2008 Civic

[rev.neb]

Just bought a new Civic.
Starting to look at sound system options.
I have a few items from my previous car:
Focal K2Ps up front
Alumapro Alchemy MX 12"
Zapco 360.4 bridged to the K2Ps; 500.1 to the sub


Not really sure which of this will stick around.
Considering Alpine PDX amps because of their size-I would like to keep maximum trunk space.

The big question right now is what to do for a headunit.
Should I do a factory integration such as Alpine's Vehicle Hub or JL's Cleansweep?
Or do I just skip that thought and do an aftermarket headunit (using one of the few dash kits available)?
So far I really like the idea of Alpine's HU and processor with Imprint Technology, but I have no idea how well these units work.
Also, I want something with full iPod integration so I can stop carrying the CD folder with me.

Anyone have any experience with the current generation Civic?
Any reasonable ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Chris Luongo]

On my friend's car, instead of buying an aftermarket dash kit, he got the dashboard panel for a Civic DX, from the dealer. Very inexpensive, and 100% factory match.

[rev.neb]

I didn't realize the DX had a different panel.
That is definitely worth looking into.
On a side note, do you know if the keyless entry works through the factory headunit? On my old Civic it did, but I can't find out if it's the same in the new one.

[Chris Luongo]

His was an '06 Si, and the factory keyless continued to work fine.

If you can find a Honda dealer with a DX on the lot, take a look at it. In place of the radio, is a Honda-style double-DIN opening, with a black plastic plate there....the car comes with speakers and an antenna, but no radio.

From there, a regular Honda dash kit (the same type of kit that fits, say, a '90-2002 Accord) just fits right in there, or you could custom fabricate whatever you want.

If you buy the DX panel, all the climate control stuff can be unscrewed from your original panel, and put into the DX panel, using your original screws.

If I remember correctly, the DX also uses two metal brackets on each side of the radio opening, and you can't re-use what you have......so you have to buy those as well.........they're inexpensive, but my friend bought them through his dealer, not me. The left and right are each a different part.....at first he got two for the same side, so watch out for that.

Also, Hondas now have a unique antenna plug; Metra has an adaptor available.