Instrument cluster swap

[mreynol5]

Hi all... I recently blew the engine in my 2005 base. It was my own fault but that is not the question here. I have purchased a used Boxster S motor which looks like a nice fit. I figure while the engine is being installed I might as well replace the instrument cluster in which the Time LCD is broken. I would like to replace it with one from a Boxster S.

QUESTION:

• Will the replacement be "plug & play" or must I reprogram the ECU (Computer)?
  
• I know that 2005 was a pivotal year so what clusters (years) will work?
  
• Can anyone recommend a good place from which to purchase one used?
  

Edited November 20, 2011 by mreynol5

[berty987]

Interesting project but I think you need more than the motor and a set of new clocks. The 987 S uses either a 3.2 or 3.4 engine depending on the model year (3.2 up to 2006 and 3.4 after), the 3.4 is an M97 engine which uses variocam plus so there will be more to the wiring loom and control in the rear DME. The 3.2 engine will aslo use a different engine map to the 2.7 so the DME must be changed or at least modified with the correct fuelling and ignition control. Then there comes the issue of the main gateway being coded for a 2.7 but the DME being a 3.2 or 3.4, I.m not sure how the engine swap gurus overcome this mismatch. The S clocks are ranged differently to the 2.7 model due to the different gearing and final drive ratio , are you planning to fit the S transmission as well as the motor to overcome this ?