Data rate of 8psk

I'm wondering, is it important to use grey-code? Also, how does one
lock onto the incoming frequency, in order to determine where to sample
for a valid symbol.  I've looked for chips that can make up various
parts of the circuit, but can't find any. Just complete PHY solutions
that have arm9s in them...
    My application, again, I can tolerate bit losses, and I no
handshaking. Simply one way transmission, in order to get a' streaming'
data structure. I'm not interested in any headers, crc, or the like...
Just raw 4 bits symbols at 3 Mhz.

-MW

AHhhhh.... So, for clock/symbol sync to the raw analog data, you need
to test the first part of the 'packet', as it's a known condition. And
set up your sample time based on that, until you get the next data
packet???
   Man, is there a chip that does this for you? I've been looking at
CSR.com and they have some good stuff, but they have the
usb/uart/etc... interface, but I think, I need just a straight
connection to the PHY. 4 bits in, 4 bits out.
   ANy ideaS?