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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHValved exhausts - Top Gear / Spyder / DesignTek
Leading reported evidence
Replace factory pse
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
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1
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I replaced my factory PSE with the Top Gear valved unit a few years back.
Leading evidence: 'Replace factory pse' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace factory pse' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Went with the Cargraphic valved system instead and used the Spyder supplied fob/switching kit with it.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm looking at fitting a valved exhaust system to replace my past-it PSE system.
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Suggestion · Original poster
It’s about 15% quieter in the loud setting compared with my old PSE, which is a shame.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The Spyder set cost £780 inc vat which are the cheapest.
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12 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
911uk: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T174436Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I'm looking at fitting a valved exhaust system to replace my past-it PSE system.
Spyder:
Porsche 996 Switchable Valvetronic Sports Exhaust Silencer / Muffler Set Porsche Car Parts - Spyder Performance
Our valvetronic exhaust silencers are supplied with a full vacuum fitting kit, & will fit various Porsche 996 3.4 & 3.6 models. Buy online.
www.spyderperformance.com
DesignTek:
Dedicated to your Porsche needs
Design 911 supply car parts, spares and accessories, to both retail and to the trade. Our car product and accessory range includes brakes, exhausts, tyres, wheels and panels and interiors. #Porsche #ServiceCentre #Essex
www.design911.co.uk
Top Gear:
Porsche 911 996 Carrera Valved Cat Back
Porsche 911 996 Carrera Valved Cat Back - Premium quality valvetronic 996 exhaust silencers, includes key fob for valve switch.
www.topgear.co.uk
These systems all look VERY similar, with marginal differences to the key fob design. I read somewhere else that the DesignTek ones are made by Top Gear. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
The Top Gear ones have a lifetime warranty for the purchaser, whereas Spyder only 1 year and DesignTek.. doesn't say.
The Spyder set cost £780 inc vat which are the cheapest.
I suspect that these are all made in the same Chinese factory - opinions welcome please!
I recently had the TopGear valves system fitted and I’m really happy with it. Looks a nice bit of well made kit, the remote is easy to use and it sounds very good with both valves open and closed. There was also a forum discount available and they have a lot of fans and good reviews re longevity on this forum so I’m really pleased with the choice.
I can't confirm for sure but I believe they are produced by the same supplier and sold by the three companies you've mentioned. I ordered the Spyder one but had issues with the position of the brackets and ended up getting a refund. Went with the Cargraphic valved system instead and used the Spyder supplied fob/switching kit with it. More expensive for sure but noticeably better quality
I have the designtek valves silencers on my 996.2 4S. They are integrated with the factory PSE.
In quiet mode they are very civilised. In loud mode they are wuffly at low RPM but with open throttle and above 3500 RPM they emit a loud higher pitch rasp which is, in my view very pleasant.
I replaced my factory PSE with the Top Gear valved unit a few years back. It seems well made, fitted fine and the valves are controlled with the dashboard switch the same as the PSE i.e. a straight swap. Sound is subjective; it's not as good sounding as the PSE in my view, its louder with valves open, howls ok at high rpm, but loses that lovely tone the PSE has.
So I’ve ordered the Spyder ones as I couldn’t find any difference between the three brands, and they were the cheapest. They’ll be fitted in the next few days then i’ll report back.
That’s my fear, I loved how my PSE sounded. I’m going to keep the old PSE backboxes so that if I really dislike the sound of the Spyder’s I’ll see if I can get them re-welded and reconditioned. I’ve seen people getting old backboxes sandblasted and recoated to pretty good effect.
I’ve now collected my car with the Spyder switchable exhaust fitted. First impressions- it doesn’t sound as good as the old PSE system- which I knew it wouldn’t, but it doesn’t sound awful either. As much as I loved the PSE, I wouldn’t say it’s a £3k difference worth paying for a new PSE. I could also upgrade to 200-cell cats in future too which would spice things up sonically, and still only cost half in total compared what the PSE costs.
It’s about 15% quieter in the loud setting compared with my old PSE, which is a shame. I’m wondering if this will change over time though as the exhaust ‘beds in’. I’ve read conflicting opinions about that, so time will tell. This could also be due to my old PSE having a number of holes in it, upon inspection now they’re removed.
One unexpected positive is that the engine now revs more freely. I’m unsure whether this is because the new exhaust is freer-flowing, or whether it’s something to do with the lack of holes and the resultant backpressure.
Thankfully, I got to give my old PSE a proper send off driving it around the Swiss alps last month before retuning to MOT failure on account of the holes in it!:
