Boxster 2000 to 2000S Instrument Cluster Swap

[sboost]

The clock display on my Boxster "spydered" on me (now has an ugly orange blotch). I removed and disassembled the instrument cluster just to scope out if replacing the clock alone was within my capabilities and decided not to go that route, A bit too much delicate soldering would be required.

If it's possible this would be a great occasion to swap over to a Boxster S style cluster. I love the white gauge faces (and yes I know there are several aftermarket suppliers of gauge faces).

Does anyone know or ever tried substituting a Boxster S instrument cluster for the standard Boxster? Would be fantastic if the same model year was plug and play, but if not is there a hack available?

There are always plenty of instrument clusters available on ebay.

My Boxster is a 2000 (5 Speed manual) with a Canadian model instrument cluster P/N 986 641 105 05 70C

Thanks

[whall]

There should be no problem in substituting a 986S instrument cluster for a 986 instrument cluster, keeping in mind the miles vs kilometers, degrees F vs degrees C, between U.S. and Canadian car....not to mention the manual transmission vs Tiptronic differences and odometer mileage.

Seeing how 2000 was the first year of the 986S and starting in 2001, the instrument cluster design was fundamentally changed - no hope at using a 2001 or later instrument cluster - you have to make sure you purchase a useable 2000 instrument cluster. Also, if you want to have your existing mileage indicated on your replacement 986S instrument cluster odometer, you'll have to send the 986S instrument cluster to a VDO repair shop - such as Palo Alto Speedometer - to have the mileage changed.

One last thought....I would be very cautious about purchasing a used instrument cluster off an auction site - unless it is offered by a Porsche breaker yard. There has been a history of people getting less than fully functional units from individuals.

Bill