when the center console was already installed and the side panels were not or something like that, as with only taking apart the console, there's no way to tape the harness like this.

Did you reinstall that bolt? At first, I thought I will, but then I passed on that. The radio is held securely with the clips and two screws - there's really no need to put that bolt back unless as a theft prevention measure. But then it is not likely that someone would break into an RX-8 to steal the stock radio...
Interesting thing is that there's a hole on the radio for another bolt on the right side, but they only had a bolt on the left side.

I did not reinstall THE bolt when I put the HU back in. As a matter of fact I don't have it anymore, like many of us who have taken out the HU.

I have a 2004 RX-8 with ver. 9.67 and a single cd-player. Does the PIE work with the most basic factory CD player sold or do you need to have the six disc changer?

It will work just fine. That's what I have too and my firmware is just 9.55 - no need for the 6-disc changer.

I did re-install that bolt and it was not that hard. I used my hand and then finished it with a 10mm socket with an extension.

I have pulled my HU out many times and reinstalled it with the side bolt every time. It's not easy to do, but, I wouldn't say it was hard.

Mine is 9.55 with a single CD player and it works. So, I think yours will. You can use the CD button to toggle between AUX and CD. When it is using AUX, you will see "EX 1" with the "1" constantly flashing. It is a bit annoying but no big deal.

If you press the up or down arrow for the disc changer on the HU it will change to EX 2, EX 3, EX 4, EX 5, Ex 6, is there any way to use the other 5 inputs?

thanks for the reply everyone...ill be buying PIE immediately

There on Back order for a while .. FYI

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piemazpcalp.html (had 2 in stock when I posted this)

http://www.myradiostore.us/auxadapte...az-pc-alp.html (indicated that it's in stock, but their price is expensive)

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/csexpo/mapiediprco.html (didn't see if they have it in stock, have to ask)

they are all more expensive than me.. !!
I dont see any Rx8club discount on there sites !! :P

besides we should really be supporting a forum vendor since they fund this website instead of going out of house...especially when it is cheaper from the forum member!

as for that bolt...I'll say it again although I have so many times I can't remember anymore :)

TO REMOVE THE BOLT:
Use 10MM ratchet with extentsion...get it loose and then simply use your fingers slowly to remove the bolt...it will be easy as PIE

what about EX 2-6??? can they be used?

not with anything that is out there at the moment...my guess is alot of these extra external inputs are meant for the Japanese market as they have many more options for their car.

Including a TV Tuner for their Nav system and other gadgets.

No, they are not. The last link has the MAZ/PC-ALP listed for $70.

That's true.

My post has nothing to do with that topic. I certainly agree with supporting forum vendors, but in case someone needs the PIE right now and can not wait until thew will have it in stock, there are other sources available. That's all.

you are forgetting about the RCA cables you need otherwise you have a box with a useless DIN input...the RCA cables aren't cheap last time I checked Thew sold them the cheapest making the package definitely the cheapest compared to all the other sites you listed

definitely a case of more than meets the eye

I'm not forgetting anything. I know very well what is needed since I run the same setup.
Would you have paid attention, you'd know that I said: IF someone needs the package right away and since thew doesn't have them in stock, there are other sites offering the stuff who do. They might be more expensive, there's no denying of that.
There is no need for the RX8garage.net "honor guard" to jump in - we know that he has reasonable prices. Nobody said a single bad thing about him.

in the mean time " thew sides on his shades and slips down a bit more in the front seat of his 8. "......

I agree. There is nothing wrong going to other vendors. I did wait for a couple of weeks for Thew to send me the unit although I can go somewhere else for not much more. But I was in no hurry and wanted to support a forum vendor.