Ok here's the skinny, I've been calling around to see what kits are available and luckily I work for Circuit City too so I get some extra info on the sidelines.

here's what I found out

"The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer dash kit by Metra is currently being redesigned, the first version was a "P.O.S." and the 2nd version was revised to include a better plastic but it was still not right, the 3rd version will and should be available in 30-60days, however the revision to the kit is unknown"

I got that directly from one of my corporate guys that does the ordering for Circuit City roadshop parts/accessories.

Here's what I found out about the Scosche kit:

"The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer kit by Scosche should be available by the end of September for a retail price of $59.99 plus shipping and handling"

looks like I'll order the P.O.S. Metra kit and wait until the revised one comes out and rate that then as a last resort, order the JDM kit (which in my opinion is much nicer than the USDM kit but very expensive

 

Sounds good, keep us updated with pics of each of the kits or kit you get so that we have a clear understanding of the fit and finish.

 

i personally would rather just go for the jdm piece. it is made by mitsu so its going to fit and flow well with the dash.

 

What if u have stock navi

 

Then you wouldn't need an install kit unless you were changing the head unit....

 

And if your looking to unload your stock navi, throw me a PM

 

Might want to check again... On www.japanparts.com the kit is $176.54, so probably after shipping it would be the same as the USDM kit...

 

I paid like $15 for shipping on my JDM kit. The USDM kit does not work with an aftermarket nav unit, so it's not even an option. Unless, you consider this acceptable:

 

^ Dude that's my picture. I hope you are just showing an example of how it looks and don't think that's the final solution!

That's right the USDM kit is way too big for anything aftermarket. I've gone back and forth for a month now; including buying the JDM piece. I didn't like either one. Then I went back to the MMCS and used a line out converter to connect to my amp. Now I've bought another double din HU that fits slightly better in the USDM kit but still leaves a gap. I was going to bondo/fiberglass to it, but recently decided to just make a custom trim plate to fill the gap. This is going to happen soon, I'll post some pics.

Also, I do like the USDM kit for the silver stripe across the top. It matches really well with my new HU and Metra/JDM look boring.

 

do a search, i belive someone installed jdm piece and it worked perfect

 

picture swipe FTW!
Nice catch. gl on the dbl din set up, cant wait for the new version!

 

I am using your picture as an example to illustrate to people that the USDM dash panel is not simply a "plug-and-play" solution for an aftermarket double-din head unit.

 

Picture swipe? This picture was previously posted on a public forum. At no time did I ever attempt to claim that picture was my property.

 

Okay then man, but your posts seem a little edgy tonight. No meth lab explosions out there today to free your mind???

In my opinion if you start with the double din USDM piece, keep it and build a trim ring for your aftermarket HU. Goto your local audio place if you can't do it yourself or if you want it to look mega fancy. It keeps the factory look (including the silver stripe) and fits the best. It's definitely not plug-and-play, but will be the best looking bang for the buck.

 

I'm getting there but this is still a work-in-progress. I got a pic the other night and sorry that the trim ring isn't shown that well. I think I'm going to have it painted the same color as the long piece across the dash. I got a different head unit, but this is the same car as in the picture above. Metra FTL.