gablekevin

hi i just recently purchased a 05 mazda rx8 and im currently having a neighbor help me install my audio system that consists of 2 amps 2-10" subs and i replaced the stock system speakers im also adding a carpc and im thinking of buying the factory nav housing dash piece but the more i look at it although ive added a LOC im thinking of maybe using the corksport kit to mount my 7" touchscreen in so its easily accessible.
so i guess my question is, is this even feasible since all my audio will come from the computer i dont need the factory headunit right if anyone can help me out with this install i would be indebted to you
thanks

frollo

i just finished my install and the only real thing the head unit gives you is the text for the little lcd above the radio, radio, and amp the speakers. So if you don't care about the lcd above the radio, have a visteon hd radio for the car pc, and amp your speakers separately you will be fine with what you plan.

the stock hook requires you to take apart a screen to mount it inside that hood (the corksport kit might require the same) so i don't know if you want to get into that however i did it and it wasn't hard at all.

the easiest method would be to just get the hood that slides back and has your screen slide up, assuming you didn't want to get into the whole taking apart your screen and voiding your warranty.

To your main question if you set it up properly you will not need the factory head unit.

kimota

Howdy,

I'd highly recommend you keep the factory head unit if installing a CarPC, as with any PC there will be times when it's down leaving you with no music .

I suggest the retractable nav holder its cheaper than the OEM nav hood although you may get lucky and find a used one for a good price.

Take a look at my install at mp3car

One thing to keep in mind with a CarPC, its not like installing an after market stereo where you are pretty much done after the initial install. The CarPC can be very robust but will require a LOT of time invested after the initial install.

Let me know if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer if I can.

gablekevin

well actually kimota your install was the first that i saw that kind of inspired me to even buy an rx8 and do a carpc im a total newbie when it comes to installing audio stuff in a car also i was wondering i have an audiocontrol lc6i 6 channel LOC hooked up to the stock stereo front and rear channels and i have a 4 channel amp and a mono amp for 2 10" subs i had someone help me hook up the LOC but im wondering how the mono amp interfaces or gets the signal from the stock HU i have the rca's going from an output on the LOC to the mono amp is that all i do then hook the speaker wire from the subs to the mono amp im not sure if im doing it right also is 4 gauge power wire enough to have a 1200 watt max mono amp,400 watt max 4 channel amp, 2 farad capacitor and a 120 watt carpc plus whatever the touchscreen is.

i know thats alot to answer thanks everyone for the help

kimota

WOW being your inspiration puts a lot of pressure on a guy lets see if I can help.

1. audiocontrol lc6i - I'm not familar with it but reading the specs on the audiocontrol site it does state "AutoModeTM Turns 4-channel Input into 6-channel Output"
so that should give you enough outputs for 4 channel and the mono amp.

What you would do is on the Bose system is tap the Bose amp in the trunk for your singal for the audiocontrol lc6i (get signal before its processed by amp). From what I read of the lc6i it can sum channels giving you and additional output for your mono amp.

2. Concerning wire gauge it depends on the total amperage draw. 4 gauge may be okay (sound like you may need 0) but you have to determine your total amperage draw then check a wiring guide like this one http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...-see-here.html

gablekevin

oh sorry for the pressure but i liked how your install was clean and the car still looked stock.
oh i found a oem navigation holder for way cheap(cheaper than mazdaparts one) for my carpc.
your right i saw that on the audiocontrol site duh! the automode.
im adding this to the stock system not the bose system.
thank you for your help im sure i may need help in the future once i start on the carpc
by the way which frontend are you using/which skin?
im thinking of going with lsx void skin for roadrunner.

kimota

Nice.... good luck with tho OEM nav hood, hell if I found one for a good price I'd swap my Mazda parts one out .

Your on the right track with RoadRunner and the LSX Void skin, it's what I'm currently using. I started out with StreetDeck but that turned out to be a mistake . Keep us posted let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck..

AvatarQAZ

DigitalFX

MazdaJeff

How is this project going? Post up some progress pics.....