2001 S instrument cluster..... oh the questions
 

I've had 2 Boxsters. A 1999 2.5/tip that was loaded from factory and had OBC. Loved the OBC, loved the MPH gauge in the center.

Now I have a 2001 S model/ 6 speed. White dace with the 2 smaller LCDs on each side, mph on the left.

My question is simple, can someone please tell me if there are differences in the cluster I have and with clusters in S models that came from the factory with the OBC option. I've read a lot and the confusion about dot matrix and other clusters is really confusing. I want the OBC option but don't want the stalk, would rather use a switch but if my cluster is a nogo, I'd rather find out now.

I have read so much about it that at this point I'm more confused than before I even looked.

Thanks.

Chaiyz

Um.. nobody..?

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article
Porsche Boxster On Board Computer (OBC) Upgrade and Turn Signal Switch Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

The only difference in the S and non-S cluster is the trim rings. The analog speedometer may show a higher top speed. Although the standard Boxster cluster is white numerals on black faces, you could order the black on silver (it appears white but it is silver) as an option in the non-S cars.

I've posted links to two articles on Pelican that I found to be very good sources of information. The second one shows how to upgrade the cluster you have to activate the OBC.

Good luck with your project.

It does not matter whether you use the stalk or switch. I added a stalk to my 2001 S without any issues. I bought the harness from Pdwight. You can get one for the stalk or switch from him.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-parts-sale-wanted/53234-obc-harness-sale.html

Update. So I purchased this cluster because it's part number is 233 which should mean that it has dot matrix display. 02 Porsche Boxster s Speedometer 22956 | eBay

The only thing left is to source the switch or stalk. Anyone have any good ideas on a 4 way switch that will fit in one of the spare areas to the left of the stereo? Ideas?

Everything I could find told me that my cluster wouldn't do OBC. I didn't know who to believe till I saw a boxster with the 98664123300 clusters. I wrote the model number down and have been searching for one on ebay for about a month. Last night I'd still not found any reasonable and thought a shot in the dark on a higher milage one. I got it for $130 shipped. I'll be happy if the displays are in good shape. Any advice? Again, I'm still needing to either stalk or 4 way switch. Ideas?

Chaiyz

I have a 2001 Boxster S and added the 4th stalk (I bought a used 4 stalk from Woody, took the 4th one off and fit it on my existing 3 stalk). It works great.

oops, mispost. It's in and working correctly.

I used a tiny 5 way tactile switch (up, down, left, right and center), cut the PCB to fit a switch blank and installed it in a blank next to the steering wheel.
Very small and inconspicuous. Having all 4 positions vs just one or two with a traditional switch is nice, too. At 6'1", I didn't like the idea of a fourth stalk.

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...EF3F2F8319.jpg

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...D51C75D5F0.jpg

Not only is that slick as hell, but it was exactly what I wanted to do before Larry LEJ contacted me and sold me a 4th stalk for a good price. I'm very impressed by your ingenuity and before I consider more mods, I'm going to be paying much better attention to your posts because you sir, seem to be doing what I want to do. Cheers and thanks.

Chaiyz

Really cool Particlewave. It took me a second to figure out you just drilled a small hole into the blank - right?! A little tough to see in the pic, so took me a second to see it there. If I'm viewing / describing this right, very nice work!