Anyone fitted a sports exhaust?

Planning on fitting my own PSE and was wondering if anyone else had any advice / insults / tips on how to do it. Even though my car has been well looked after and only used in fair weather as a second car, the exhaust bolts into the main casing look quite corroded and may shear off, so it looks like I will be getting the stud extractors out!! Any other clamps or fittings that are worth changing while I'm on the case?? Simon

Mine was supplied and fitted by my OPC. The fitting cost was £229 + vat. Presumably a good exhaust centre would do it for c.£100. Of course you could try it yourself . Either way, the PSE transforms the quality and character of the 996[ ]

You dont ned to touch the bolts going into the motor that hold on the manifolds, the boxes come off separately, at worst you may need to replace the connections where the boxes join the rest of the system, and probably theconnectors that hold the outlets on. In both cases it is a lot easier to cut the bolts off and you can get away with just replacing new bolts. Regards

Bought a m04 996 C2 in July this year and almost immediately bought the PSE kit (approx £1100) and fitted it myself. No major problems encountered. Each box is held onto the mounting bracket by three small studs and two of those, again on each side, sheared off but the new boxes have new studs on anyway. Access to those studs is a slight pain and the job was made easier with the rear wheels off. Both the inlet and outlet connectors came off and went back on OK after a liberal dosing with WD40. For further help there are some very good threads on Renntech with stage by stage instructions and photos. Once done every turn of the key is a delight.

Hi Jonot, can I assume then, that the PSE from Porsche is only the silencer boxes behind the wheels and the manifold from the engine to these boxes remains in place? What about the pipes that exit from the silencers to the tail pipes, are these replaced or do you use the originals? How long did it take to you fit? £ 1100 sounds pretty pricey for a couple of silencer boxes, is there anything special about the PSE (i.e. it is made of gold) or are any of the other after market manufacturers any good? I have seen some full stainless systems available for sensible money. Any advice? Simon

Spoke to my dealer £ 1200 supply only, and fitted .................... wait for it.....................prepare to pick yourself up off the floor...........................................£ 1900 !!! WTF is that all about !! I know its a Porsche, but £700 to fit a couple of exhaust silencers. I'm sticking with the standard exhaust for the time being - Porsche Dealers - Porsche Stealers more like[:'(]

Simon. Your assumptions about the boxes are correct...all of the plumbing going to them and from them remain. It took me about three hours to replace the boxes but I had only just purchased the car, it was the first time up on four stands and I was having a good look and prod at everything I laid eyes on and besides, I wasn't in any rush....just wanted to make a good job of it. Couldn't agree more...£1100 is a lot of dosh for two cans and there isn't anything special about them at all. The rest of the kit to fit the dashboard switch are all low value items. What made it seem a deal was the fact that my OPC quoted me £2.4k to supply and fit! I had previously checked out other systems and given a totally free hand I would have bought from Fabspeed but I took the view that in the event of something going wrong with the engine I wasn't going to give Porsche GB any way out of their warranty responsibilities ....hence the fitting of the genuine kit. This is my first Porsche and I read enough scary stories on this site, prior to purchasing, to convince me to keep up the extended warranty and don't trust an OPC ! Having said all that, PSE is one of the "must have" options on this car......the switch is redundant....I've never switched them off yet! Good luck.

Simon, I've just seen an ad in this month's Evo magazine from ABP Motorsport. They have a fitting department, and in their ad they quote fitting a sports exhaust from £40. Might be worth a try. They are based in Crewe, telephone number 01270-567-177.

Do bare in mind if you go through your OPC that you'll be entitled to PCGB discount (assuming your a fully paid up member ) which will save you a bit of cash - I had mine fitted last October and the discount paid for my membership for thee years. I detailed the invoice in another threed on here a while back for anyone that's interested.

Not that I wish to defend the cost because it is outrageous but £700 fitting will include having the switch inside the car wired up as well hence the stupid cost, you can fit them without having them wired up which anyone can do for you, and save you money. Im getting bored with saying it, but you like me may not have money to waste so here goes anyway, Jasmine have genuine PSE systems at about £700

Hi Paul, thanks for the info - will probably call Jasmine and see what deal they can do. Why have a PSE then fit a quiet switch? (Apart from coming home at 1.00 am and waking the neighbourhood)

The louder the better...Just fitted an exhaust to the TT. Wakes the neighbourhood not just the neighbours. deep joy [ ]

I've heard the PSE can be tiring on long motorway journeys so the switch may be useful then?

