Boxster Hacks: Please advise

[joep]

I want to do some hacking on my 2003 boxster.

One of the hacks I plan is the one touch convertible opening hack. Several places mention the Autotop from bahntech or SmartTop. Does anyone have any experience or advice on this hack?
Links: http://www.bahntech.com/ or http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/electrical/smarttop_web.jpg

Googling around I'm finding that a number of pcar sites are sorely out of date or even gone leaving broken links. Here what I’ve found that is still working, and that I want to try as of today...

Enable the motion detector when the top is down (red clip)
Links: http://eagleday.stores.yahoo.net/inpr1.html, http://e-partssales.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=98650498600&Category_Code=POTEBXSS
?: Can’t I make my own?

Replace the yellow side lights with clear ones (I frankly don't care but everyone else at the shop and dealers says it looks better so... :neutral: )
Link: http://boxsters.addr.com/hacks/clear_sidemarkers.htm

Dashboard Spoiler Rocker switch
Link: http://www.patricktam.net/Weblog/CategoryView,category,Boxster%20Hacks%20and%20Mods .aspx

Variable wipers
Link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21137

Maybe add an in-dash GPS
Link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=19616

Upgrade the stock sound system

And for 10 pts and a degree in mechanics...
Carrera Instrument Cluster Transplant to Boxster
Link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12805

[HoodPin]

We have an '00 Boxster S, with a couple of simple mods I've installed.

The SmartTop relay is a nice addition, that works well. I know some use the relay bypass wire and pulling up the handbrake one clik as a cheaper alternative. But the SmartTop is easy to install and reliable. I really like being able to press the top button once, while the car is under 30mph, and the top automatically goes full up or full down.

The "Red Clip" is so inexpensive, I can't imagine trying to make my own. I suppose its possible. Some people also paint them black so they're not so obvious/visible when used.

As far as a GPS, I'm still a fan of the portable units. We have several cars, and I like being able to use by Garmin Quest2 in any one of them.

Don't know if you've seen Porsche Pete's Boxster Board yet, but that's where you'll find a ton of Boxster friendly folks and information.
http://www.ppbb.com/board/986board.htm

I've also done the garage door opener and OBC switch hacks to our car. Instructions are available in the PPBB's Archives.

[joep]

Thanks Tony

What OBC hack did you do? WHo helped you do it?

[HoodPin]

Thanks Tony

What OBC hack did you do? WHo helped you do it?

At least up till 2001 or so, all the Boxsters had an "On Board Computer", which could display outside temp, avg mpg, and a couple of other items. Cars ordered with the OBC received a 4th stalk around the steering wheel, which operated the OBC. However, if the OBC wasn't ordered, it was possible for the dealer to "activate" it, and many would simply display the outside temp.

If you can see the temp, but don't have a 4th stalk, there's hack info available in the Archives of PPBB. You need to purchase some listed wires, connectors and a switch, and you can activate most of the OBC features. Optional is a 2nd switch to activate the speed gong features. Some people have actually added a 4th stalk, but the parts and time are much more involved. However, if you don't see outside temp on your dash, you will need the dealer to activate the OBC; some charge but others don't.

Not sure about the 2003, but I believe it falls in the same category as earlier models.

[thomschoon]

Also check www..986forum.com


As to the red clip, just hold in the button while locking your car and it does the samething, then you dont have to keep ordering the $10 clips.


I did a 4 stalk OBC hack, not difficult and now I have cruise, I also did the garage door opener hack as it is functional upgrade. Personally I dont see the value in the spoiler switch as you already have one to raise it for washing. To each his own.

Good luck

[joep]

As to the red clip, just hold in the button while locking your car and it does the samething, ...
Really? I'll have to try that. Still having too much fun driving and I'm slowing going through the manual.


Personally I don't see the value in the spoiler switch as you already have one to raise it for washing.
I wonder about what happens if someone sees the spoiler deployed and knows that it activates only above certain speeds. Seems like a gimme for a speeding ticket. BTW: Can the spoiler speed thresholds be changed or even disabled?

When you did your OBC hack, did you use the links I cited above or something else? Any recommendation on shops in the area who aren't shy about performing it?

One hack I haven't seen yet, but would love is too do is get automatic headlights which switch on in low light conditions. I have that on my other car and I love it.

[Rick V]

There are some fuel gauge issues with the 996 IC swap. You will need to have it reprogramed for the Chickster. Yet another trip to the dealer.

[joep]

Just a quick update on my chickster so some folks here lovingly refer to it.

Upon further review I saw no reason to buy either of the aforementioned products for the one touch convertible top. I decided what I really wanted was the ability to open/close it when I wanted too. Hense this hack: http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site%203/DIY%20Top%20Operational%20while%20in%20motion.html was free and reversible!

Bought a redclip, painted it black. nuff said.

And I have set of clear side lights on order. Now I see that this may actually be a functional upgrade too. When I was tooling around in Wisconsin late at night I noticed that the lights helped my peripheral vision alongside the road, only the lights were tinted orange.

More to come...

[racer]

There was a typo above.. www.986forum.com (http://www.986forum.com) These issues are asked/addressed ad naseum over there. Not too many (although the list grows) of Boxster owners over here to ask. Lucky, Tony, RickV and maybe 5-6 others.

IIRC, Porsche designed the rear spoiler to go up at a certain speed because of the stability it offered, not just for the appearance. Maybe if you are going fast enough for the spoiler to be raised you should be concerned about being "caught" ;)

I thought about the SmartTop at one time. Then I saw how much they wanted.. Then I realized just how infrequently I needed to raise or lower the top while traveling at speeds below what, 20mph?

[joep]

Don't fret, I promise not to spam too much here.

But I am thrilled that this forum is local to me, so its a place I'll frequent.

[Patrick3000]

joep,

Thanks for starting the discussion lots of good info.