help with a Porsche convertible: Aux source

[QuartM45]

I’m not actively involved in the industry any longer and am semi-retired, but have discovered I am still the go to guy for folks with higher-end cars in my community and got a call from a friend who owns a exotic car service center in town.

He has a customer, who has a 2003 Porsche 911 (996) twin turbo cabriolet with the PCM Navigation unit from the factory. He wants to, at a minimum add Sat radio, but is seeking better sound if possible. The car has the OE Bose system installed.

Now, I have been out of the loop for several years so am not up on the latest OE-to-aftermarket interfaces, but from what I remember, 2003 was the first year of Porsches’ MOST Can-bus system and was rather problematic back in the day for all but installs which upgraded the entire system.

Having recently done a system in my own car with CAN-bus system, it is obviously easier to add speakers and amps to the OE head-unit than adding a new head-unit to the stock speakers and amps… but does anyone have some suggestions for the easiest way for this guy to get Sat Radio in this car and have as close to OE interface as possible.

From what I gather having a portable unit hanging from the dash or window is not an option, and whatever option is decided upon needs to be stealth or OE look. I am not familiar with the capabilities of the Nav unit which this car has from 2003, so can't say what capability it has either.

As far as a referral to another shop; after talking to several of my old installer buddies who have either like-me retired to other careers, or have moved out of the 12volt world in to home and commercial A/V, we are all in agreement that there is not a local shop in our area that any of us would recommend to do the work on this customers car. The one shop which any of us even know of that is capable is not in an area that this customer would be comfortable leaving his car for the work.

While I am not seeking to do any major custom work myself, is there any suggestions anyone can make as to the best way to get this guy what he wants with a minimum of labor and headaches regarding the CAN-bus.