1998 Boxster -> 987.2 stereo?

[elav]

I have a regular 986 Boxster with a standard stereo (not the fiber optic version). I found a good deal on a 987.2 head unit. Is this a simple install?

[KevinH1990]

I suggest that you check this link for information about the stock 987 radios:

https://www.boxa.net/topic/60003-how-to-install-double-din-to-987/ (This is the UK Boxster site. You may need to register to read the thread, but it is free.)

If you can post a photo of the back of a 987 radio, that may show how the connections work. You will need to figure out the speaker wire connections, power (both constant and switched) antenna and illumination. If I were to do this, I think I would need to buy the after-market wiring harness adapters for both a 987 and 986 and then interconnect the car-side of the 986 adapter with the radio side of the 987 adapter.

I probably wouldn't be able to tell whether it was simple until I completed the work.

The biggest potential barriers are (1) if the 987 radio uses fiber optic connectors and (2) if some type of canbus communication is needed for the 987 radio. If you can verify that those issues won't affect your installation, and the price is right it seems like this is a low risk/high reward scenario.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by elav

I have a regular 986 Boxster with a standard stereo (not the fiber optic version). I found a good deal on a 987.2 head unit. Is this a simple install?

Not really, and is also a colossal waste of time, you can find much better equipment in the aftermarket.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Not really, and is also a colossal waste of time, you can find much better equipment in the aftermarket.

I agree. My personal decision was to install double-DIN aftermarket units in all of my family's cars (including one for a niece.) I'm particularly fond of my last three installations which included Apple Carplay and Android Auto. (I upgraded my Boxster before Apple Carplay was available.)

It is possible that the original poster is on a budget. His current radio may not be functional, and he wants to have something that works at a minimal cost.

[elav]

Thanks for the info! I’m not on a budget but keeping it all Porsche sounded nice in my head. I have a Becker CDR-220 with an aux cord which is good enough.

[BrantyB]

I replaced mine with the Continental radio:

https://www.amazon.com/VDO-Continental-TR7412UB-European-Bluetooth/dp/B08D2R48HZ/ref=asc_df_B08D2R48HZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459655627338&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14981980221124826850&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014093&hvtargid=pla-957284366838&psc=1

In my opinion it hits all my needs: OEM look, Simple design, Bluetooth streaming. Very happy with it after several years of use.