The case against Double DIN CarPlay in the 986

[RidgeRacer]

I have two Porsches, a 2018 Cayman GTS and a 2000 Boxster S. They play very different roles for me. The Cayman is faster, more responsive, has better electronics, and is much more comfortable.

Yet, I find myself driving the Boxster more. And a big part of that is the relative absence of digital gadgets. In a world where I never get to be disconnected, the Boxster greets me with 90s amber LCDs and very little to distract me from driving.

Which brings me to aftermarket stereos.

I had tried to use the LANNI Bluetooth kit with the OEM CDR-220 stereo, but it was terrible. The alternator whine was atrocious, and I simply could not eliminate it. I knew I’d have to install an aftermarket stereo to get Bluetooth.

I saw the double DIN conversion kits on Suncoast. I’m sure they are excellent, but it seems to me that having a growing giant LCD screen in the middle of your Boxster is the opposite of the point of the car.

I went with the only single DIN CarPlay stereo on the market, the Pioneer AVH-3400NEX. It has a display that WILL eject out if you need it, but most of the time it stays invisible. It connects Bluetooth automatically, but when you need navigation, it’s there.





You can set the display lights to any color you wish, so I made them the same shade of amber as the rest of the 986. I also drilled a tiny hole for the Siri microphone in the lower cubby.

I leave the screen retracted as much as I can while driving it. I love that I can stream music from my iPhone, but most of the time there’s nothing to distract from me and the driving.


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[Aanic]

How easily would this be returned to stock? It looks like you wouldn't have had to modify too much if anything.

[JDL30]

I just installed the same unit in my 2000S at the beginning of the summer. I had purchased the double DIN version and found this one instead. I liked the idea of keeping my cup holders which would have been eliminated with the double DIN, despite the fact I rarely use them. I placed my microphone on top of the steering column. It's very low profile and seems to blend right in.

[RidgeRacer]

Originally Posted by Aanic

How easily would this be returned to stock? It looks like you wouldn't have had to modify too much if anything.

It would take about 10 minutes, if that. No changes to wiring happen.


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[Cunningr]

I was considering one of these originally, but couldnt find enough information on operation, ie does the screen have to be open if streaming ect.... also how it would work out with the air vents. In the end went single din pioneeradded a rennline phone holder kike yours i see am really happy.