Kirk's Ride... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Kirk · 07-21-2008, 09:06 PM

Just an update... My next big project for the fall will be a good sound system for my Boxster. I've got room for 10" subs behind the seats, so tonight I ordered a pair of these:

http://www.poweracoustik.com/pa2006/product_AUDIO_wof_STW.htm

I got these because they could handle the most power of any shallow mount subs. I'm excited. I haven't done a sound system since I competed in IASCA/USAC in 1996 and 1999. I've got the following components, most older but still like new:

Kenwood KDC PS905 CD headunit, pre-amp only output
Rockford Fosgate Symmetry EPX2 14 band EQ
Alpine PXA H-600 parametric EQ and time delay processor
Circle Surround CSA 12 surround sound processor with echo
JBL Power 80 X 4 amp (dash and rear)
JBL Power 180 X 2 (doors)
JBL Power 1200 X 1 (I'll run 600 Watts to each of these 10" subs)

Honestly I already have the Becker DSP system with time delay, preset EQs, and echo, so I don't think these processors will really gain me much more than what I already have. The JBL Power amps are about six years old, but new in the box, never used. I may just opt to keep the Becker system for processing and add the amps and speakers for greater output. So I'll focus on the sub and amp install first with an eye to whether or not I add the processors later.

The door speakers have already been replaced by Polk components, which I will also finish out in the dash. It should be a really kicking system. Expect to see more by the end of the year. I'll be doing the install and enclosure fabrication myself, so I expect it to take a few months...

fragdude · 07-21-2008, 09:30 PM

This is about the exhaust/rear bumper (woulda asked earlier, but I hadn't bought a Box yet), I know 9ff make a rear bumper/exhaust combo like the one you have. Is theres the same thing as the gembella or are they different? anyone know? just curious

Kirk · 07-22-2008, 08:56 AM

The 9ff rear bumper is completely different from the Gemballa GT. The only thing they have in common is the exhaust exiting in the center (vertically) of the bumper. The spacing of the exhaust tips is different from Gemballa too, so the underlying exhaust itself is different too. I've got pictures if you want me to post them...

fragdude · 07-22-2008, 09:22 AM

just curious, you said there wasn't much of a difference in exhaust note and weight between the gembella and stock. It would be interesting for someone to put the 9ff and get a side by side comparison

Car looks cool, I don't mind the LED lights, but I think I saw a more "conventional" pair on ebay for people who are interesting in a LED look thats a bit less "radical"

Kirk · 07-26-2008, 11:02 AM

Just some pictures to show off the LED turn signal bulbs that are now making it onto the shelves of your local auto parts stores (AutoZone, Kragens, etc.). I bought a non-standard bulb, the 1156, with the incorrect prong spacing. It's just barely off though, so you can simply bend back the bulb socket to fit them in and then bend or clamp the socket back into place to hold the bulb tight. Here's a pic of what I bought for $17. They're red instead of yellow, but that's legal (in the back only) in California any way:

And here's a before and after comparison of the change, note how the yellow disappears around the standard filament turn signal bulb.

BEFORE

AFTER

Here's the LED version of the side marker light bulb. Again, available at a local auto parts store for $10. These glow amber and were a drop-in replacement in my Porsche OEM smoked/clear side marker housings. No fit or wiring issues, just simply swap out the bulbs.

Kirk

Kirk · 07-26-2008, 11:04 AM

Just sharing my latest father/son project. My 16 year old son is really into Need For Speed Underground, Midnight Club, and other games like that where you can really customize your car, including neon and wild graphics.

We did something a little more mild in the front trunk of the Boxster:

First a switch was installed to turn the trunk light on and off. This is nice since I often leave the front trunk open for extended periods when working on the car. I've just left the bulb out for months now. With this switch I can determine whether the trunk light will come on or not.

Next we replaced the trunk light bulb with a red one and installed some red LED lights under the front covers. The LED lights are also tied into the switch.

A closer look, along with my son's battery cover mod:

Total cost was $3 for the switch since I already had the LED bulbs (thanks Gary in BR) and I modified some old motorcycle auxiliary light internals to hold them. Well it may not be underbody neon, but my son still thinks it's kewl and he got to learn how to solder and apply shrink tubing as a part of this project.

Kirk

Stunin_Stud · 07-26-2008, 06:59 PM

I saw someone with your tail lights and they reded them out with red vinyl, it actualy looked cook with a silver car and gave the light a Carrera Gt look. 30 bucks for a roll if you want to experiment.

but Kirk
I wanted to ask you this earlier but I forgot. how did they match your paint? did you give them something or did you leave your car at the shop? I gave them my side vent and the paint matched but it was slighltly lighter than the actual car( no one notices it but me and it bugs me)