FYI, the Stinger Elev8 fits very nicely in the S2000. I've tried it with both the AP1 and AP2 console cover. I am not sure which I will use in the end- I think I actually like the AP1 better even through my S2000 is an AP2. The bad news- it was just discontinued and is getting harder to find. A lot of the Elev8 out there are older models that can't run the latest software. How to tell: White box + sleeve = older model and older software. Black and yellow cardboard = new box/new unit. Theres nothing wrong with the older software, but I tend to want to buy the most recent version of things.

Why the Elev8?

• 8" screen with decent resolution, CarPlay and Android Auto, SPDIF output including volume control allowing 100% digital output to a JL Audio VX1000/5i amplifier (no ground loops, noise, or extra A/D conversions), 6 volt RCA output, not buggy like some Chinese Android headunits.
• It sits far enough forward that it does not interfere with the shift knob.
• Single DIN form factor with screen that includes cables allowing you to separate the two. If you wanted to, it's possible to mount the box remotely, but I mounted it where the factory radio goes.
• If you mount it remotely, you could push the screen back further into the dash, but this would require much more extensive modifications. You could theoretically mount it in the spare tire well where your amp is and then only have a couple of inches of jumper cable between the headunit and your amps.

What do you need to make it fit?

• Stinger single din kit
• Clarion DCI or other dash control interface
• Extra radio cover. You will need to remove the door and make a small cut where the cables for the screen go.
• USB extension cable for firmware updates/USB drives
• iPhone or Android connection cable.
• Apple digital AV adapter if you want to use the HDMI input
• HDMI cable.

 

Getting closer. I've been working on this in parallel with a SOS twin carbon clutch install, Spoon subframe collars, bigger rear brakes, and SS brake and clutch lines. Progress has been slow...

Modifry DCI harness soldered and heat shrink into Stinger radio harness. I un-pinned all of the connections I didn't need. I normally leave these a bit longer because it makes installing and removing the headunit easier.


Harness installed prior to adding wire loom. The DCI will go into the passenger side footwell. This will give me access to adjust the settings if needed. I also have a couple of USB cables and a HDMI cable running that way. You can also see the Toslink cable in the center console and some sound deadening foam. The Toslink cable is the only thing connecting the headunit to the amplifier.


This is the Stinger Elev8 single DIN adapter. The electronic unit fits perfectly into the factory location. The cables you see here are for the display and will be hidden behind it once the center console is back in and the screen is installed.


I upgraded from these old Vibe amps to a single JL Audio VX1000/5i. This allowed me to remove all of my RCA cables and replace them with a single all digital Toslink cable. I also removed a bunch of power wiring.


Ground is a bit short because I re-used an existing cable, but it will work.


I decided to stick with my original AP2 center console. I drilled a couple of holes to install the JL DRC-205 remote volume control and bluetooth button for amp setup/configuration. These fit really well. I'll post a picture from the other side once I re-install my shifter and get the center console back in.

 

And here it is installed. Screen protector is still on and I still need to lock the screen angle in place, but I'm going to wait until I re-power the car and complete setup/checking of functionality before doing that. When you're in 1st, 3rd, or 5th, there are still an inch or two between your hand and the screen.

If you used an AP1 center console, you could definitely custom-mount this deeper into the car, but I like that this is using 100% factory mounting. The only modifications I had to make were removing the radio door and one cut in the radio surround (shown above) to fit the screen cable connectors. I bought an eBay radio surround for that.