I did the swap and it works great.
why can't you use a tt gauge cluster?
the unit i got goes to 200 mph,is this from a turbo?


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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade

I think technically, the Turbo cluster will work with some functions. However, I think the gas gauge is different, so you won't have an accurate reading there, and I think one or more of the other functions won't work properly either. I think if you have a 200 mph gauge, it might be from the Turbo, but I'm not 100% sure.

- Wayne

I think most 996 gauges go to 200 mph
I think the turbo cluster is different for two reasons:
a) gas tank size
b) the turbo has a true dry sump, so the oil level measurement on a wet sump engine (example Boxster) doesn't work

Does anyone with an early Boxster have a gas gauge that works correctly? Mine never has even though I spent over $400 trying to fix it and every early Boxster owner I talk to says they rely on the remaining miles readout from their OBC. I did the OBC hack on mine for less than $15 and it is what I use now as my gas gauge never reads full even when I top it off.

Mine works correctly with both the original and replacement 996. The key is if you remove the cluster with less than a full tank you will have to recalibrate the cluster with the fuel sender. I'm not certain of the process but I understand it is pretty involved and requires a PS2.

Went through the whole process of draining the tank then refilling with the required amount of fuel with PS2 hooked up and running the recalibration program. Had the sending unit replaced twice and spent over $400 and the needle still doesn't go to full when it's full. Have talked to other Boxster owners at AX and DE and get the same story from them at some point the gauge no longer goes to full. Dealer has no explanation.

I had the same problem in my Boxster (see the article) - the problem was the rotation of the fuel pump hoses in the front trunk - they were blocking the sending unit from going all the way up to the top. I had to install the unit and run some very thin fishing line to the sender and pull it up through the seal using the fishing line to figure this out. This is because once the unit is sealed in there, you can't see what is going on.

If you've tried everything else, I would bet that might be the problem.

-Wayne

Wayne my mechanic took the sending unit out and tie wrapped the hoses, as Porsche recommends, and the situation got worse. Oddly enough a connector on my alarm/demobilizer unit under the driver's seat had a corroded connector and one day my car wouldn't start. After the connector was repaired I filled the tank and the gauge went right to the fill line. I thought it was fixed but the next time I filled it it was back where it had been. I'm at the point where it doesn't bother me anymore as I've ridden that mule too many times but thanks for the suggestion.