Install Porsche 88 CD Player or go with new CD player

[gt350mike]

We're finishing up my son's 83 (new paint, replaced DME, Fuel pump & filter, and door handles) and one of the last things we need to do is install a radio/CD player. We have a stock 88 Porsche radio/CD player but it looks like wiring it is going to be a PITA (it may need a seperate amp). Our alternative is to go with a new radio/CD player (Sony, JVC, Kenwood) for about $200 (plus installation). We like the stock look of the Porsche but I think I'm going to spend a bunch of time/money trying to make it work.

Comments? Suggestions?

FYI - We also replaced all four stock speakers with Kenwoods

[Eldorado]

i've got a pioneer 2800 in mine... looks and sounds great.. and the black and silver match the interior...

[ERAU944]

if you decide to go with a newer unit, let me know i'm interested in the unit you have... if you're willing to sell would you send some pictures?

thanks!

[Techno Duck]

Wiring a new stereo really is not that hard. If the stock wire harness is there and in reasonable condition, you can easily splice in the new reciever. There is also a wireharness available from Crutchfield so that you can plug into the radio without splicing (plugs into the factory connector).

[Wipeout]

I recently put in an alpine deck that has iPod control. it isn't stock looking, but boy does it look (and sound) good.

[bearone2]

clarion unit with usb from crutchfield for $129

[shikzachaser]

I owned a stereo store here in St Lous through the 80s and have done a ton of Porsches over the years. The only difficult thing is replacing the rear speakers and even that is not terrible. The big thing is that you will need to either only use the new deck's Front or Rear speaker outs or ele eliminate the the stock rotary fader in the console bv the shifter. Either way he will not get big bass from 4 4X6 speakers. IXLOR8 has a thread "Porsche dash repair" and I put something in there on how I did mine.
If you get in a jam PM me, this is one area I am extremely familiar with. I just put together a "kit" for another member's daughter's 83.

Steve

[shikzachaser]

This still sounds better than any stereo

[Panzer909]

Go with a new one. Most folks don't realize that car recievers degrade with age. Its comparable to when I skipped my annual eye appointment for two years. Finally got a new contact lense prescription and my first thought was "boy I didn't know people can see this great!"

The same concept applies to stereos. My factory unit looked okay but I replaced it with a new unit three years ago and the sound was night & day difference. Don't worry - you won't lose much of the "stock" look:

[pete13]

Panzer, what kind of receiver is that in your car?? Do you know if it has got a dimmer function? I cant stand how some aftermarket receivers have obnoxiously bright screens, so Im looking fr a faceplate with a subtle screen, ideally something that can be hooked in to the light switch and dim when the lights are turned on.

[Eldorado]

this is the one I have..



although i'm not 100% sure, I think it has a brightness/contrast setting.. i'll try to find out for you..

I love the minimalistic look of it..

the lettering on the screen is actually white / light blue... not black..

[Wipeout]

Mine, the Alpine CDA-9857, is similar to Panzer's (Mine's newer, I think). It's got a dimmer feature.

A picture:

[Panzer909]

Mine is the old(er) Alpine 9803 from a few years ago without a dimmer, but I believe all new ones have this feature.

Pete, you're right - my new reciever in my Bimmer can light up the entire cabin at full blast. I think its for the kids who like this these days or something.

[Techno Duck]

My Alpine looks similar to Panzer's, its the 9827..probably a bit newer than Panzer's but is the same layout.

Its not super intrusive at night, but i do wish it had a better dimmer function. There is a 'black out' function which turns off the main LCD and slightly dims the four buttons...but still wish i could dim the 4 buttons a little more

If you want a new radio that is of great quality and also looks surprisingly close to stock, check out recievers made by Nakamichi. They are a super high quality deck and expensive..but up there as top of the line.

[EMBPilot]

when my stock unit failed, via me jamming in a casset CD adapter for my ipod, i got a wiring harness adapter and a new head unit from crutchfield. its black, and some of the info on the display is red, background is blue... i really really miss the look of my old head unit.

the new one works great, sounds great (although im not an audiophile). It was only a cheapy 130 dollar sony, I just wanted to be able to plug in my ipod or play a CD. and it does that.

however, whenever i use the car i drive with the radio off at all times to listen to the car cause i like the way it sounds.

....yes, im wierd...

if i could do it all over again, id have just put the old unit back in.

Jonny, your interior looks awesome.

[speedracing944]

I like stock. It gives people less motivation to break into your car.

[EMBPilot]

good point speed. when i park my 944, i never lock the doors. i dont keep anything in it worth stealing. if you want my crappy radio or anything else please dont ruin my car, just open the door take it and leave.

my explorer got broken into in college, they did a number on it, i still find glass every now and again.

[shikzachaser]

That's one of the main reasons I went w/ an older plain faced Blaupunkt removeable face in-dash and hid the speakers. It sounds really good for a 944 and is invisible.

Steve

[gt350mike]

Thanks for the feedback.....I think we'll go with an aftermarket unit.

Thanks again!