Which exhaust for 996?

Howdy: I recently bought a water cooled Porsche after having owned a 356C, a 930, and a 911 Carrera. I had a stainless steel Powerhaus exhaust on my 930 for a long time and enjoyed the sound, and am thinking about ordering one for the way-too-quiet '99 996 I just bought (8700 miles). Was wondering if there is a particular exhaust system that is popular among Rennlisters. Steve 99 996 00 M5 98 E320

oh boy, you're opening up the floodgates again! this question has been hotly discussed more times than i can count! let me cut to the chase: everybody likes a different one and you'll get a ton of different opinions to this question. basically, just see if you can hear them to find the one you like best. the most popular are fabspeed, GHL, ruf, and the PSE. i'm know i'm leaving off a few too, but this is a good start.

Like teflon_jones said... "OH BOY" Seriously though an exhaust is a very personal choice. I've had my GHL exhaust on for about 3 days now and I really do like it.

here it is, btw

Great looking car. I love your garage set up.

I got the PSE with the mufflers bypass button. Very nice, sounds super cool but still quiet enough to get home late :-)

I've had Porsche sport exhaust (PSE) on 2 Carreras and love it. Only have mufflers installed, not electronics/vacuum. Do a search and you'll get lots of opinions.

I absolutely love my Fabspeed exhaust! Everybody's comments are correct in that this is personal preference choice. If you can, try to sample the exhaust sounds in person. I feel that, although somewhat useful, sound clips just didn't compare versus hearing an exhaust in person. I was lucky enough to hear the PSE, a Fabspeed and a Ruf in person before I made my choice. I wanted LOUD. I got LOUD. I encourage you to install the exhaust yourself. It is really easy and fun, especially if you are fortunate enough to have someone who has done it before guide you. Even if you don't, it's only 5 nuts per exhaust. I only skinned one knuckle. :-)

I have had my GHL exhaust on for about 100 miles now, it's getting better with age. Definately not loud, don't buy GHL if you want loud. It sounds throatier than stock and much more mean sounding under load (2500-4000 rpm). From what i have read, purchase the PSE/Fabspeed if you want loud. Oh, one other thing, because of the good people at GHL (brian and company), i was able to buy mine on sale (might still be offered) for less than $700. you can't beat the value in that trade. take care and best of luck.

Oalvarez: I just noticed that $679 offer on the GHL. Might try that. My Powerhaus on the 930 was so loud that I think having vintage plates on the car is the only thing that saved me from getting a ticket for noisy exhaust... Steve

I am in the same boat as UberXY, but I am thinking of getting the GHL for 2 reasons, first the sale is a great offer and the comments from oalvarez. I am not looking for the loudest sound but something that is throatier. What I want to know is what do you guys think about getting headers? Would that help the overall performance? I know you don't get any help with exhaust except for sound, but I am hoping to get a supercharger sometime this year and figure maybe the combo may help overall, assuming the stock header, mufflers are restrictive. Any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

I have the GHL and the sound is nice. I personally find a little boom at the start of acceleration (1500-2500rpm) but it is not loud. The sound is great in the upper rpms. As far as the deal you can't beat the price. I am considering heaer too, but I am questioning it there will be any power gain. If Kevin is considering a S/C he needs headers any way to optimize his power.

Fabspeed high flow exhaust and cold air intake being installed tomorrow. Yee Hah!!!!!