Exhaust volume inside cabin.

After much research and experimenting with different exhaust setups for my manual 987.1 , I plumped for the OEM Porsche switchable valved sports exhaust. With the valves open the exhaust sounds just right in terms of tone, but I would like to hear it a bit more in the cabin seeing as it just cost $2000. The problem is, there is so much induction noise from the engine and a fair bit of road noise, it tends to drown the actual exhaust note out. I don't drive with the windows down so that is not an option. I have tried taking the engine cover off but that results in more mechanical/engine/gearbox noise. I have tried taking all the carpet out of the back to get a bit closer to the exhaust but that doesn't make any difference. The only thing left I can think of is to have an opening cut into the bodywork behind the number plate and see if that would get more actual exhaust noise into the cabin but is seems a bit extreme. Any thoughts? Any answers? Anyone had the same problem? Would changing the manifolds to 200 cell cats give me more volume? Thanks.

I'd settle for the sound as is before I cut bodywork. I do not have sport cats but my belief is that would raise the exhaust volume, how much I don't know.

I wouldn't cut the bodywork...smh. Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

The only thought I have is to calm the f down! Cut into the body work....good Lord!!

Calm the f down. What do you mean? You mean calm the F uck down? Re-read my post please. Totally calm, just asking for some advice.

Max I think what they are expressing is that cutting a panel is so radical without any demonstrated examples of that being effective. How do you walk that back if it doesn't work? What if that structural change is vital to the chassis? All for the glory of sound? I get it though, everyone has choices to make.

Ah ok, we use that phrase over here when someone is being overly aggressive. Sound is everything Boris, it's 90% of the driving pleasure for me. I've tried driving with the tailgate open slightly but that didn't work either.

Sound is everything Boris, it's 90% of the driving pleasure for me . Haha then why aren't you driving a big V8 with pipes? Lots of guys have them near me and trust me they're plenty loud, don't turn so well but they make noise.

I don't like the sound of V8's particularly, unless they're in an Audi or AMG Merc. The 'Tone' is the important thing - which I have succeeded in getting. What I need now is the volume of the exhaust inside the cabin so I can hear it over the obtrusive induction noise.

This might be a rare example of welcomed "piped in engine sound" except we are talking exhaust sound. As crazy as it might sound, it's quite possible to mic the exhaust externally, and then input that signal to the onboard amplifier for a cabin enhanced Flat6 symphony.

Not crazy at all, a good idea. I did try mic-ing the exhaust up and I ran the wires into a battery-powered guitar amplifier that I put in the boot. Unfortunately there was a lot of engine white noise interference and also wind noise even though I covered the mic with a wind deflector. Is that what you meant by onboard amplifier?

Well admittedly I meant using the oem stereo system in the car itself, but a nice Fender guitar amp as a passenger will work too. Lol

The stereo system would work brilliantly. How on earth would I go about that though? I don't think there are any inputs on the system.

So, I have a 981 so your experience may differ. But under the trim in the trunk there are pressure equalizers (just vents really) that vent to the outside behind the bumper (so you don’t blow your eardrums out when you close the door). All cars have them. People have said that putting insulation in front of them reduces a lot of exhaust noise and drone. In your case you may consider just removing them. This effectively attains your thought of cutting a hole in the sheet metal (those holes are already there, actually). The vents contain flaps that just stay closed via gravity. Note that if you remove them you’ll want to make sure your car lives in a mouse-free environment. Or perhaps you can remove them and just cover them in some wire mesh and then re-Install. Just a thought.

First off, no cutting! There is an access panel behind the firewall, but leave that on too… is your exhaust stock??

