Porsche 997: Exhaust Reviews

This article applies to the Porsche 997 Carrera and Carrera S (2005-2012).

The Porsche 997 is incredibly adept from a performance standpoint. However, Porsche did compromise in one aspect: the exhaust. The exhaust system isn't a huge bottleneck for performance, but it is a definitely a limiting factor when it comes to presence. The Carrera and the Carrera S are fairly reserved; the thrum of the flat-six is subdued. This is great for maintaining an air of civility, but a bit more noise couldn't really hurt. In regards to performance, typically an aftermarket exhaust will move the powerband a bit further up the rev-range. The result is a higher peak horsepower at the expense of slightly less power beneath 3,000 rpm. Of course, the only way to be sure that any horsepower or torque is being gained or lost is to put the car on a dynamometer. Ultimately, an exhaust isn't going to give you the same performance bump on a naturally aspirated engine as, say, a more aggressive camshaft or nitrous. But what they will do is reduce weight. The Porsche 911 benefits more from light weight exhausts than other cars due to the location of the weight. The lighter everything is behind the rear axle, the more rear grip you'll get, which means better cornering overall (on a car that already corners extraordinarily well). But mainly, an aftermarket exhaust will change the attitude of the car more that it'll change the number of Gs you'll be able to pull in a sweeper. Here are a few that get a lot of attention on Rennlist.

Exhaust Comparisons

SharkWerks Tubi

Price – $2,550

Material – Stainless steel

Weight – 18 lbs weight reduction

Performance – 10+ peak hp, 10-15+ ft/lbs peak torque

The SharkWerks Tubi exhaust is a popular replacement for the stock system because of its easy installation, good sound, and low price. The car still has a rumble, but sounds different from the Porsche's sport exhaust. The mufflers are made of stainless steel, and will drop a solid 20 lbs from the rear end of the car. Recommended for its difference in sound.

Featured Video: SharkWerks Tubi Exhaust

Fabspeed MaxFlo

Price – $2,200

Material – Stainless steel

Weight – 2 lbs weight reduction

Performance – 12+ peak hp, 12+ ft/lbs peak torque

The Fabspeed exhaust offers a discernibly different sound than the stock Porsche rumble. They're much smoother, and provide a lower tone than the stock units. Fabspeed sells the crossover pipe separately. So if you're looking for a total header-back system, you'll have to also opt for their x-pipe. Exhaust from both cylinder banks will mix, which creates a rounded, low tone. It is louder than the stock units at all volumes, and it wails at high rpm. Recommended for its low tone.

Featured Video: Fabspeed MaxFlow Exhaust

Porsche Sport Exhaust

Price – $2,500-$4,000

Material – Steel

Weight – 4 lb weight increase

Performance –Same

The Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) is a factory muffler that has the ability to be both quiet, like stock, and loud depending on a button press. You can install it on cars that were not optioned with a "sport" package. Although, if you want to be able to make the exhaust quiet, you'll need to wire and on/off button to the dashboard. It's default status is to be unrestricted, so if you're looking for a more aggressive sound, this is a good way to do it. Forum members generally feel like the PSE provides a good mix of aggressiveness without being obnoxious. It's also completely free of drone, and can be installed by a Porsche dealer if desired. Recommended for its aggressive sound.

Featured Video: PSE Exhaust

Gundo Hack

Price –$300

Material –Steel

Weight – Same

Performance – Same

The "Gundo Hack" won't give your Porsche more horsepower. What it will do, however, is make the exhaust sound much meaner—almost exactly like the Porsche Sport Exhaust (above) at a fraction of the price. The hack is simple: connect the two exhaust pipes after the muffler with a 2" diameter pipe. The result is a deeper exhaust note, and more of that flat-six roar due to the connected exhaust streams. No, your Porsche will not be any faster, but it will sound more aggressive without spending thousands of dollars on a more sophisticated system. A muffler shop can do this hack for $300. Recommended for its aggressive sound at a low cost.

Featured Video: Gundo Hack Exhaust

Pro Tip

For an even raspier sound with more muffler bypass, try out version two of the Gundo Hack, as seen Figure 1.

Akrapovic

Price – $7,500

Material – Titanium

Weight – 22 lb weight reduction

Performance – 17+ peak horsepower, 22+ ft/lbs peak torque

Akrapovic is known for building lightweight, high-quality exhausts that sound remarkably like the Porsche GT3. They're made out of titanium, which is great if weight is a concern. Also, they're compatible with the valve system on the Carrera S, meaning if you already have a Porsche sport exhaust, the Akrapovic unit will retain the ability to go from tame to loud. The noise is higher pitched, and wails at full tilt. The only downside (unless you don't care for the sound) is that the Akrapovic kits are considerably more expensive than other exhausts. Etektuning has this kit for sale at $7,700. Recommended for its higher pitch.

Featured Video: Akraovic Exhaust

Related Discussions

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