Stereo head unit replacement

[CA_Boxster]

I'm replacing the stock head unit with an Alpine and was told buy a guy at Best Buy that their system says I need an anti-theft bypass adapter (Directed Electronics 555U: http://www.caraudio-caralarms.com/555U.html). I can't figure out why I would need this thing and am assuming that what they really mean is that I need a wiring adapter (Crutchfield recommends one) to make the install cleaner. Has anyone run into this before? Any info will be appreciated. It's a 2000 Boxster with the door speaker option.

Thanks.

[navin in KC]

You may actually need both.

You will probably need some kind of a wiring kit to minimize cutting the wires that go to the speakers/amps.

I have heard that when you remove the stereo, there can be problems with the alarm system, because it looks for the stereo and can't find it. I don't think that this is true, because I've driven my car with my stereo dead and this would be similar to having it stolen/removed.

Here is what I'd do:

if it is cheap, just buy it and throw it in there.

If it's expensive, try it first without it.

[Tool Pants]

There is a mechanical alarm contact switch for the factory radio. With an aftermarket radio you put tape on the radio or disconnect the switch. Never heard of the need for a bypass adapter - whatever it is.

[MOOSTANG]

I recently did the headunit swap... and i went through crutchfield... it couldnt have been any easier. I dont have the door speakers, but did not require a bypass thing. u also need a male antenna adaptor. Crutchfield is very thourough in detail for install.

[CA_Boxster]

Thanks for the responses. I think it was just the source that was wrong. I spoke with a couple pro install shops today and it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary will be needed. I'm waiting for some speakers to show up and will then just take the whole setup (new door speakers and a rear speaker kit for the storage compartment, along with the HU) and have it installed by a shop who knows what they're doing.

[box10k]

I recently had the stock deck replaced with a Kenwood deck. I've found that Crutchfield said the '86 VW radio harness would fit my 97 Boxster (you will also need the male antenna plug for VW). However during the DIY installation I found the square black harness did not into the factory plugs. There are 2 plugs from my car, one of them would fit but the other plug was wider. Maybe this is due to the factory amplifier (no Bose system) etc... so that required a custom installation from a shop. I called around and it seemed more expensive when I said Porsche. Anyhow, I found the best value and price at Audio Dimension.

If you are in the San Francisco, CA area, I'd recommend:

Audio Dimension

5635 Mission St

San Francisco, CA 94112

(415) 587-8700

ask for Dave or Roger.

For a reasonable fee, they can also install the DIN-size cup holders and relocate the heater controls to the bottom DIN by the shifter. The car is more functional with cup holders and is completely worth it at $69 bucks.

[CA_Boxster]

Thanks for the lead. Same experience here with Monney. They're just too busy to be at all convenient. Does Audio Innovations actually have the cup holder part, or did you bring it with you?

For a reasonable fee, they can also install the DIN-size cup holders and relocate the heater controls to the bottom DIN by the shifter. The car is more functional with cup holders and is completely worth it at $69 bucks.

Edited December 28, 2005 by CA_Boxster

[box10k]

Thanks for the lead. Same experience here with Monney. They're just too busy to be at all convenient. Does Audio Innovations actually have the cup holder part, or did you bring it with you?

The shop is Audio Dimension and you will have to order the parts from Porsche separately.