The GTS models have a valve in the firewall behind the seats that opens to pump in additional mechanical/engine noises into the cabin. This is not a fake sound being played by a speaker like the 718 , but all actual mechanical sound The hole in the firewall for this is there on all 981 models, just with a plug The piping and actuator device is mounted on top of the engine under the engine cover, so it seems it should be something that could be easily added for more raw cabin noise considering the infrastructure is already there The device is called the sound symposer on the 981 GTS models EDIT: Sorry, didn’t realize this was a 987 model

Many thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if the 987.1 has the pressure equalisers in the trunk but I'll take a look. My exhaust is a stock Switchable Valved Porsche sports exhaust with a switch in the cabin. I have experimented with engine cover removal and removed the insulation from the firewall but all this gave me was extra mechanical/induction/engine and gearbox noise...not exhaust sound. Ok, I promise no cutting.

Thanks. Are these actually on the trunk Floor or behind the upright trim panel that the lights sit behind?

OK... Just an idea Bluetooth microphone located strategically. (try multiple locations) Mic is connected to the inexpensive FM transmitters that your oem stereo system can tune to. I use one in my 987.1 for streaming music from my phone.

Bluetooth Microphone. Brilliant idea! Many thanks for that. It should work! Onto Amazon right now. I have a Bluetooth head unit so that should take the signal straight in. What a result. Thanks again. Will report back.

Hi max, I would personally look into a pair of 200 cell cats or go full decat if your really wanting volume. Full decat will require a friendly uk mot centre but the 200cell will certainly increase the volume and give you another 5-10bhp or so if its mapped with them fitted. I came from a fd rx7 with a Blitz nurspec R exhaust into a 981 CS so i find the note perfect for me now and a quieter pleasant change.

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I suggest a set long tube catless Soul/USA headers, they will give you a great sound and add a few HP as well. In our state of Wash, there is no EPA checks on cars built before 2009, so good bye converter. Just a beautiful set of pipes into a collector. Mine go into a Milltek/England stainless exhaust that is clearly visible through the rear splitter. That combo produces a great sound from a 3.4 motor. You might need a software upgrade to turn off the O2 sensors, like Softroncis,

I know this doesn't help with the problem under discussion, but I thought that I'd mention that in the Boxster with the top down the PSE sounds glorious and is loud enough for my tastes. Even my non-petrolhead wife thinks it "suits the character of the car". I do notice a substantial reduction in volume when the roof's up though and it's definitely too muted.

Thanks Apex, nice looking system you've got. I need 200 cel cats to get through the uk tests. SJ, I am with you. I had a Boxster with the same system and it too sounded perfect in tone and volume with the hood down. If I could drive with the hood down all the time... job done. Snakebitten, I bought the Mic, receiver, leads etc and tried but all I got was a huge amount of white noise and hiss so it's back to the drawing board and back to Amazon . I'm still looking for any type of flap or opening in the body behind the taillights that I could open but can't get hold of a parts catalogue diagram.

Max uk, the "air boxes or air cowl guides" are underneath and in front of the tail lights. I can't recall if they can only be accessed via the removal of the rear bumper or if it can be accessed from the trunk. Its basically a plastic "tab" or door on a piece of rubber and if you remove the plastic tab they create an opening. I think there was a warning that the plastic tab removal may destroy the cowl. use at your own risk!

who knows where the License plate goes, but you certainly will have your sound without a radio making artifical noise. And probably some exhaust smoke as well.

Did you get your cloths dirty shooting this?🤣 Agree with him ^ as I have a similar setup.. it’s really the only hp gains you’ll get and it won’t be realized without a tune…

Ya, I was sitting on my butt, as you can see in the bumper reflection. The OP is from England where the Milltek muffler system is made. It's quality stuff, so he should recognize the brand.

I was mess’n with ya.. great shot! I’ve heard of it and yes, great exhaust.. soul headers and AWE exhaust here…

I have the factory PSE on my 987.1 , so I understand completely your desire for a bit more volume. The 987.1 mufflers have secondary cats in the mufflers themselves just after the over-axle pipes. I believe this includes the PSE mufflers as well as the regular mufflers. Removing those secondary cats should add some volume. They are downstream of the O2 sensors so shouldn’t cause any CEL. I believe this mod is what Carnewal and Cantrell Motorsports do with the stock mufflers. Might want to give them a try.