Help Changing Out the Stereo and AC Controls

[usaf-lt-g]

Hey guys,

I've been searching for information on changing out the stereo components and moving the AC Controls to the bottom on my setup, but have not found too many threads that have unbroken images or walkthrough material.

The previous owner put in a rather crappy (would love to use another word ;) ) after-market head unit (will edit this post and take pictures to show once my camera battery finishes charging here).

Updated - Here's the Pics

Dash

(Honestly... who puts a crappy JVC Head Unit in a PORSCHE!!!)

In any case the center console is in the following order currently from top to bottom:

1) AC Controls

2) The crappy JVC single din head unit

3) A single din holder ( i put my cigs in there currently, and some other odds and ends... probably meant for cds)

4) DSP Unit

The car itself is NOT equipped with the CD Changer, but does have the factory amp in the front, and somehow... the DSP unit still controls the stereo. It is also has the rear porsche speakers installed.

I want to move to the following center consolde configuration:

Top - Double-Din Alpine W-505 Head Unit

Bottom-top - Leave the tray that's currently there (unless it's easier to put the AC Controls here ??)

Bottom - Remove the DSP Unit completely and place the AC Controls there (unless it's easier to place the AC Controls in the bottom-tom instead ??)

The factory amp, I want to remove completely as I am replacing it with 2 JL amps:

1 - JL 300/4 amp

1 - JL 300/2 amp

In addition, I am adding the:

NVE-N872A - Alpine Navigation System

KCE-300BT - Alpine Bluetooth interface

XMDirect2 - XM Radio Interface w/ Alpine interface cable

PXE-H650 - Alpine's "System Integration Audio Processor" (This is what will replace the DSP unit)

Door speakers: Will be replaced with the Woofers from the JL Audio ZR650-CSI kit. 6.5" woofers.

Dash Speakers: Will be replaced with MB Quart PVF-210 Series 4" Woofers and 1.6" Tweeters

Rear Porsche Speakers: I would like to replace these 4 speakers with something of higher quality, but not sure of the sizes of the original speakers in each side? Help here please?

The Door Woofers will be controlled solely by the 300/2 Amp (I.E. 2 Channels)

The Dash Speakers will be controlled by the 300/4 Amp (2 Channels for the woofers, 2 Channels for the Tweeters)

The Rear Porsche Speakers I was anticipating splicing to the 2 Channels for the tweeters on the 300/4 Amp unless someone has a better idea or another solution perhaps?

I have researched what I need for the W-505 Head Unit and I believe this will do the trick for me for that part correct?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/97-04-Porsche-996-986-...1742.m153.l1262

Not sure what else I need part wise for the Double Din Installation of the W-505... need some help here.

I also need help understanding what parts I will need to order (and from where) for the AC Control move.

And last but not least, I need help or instructions on removing all the dash pieces properly so I don't damage anything (Do I still need the Porsche Keys for removing the after market head unit the other guy placed in here?)

Thanks for everyone's help on this project!

:renntech:

Edited May 29, 2008 by usaf-lt-g

[juniinc]

uhm no sub?

[usaf-lt-g]

uhm no sub?

The sub I plan to install at a later time, I'm still deciding where I want to place it etc. When I do decide where to place the sub, I plan to run a third amp solely for the sub, most likely a JL 250/1.

I've thought about custom fitting a sub right between the 2 front seats, and I've also thought about one on the passenger side... i don't quite know how I want it to be setup quite yet. I plan to display the 2 other amps in the rear trunk however.

I did a similar installation in my 2008 Maxima SE. the JL ZR 6.5" woofers are very beefy and crystal clear for woofers. Although I do agree, I will eventually want a sub.

Edited May 29, 2008 by usaf-lt-g

[juniinc]

[usaf-lt-g]

That's not bad. Is that a fosgate woofer? I can't tell by the picture if it's reversed or not. It looks like the "compartment storage" holder had to be removed? 10" I assume?

[juniinc]

8" Punch DVC coil pushed by Hifonics stabled at 2 OHM. I had to compromise on my center console

[usaf-lt-g]

8" Punch DVC coil pushed by Hifonics stabled at 2 OHM. I had to compromise on my center console

Looks good, I will admit... I am gearing for a center sub vs a passenger side sub. In any case, my original questions still remain and I can't really do anything until I get all that stuff upgraded first. After that, adding a sub will be a piece of cake compared to the rest of the system.

