When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I had created a post a few weeks ago asking if anyone had good audio clips comparing a 981 Cayman/Boxter w/PSE before/after the addition of sport headers (200 cell cats). There wasn't much media out there as I was trying to decide if it was worth it, but after Mike from Soul PP posted up that he had a set in stock, I took a chance with them. This is my [somewhat detailed] review with pictures and a before/after audio clip.
Car
2015 Cayman GTS w/Sport Chrono + and PSE, otherwise stock. The GTS has slightly different headers than the S, but to my ears I can't tell a difference between stock S/GTS with PSE.
Order Experience/Company/Packaging/Quality
I'm a little impulsive, and the fact that Mike/Soul PP had these headers in stock was a huge plus for me. From the time I ordered to the time they got to my door was 5 days. Packaging was outstanding, using flow-form foam to ensure a tight and precise fit in the box. Welds on the headers look good, but what really blew me away was the black chrome exhaust tips (these were an extra I ordered at the same time). I was going to order OEM black tips from Suncoast, but for $200 less I got these with the x-pipe and the quality is most definitely OEM. I can't provide any comparison on the impact the x-pipe for the tips has on sound quality, but I can't image it would change things a whole lot.
Communication throughout the whole process was quick helpful.
Install
I had my local Porsche dealer do the install. The car currently has 8,000 miles and hasn't seen a winter, so there were no rusty bolts to deal with. Took about 4 hours for them, and they said fitment was good. I had to have them order a new set of gaskets ($50) for the headers as none were included with the headers (Mike said he was working on securing a supply to be able to offer while ordering).
Sound
Best described as intoxicatingly aggressive. I did NOT want race headers (no cats). I had straight headers on my 987, and it was too loud/rough for my liking. These sport headers are perfect for me... not too loud, but an added 'throatiness' that is immediately apparent, and above 5k rpm really screams. In Sport+, the overrun pops/burbles are more frequent and pronounced. The below audio comparison is with Sport+ engaged, including valves open on the PSE. I recommend listening to it on actual speakers so you can hear the bass appropriately. I'd say it pretty accurately captures the before/after sounds and was taken with a Shure SM57 mic, and I already had a friend compare it to a GT3.
05-29-2018, 02:09 PM
Soul PP Sport Headers Review w/Audio Clip