Rodney - good point!! Anyone got any advice on this. Just how effective is the switch and how bad is a long motorway journey without the switch. Don't really want to become deaf before I'm in my 40's. What was that you said - you will have to speak up!

Mine doesn't have the switch, and doesn't need it. It is not noisy at motorway cruising speeds. Apparently, there is a clever system where the baffles only fully open on abrupt throttle openings. The car is slightly noisier, for 30 to 60 seconds, when starting from cold and then it just sounds normal but with a fruitier, bassier tone. If you open the throttle slowly it just makes a purposeful sound up to c.4000rpm and then gets noisier. If you open the throttle abruptly, overtaking for example, it makes a glorious sound that reminds you that there is a flat six in the back (although you can pretend you've got a ferrari quad-cam in there). IMO, it is only if you do track days at quiet circuits that you may need the switch.

You can fit the switch at a later date if you need it , and weigh up the extra cost v noise.

Can somebody let me know what the site for Jasmine is - I tried the obvious ending in co.uk and it was a site that was more body parts than engine parts (if you know what I mean!!!) Naked body parts!

http://www.jasmine-motorsport.co.uk/ Thanks for the link, I think I've just found myself a 'casual date' for the evening!

Cheers Rodney, enjoy the date!!

Just bought my first 996 and i was wondering how you can tell what extras are fitted, ie sports exhaust etc

Congratulations, hope you have many years of excellent motoring in it! The list of extras should be on a sticker in your handbook and duplicated on a sticker under the bonnet. Then go to http://www.adrianstreather.com/docs/Options.pdf to decode the list of options you have. Good luck.

Many PSEs (or non-Porsche systems) will have been retro-fitted, so may not appear on the build sticker. If your car has PSE, you'll know.

I'm also trying to work out the best route to a PSE I see Carnewal do a kit of what appears to be the genuine Porsche switchable one http://www.carnewal-europe.com/cpx_p96059.htm for 1,595 Euro but that'll end up as £1100 + duty +VAT so probably over £1300 all in. Also spotted this on eBay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8012609396 looks like a std box with a small diverter pipe welded in. I'm still likely to end up going the OPC with the 10% PCGB parts discount route. Andy 04 996 C2 Manual Basalt Black

It's been mentioned before, without seemingly reaching any conclusion, but surely the Club or the Register should try and negotiate a special deal with Porsche Cars GB for 996 owners wishing to upgrade to PSE. - It could save members the equivalent of several years membership fees (endorsing the benefits of the Club) - It may well attract new members wanting to take advantage of the offer - It would almost certainly have a high take up - It would provide extra business for Porsche Cars and OPCs, that they might not otherwise get - We would have lots more gorgeous sounding 996s on the road. Maybe those who are interested should lobby the relevant parties. Someone needs to take the initiatve.

Guys I'm also interested in this and would be happy to help in any way (even though I am not a member yet). BTW, an indy dealer is telling me a car has a sports exhaust but it sure as hell doesn't sound like it. Are there any physical markings that you can tell by??

Ok folks, have tried ABP Motorsport in Crewe (which is 10 mins from me) and they quoted about a grand for an exhaust, so only £ 100 less than a PSE - so not worth the saving. Looked on a website of a firm called quicksilver who make some rather nice stuff, but their 996 exhaust is still in development!! How long has this model been for sale in the UK - and they are still in development?? Giving that one a miss!! I'm going to have a ring around a few OPC near to me, to see if anyone can do a deal. Apparently, Autobahn in Coventry is an Independant ( looked like a pretty spectacular dealership to me when I drove past a couple of months ago) anyway, I'm going to give them a try to see if they can do a genuine system at sensible money - otherwise I'm back looking at non porsche systems? Anyone else had any luck yet?? Simon

Got some replies already. All prices are +VAT (supply only) PSE without switch. Jasmine £ 968.00 Paragon £ 1020.37 Camtune £ 1050.00 Autobahn £ 1020.00 Non- Genuine porsche shop direct £ 895.00 ( but it was 304 grade stainless)

Can someone (hothatch 2002) ask Jasmine why they are still advertising them in Porsche Post at £750 then ?