[azzar0]

ouch, my ears hurt just looking at it!!!

I don't think that is a good spot for a sub, IMHO. It's too close to the ears and it must interfere with the other tones. You probably have it set on low and the other tones on high to compensate for the position? There doesn't appear to be enough room for resonance, but you do have it lifted so that can somehow give it enough air to pump...

[usaf-lt-g]

bump

[juniinc]

Ahaha can you please tell me then where would be a good spot for a 986? There isn't a good spot,,,

ouch, my ears hurt just looking at it!!!

I don't think that is a good spot for a sub, IMHO. It's too close to the ears and it must interfere with the other tones. You probably have it set on low and the other tones on high to compensate for the position? There doesn't appear to be enough room for resonance, but you do have it lifted so that can somehow give it enough air to pump...

Edited May 29, 2008 by juniinc

[CA_Boxster]

I looked into relocating the HVAC controls to the bottom at one point but I asked a couple shops about it and both told me that it required a bunch of re-wiring because the factory wiring was too short to reach. All I wanted to do with that slot was drop in cup holders and I didn't need them that badly so I stopped there. Can't offer any more info on that one.

There is a pair of 2" speakers on each side of the rear deck kit. There is only a hair more than that for clearance so it's tough to go bigger. If you want to be creative then figure out how to put a single bigger (long but not tall) speaker on each side and you'll probably like it better. I didn't come up with anything that was short enough to fit vertically but you seem to be more informed than I am so you may know where to look.

Make sure you measure the depth for the dash speakers. The metal crossbar in the dash limits your options. That set of MB-Quart speakers may be one of the ones that fits (the model looks familiar to me) but I don't recall as it's been a while.

Sub: There is a company that makes a decent-looking molded enclosure for the passenger footwell that accomodates a 8" sub. Other than that you'e stuck with the storage compartment approach. None of the slim powered subs (as of a year ago) were thin enough to fit under the seats. Unless something new has been released...

You can remove the head unit without the Porsche keys. Just use a screw driver to pry it out carefully, but protect the dash with a towel or something.

You may also be interested in one of these for the double DIN: http://www.911pcar.com/Images_old/00%20996...tion%202%20.JPG

[usaf-lt-g]

Thanks for the info! I know I've seen a ton of people who have their HVAC in the lower section and seeing as I am putting in a 2-din Nav system, I don't see any other place to locate it to. There has to be someone who has detailed instructions for doing this!

In any case thanks for the info on the rear deck speakers. I think I'll probably just replace all 4 with 2" speakers, unless I can find something more decent.

I looked into relocating the HVAC controls to the bottom at one point but I asked a couple shops about it and both told me that it required a bunch of re-wiring because the factory wiring was too short to reach. All I wanted to do with that slot was drop in cup holders and I didn't need them that badly so I stopped there. Can't offer any more info on that one.

There is a pair of 2" speakers on each side of the rear deck kit. There is only a hair more than that for clearance so it's tough to go bigger. If you want to be creative then figure out how to put a single bigger (long but not tall) speaker on each side and you'll probably like it better. I didn't come up with anything that was short enough to fit vertically but you seem to be more informed than I am so you may know where to look.

Make sure you measure the depth for the dash speakers. The metal crossbar in the dash limits your options. That set of MB-Quart speakers may be one of the ones that fits (the model looks familiar to me) but I don't recall as it's been a while.

Sub: There is a company that makes a decent-looking molded enclosure for the passenger footwell that accomodates a 8" sub. Other than that you'e stuck with the storage compartment approach. None of the slim powered subs (as of a year ago) were thin enough to fit under the seats. Unless something new has been released...

You can remove the head unit without the Porsche keys. Just use a screw driver to pry it out carefully, but protect the dash with a towel or something.

You may also be interested in one of these for the double DIN: http://www.911pcar.com/Images_old/00%20996...tion%202%20.JPG

[usaf-lt-g]

Question... are the 2" speakers that come with the stock setup just 2" tweeters? Or are they actually mid-ranges?

[usaf-lt-g]

So, actually... I did a bit more of my own investigative work on these. they are not 2" Diamater speakers... they are 3" and boy are they crappy. Paper cone crap again, not to mention i discovered one of them was busted anyways.

