Just looking at their website, it's only an option for those that have the SportsChrono package, while the one from 997reserach also works for cars without.

 

The 997 research offering is definitely more flushed out with multiple mounting options, etc. Aesthetically, the 997 chrono unit only works in the top-of-dash stopwatch location, but electrically, all it needs is (I assume?) power and canbus data. There just isn’t a good place to mount it after that.

A point against the 997chrono unit for me is the visible 3d printed finishing trim. I think that part could be done better (which I’m contemplating how, but have other projects to finish first).

 

Thanks for this posting. I just finished taking a look at the new 997 Chrono website. I have a 997 Research installed in my 987.2 in place of my sport Chrono clock.

the 997 Chrono seems to have more display options, but my main interest is seeing oil and coolant temps while on track. The 997Research unit does a great job in displaying these in such a way that they are easily visible with a quick glance while on track. I think I would find the information too difficult to read for my old eyes with the 997 Chrono.

just my 2 cents.

 

DISCLAIMER: I worked with 997Research in developing the current offering. Nothing major, just some mount ideas and a few requests for additional info on one screen. Oh, and the Boxster image when it boots up.

I got to keep the prototype unit I worked with and use it constantly.

Strengths of the 997Research device: Simplicity. The screens are uncluttered, don't rely on your seeing and reading any text or numbers, and are clever in ways you might never suspect. It's simple to keep an eye on three things about your engine (that I pick): System voltage; oil temperature; water temperature. That screen is where mine is always set to. I'd love to have oil pressure on that screen, but there is only so much turf to deal with on that size display if you want it to be visible and effective. Switching displays can be done on the fly with a simple switch press - I mounted mine in the panel that holds the fuse-panel, down by my knee - I can find it by memory and don't have to look at it to switch modes.

It really came in handy on a 105°F day when I rather stupidly had the car idling in a hot garage for about an hour while I fudged it up with a PIWIS-III. I was wondering why the AC had shut off - when I glanced over in the direction of the 997Research device, and saw it flashing full-screen RED at me - and showing me the oil and water temps had exceeded 220F (I'm not certain what temperature it starts flashing at..) That alone makes it worth the money.

What I question with the other device is like Greg, I have old eyes that were fixed for distance viewing when the cataracts were removed, but close up - not so much. The screen displayed on the entry page for the device replicates information available in a much better format in the instrument cluster, including speed and RPM. I don't see the need to duplicate information that's identical to what the dash is already showing you. That just clutters up the place making the important information more difficult to find and interpret.

I think I was the person who convinced 997 Research that it would be possible, even desireable, to have a dash mount over by the A-pillar on the left side- mounting to the existing AC vent in the top of the dash. For me, that's a perfect spot for it. It just really works there. It's visible when looking straight ahead, and if it changes and starts flashing red, it will be very noticeable.

I don't have any hands-on experience with the other device or the company behind it - 997Research was a pleasure to deal with during development, and open to comments and suggestions for improvements. I'd love to try using the other device in someone's car - so if anyone in NJ happens to buy and install one - I'm all ears and eyeballs.

 

I like the look of the OEM pod and stopwatch. I never go to the track so I use it now and then to confirm it’s working and because I think things like that need to happen to add longevity to the device. I see the logic and utility of the replacement, especially for racers. but I dislike that it spoils the rest of the analog display. I dislike the digital representation of the current speed for the same reason. I guess what I am going to type next comes from when I was very young, crawling through junkers on the way to the dump. I always took notice of the clocks they had. Many of these clocks were mechanical some were done very elegantly, that’s what I would like to have in my pod on the dash. An elegant real deal timepiece. The 987.2 clock? Really stuttgart?

 

Many of these clocks were mechanical some were done very elegantly, that’s what I would like to have in my pod on the dash. An elegant real deal timepiece.

Agreed that is a really classy way to go, too.