Do I note a slight tension in your comment Sir? What system have you got Tispkj? Cos that sounded good when you catapaulted away from my house on Sunday..............Not sure the neighbours agreed though.[ ]

Just spoke to Jasmine and his excuse was that they had 3 PSE which they bought at a really good price so had them on offer for £750 - guess what - they are all sold, so the price is back up to £ 968.00. The add seems a bit mis leading to me if it didn't point out that there were only 3 available. I will be watching closely to see if this firm continues to place this advert in an attempt to get someone on the phone to try a sell at the higher price - which of course, is mis leading the public. The best price that I can get for a genuine PSE is about £ 1000 +VAT. I would only consider a non genuine if the saving was around £ 250 or more. At the moment the best price on non-genuine parts is £ 895 from porsche shop direct - only a saving of £105 which is not enough in comparsion to the genuine parts. If I could source a system for £ 750 then I would buy it, until then I'm either going to part which £ 1175.00 (inc. VAT) or stick with the standard one. If anyone else manages to find some intertesting deals then let me know. I will continue looking myself, and if I find anything I will post it here. Just had another thought - how much is PCGB membership and how do I become a member,10% discount = £100 !! Simon

There was a member on this forum offering his own version of the sports exhaust. You supply your original item, he makes the necessary alterations (with some deft use of a blowtorch no doubt) and viola - sports exhaust (no switch) I think he was charging something like £250. Do a search. I'd be interested to know if anyone has used his service.

OPC Reading = £918 + vat + fitting (on presentation of PCGB membership card) as of this afternoon. However there are none in stock in the UK or Germany at the moment so a bit of a wait..... Going the Fabspeed route myself...

Rodney, it was me that was making PSE replicas, I did 3 or 4 sets which were all slightly different due mainly to there being different donor boxes (there are about 3 types at least) and trying different changes each time in search of the perfect sound. I am looking for the 1 fix does all, but have been so busy this year with another project that I just have not had the time. I had planed to market them at £325 exchange to club members, I just need to get back in the workshop, it looks like a lot of people are showing interest again so perhaps I better get on with it !!

How much are the Fabspeed? Web address?? Simon

Tispkj, Thats a great price if you can get some more going! How did the users find them? No resonances, everything ok? Anyway I found these on Ebay from ZeroTek Motorsports.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Competition-ZTek-Porsche-996-FULL-Sport-Exhaust-System_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33630QQitemZ8014096555QQrdZ1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8014096583&ssPageName=MERC_VI_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Sounds well noisy [ ]

How different are the Fabspeed and the PSE systems??

Ring Essential Styling. They're doing Fabspeeds for £795+vat. I haven't heard one in the metal, just on the web but by comparison to the normal exhaust, the sound is a lot deeper and considerably louder. Hopefully, will try a set next week and will report back...

Could I trouble you for the number to call essential styling?

I got a fabspeed and fitted it myself with the help of a friend. Only took a couple of hours, well recommended! Why not get it direct? http://www.fabspeed.com/ Website has lots of useful information on it. I got the Maxflow boxes with tips, induction kit and BMC F1 airfilter from them for £830 incl del charges!!![ ] They even made sure i paid minimal inport charges![ ] Sounds great, gets louder when its warmed up![ ]

Is it MUCH louder than the PSE??

Hi Chillo, sounds like a cracking deal - I also noticed from their web site that it doesn't affect the Porsche warranty (will need to check that claim). Just out of interest, have you done a sound comparison with the genuine PSE? I think we should have a revving shoot-out between a PSE and a competitors system and the recordings posted on this site (similar to the sound comparison on the fabspeed site). Any takers??

Have ordered a Fabspeed from design911. Pair of silencers £ 595 +VAT. Absolute bargain, so I decided to have some oval tips and new clamps with the money I saved. Whole lot was under a grand including the VAT (and it's all stainless) Had a good look under the car this weekend and it looks very easy to fit - will keep you posted on the result!! Simon

Hi Simon, I would be very wary of Design 911 if I was you. I used them once for my old 993 and thought 'Never again!' Their product knowledge isn't very good and if anything goes wrong or the product isn't compatible/sub standard, the customer service leaves alot to be desired. I hope for your sake that the exhaust is fitted well and is everything you hoped for

Ooops!! Already ordered it, and it has turned up in the post today, so I can't fault them yet. I've had a look in the box of goodies and have to say that the quality and finish on the parts is second to none. They really do look good. I will keep you posted on how well they fitment to the car is, but I'm off on holiday soon and probably won't get round to doing it till christmas now, as I'm always very busy when I return from hols. Simon

i fitted a sports exhaust and is made it sound so much better and sounded like a real race car!!!!!!! i have had no problems with it so far *touch wood*

This could help us all out http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Porsche-911-996-Sport-Sound-Muffler-Exhaust_W0QQitemZ8015533456QQcategoryZ38786QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ONLY £230

looks like these are a similair idea to tispkj eg original boxes with some form of bypass pipe welded in. Looks like a decent price though, although always a bit wary when it says not picture of actual item!

Hi Chillo, Just purchased the same Maxflow / air box combination as yourself from Fabspeed in the US this week, will be fitting these items at the weekend. I have to agree with you the quality of workmanship in the Maxflow system is excellent and very good value for money compared to a PSE. Any hints or tips on fitting and aligning the Maxflow system? SC

For anyone who'd like a PSE http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Porsche-911-996-Genuine-Factory-Sports-Exhaust_W0QQitemZ4591034008 NB. This isn't mine or related to me in any way.

Doh!!!! I just bought a new one. Thats gotta be worth £ 250, surely. They are about a grand from the dealer. Someone is going to get a good bargain.

you should have got some instructions with pics? Joe from fabspeed will email you them if not. We used some metal ramps to get access to the underside of the car.(no engine pit or car ramp unfortunately!) I'm not really hot with the spanners but did ok, friend who helped knew what he was doing tho[ ] Depending on how seized the nuts are, (WD40 a good idea) it took about 30-60mins each side, try not to get bits of rusty metal in your eyes like i did[ ] The standard boxes take a bit of shuffling around to get them out, but the maxflows are smaller and go in really easy! The induction kit and air filter is a great mod, takes about 10mins at most. I did this before i put the exhausts on and used it for a couple of days. Only a slight difference to the sound but noticable all the same. Nice and chilly this weekend for it!

Hi, Like many of you im also thinking of fitting a sports exhaust to my 996. Obvioulsy the enhanced sound is the main selling point, but I was wondering does the exhaust give any extra BHP? or performance enhancement? Thanks Paul.

Porsche do not quote any increase in power for the PSE system

Porsche may not quote a power increase, but I fitted a Fabspeed system (exc manifolds) to my 00MY C4Cab and on the rolling road got 17bhp and 15lbs ft extra. Mind you that also included a BMC F1 air filter and cold air kit. Cheers for now, Adrian Tillin

Hayward and Scott also offer a full exhaust system with freer flowing cats which liberate another 25BHP and is MOT friendly. They quoted me £1950 + VAT (fitted).... At this price, I'm inclined to go for the PSE with the cutoff switch. No extra power but that cutoff switch could be useful. Would like to hear the H&S first as well.... Anyone got one on a 996?

As this thread keeps on running .... I bought the Fabspeed bins from Simon (hothatch2002) just before Xmas. Finally got around to having them fitted a few days ago. Totally transformed my placid C2 into a snarling beast. Has increased cabin noise a little more than I expected but the noise on full throttle is well worth it. Trouble is, I'm so hooked on the noise I drive like a madman - even in this weather. Thankfully, the purchase of this synchronised with the purchase of a second car elevating the C2 from daily driver to weekend fun car. Reckon the cabin drone may have been a bit wearing on long journeys. The fabspeed boxes were a different shape to the Porsche items and almost foul with the heat shield on the rear valence - maybe something to do with the aero kit?? Anyhow, works a treat. I would post a wav file if only I knew how to do it on here! Thanks Simon. Hope you get your Turbo. Regards Neil.

Here are some links to some WAVs/MP3s: Fabspeed: http://www.fabspeed.com/996.html http://www.fabspeed.com/996tt.html Hayward and Scott (3.2 Carrera): http://www.haywardandscott.com/case2.asp B&B: http://www.bbexhaust.com/New/auto-html.asp?page=996tt.html SpeedArt: http://www.speedart.de/en/program/exhaust_sound/porsche_996/index.html If anyone finds some more - please let me know!