Posche 996 C4S Sports Exhaust

I have seen a 996 C4s with a proper porsche sports exhaust but its not switchable? just want to know which will be louder switchable or non switchable? also will the non-switchable also go quite between 25mph and 50mph (or whatever speed it is)?

Pavy. Not sure that Porsche did a non switchable sports exhaust! But would guess as I have the switchable that you will be loud and proud all day long as the switch in the switchable is what makes it go quiet at 25mph. Though it is easily remedied. Personally would go for the switchable as on longer journeys it can get a little boomy.

Pretty sure all PSE s are switchable. If there is a switch in the cabin (ie its the genuine Porsche item) then the relay has probably been removed to make it non swtchable (quite common) in which case you get the smile on your face all the time. If there is no switch in the cabin then the car has probably had the standard non Porsche exhaust bypass mod (again quite common) which gives the same effect as the PSE but without the ability to switch. Either way non switchable is more fun. Just take it easy early in the morning for the neighbours!

How do you know it has OEM PSE if it has no switch? There is no external visual identifier to a PSE (unless you have ramps!) except for the switch (and the relay gubbins, which are effectively as hidden as the mufflers). I only ask this (as pointed out by mathamb) because you can get a sound-alike exhaust after-market/third-party (like Oettles, H&S etc). However, just to confuse you, OPC will retrofit a fully warranteed and official OEM PSE but not bother with the switch loom (it costs about half the price then). Of course they can fit a full system too, but then you get switch. Only factory PSE have code "XLF" printed on page 4 of the service book (and if present) on the under bonnet VIL (Vehicle Information Label). VIL:

Well I didnt know that GT4. So the oem non switch retrofit just leaves the valves open all the time. Kind of very expensive H&S, but with valves which will start to rattle as it gets older.

Yes, a very expensive H&S (Oettles). Totally over-engineered with vacuum actuated valving that will never valve!

Well i rang Porsche UK with the reg number, and they confirmed the options the car had from the factory, and they said "sports exhaust" But the car does not have a swith, it looks like a non switchable type?

Hi pavy22 - does your car have code XLF on the under-bonnet sticker? If it does, then there ought to be a switch on the centre console. If not but the dealer says it has PSE, then most likely it's been retro-fitted by an OPC possibly without a switch and got logged onto their records. ~ Maxie

The C2 I am changing tomorrow has a non-switchable PSE, the car has had Porsche Warranty's since day one, so I'm guessing it was either specc'ed at purchase, or an OPC retro-fit. It sounds good on start-up and great when driving through the revs, and is certainly not overpowering when cruising, more of a comforting burble then. As it's on a Cabrio, you certainly get the full audio benefit from it when driving.

pavy22 you need to confirm the code, just saying "sports exhaust" (not specifically XLF/PSE) could mean it has sports exhaust tips etc. If the car wasn't built with XLF it won't be on the car's records, if it was built with XLF it should have a switch, unless this was bizarrely removed? Forget phoning them up, just look at the VIL.

the car is a 2002 "02" plate C4S.. and it does have XLF in the service book page 4... see attached pic.. but no button

better pic below.. also anyone know how i can translate the option codes? spkoke to the delaers about the exhaust? they tried to tell me if its retro fitted it would have a switch? weirdo's.....

Well you have confirmed it had PSE, just not manually switchable now. The question is whether it still automatically switches. I would be interested to find out if it is just the botton that has been removed (perhaps the button was defective, sometimes the internals break in the switch). Can you confirm no quiet patch between 25mph and 44 mph? If you wouldn't mind, would you confirm there is or isn't a "Abgasklappen" relay at position #2 on the relay carrier. LHD, but you get the idea:

If the PSE was OEM retrofitted as a full system (as per TSB) it will include the switch, as should the factory fit. Check out 911UK FAQs section for paint and option codes: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=34739 http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=30179 Or check out the interactive one: http://www.kindel.com/porsche/options.asp (partial) VIN decoder too (can't access factory build spec, but gives gross vehicle properties): http://www.911uk.com/template.php?page=40

Sports Exhaust sorry for the late reply... just checked the fuses and its there... also asked OPC and a specilaist both said early cars did have a non switchable exhaust... one specialist also showed me a lead on the engine and said if i pulled it off it would mean the exhaust would open the valaves all the time...