Guys,

I am looking for tips on aftermarket radios. I saw a Jensen VM9215BT to which I can add their NAV 104 kit and have everything I want. It is a flip screen model and won't require dash modification as far as screen goes. I know with the older cars wiring or having the right wiring can be a trick and will govern what unit I pick so I was looking for suggestions - we want hands free Bluetooth, iPod/iPad interface, satellite, CD and navigation. But I skip the nav if it is a hassle to get it done - car is a 2001 Carrera 4, currents radio is CDR-220.

Many thanks!

 

Installation of double din not that difficult. I went with kenwood dnx9990hd and its great!

 

Your car I was produced before Porsche switched to the MOST fiber optic ring used in the 2003+ cars. You've got good old-fashioned copper wires. This is actually a good thing when it comes to upgrading your sound system!

You have a couple of options to consider. First of all, it's very easy and inexpensive to move your climate controls down to the lower factory location. This opens up the upper area, allowing you to install a double-DIN system with a large screen for sat nav. Porsche makes a kit to move the controls. The wires are already long enough and the mounting points are already there. If you'd rather stay with a single-DIN system to replace your factory CDR-220, you can easily do that too. There are many nice systems available with the options you want.

The other things to consider are speakers and amps. The weak link in the system in terms of sound quality is really the speakers. I would seriously consider upgrading your speakers and amp with your new system. It can certainly get expensive, but it makes a big difference.

Finally, you should be aware of the fact that engine, tire/road and wind noises make Bluetooth almost worthless in the 996. I have it in my car with the mic placed in the factory location in the instrument cluster. It's not especially good when the car is moving. If this feature is one of your primary reasons for the upgrade, you will be disappointed.

Good luck and have fun upgrading!

 

Climate controls are already in lower position but wife doesnt want to give up cup holders so i was looking at flip screen type although choices are limited. I had heard that on the mic location and quality. Cool that it may be simple - plug and play or do I need a special wiring harness? I agree speakers make a huge difference with the right amp/head unit.

Thanks for the tips!

 

FWIW - it's not only the factory location that's bad for the mic. I had a Motorola Bluetooth hands free kit before my current system. The mic for that was installed on the a-pillar, fairly close to the driver's seat. The sound quality still sucked...

 

Please dont put a Jensen in a Porsche. Get a Kenwood, Eclipse, Alpine something that is better quality and you will enjoy better.

 

Thanks for all the tips. We chose an Alpine and will install it today. Dropped the navigation idea altogether and went with standard type head unit.

Question - with a Boxster there is a spit that has to be taped over or disabled in order for the car to think the factory radio is still installed so we don't get the annoying beep when locking the car - same on the Carrera or will the harness take care of it?

 

You still have to deal with it in the 996. It's a brown wire, if I'm not mistaken.

 

Thanks. That is what I figured. Have a great day!

 

I put a double din Alpine in not too long ago and have been very happy with it!

 

Very nice! Thanks for sharing the picture.

 

I guess we did it wrong- radio works but has the dreaded single beep on locking. Does anyone have a picture or drawing they can share because I missed it I guess.

Thanks! And a happy New Year to all!

 

I have tbe Clarion Nx702 in my 02 c4 cab and absolutely love it. Is double din though but AC Controls can be moved down and u can get a dash kit on ebay. Has everything u mentioned and then some. I used to have a Pioneer single din nav that folded out but like the fixed 7 inch screen much better. Its amazing what u get for the money these days.Old Pioneer was like 2k and today u can get double din for like 650 that is 100× better. Fold outs went away cause that mechanism can fail. IMO if u shop double din can get latest greatest and have many more options.

 

FYI...I had a double din Pioneer unit installed and still have the cup holder. As for Bluetooth, I installed the mic above my head on the cross pillar. It works fine except when the top is down. Then it's useless.

 

On a MK II car you can install a double-DIN system and keep the cup holders. On the MK I cars the optional cup holders take the entire top slot, above the head unit.