PCM2 / Kenwood / Alpine swap out info needed

[RatBoy M3CSL]

.. I'm going to need a good supplier / installer to do a PCM2/Amp/Speaker swap out job to a Kenwood or Alpine/Bluetooth/Ipod on my next car, the current one already has it done, so I know it's do-able, and the trip computer dash data works as it should.

Can anyone recommend anywhere local to Silverstone with experience on Porsches who can do this work and not make a mess of it..?

The P/H search function is not working today..!

Edited by RatBoy M3CSL on Saturday 20th April 14:46

[alexisn]

Have removed the PCM from my 05 C2S and replaced it with a Zenec unit which I used before in a 996. The 'modern' touch screen nav, inbuilt ipod, blue tooth etc etc systems are way ahead of the PCM 2.1 which is frankly crude in the extreme. Basically the autoleads lead has the connector to replace the Bose amp and connect directly to all the speakers in the car. The front and rear tweeters are fed directly by the replacement head unit, base and center dash speakers are fed by an after market amp, all the wiring is in the loom, very straight forward. You have to keep the old PCM to revert the car to 19th century in order to sell it it would seem ! The Most system was disconnected, the PCM2 head removed as was the CD player and Bose amp. All wiring, MOST loom etc were left to reconnect when required. A Kenwood amp was put into the CD compartment. Quite straightforward with the Autoleads loom. A constant power supply was fed from the fuse box C2 to the head unit to retain memorised stations etc, a connector lead into the replacement head unit from the cars power lead to correctly orientate the switched power, important to connect the aerial amplifier supply, which is part of the cars power loom, to the aerial power supply from the new head unit, otherwise you won't get any radio reception. I used the existing Bose speakers, putting the base units in series to bring thier impedance up to 2 ohms which almost all after market amps require. All works a dream, panel surround will be required to blend the new unit. Happy to supply further details if required.

Edited by alexisn on Saturday 20th April 21:53

Edited by alexisn on Saturday 20th April 22:02

[RatBoy M3CSL]

alexisn said:

Have removed the PCM from my 05 C2S and replaced it with a Zenec unit which I used before in a 996. The 'modern' touch screen nav, inbuilt ipod, blue tooth etc etc systems are way ahead of the PCM 2.1 which is frankly crude in the extreme. Basically the autoleads lead has the connector to replace the Bose amp and connect directly to all the speakers in the car. The front and rear tweeters are fed directly by the replacement head unit, base and center dash speakers are fed by an after market amp, all the wiring is in the loom, very straight forward. You have to keep the old PCM to revert the car to 19th century in order to sell it it would seem ! The Most system was disconnected, the PCM2 head removed as was the CD player and Bose amp. All wiring, MOST loom etc were left to reconnect when required. A Kenwood amp was put into the CD compartment. Quite straightforward with the Autoleads loom. A constant power supply was fed from the fuse box C2 to the head unit to retain memorised stations etc, a connector lead into the replacement head unit from the cars power lead to correctly orientate the switched power, important to connect the aerial amplifier supply, which is part of the cars power loom, to the aerial power supply from the new head unit, otherwise you won't get any radio reception. I used the existing Bose speakers, putting the base units in series to bring thier impedance up to 2 ohms which almost all after market amps require. All works a dream, panel surround will be required to blend the new unit. Happy to supply further details if required.

Edited by alexisn on Saturday 20th April 22:02

Thanks for the feedback here, it sounds like the same install as my current car has in it, with the amp under the bonnet, I don't really want to go back to the dark ages of a PCM2, the touchscreen and Ipodery is excellent as is the Bluetooth phone.
My current car came with it all done, so I've no idea who did it, and how much aggravation it was to do, I didn't know about the loom / lead to enable all the connections which is useful info.

Could I ask you where you got it done, and the cost..?
I'm budgeting on about a grand to do the job, how far out am I..? .. ;o)

[alexisn]

I did it myself for about £150, Trim surround £35, Amp £80, Lead £28 were the principle costs, I already had the Zenec removed from my 996. I've no idea what labour costs would be, for someone familiar with the job then it is quite quick otherwise ?!!

[ooral]

Shouldn't be too far away on the price, depending on the head unit. I changed to Alpine front speakers, 8" Sub/box, Alpine amp and an Alpine Nav/bluetooth etc Head unit for £1300. (Reverse camera also) More than half was the head unit though, might be more cost-effective to put a cheaper unit in the old car and keep the one you have.
Not too sure on the details, but the car was basic sound system prior to install, the chaps just added new wiring, leaving the old amp in it's space up front in case I want to put it all back. 987 Cayman btw...

I am based in Scotland, so can't give any recommendations on a place other than Skidz in Falkirk!