DIY for upgrading to 2002 and above gauge cluster into pre 2002
 

I was reading that it is possible to upgrade a pre 2002 gauge cluster and retrofit it into a 99-2001 car. Does anyone have a DIY on this? I know a very wires might be different, but it can be modified to work. TIA

What year is the replacement cluster from.

Also, you do not use a C4 or turbo cluster on a C2.

I would be interested in that as well given that with the newer cluster you can guage when the oil is up to temp as when it will allow you to check the level plus the better display etc.

My car is a 1999, and I am looking for a 2002 and above C2 gauge cluster. I was just wondering if anyone had a wiring diagram. I know you are the master of the VDO gauges Tool Pants, and just wanted to know if you have done the conversion before. I love how the new gauge cluster looks.

You physically cannot plug in a 2002 cluster into a 1999. The 3 female plugs on the back of a 2002 cluster are larger than a 1999. Plus all the wiring is different.

We swap Boxster clusters with other Boxster clusters and even with the 996 but stay within a model year range. For example. All 1997-2000 Boxster clusters interchange between Boxsters, and also interchange with 1999-2001 C2s. But not with 2001 up Boxsters or 2002 up 996s.

The optional dot matrix/OBC cluster came out in 2002 for the Boxster and I think the same year for the 996 - the one with the fancy displays of you have the OBC option. I do not know how you would get such a cluster to work on a 1999 996 without a lot of work or even if it would work.

I thought as much but I have always admired the nicer display but moreso the knowledge of when the oil temp is warm, (when you can acess the level). I figured as much on the connections, however I wondered if you could simply make an adapter which I am not shy against. I would say if someone I bet Loren had a wiring diagram of the connectors to the back of the display for pre 02 to post 02 to see if they're the same. I do know that it "interfaces" with the ecu with the mileage so dunno. It would be a fun project though for the tool pants master no?

I have actually talked to a few people who have done it before. It is not too difficult, just a few wires that need to be switched over. I will post pictures when it is finished. Now i just have to find a new cluster so I can get my current cluster programmed over.