Is it okay to swap porsche head unit for aftermarket? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

mach schnell · 02-28-2006, 04:29 PM

Since I seem to get conflicting information when I call any of the soCal service departments or I just get that deer in the headlights look, I need some help.

I know that some cars have these funny little things about switching the radios and affecting the car's computer or diagnostics. My 05 Boxster has the Bose system, but I'm mildly impressed with the head unit. And, since I have a very nice Alpine CDA/AI/XM ready headunit with the XM kit coming out of my other vehicle, I'd love to throw in the Porsche. Can I do that and not worry about screwing anything up with the car's computer?

Btw, anyone found the Cayman-style hardtop from D Morris - France anywhere in the US? If so, where and how much?

Thanks

RandallNeighbour · 02-28-2006, 05:05 PM

Concerning your old head unit, where would you put it? The factory stereo is integrated into the dash! Have you an idea I have not thought of?

The Cayman hard top from that company is $7800 or more... I have not seen it advertised in the US as of yet. Seems a little steep just to look like a Cayman... others will rip it off soon though, and sell it cheaper. It's just a matter of time.

mach schnell · 02-28-2006, 05:11 PM

If it can be swapped, there should be a dash kit that will in the space after the orig is taken out.

03-01-2006, 03:08 PM

hi mach

is it an 05 986 or 987 that you own?

i had a very nice pioneer unit in my 986 and as far as i know you can change the middle tower to one that your unit will fit in, have no idea on cost but i am sure it is possible, as for 987 i have no idea but my guess is that it is possible too, have a look at threpwood threads from a couple of months back he has a really nice unit in his car.

see ya

sooner · 03-01-2006, 06:53 PM

I was warned swithching the OEM unit would disable the factory alarm system. Does anyone know if this is true?

manx · 03-01-2006, 08:07 PM

I know that Boxster owners in Japan can order one without a radio, so that they can install a 2DIN nav unit afterwards. (PCM isn't available in Japan, and kind of obsolete for that market.)

They have kits like this (works both on 997 and 987)

Don't know abou the alarm issue, or if there is something special about 987s built for the Japanese market.