PSE - A simple question

Hi There Im still fairly new and getting to grips with my 996 - which is a joy in every single way. Im really a novice when it comes to engines and mechanics and have been wondering what difference a PSE would make to my 996 C4. I read soemwhere that the exhaust is "switchable" - could someone help me with a simple explanation of what this quite expensive mod will do for me and my car. thanks Alex

In simple terms it will give you neck ache. You see what happens is that when you get it fitted you drive around with the window open so that you can hear the completely transformed sound and enjoy your fantastic motor even more than you thought possible. This is great in the summer, but in the winter it causes neck ache!

Hi Alex, I'm sure someone else will be able to give you a better description, but basically the PSE is a set of silencers with butterfly valves that open and close, giving you stock and sporty noise effects. The button on the dash closes the valves permamently, giving the car a 'normal' exhaust sound, great when leaving for work in the morning, or putting the car away in the garage at night when the kids are in bed... oh, or when there's a police car behind you. By default the valves are open (loud) and without any tinkering [8|] the valves close between 25 and 45 mph, but this is very annoying, so a quick snip of a diode and it fixes that! Any other questions please just ask. Cheers Paul

I had PSE on my second 996 and I would say that the switch is largely superfluous, and many people don't fit it or never use it. The PSE isn't loud and you can control the sound with the throttle. But, it is an absolute 'must have' on a 996 and, in addition to the neck ache, you will be stuck with a permanent smile.

so..... nice noises and a smile on my face (not be underestimated) - are there any power/performance improvements??

It would be good to be able to switch off the sound of my 993 just occassionally - this morning leaving for airport at 4:45am, girlfriend wanted me to take her car so I did not wake the neighbours!

The switch is essential if you are thinking of going on a trackday. If you have no switch you will fail the noise level test.

No - no performance increase with the PSE, It just makes you drive faster [ ].

Watch your MPG number fall![ ]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2470 (you'll need to register with RennTech to access the link)

Looks like a very simple and effective mod, thanks for the reference. Am I right in thinking that the dash switch will still work to remove the PSE if ever its really necessary?

just had a pse fitted to my 996 and it is fantastic worth the money, it cost me £1600 from an indie with the switch, they bypassed the cutout and the switch still works to turn the pse on or off so best of both worlds.

YEP ! [ ]

I agree the switch is completely superfluous. Having it fitted costs several hours labour and as Oliver corectly says if you keep to low rpm and small throttle openings, then the car isn't much louder than standard. At full throttle and high rpm, the PSE is LOUD. Make no mistake, you can be heard half a mile away. It's fantastic! Another major advantage of not fitting the switch is it is incredibly easy to fit the PSEs yourself saving even more £££££s. (And of course you can just pop the old cans back on to sell the car and keep your PSEs for your next one)! I can also confirm that there is no evidencse of any more power. This isn't surprising however - the cats are the most restrictive part of the exhaust, not the silencers. With equal length manifolds and 200-cell cats there may be an improvement but it wouldn't be much. Ian W

If you have any intention of doing a trackday have the switch. You will not pass the noise test without it. And anyway,all your friends will be really impressed with the switch-I reckon its the best bit!