Installing aftermarket equipment on a Porsche Boxster?

[Torr 10+ year member]

I recently started looking into purchasing a sports car and am seriously considering the 2008 Porsche Boxster S1 as my new weekend car. I know nothing about installing car audio and have always simply taken my car to have someone install things for me. I have two questions about installing things on this particular car.

1. According to the dealer, the Porsche has a unique electrical system and installing after market audio equipment on it could lead to electrical malfunctions that would void the warranty. However, what I do know about speakers tells me he is probably full of it. But, I am sure you guys know more about it than I do. So, is it true that installing a new set of speakers and/or head unit presents a unique challenge when working with a Porsche? Would I really be risking a catastrophic electrical manfunction?

2. Because of the placement of the engine and the compact size of this car, there is very little room to work with. Installing an amp would be a challenge and installing subwoofers seems impossible. Given these conditions, am I better off settling for their premium sound option (a 10 speaker, 325 Watt Bose system)? I know that Bose is not normally a good option, but given the space limitations and probable lack of subwoofer of any other system I might opt for, does the factory installed Bose system become an attractive option in this case? Would a Bose option produce good sound quality?

If I would be forced to sacrifice a good sound system to get the Porsche, I'll probably opt for an Aston Martin or Corvette instead, but I really like this car. Any advice is appreciated, specially from someone who has worked with Porsches or other small sports cars before.

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[cshaw 10+ year member]

a local shop does installs all the time with cars well above 100k all the time, (rich area) they have install pics in a catalog, i'll go check it out and see if i can get some ideas for ya tomorrow, i have to go by there anyway.

 

[Torr 10+ year member]

Thanks. That would be great. I haven't started talking to car audio shops yet since I have yet to decide on which car I'll be getting.

 

[rumple4skin 10+ year member]

I recently started looking into purchasing a sports car and am seriously considering the 2008 Porsche Boxster S1 as my new weekend car. I know nothing about installing car audio and have always simply taken my car to have someone install things for me. I have two questions about installing things on this particular car.
1. According to the dealer, the Porsche has a unique electrical system and installing after market audio equipment on it could lead to electrical malfunctions that would void the warranty. However, what I do know about speakers tells me he is probably full of it. But, I am sure you guys know more about it than I do. So, is it true that installing a new set of speakers and/or head unit presents a unique challenge when working with a Porsche? Would I really be risking a catastrophic electrical manfunction?

2. Because of the placement of the engine and the compact size of this car, there is very little room to work with. Installing an amp would be a challenge and installing subwoofers seems impossible. Given these conditions, am I better off settling for their premium sound option (a 10 speaker, 325 Watt Bose system)? I know that Bose is not normally a good option, but given the space limitations and probable lack of subwoofer of any other system I might opt for, does the factory installed Bose system become an attractive option in this case? Would a Bose option produce good sound quality?

If I would be forced to sacrifice a good sound system to get the Porsche, I'll probably opt for an Aston Martin or Corvette instead, but I really like this car. Any advice is appreciated, specially from someone who has worked with Porsches or other small sports cars before.

i dont think there will be a prob eatherway man but go with the Aston Martin, you will love yourself that much more in the end.

 

[Torr 10+ year member]

i dont think there will be a prob eatherway man but go with the Aston Martin, you will love yourself that much more in the end.

What do you mean by there not being a problem either way? I assume you mean that there wouldn't be any problems putting in speakers or a new head unit. But what about the subwoofer and amp situation? Where would a subwoofer and an amp fit in such a compact car? or were you including the Bose system in your "either way" statement meaning that going with a Bose would give me good sound quality?

 

[amedeuce 10+ year member]

I wish that the problems in my life included how to install car audio into my Aston Martin.

 

[LouDEnougH? 10+ year member]

I wish that the problems in my life included how to install car audio into my Aston Martin.

Lol, X2

 

[Racerx250 10+ year member]

I wish that the problems in my life included how to install car audio into my Aston Martin.

you and me both

 

[NeverEnuffBass 10+ year member]

I wish that the problems in my life included how to install car audio into my Aston Martin.

these are my problems everyday at work

 

[rumple4skin 10+ year member]

What do you mean by there not being a problem either way? I assume you mean that there wouldn't be any problems putting in speakers or a new head unit. But what about the subwoofer and amp situation? Where would a subwoofer and an amp fit in such a compact car? or were you including the Bose system in your "either way" statement meaning that going with a Bose would give me good sound quality?

i mean as far as electrical goes iv installed all of it in a porch, with no errors(mind you i am not a circuit city guy, and often make my sound performance store look like shit) as far as the boss set up it is ideal for what you want i think, you can fit one ten into the porche or a 8 but you don't want to really with there storage, this is why i opted for the aston marton not only will it be a MUCH better weekend car, imo they come with alot less of the factory probs porsh comes with. the only reason iv installed in a porch is because of factory defects like crank shaft pos sensor, many many electrical probs, both are vary expensive to have worked on(alot better then paying some dumb **** at big o) ether way there both a maintenance nightmare but i think all in all you will be much happier with the aston marton( both in speed and performance and ability to adjust your stereo enjoyment. i dont think id put any subs into the porche unless you put them in the cab

 

[NeverEnuffBass 10+ year member]

Ideal sub location is the pass side footwell in a Porshe. Mount the amps in the front of the car. You can find all factory speaker wires in there as well.

 

[cshaw 10+ year member]

my bad my local shop went to sbn with its lambo yellow 350z. i'll check it out on monday for ya.

 

[LaserRed38 10+ year member]

Ideal sub location is the pass side footwell in a Porshe. Mount the amps in the front of the car. You can find all factory speaker wires in there as well.

This is what my local shop has done as well. Personally though, I would go with the Cayman if you are considering the Boxster. But if you have the money for an Aston Martin, they are all so much sexier than a Boxster. But if you want the Porsche, get the Cayman S and have it tuned by RUF. That and having the hatch will make it easier to put stereo equipment inside the car. I'd put a pair of Critical Mass shallow mount 12s in there, one behind each seat. Audsion LRx5.1k and then Focal Utopia front stage...