storii

I am considering to have the PSE retrofitted on my 981 S. I was thinking to buy the PSE retrofitting kit without the Sport Tailpipe and reuse my stock twin tailpipe with brushed finish tips with the PSE. However, I just found out that Porsche had stated in their tech bulletin as follows: "Restrictions: • ONLY together with sports tailpipe (I-no. XLS)". See the bulletin in the attachment.

Looking at the parts catalog, the stock tailpipe (p/n 981 111 261 00) and the sport tailpipe (p/n 981 111 961 00) look pretty much identical. I supposed the only difference is in the finish of the tips: brushed for the stock and chrome or black for the Sport. I don't really see the tailpipe can affect the sound or the performance. As long as there is no issue in the fitment, I would rather reuse the stock tailpipe and save the $550-589.52 that they want for the sport tailpipe. An interesting thing is that, if you are ordering the kit without the tailpipe, there will only be one kit to select meaning there is no difference between the Base and the S. However, if you are ordering the kit with the tailpipe, you will have to choose between the Base and the S. If the exhaust itself is the same for the Base and the S, what difference could there be in the tailpipe??

Has anyone retrofitted the PSE and reused the stock tailpipe? If so, did you experience any fitment issue? Your input would be very much appreciated.

PorscheAddict

Pretty sure they're interchangeable. You can even spec the sport tips on the stock exhaust, so I don't see how the part # could be different. I've been wrong before, though.

vbb

I had the PSE retrofitted onto my base 981 Cayman. I had already installed the OEM GTS black dual exhaust tip onto my stock exhaust which fit perfectly with no problems, but when the shop went to install the PSE mufflers I actually got a call from them to let me know a clamp for the PSE was different and would need to be ordered. It's the part labeled as 2 on the parts list from that PDF you attached (part number 981.111.280.00). Everything else is the same, but you will have to order that part if you're retrofitting the PSE onto your non-PSE car, unless the system you buy already comes with it. Since I bought mine used, it did not come with that part, hence my need to order the part.

As an aside (and I don't need to tell you this because you're already committed to getting the system) but the PSE sounds fantastic. I have mine installed without the electronics to open and close the valves and I cannot forsee any reason that I'd ever want to install that equipment because I'd never want to run it in quiet mode. In "loud" mode it doesn't drone, and isn't loud when just cruising around, but it sounds glorious at WOT and when you lift off the throttle.

PorscheAddict

Agree 100%, but for race headers the switch is priceless. I run a manual toggle rather than programmed to the factory switch, so I can turn it on/off at any RPM, but with it open it is both glorious and LOUD. Closed is civil.

meteor10

Storii- I had the dealer install PSE on my "13" Boxster S and retained the original brushed tail pipes as I also did not want to fork over $500 plus for the chrome pipes. They did install the complete kit with factory console switch interfaced with sport chrono.

storii

Thank you! This is great information. I presume you got what you had expected from the PSE in the sound department.

storii

Your comment made me think that I might follow your suit and save $1,400 for the installation.

okie981

I had a dealer retrofit PSE on my BS and I used Fabspeed x-pipe dual tips. No issues whatsoever, sound great.

meteor10

I actually often run with PSE off in residential and populated areas as the pops and gurgles upon lifting can be obnoxious, so I like the on off switch.

Soul Performance

As a side note if you don't want to have the center console taken apart for the install you could opt to use an aftermarket Valve Controller. You would still have to source power and vacuum but would not have to have the center console taken apart which to my understanding is a significant part of the install cost. With our Valve Controller you can pair it to your homelink buttons so you don't have to fuss with the remote key fob.

Best of luck with whatever you decide, you won't be disappointed, Porsche did a great job with the PSE IMO.

Evan

PorscheAddict

^ Best option IMO. Their valve controller is not expensive, and allows you to program the homelink buttons for open/closed valves for easy operation. Installation is not bad, either, since it is remote and does not require routing wiring (just a simple fuse tap in the rear).

storii

So far, the following is the best deal I have found:

• PSE retrofitting kit without tailpipe: $2,089.81 with free shipping and no sales tax (from getPorscheparts.com: a new RL sponsor)
• Installation: $1,450 - 10% PCA discount + tax = $1,394.72

Grand total under $3,500 is not that bad I guess....

Hoosier_Daddy

I can second what VVB wrote -- I just can't see value in adding the electronics... it would just be another button to push every time I drove the car along with the "sport" mode.

storii

Quote:

Originally Posted by meteor10

I actually often run with PSE off in residential and populated areas as the pops and gurgles upon lifting can be obnoxious, so I like the on off switch.

It seems that the Boxster owners tend to favor the on-and-off switch more than the Cayman owners. Could that be because we Boxster owners tend to be more conscious about the exhaust sound of our own cars since we can hear it better with the top down?

PorscheAddict

^I don't own a Boxster, but I've read numerous reports from owners that Boxster with top up is louder and more prone to drone than Cayman.