Installing Aftermarket Gauges

[eanderson]

Car Details: 2001 Boxster S, 25,500 mi. Std 6-speed manual transmission.

I have a real problem relying on "idiot" lights and want to install additional gauges in my 2001 Boxster S. I have found that Autometer Ultralight II gauges have a relatively close font and illumination look to the stock gauges. I have located a DIN standard 3-gauge mounting bracket that fits directly in the slot occupied by the CD holder. I want to add 12 VDC, Oil Pressure, and Oil Temp in the three positions in the bracket. +12 VDC power and illumination should be easy to get from the radio, but I'm a little unsure about oil temp and pressure. Oil temp could and probably should be obtained from a new bung welded into the oil sump. Is there a better or easier location? AS for oil pressure, there is the possibility of (a) using a metric adapter to replace the existing sensor which will result in the dash light to not work, or (B) possibly locating an adapter and sensor in the oil pressure test location.

Since I am not using vdo meters (only because they don't make one to match the existing gauges) I cannot use the existing sensors and will, as mentioned, need to have metric adapters that can couple to standard Autometer sensors.

Has anyone done this before? Is there an easier way to do this?

[Loren]

Several folks here have installed Carrera gauges - only one wire to add and a little programming with a PST2 or PIWIS.

See the DIY Tutorial here.

Here is one we did at a WOCD in 2007.

[eanderson]

How much are Carerra gauges?

[Loren]

How much are Carerra gauges?

Prices vary - a salvage yard might be able to tell you. Maybe some other folks can chime in with what they paid...

You need to make sure you get the Carrera MY02 or newer to work in your 01 Boxster.

A Carrera Cabriolet cluster will be already have some programming done (convertible top). Make sure you get a Tiptronic clust if your car is a Tip or 6 speed cluster if your car is a 5 or 6 speed.

[eanderson]

I did some checking and it appears as though the price ranges from about $450 to $900 for used. Other than MY02 or newer does it matter which model is used i.e. GT2 vs standard Carrera. I have seen a lot of different clusters all with different part numbers so I'm really not sure if there is a compatibility problem.

Thanks again

[Loren]

I can tell you for sure the Carrera cluster will - as long as it is the right year.

The GT2 cluster will have the boost gauge - and you don't have twin turbos.