See pics

Edited May 29, 2008 by usaf-lt-g

[juniinc]

3-1/2 will fit in the rear.I've fitted Infinity Kappa, even custom grill to cover it.

1 pair of cliff design tweeters are mounted on the sliding pocket door+1 pair on my door. Once i had a footwell sub box in my 986, my girl is only 5'7'' she hated her passenger seat,,,

Edited May 29, 2008 by juniinc

[CA_Boxster]

So, actually... I did a bit more of my own investigative work on these. they are not 2" Diamater speakers... they are 3" and boy are they crappy. Paper cone crap again, not to mention i discovered one of them was busted anyways.

My bad. You're correct. I was actually picturing the right thing in my head but wasn't thinking enough to realize that they were bigger than 2". They are not tweeters. That much I do know. The ones I have in mine are aftermarket though I don't recall what model. You don't get too much out of them, but I do think they help a little.

[usaf-lt-g]

3-1/2 will fit in the rear.I've fitted Infinity Kappa, even custom grill to cover it.

1 pair of cliff design tweeters are mounted on the sliding pocket door+1 pair on my door. Once i had a footwell sub box in my 986, my girl is only 5'7'' she hated her passenger seat,,,

So wait, you did 4 Infinity Kappas all together? 2 on each side? I was thinking it might make more sense for me to fit 3" or 3 1/2" Woofer in one set of the factory holes, and then a 3" or 3 1/2" tweeter in the second set. Then splice separate cables to the JL Crossovers for Tweeter and for the Woofers. I want something high end though and not sure what would work best. :( Stumped!

:huh:

[juniinc]

There is no such a thing as 3"woofer. No,,, for the rear i have 1 pair of 3-1/2 kappa & 2 pair of CD tweeters

but for the location being right behind the both seats. its like covering all your rear speakers with sound dampening cushion? plus I wanted my tweeters to be in the center,better staging sound.

my rear mids/tweets are crossed over passively.

Edited May 29, 2008 by juniinc

[usaf-lt-g]

There is no such a thing as 3"woofer. No,,, for the rear i have 1 pair of 3-1/2 kappa & 2 pair of CD tweeters

but for the location being right behind the both seats. its like covering all your rear speakers with sound dampening cushion? plus I wanted my tweeters to be in the center,better staging sound.

my rear mids/tweets are crossed over passively.

Understood... I'm debating the 3.5" JLs... the TR350-CXis...

JL Audio TR350-CXi

[usaf-lt-g]

Since I don't have the stock radio installed anymore, and i'll be removing the side panels from the doors and disconnecting the battery, do I still need a radio code? I'm not even sure what the radio code is or how it's used on this car?

Anyone have an idea?

[azzar0]

Since I don't have the stock radio installed anymore, and i'll be removing the side panels from the doors and disconnecting the battery, do I still need a radio code? I'm not even sure what the radio code is or how it's used on this car?

Anyone have an idea?

The radio code is to 'activate' your original Porsche unit. After you disconnect the battery for more than 20 seconds (I think) you have to enter it. If you don't have the stock unit anymore and you plan on selling the car with the new super-system you're putting in, then you don't need the code.

[usaf-lt-g]

Well I still can't really start on this project until after I figure out how to move the HVAC controls... still need help here.

[Blaine Sellie]

I just installed a double din deck and dropped the AC controls from the very top slot on the upper console to the very bottom slot on the lower console.............the wires are plenty long. I have to buy a different AC controls surrounding faceplate after the relocation. Its an easy job.

[usaf-lt-g]

I just installed a double din deck and dropped the AC controls from the very top slot on the upper console to the very bottom slot on the lower console.............the wires are plenty long. I have to buy a different AC controls surrounding faceplate after the relocation. Its an easy job.

I guess that's what i'm trying to find out, is if any "parts" such as a new faceplate need to be obtained... where do I obtain it from? Thanks!

[Blaine Sellie]

I just installed a double din deck and dropped the AC controls from the very top slot on the upper console to the very bottom slot on the lower console.............the wires are plenty long. I have to buy a different AC controls surrounding faceplate after the relocation. Its an easy job.

I guess that's what i'm trying to find out, is if any "parts" such as a new faceplate need to be obtained... where do I obtain it from? Thanks!

This link has information do do this and list the parts needed from Porsche....

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...st&id=12523

Blaine