Head Unit Plug & Play Replacement Recommendations?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 220
From: Arlington, VA
Head Unit Plug & Play Replacement Recommendations?
2007 997.1, no Bose just the factory base stereo with the cd changer in the frunk, no navigation, no Sport Chrono, no steering controls, etc. Just your basic Carrera 2.
I know there are a number of threads (some lengthy) on all types of head unit/amp replacements and I have searched and read most but none seemed to answer my query. I'm looking for a simple upgrade, and I have found a couple of shops that offer essentially a plug & play solution that requires minimal labor. For example CAI-Store has an Apline upgrade kit with head unit, install kit, radio harness pre-wire, etc. for about $700 (some options are extra). I'm fine with the current amp, I don't plan to blast the music. Nav would be nice to have but not critical since Google maps on my phone is pretty damned good. I don't care about retaining the cd changer and frankly would be just fine removing it for good. Mostly I want better sound quality, sat radio, bluetooth for music and phone and I'd like to retain the trip computer function if possible.
The CAI-Store kit is complete. After removing the trim plate and disconnecting the existing radio, the new radio/kit slips in, the wiring harness plugs into the factory harness, you replace the trim with the new kit, and boom, you are done (so they say). Crutchfield has install kits too, but they are very basic and you apparently lose several functions (trip computer, etc.). I've purchased plenty of products from them, but I'm looking for something complete and specifically engineered for the 997.1.
I restore vintage cars (Porsches and LBCs - little British cars), so I know my way around a vehicle's electrical system. It's just that I'm getting older and lazier and I don't feel like spending a ton of time (or money) designing a custom system, or crawling around under the dash and in the frunk. Has anyone purchased one of these complete kits and installed it, and if so, how did it go? Which would folks recommend? In short, I'm looking for the path of least resistance to a moderate upgrade.
And if there is a thread out there that already addresses my question, would someone please kindly point me to it? Thank you.
Ross
I know there are a number of threads (some lengthy) on all types of head unit/amp replacements and I have searched and read most but none seemed to answer my query. I'm looking for a simple upgrade, and I have found a couple of shops that offer essentially a plug & play solution that requires minimal labor. For example CAI-Store has an Apline upgrade kit with head unit, install kit, radio harness pre-wire, etc. for about $700 (some options are extra). I'm fine with the current amp, I don't plan to blast the music. Nav would be nice to have but not critical since Google maps on my phone is pretty damned good. I don't care about retaining the cd changer and frankly would be just fine removing it for good. Mostly I want better sound quality, sat radio, bluetooth for music and phone and I'd like to retain the trip computer function if possible.
The CAI-Store kit is complete. After removing the trim plate and disconnecting the existing radio, the new radio/kit slips in, the wiring harness plugs into the factory harness, you replace the trim with the new kit, and boom, you are done (so they say). Crutchfield has install kits too, but they are very basic and you apparently lose several functions (trip computer, etc.). I've purchased plenty of products from them, but I'm looking for something complete and specifically engineered for the 997.1.
I restore vintage cars (Porsches and LBCs - little British cars), so I know my way around a vehicle's electrical system. It's just that I'm getting older and lazier and I don't feel like spending a ton of time (or money) designing a custom system, or crawling around under the dash and in the frunk. Has anyone purchased one of these complete kits and installed it, and if so, how did it go? Which would folks recommend? In short, I'm looking for the path of least resistance to a moderate upgrade.
And if there is a thread out there that already addresses my question, would someone please kindly point me to it? Thank you.
Ross
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 228
From: ABQ NM
I'm not aware of a head unit swap that is "plug and play". Some may be simpler than others, but just pulling your old head unit and plugging in a new one... never heard of it. There is always something that needs some extra attention and small tweaks. Even with a complete kit.
If you want plug and play you take your car to a stereo shop and wait for them to get done with it.
If you want plug and play you take your car to a stereo shop and wait for them to get done with it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 220
From: Arlington, VA
Thanks, yeah, am considering that too. I just have too many damned projects already including a 67 MGB-GT that is about 90% done and eating up my free time, so that may be the best solution. Any recommendations for shops in Northern VA?
Cheers,
R
Cheers,
R
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 365
Likes: 311
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Previous owner of my car added an Alpine iLX-207 and replaced the amp from the Bose system with a 6-channel JL maybe... it's a pretty straight forward install, but they didn't bother to reconnect the subwoofer which has it's own amp and just needs signal which you can get spliced into the harness pretty easily. The proprietary amp connection seems to always be the hangup here.
