Aftermarket Exhaust Confusion...Help

Personally I think there should be a section on this site dedicated to sound files for exhaust to help people make a decision. Anyway my process so far: 1. PSE sounds best and most consistent to me. To me it sounds deeper and sharper and like it's coming from deep within the pipes. However the ONLY time I heard it in real life it didn't sound anyting like the sound clips (many)I've heard! 2. Fabspeed...soundclips only) sounds very ricey/fake Ferrari. 3. GHL haven't heard but friend swears by 'em. 4. Ruf...(soundclips only) doesn't sound different enough from stock. 5. Europipe...(soundclips only) I just listened to the LOUD version from their website and it sounds very nice especially when started and idling. Interesting to note though, they have a clip stating a quiet version. To me it sounds pretty much like stock! I emailed these guys and apparently they have mufflers available for Non-Turbo cars too. I'm looking for comments regarding the sound of any of these products. I know it is hard to convey the sound without actually hearing it, but I'm looking to add some validity to any sound files I have heard and other "clarity" you think you can provide.

I have the GHL, loved it and have never received anything but compliments... Very different from the electric sewing machine noise done by standard 996 exhaust. Also, GHL's customer service is great JM

My Porsche Sport Exhaust is being installed in the next day or two in San Diego. You can install it as just a bolt on with valves open. You do not need to spend all of the time to install all of the electronics, etc. AJ USA (Porsche Specialist) is charging me $78 or 1 hour to put it on. Everything I heard has told me the Porsche Sport Exhaust has one of the nicest, if not nicest, sound. I have heard good things about the GHL. I have no idea what it sounds like though. The most important thing is for the Porsche to sound like a Porsche. You do not want it sounding like a V8, Ferrari wannabe, hot rod, etc. Or should I say, I don't. My thought is that nobody will hold truer to Porsche sound then Porsche themselves. Sound is everything to me. I do not care about rumored HP increase, etc. In many cases, third party exhausts have been known to rob low end torque.

The C4S I am looking to buy has the PSE. It's sound is the sweetest melody I've heard since I sold my Boxster. It does seem to add a nice growl to the stock 996 while preserving the Porche sound.

I do not think that exhaust soundclips sound much like the real thing. I never considered my Fabspeed exhaust to sound ricey or like a fake Ferrari. To me it has a deep sound at idle that sounds real nice as the engine winds out. I have also driven an 01 cab with the PSE. I found the PSE to have more of a raspy sound to it.

I installed my fabspeeds 2 weeks ago and I love the sound, 2nd gear is a blast just going up and down through the rpm range, and its quiet as stock in 6 th gear at 80 mph. It does have a facky Ferrari sound but thats what I like about it

I am only interested in the sound too. The gains that anybody "claims" are too minimal for me to care about anyway. I figure the bottom line is I will just have to check out other cars at my local PCA events but it's nice to hear different views on how they sound etc. It's interesting how some people with the same exhaust think it sounds different. Don't you guys think an archive on here would be helpful? I think one for wheels would be even more relevant with photos. Any more comments out there?

LanceK, I really like the sound of my Fabspeeds also. It is all a matter of personal taste though. To me, the PSE sounded motorboatish, but that is just my opinion. When all this snow melts and I take a trip out to the Hamptons, I will let you know so you can hear the Fabspeeds in person. John

John, Thanks for the offer I would definately take you up on it. I am planning on going to the PCA autocross this weekend at Tobay Beach also.

I will unfortunately be away this weekend but will probably get to the next one. Place a post if you get to hear anymore exhausts or see any good setups this weekend.

PSE sounds very different at idle than when you are on the throttle, regardless if you have the valve open or close. my is set to open ALL the time. at idle, it's just a tad louder than non PSE exhaust. however, at more than 50% throttle, you need to be there to appreciate it.

I have PSE and love it--go to a dealer and listen to a car with it. Don't bother with the electronics.

Lance, I think your friends who have the ghl have excellent taste. sloD

I'll be able to give a first hand opinion after I install the new PSE this weekend. I just took off a Ruf and it's gonna have big, big shoes to fill IMO. I'll post videos etc. if all goes well and the PSE arrives in time.

DJ that would be great!

Has anyone cut open the stock mufflers, gutted them and welded them back together? I did this years ago to my 928 S4 and it sounded great and seemed to run better.

I've got a 996TT, so I don't really belong here, but I came very close to getting a naturally aspirated 996, and I heard many aftermarket exhausts in the process. IMHO, the PSE is the ONLY way to go. It is the cleanest, most beautiful sounding exhaust out there. Unfortunately, while the engine is cold, it sounds a bit honda-ish. Once things heat up though, it's a whole new world. Dealers charge up to $2200 for parts and $1000 for install. I have seen them in various places (ebay and excellence) for as low as $900-$1400. Take it to an independent Porsche repair shop, and you can get it installed for around $200-$400. Do NOT be fooled into marketing ploys that advertise major HP gains for non-TT exhausts. An aftermarket exhaust for non-TT cars simply does not add power, just the intoxicating sound of it. AT BEST you might get 5 RWHP...AT BEST. Regarding TT exhausts though, there is no argument (in my mind) that Europipe is THE BEST. Unfortunately, it is around $5000 for the Stage II systems. If they make em for non-TT 996 cars then look into it. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

So how loud is the PSE in a cab with the top up? I can imagine that it could potentially make it a nightmare when I'd want a casual relaxing drive if it's too loud. Anyone have experience with this?

Hey LanceK...I like what slodrivingmike has to say. :-) Dude...the GHL rips. Every thing that YOU want in the exhaust (aka growl when requested, quiet when not wanted, porsche sounding, reasonable price, exhaust tip options, no resonance, consistent output thus far(mine has 3k miles on it and actually sounds tighter/better), build quality is excellent, easy install, great fitment, the list goes on) is there. As you know, I am as finicky as you are about Sh*t like this. The only unknown to me is fitment onyour C4S versus my Carrera...otherwise, I say pull the trigger. My $1.380 plus tax. Wafl

Anyboby have a Ruf...comments? Sound? Power?

I have the PSE...it is great....I have the switch on the dash...I live in a tower building and the underground parking can be ...LOUD..... But it sounds great!! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

I went the less expensive route with B&B's. They sound great and the price was right. great looking SS tips.

Hey waflnutz, You are a scholar and a gentleman and there are darned few of us left. sloD.

Hear it here: <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/wulff/iMovieTheater3.html" target="_blank">http://homepage.mac.com/wulff/iMovieTheater3.html</a>

Hey all, new here, just wondering where I can get the best price on the PSE exhaust. My stealer wants $3000 for it installed (I'm assuming that's with the electronics, which I don't care about).

Mjones are they GHL mufflers in that Porsche Experience video?

Metalic 996 - You can buy a PSE system on Ebay (sans electronics) for less that $1000. Then get it installed at an independent shop for another $200-$300. Easy way to save over 50%. If Ebay doesnt have one, you can buy from Carnewal ( <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">www.carnewal.com</a> ). <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Pestodude, What do you want to know about the Ruf? PM or e mail me.