Retro fitting of onboard computer

How easy is it to retro fit onboard computer to early 996s ? I also see the stalk arms regularly available, so what else is needed aside from clocks and stalks? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160275437672&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123

I have several 3-stalk units, a lot cheaper than that! The retrofit is easy, and just requires the stalk and a couple of connectors and wires. Once fitted, you have to get the instrument cluster coded by someone with a Porsche System Tester. Shame you are so far from me. You can get all the info from www.renntech.org , or drop me an email and I'll attach a DIY to a reply.

Done about 100 retrofits over the years. Not hard to do. Need the steering column switch assembly with the OBC stalk, 5 VW wires, and an electrical connector to plug in the stalk. Richard Hamilton has connections if you need help.

That's great news guys. A lot simpler than I anticipated. @Richard, let's talk about one of those many stalks you have for sale

If anyone else is interested in a 3-lever stalk, or a complete OBC retrofit kit, drop me an email.

Richard. I'm interested if the earliest 996s can be retro fitted (Jan 98). I've sent you a PM Regards Jon

Hi, I dont have an on board computor. But was wondering if the temp could be shown as i seem to have to sensor in the front grill.but no temp showing on dash gauge.any help info would be usefull. Best Regards. Cliff

It depends on the model year. There is what I call the old style instrument cluster. With the old style when you turned on the OBC you see the outside temp display - no retrofit of a switch or stalk is needed to see just the temp display. With the old style the digital speed display is below the tach. On the 986 the old style was 1997-2000. On the 996 1998-2001. You need to have the sensor in the front grill. UK cars without a/c apparently do not have the sensor. With the new style cluster you will not see anything with the OBC turned on. The new style has the digital speed display on the gauge to the left of the tach. With the new style the OBC displays are shared with the odometer display, and you cannot see anything unless you retrofit something so you can switch past the trip odometer display to see the OBC displays.

Jon - I sent you all the info. Let me know if you didn't receive it. Edit: BTW, there is some background info on OBC and cruise retrofits here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=231176

Hi Guys I've activated my OBC and if you don't want a stalk (sorry Richard) then there is an option of a simple switch. Check out Tony Wright on http://www.wrightune.co.uk/ Excellent service and great value. He'll activate your OBC and install the switch which will give all the computer options apart from the speed warning dong! Trevor

There is a third option for the new style cluster. You can run a single wire from the instrument cluster connector to ground. When you turn on the ignition you will see the outside temp display. That is this picture. You can see the ignition is on because or the cruise control indicator. You can see 67 degrees displayed right below the odometer display.

In this picture the ignition is off. The temp display has reverted to the trip odometer display. The trip odometer display is zeros because we had the battery disconnected.

Thanks Toolpants, Guess my car being a 99. gt3 996 has the old style cluster. so how does one turn on outside temp gauge is it a main dealer job. i have outside sensor fitted. Cheers Cliff

Any decent indy should have a Porsche Tester to do the job, or if you are anywhere near me I'd be happy to sort it out.

Hi Richard Thanks for the info and offer. I am in Hertfordshire, but I am going to an indy on Monday, so will get them to have a look whilst I am there. Many Thanks. Cliff.

If anyone wants an OBC retrofit kit, complete with 3-lever stalk, wiring harness, and instructions, drop me an email. It is suitable for 996 (1997-2001) or 986 (1997-2000). £85 including P&P to a UK address. Otherwise it goes on eBay at the end of the week. Edit: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170258270952

Can OBC and/or cruise control be retro-fitted to a 2002MY Boxster 3.2? And how would it cost, in total, to get you to fit it all? Edward

Can't be done on a 2002. Just a joke. First model year 2002 we did the OBC retrofit on was in 2002. Richard can help you out.

Tool Pants has a photo for every occasion. I've often wondered the capacity of his hard disk drive....[ ] [ ] Edward - yes it can be done. Try my good friend Tony Wright at www.wrightune.co.uk