986 and The “Big 3” audio upgrade - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Does anyone know about upgrading the audio system using what’s called the big three? It consists of an upgrade to the battery, the alternator, and electrical wiring (larger ground and positive cables) … Couldn’t find through searching the forum audio upgrade section. I would appreciate any help that is provided

Never heard of it.

Never heard of it. What are you trying to achieve in our little cabin? What's your objective?

Audio posts always amuse me. We have the music of a flat six behind us! It isn't a KIA or a Chevy, where you need something to assuage your soul.

I agree with previous posters, not sure what the goal is, there is not a lot of room to add audio, and yeah, the flat 6 is it's own soundtrack. Having said that, I did install a slightly larger 180A alternator, but that was to support electric power steering. Upgrading the main positive line will be...difficult. It routes from the battery, through the front bulkhead, underneath the console, and then through the firewall. There is not a lot of extra room there. Grounds are easy, one at the battery and one (maybe two, I forget) at the engine.

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To have more bass in the system when the top is down on the freeway

Replying to: Audio posts always amuse me. We have the music of a flat six behind us! It isn't a KIA or a Chevy, where you need something to assuage your soul. With a nose that high in the air, one might consider a mask when driving as to not ingest insects that could potentially consume the remaining functional grey matter… That being said.. I apologize for stooping. This is a community.. please keep the comment section on a more positive note. Some like the pristine level of a machine, some (like myself) like to modify/personalize cars to their own specifications This is a 30 year old car that was made cheaply that basically saved Porsche. This is no Dusenberg this is no GT3. In most slight builds, a Subaru sti would take your lunch. My point is that this little hunk of tin resonates in all of the group, in one way or another Please be respectful

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I completely understand and appreciate your reply! There isn’t much room, but, there is room. I do appreciate the sound of the 986, but, IMHO, an air cooled 911 sounds much better. The upgraded alternator that you mentioned, did you purchase the alternator or did you have yours re-wound/modified? Did you do the work yourself? Yes, the grounds are the easy part, I think what I was looking for is the routing you used for the positive cabling and how (someone like yourself) handled the task. Thank you for your reply!

I vaguely recall this idea. Wiring for better grounding. Alternator for the larger battery. The battery for huge woofers. Sure, go for it, but why? In Boxster, where most of the time one would drive with roof down, what is the point of investing in high end audio where you are not able to enjoy the clear sound?

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I mounted the Kenwood KSC-PSW7EQ 8" Compact Powered Subwoofer to the footwell on the passsenger side kind of tucked up and under the floor mat. Can't see it, but you can hear it.

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All I did was upgrade the alternator, I did not change the wiring. I believe the one I used is from a 987, Bosch AL0882N, but I had to slightly modify the plug and add a washer to one of the bolts. I since found out that the AL0815X should be a direct bolt in, but I have no way to confirm that. They are both 987 150A. I did it because I added electric power steering, so I wanted a bit more headroom.

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Subscribed. I'll be upgrading my audio over winter and am thinking of routing electrical wiring directly from battery, through frunk bulkhead. Oh, and in case someone asks "why?" it's because the original system developed a hum and the 28-year-old speakers fell apart. Might as well upgrade for less than OEM prices.