986 to 996 Cluster upgrade can I do this...... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

berni29 · 10-25-2020, 08:00 AM

Hi

I have searched and searched, and the question has been asked before, but it seems no-one has documented actually doing it but.......

Can the oil pressure and voltage gauges be cut/removed from a 996 cluster and grafted on to a 986 Boxster cluster?

Yes I know I can get a later 996 convert Tip (in my case) cluster and transplant it, but there is nothing wrong with mine as such, and the 996 cluster I need are pretty expensive. Occasionally though a scruffy early one can be had quite cheaply. Also if I keep my original cluster then the mileage will be correct.

So how to do if it is even possible?

Many thanks!!

Berni

Dave80GTSi · 10-25-2020, 10:10 AM

If your real goal here is simply to add this pair of gauges, the path of least resistance is to mount them in the console:

berni29 · 10-25-2020, 12:22 PM

Hi

Yes, I did think about this, but I have the console delete, so for me its not an option.

I was considering a pod, but the neatest solution is Porsches one........

Many thanks

Berni

PaulE · 10-25-2020, 12:45 PM

I doubt you can cut the oil and volt gauges off of a 996 cluster and graft them to your 986 cluster as there is likely one continuous circuit board across the back of all of the gauges. You can swap the entire cluster with a 996 cluster from the right year and the same type of transmission, but you need to have a specialist reset the mileage if that is important to you or legally required. Pelican Parts has a how to project article on the gauge swap.

Van914 · 10-25-2020, 01:06 PM

You can install the 996 cluster. There are instructions in many Forums. There is even instructions how to code them.

berni29 · 10-26-2020, 01:23 AM

Hi

OK, so it's not possible. I think I will scrap the idea unless I find a very cheap cluster, which I do not think will happen.

Tks

Berni

mikesz · 10-26-2020, 06:45 AM

Hey have a little faith and patience! Put a search on ebay and scour the forums. Be a scavenger its lotsa fun!

10/10ths · 10-26-2020, 08:51 AM

....It is vitally important to use a cluster from a matching transmission cabriolet 996.

That’s the easiest route for OEM look.

berni29 · 10-26-2020, 10:22 AM

Hi Guys

That does look good.

I will go on the hunt and see what happens......

Thanks again

Berni

obthomas · 10-26-2020, 10:42 AM

I am just about finished with this project. The 996 cluster is in and everything works, just waiting on the crimp pin I need to hook the new oil pressure sender to the cluster.

As to the original question I would say that the new added guage servos are connected to the main guage board with ribbon cables. This leads me to say that there are several electronic bits and pieces on the main cluster board that are not on a 986 luster board. I could be wrong but I do not think it possible to cobble the 996 voltmeter and oil pressure guage to a 986 cluster.