Hi everyone. First wanted to say thanks for all the great info here. I've spent the last 60 days doing lots of research and the majority of it came from this site.

Took the plunge this week and picked up a 2007 C4S Cab (midnight blue with sand beige interior). I will post pics next week when the car is delivered.

My question is what the general feeling is about replacing the stock nav/stereo with an aftermarket one (pioneer or equivalent). My daily driver (Audi) has a great navigation system and I'm a little worried about the 2007 technology in the Porsche.

Thoughts? Recommendations on the best aftermarket unit? Thanks a lot!

 

congrats! u will luve the drop top.....enjoy

 

I am in the process of getting an aftermarket unit (alpine ine-s920hd). My understanding is that the stock PCM communicates with the stock amp via fiberoptics. Aftermarket systems don't do this as they only connect to amps via copper wire. If you want to go aftermarket, you have two choices:

1 - get an aftermarket head unit and amp (no more need for fiberoptic communications between the two)

2 - get an aftermarket head unit and the MOST HUR 997, which allows the aftermarket head unit to communicate with the stock amp

MOST HUR 997 is not cheap though. I think it's approx $700-800. If your p-car came with a multifunction steering wheel, the MOST HUR 997 will also allow the head unit (only Kenwood and Alpine units supported) to interface with the steering wheel buttons.

I'm using the MOST HUR 997 option right now as I want to be able to control volume, change channels, switch songs from my steering wheel.

 

Yea the nav/phone on the 997.1 kind of sucked. There was a massive upgrade in the 09 997.2's. It's just kind of something you have to live with. Most people who buy 911's don't buy them for the nav

 

That was my original gripe when looking at the porsche and I was almost tempted to buy a brand new M3 instead. I wanted the 997, but hated the outdated electronics and lack of tech (Nav, BT, ipod, USB, LED lights, etc.). However, most of the tech can be acquired via aftermarket. The experience of driving one cannot.

 

Was thinking of getting E92 M3 for the wify, so test drove it. Its a nice car, but not sports car like our 997S. Felt slow.

 

Catchsteelhead-
I absolutely love everything about my 2007 Slate Gray C4S Cabrio except the horrible nav screen. Although we hardly use the nav system (we have an iPhone or iPad with us in the car), the screen resolution and colors are nearly impossible to read and follow.
The only reason I wanted nav in the car was for any potential re-sale value and the possibility of having the base electronics for any potential 3rd party upgrade system.
Terry

 

I put the Kenwood in my 996 (now gone) and was delighted with it. With my 2008 I put in Mobridge for the BT and it works great, but will probably put in another Kenwood with the Euromotorspeed HUR when my CPO expires (a little less than 3 years from now). The HUR is on ebay for $850 - that plus the radio head is pricey, but a least you won't need a new amp.

 

Might feel slow until you wind it out to 8400 RPM. The better nav, much better premium audio and fold down rear seats just made for a much better daily driver for me. Also need the M exhaust for an incredible exhaust note. I'll be back again eventually