A repeat client from Towson contacted Westminster Speed and Sound recently getting several 1999 Porsche Boxster upgrades. He had owned the vehicle for several years and still enjoyed driving it, but wanted to modernize and upgrade many of the technologies in the vehicle. One of our team members got together with him and his Porsche at the shop so we could explore ideas in person.
After looking over the vehicle, sharing ideas back and forth, and auditioning equipment, we had a good idea of the goals the client had in mind. We worked up a proposal that we felt hit all those goals, which he liked, so we set a time to begin working on the Boxster.
Major Technology Upgrades Start in the Dash
The 1999 Boxster came with a 2” tall radio known as “DIN, ” and our team wanted to install a Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX GPS navigation unit, so we relocated the climate controls to the center console. As you can see in the pictures, the final product looks like a factory Porsche installation.
We flushed two USB ports into the lower left side of the dash, giving the client access to all his portable media, as well as the capacity to charge items such as his iPhone. Speaking of an iPhone, CarPlay is included with the 8200NEX model, so the client can easily control many of the phone capabilities using his voice or a couple of simple keystrokes. Bluetooth is also on tap for hands-free calling and music streaming. Turn-by-turn navigation is included, making it easy to get wherever he needs to go, and the combination of HD Radio and SiriusXM open up new listening opportunities. In typical Westminster Speed fashion, we knew where to hide the GPS and satellite radio antennas in a location that gives them full signal quality, which keeps with our factory-appearance theme.
Adding Backup Camera Eliminates Blind Spots
If you have ever driven a convertible with the top up, you know how big the blind spots can be, so a backup camera was a great idea for this vehicle. Our installers flush-mounted a high-quality camera on the lip above the rear license plate. When a Boxster has to be serviced, the rear bumper often has to come off, so the team at Westminster Speed & Sound designed a waterproof quick-release connector to allow the mechanic to disconnect easily the camera during a service appointment.
New Speakers Made the Music Come Alive
Back in 1999, the audio system in the Porsche Boxster left a lot to be desired and, after almost 20 years, the one in this vehicle was surely tired. We began by installing a set of Hertz MLK165.3 6.5” components in the factory locations. We installed the woofer on a custom-machined mount in the door after applying HushMat damping material to reduce road noise. We installed a set of FAST rings around the woofer itself to couple the sound to the door panel, improving the midbass response on the speaker. We installed the tweeters on custom mounts in the factory midrange location in the dash. The end result was a completely stealth look, again, keeping with our factory theme.
Amplifier Brings Power and Definition
When you drive a convertible up the road, you get road noise. If you want to enjoy your music, it has to play louder than in a normal car with a hardtop. For this reason, we installed a Hertz HDP4 amplifier, sending 150 watts of clean power to the four front speakers. We ran them in an active configuration, meaning each speaker had a dedicated channel on the amp. That dramatically improves the sound quality of the system and allows us to use the time alignment correction on the Pioneer unit. The result is a powerful, lifelike sound that stages across the dash instead of being biased to the driver’s door. Our team mounted the amplifier in a convenient spot in the front trunk in a spot that showcases it nicely.
Headlight Upgrade Improved Nighttime Vision
The client also owns a newer vehicle with HID lighting and loved the clarity it provides at night, so a headlight upgrade was in order for this Porsche. We installed HID low beams and LED high beams, providing dramatically improved vision at night.
A Happy Client Makes for a Happy Team
Once we had installed, tuned and test all the equipment, it was time to return the Porsche to the client. When he came to pick it up, he loved the fit and finish of the installation, and the first time we turned on the sound system, he was all smiles. And that made our day.
Contact Us To Learn More About Boxster Upgrades
When you are ready to upgrade the technology in your vehicle, we invite you to contact us HERE at Westminster Speed & Sound in Westminster, Maryland. One of our team will set a time to get together with you and your vehicle and build a solution catered to your unique needs. Let us show you why we are the Mid- Atlantic’s most-awarded mobile electronics retailer. For a quick look at more of our car audio offerings, check out this video:
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