De-and Changed Some Interior Items

[KRAM36]

Wish I could use the older cluster like this as it has the digi spedo in the center. Why did Porsche move it over to the left?

Very nice work you have done on your ride.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Wish I could use the older cluster like this as it has the digi spedo in the center. Why did Porsche move it over to the left?

Very nice work you have done on your ride.

Thanks

I don't think you can ever be sure regarding what Porsche is thinking, but they may have moved it because of design changes to the On Board Computer option in later cars. I think the later OBC's display several lines of information and that crowded out the speed display. It may also be that they thought it was more logical to put the digital speedometer in the same gauge as the analog one.

It is my understanding that the dot matrix displays in the later cars have fewer problems than the lcds in the earlier cars, so on balance you are better off.

Regards,

[jcslocum]

A bit late to the compliment game, but these mods are great!

[KevinH1990]

I kept an eye on Woody's thread, but I could never seem to be the first person to jump on a set of red and clear tail lights. He had a set of 550 tail lights the other day, but another board member was ahead of me in line.



I found a set of 03/04 tail lights on Craigslist. They were out of my area, but the seller was willing to ship. I paid $200 shipped which was a probably a little higher than Woody's set would have been. Fortunately, I was able to sell my amber tail lights for $100, so the net cost of the upgrade didn't break the bank.



To be honest, the amber never bothered me that much until I installed my litronics. Then I understood why other folks had gone down the "amberectomy" road. I like the "cleaner" look especially with a silver car.



I think I am now finished with exterior modifications and my only desire is for a 987 short shifter.

[ksjohn]

It all looks very good. Love the gauge cluster.

One note. I would be a bit concerned about the emblem on the air bag. Is it metal? I don't know how those things deploy exactly, but I would be concerned about it being launched at you in a crash.

[Disaster]

The amber didn't bother me but I hated the raised lettering on the outside of the lamp which is a trap for dirt and wax buildup and looks terrible. Took 800 grit sandpaper to them and followed with polishing compound. Now they have that smooth finish of the newer lights.

[DWBOX2000]

Regarding the red car, what would a conversion like that cost? Wow!

[jdlmodelt]

I just had dinner and when I look at this picture i feel it coming back up! Haha.

Originally Posted by Dlirium

Very nice car! I got your next project right here:

Now you got a sweet ride!

[NJBoxster2000]

Originally Posted by steved0x

He needs the one from the guy that had it on backwards where it actually created lift

Joking aside, great looking and very tasteful mods.

Hi Nine8Six, I love the aero package on this car and was looking for same for my, Please let me know the seller.

Thank you.

[KevinH1990]

I installed a 987/997 shifter in the car today. I bought it over two years ago for $130, but this is the first time I felt sufficiently motivated to set some time aside and tear the center console apart to install it. (The part number is 997.424.010.00. I have attached photos if anyone is interested is seeing what it looks like.)

There are many threads and YouTube videos on the subject for anyone who is interested in this project. As discussed in those resources, the benefits of the upgrade are that the shifter feels more precise and the throws are shorter than in the stock 986 shifter. In my case, I'm also trading my original shifter with over 125,000 miles of use for one with about 24,000 miles of use.

The shifters are readily available used. There is also a 997/987 short shifter available which would give even shorter throws, but I didn't see any of them going for a reasonable price.

That is the last upgrade I have planned for the car. I am hoping to spend more time on the track in the next few years, and that may open a new chapter in my upgrade story.

[KevinH1990]

It turns out that my 997 shifter wasn't the last upgrade. The leather was separating from my Carrera gauge hood (or binnacle if you prefer that term.) I found a replacement with the wood gauge surround. I decided to splurge because it matched my steering wheel, shift knob and e-brake handle.



The replacement was grey and I had to dye it black to match my interior. You can read about that here: Carrera Gauge Hood Refresh

[EJ_2001_986_S]

Just curious about the Porsche crest glued on the airbag. If that's not a factory item, you may want to consider removing it. If that airbag deploys with a metal crest on it, it could be very dangerous. Sorry if it's already been mentioned and of course to each their own.

[KevinH1990]

They were the right color and the I enjoyed the drive on some country roads when I collected them.









They have a few minor scratches, but overall they are in nice shape. I have seen posts from owners who found them inconvenient to put on and off. I hope that I use them fairly often.

[KevinH1990]

Reupholster Center Armrest in Leather

[KevinH1990]