patently

(Cross post from Audio Video Forum)

Hi all,

TLDR: Please recommend an A/V system installer in SoCal with Porsche experience.

Two years ago I worked with a custom installer in eastern Pennsylvania who retrofit a Kenwood Exelon 2-DIN head unit, JL amp and speakers (including custom subwoofer), rear camera, mic for bluetooth handsfree calls, and satellite radio antenna in my 2000 E39 M5. The total bill was $4500 installed and I'm happy with the work and sound. A potential future buyer can re-install the stock system if desired.

We recently moved to San Diego. I have a new-to-me 2003 996TT, stock with the standard 1-DIN Becker CDR23 head unit and Bose MOST system. I want to have the same kind of A/V system installed in the 996 as in my M5, done in a way that will allow a future owner to return to stock. I’ve seen the type of retrofit I want in various Rennlist threads but I don’t have the time or confidence to take this on myself.

I got a quote from a local (La Jolla) audio installer for the 996 project. The installer, who does great work and has done this type of installation in more than 20 996s, wants $7500 for the work. That seems pretty high to me in comparison to the $4500 I paid two years ago – but that was in the boondocks in eastern PA and maybe I just need to swallow hard and accept that this kind of work is (a lot) more expensive in California.

I’m open to traveling anywhere from Orange County to the Mexican border to have this work done. If you're aware of an installer with Porsche experience, especially with 996s, please let me know.

Thanks!

Cuda911

Hey, welcome to SD!

There is an excellent installer in Enciinitas, on El Camino Real just south of La Costa Blvd. Forgot the name. He is in a northwest unit in this complex: 318-330 North El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA

patently

I think the installer you identified may be SoCal Custom (http://www.socal12v.com/), 322 N El Camino Real Suite F., Encinitas.

I sent them an email.

Thanks for your feedback.

Alansglide

If you're willing to go north to Marina Del Rey try these guys. They've done many 996's and have custom parts for double din installs in a 996.

http://delreycustoms.com/

patently

Thanks, I'll call them; they don't have a general email.

Device2

Welcome to Diego.

Behle

If the drive up north is not too much of an issue ( Costa Mesa) , I can highly recommend Michael . [url]www.methodsound.com

Cuda911

Yep, that's the place.