Adding speakers and Exhaust
 

I have a 1999 Boxster and wonder about making two changes:

1. Installing the GHL exhaust system
2. Adding rear speakers

Since I am a new owner, I don't know squat about doing either of these.

Can speakers even be added...gosh, where would you put them?

Has anyone had any experience with the GHL exhaust system? I wouldn't install it myself -- but wonder if the change in sound and/or performance is worth the money.

Thanks for your comments.

-gene

For rear speakers, check out this item number on eBay:
320087582282

It includes a link to installation instructions.

I intalled this kit in my car and a friend's Boxster. I think it improved the sound noticeably, but some folks have different opinions. Harvey - the seller - is a great guy to work with. (He works in the Central Virginia area so I was able to pick my kit up from him and save some $.)

I'll second that. Harvey's kit is simple, inexpensive, and high quality. It does make a huge difference in the sound stage without breaking the bank. You need the rear storage console option in your car for it. You can sometimes pick one up on eBay if you don't have it.

You should know that the stock speakers are crap, and the amp, if you have one stock, isn't very powerful or high quality. But you can make it sound decent, not audiophile quality mind you, but decent, for under $500 if you do it yourself. Check out this write up I did:

http://boxster.wikia.com/images/b/b6/Boxster_speakers_update_article.pdf

Hope it helps

I just read your article and have to say that it is very detailed. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I'm going to order the speakers and take a stab at making it work. Now on to my question, as the owner of a '01 Boxster S, non Bose model, I would like to integrate the factory Bose subwoofer and rear speakers into the car. I found one at LA Porsche Dismantelers and they said that it could be retrofitted. Unfortunately, none of the high end car stereo installers felt it could be done. Is there anyone out there that knows how it could be completed? I had the factory stereo replaced with the Pioneer Navigation double din stereo and it sounds so much better, now all I need is the imaging and a little more bass. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Gary, I can't say about the Bose because I am not familiar with that system. It may have been MOST bus (optical) between the HU and the amp. From what I have read on these message boards, I don't think that the Bose system was all that hot anyway, and you could probably put something better together.

You can modify the stock ported enclosures in the door to accept 6.5" drivers I am told. I elected not to do this, but I am told it can be done. The only thing I would change with my setup is I might use MB Quart RCE164 6" mid bass drivers in the doors instead of the DKE-116's I used. The PNP kit takes care of the rear speaker issue, and can probably be hooked direct to the Pioneer rear channels, or 2 channels of your amp, if you added one. If you don't like the brightness levels of those speakers you could replace them with MB Quart DKE-108's, Infinity REF3012CF's, Diamond Audio D331i's, or any other 3 1/2" drivers you like - fairly inexpensively.

I do know that RoadsterSound is in development on a rear storage compartment based Subwoofer system as we speak. Kenwood also makes a neat 6 1/2" powered sub unit, the KSC-SW1, which is only 15-3/4"W x 3-11/16"H x 9-1/16"D and can fit behind one of the seats or might even fit under the rear storage compartment with minor mods. The hot ticket may become using one of these sub systems in conjunction with full range fronts and doors, in a 6.1 type setup. That is where I am headed with mine I think.

First986NJ,
Thanks for getting back to me concerning the rear speakers. I spoke to a hi end stereo installer and I've got an appointment this week to see what can be done about rincreasing the bass response in the vehicle. I'll keep you posted as to my findings.

Another question that came up is have you or any other Boxster S owners had any problems with your brakes squealling when coming to a stop? Since I've had the car which has been about 6 months, it is intermittant but annoying none the less. I took the car into the Porsche dealer and he told me that the pads were fine and to not bother spending any money on rotors or new pads. It's the way the pads are designed vs. the Japanese sports cars. Your thoughts or any other forum members would be appreciated.

I was amazed at the fine responses to installing rear speakers.

Thank you!!

Boxster muffler clamps are splined, once the hardware is removed they need to be gently pryed apart for removal and reuse.

Hi,

reviving this old thread in the hope that you can update the URL for that article. No longer works :-(