A client from Moseley, Virginia, contacted Extreme Audio about adding a navigation system to his 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The client was not overly concerned about audio performance, but wanted accurate and easy-to-use navigation instructions while traveling. We met with him and looked over the vehicle before we gave him a quote on the work. The client was excited about the plan and gave us the green light to get started on this Porsche 911 navigation project.
Factory Dash Modifications
To fit an Alpine INE-W957HD navigation receiver in the dash, we needed to make some room. The heating and cooling controls are at the top of the dash center stack, with a narrow radio just beneath them. The center console extends flush to the bottom of the radio. We used a dash kit that relocated the heater controls to the bottom of the center console and installed a storage pocket above that.
The new Alpine navigation system fit nicely into space in the dash. All the trim pieces had an attractive satin-black finish that matched the OEM finish perfectly. Even with the modern angular styling of the Alpine system, it blended nicely with the organic shapes of the factory controls.
Audio Integration Solution
Because 2003 and later 996-chassis Porsches have a fiber optic MOST connection between the radio and the amplifier, we powered the factory speakers from the radio. We installed an Alpine KTP-190U compact subwoofer amplifier to power the factory subwoofer. We used a PAC Audio PDLC21 Intelligent Digital Line Output Converter to make sure all the signal levels matched perfectly, so the system would sound great.
We wrapped all of the wiring for the amplifier and interface in Tesa cloth tape for an OEM appearance. We mounted both the amplifier and the audio interface in place of the factory amplifier. This location keeps everything completely out of sight and lets us make all the connections cleanly.
Once the installation was completed and we verified the correct polarity of all the speakers, we confirmed that the GPS antenna was receiving strong signals from the satellites and checked all the source functions. We buttoned everything up and let the client know we were done.
Porsche 911 Navigation Upgrade Delivery
The client returned to Extreme Audio to see his Porsche for the first time. He immediately remarked on how well everything fit and that it all looked like it belonged in the vehicle. We paired his phone and reviewed how to use the Alpine source unit with him before he left.
If you are looking for a navigation upgrade for your vehicle, drop into either Extreme Audio location or contact us here.
Adam says
The fascinates me. Did you cut any wires or use adapters for everything ?
Mike Bartells says
This particular system was done as a replacement that would not be put back to OEM at any point in the future. All connections were soldered directly in without adapter plugs.