mts

Has anyone made this conversion? I've heard the TrackTec vs. the OEM regular exhaust, but not vs. the OEM PSE. I'd love the little bit of extra horsepower the TrackTec provides, but the OEM PSE sounds awfully nice.

Fabspeed Motorsport

hey mts,

Scott here at Fabspeed Motorsport, great question! The TrackTec system would be a little bit louder then your PSE exhaust system, cut a few pounds, and gain a few horsepower. It really all comes down to what are you trying to accomplish? Sound? Performance gains? If you are looking for both, I would suggest our Boxster/Cayman Sport Headers. Our HJS 200 cell catalytic converters are designed to really open up your exhaust and allow for more free flowing exhaust. Paired to your factory PSE, they would compliment each other perfectly giving you performance gains AND boosting sound levels. Take a look at some of the features

• its all Porsche 981 Boxster/Cayman vehicles (2013-2016)
• Includes German-imported 200-cell HJS Sport Catalytic Converters for maximum performance
• Adds 13 whp / 21 ft-lbs of torque at 6600RPM when combined with the Maxflo Performance Exhaust System
• Saves 6 lbs from the rear of the vehicle compared to the full OEM exhaust system
• Constructed from equal-length T304 stainless steel C.N.C. mandrel-bent tubing for improved torque and equalized engine pulsing
• More power and torque across the RPM band and dramatically improved sports car sound
• Composite gaskets are included for a leak proof seal
• Direct replacement for the OEM headers with no cutting or welding required

Take a listen to the difference these Sport Headers make :


Take a look at the info, and feel free to reach out and PM me with any questions!!

Soul Performance

Would you consider another option? Our Valved Exhaust is a step up from PSE while keeping drone to a minimum - that's what our mufflers are designed to do. You'll also be clear to upgrade your headers to make even more power without having to worry about drone from the aftermarket rear exhaust.

Here is a customer of ours who switched from TrackTec due to droning for our Street Package which is Valved Exhaust and catted headers. You would get the power gains you're looking for without check engine lights and droning.

PorscheAddict

My vote is always race headers and PSE, or catted headers and PSE if you have emissions testing, but I'm sure the aftermarket valved exhausts are very nice too. I will say for the race headers, I wouldn't want it any louder than the PSE. Closed is fairly civil, but still has a lot of throaty volume compared to stock. Open is like a mini cup car. At the track this weekend I was the loudest Porsche there aside from the 991 cups testing for the upcoming IMSA race (valves open, obviously).

Many have found that the secret is headers with the valved exhaust, since the valves allow you to not be unruly all the time and you gain much more power with headers than the catback.

Autoquest Motorsport

mts there are a lot of great systems out there and each have their own characteristics that meet people's goals differently. I shot you over a PM to discuss, I'd be happy to give you some direct feedback for you to make an educated decision.

Fabspeed Motorsport

Hey Mts,
You will find many other options pop-up in the industry trying to replicate our exhaust designs because we have been around for 25 years. We are normally the first on the market for exhausts in all the exotic performance car market, but especially with Porsche. Other companies copy our design with very little R&D and testing have not put in the time or effort to create their own exhaust design. We have been designing, engineering and creating the systems like our Tracktec for longer than other companies have been around and will continue to do so.

After re-reading your post, it looks like your are in the market for a valved system. The 981 tracktec is a very popular system which we have not had documented drone issues with (sound is very subjective of course). That being said, we did run into some reported drone issues with our more aggressive Valvetronic system to a small group of people. We have since identified the possible issue and re-designed the Valvetronic system to furter negate frequencies that some people are sensitive to.

Now on to the oem pse versus the TrackTec (aftermarket), one thing you might look into is the install. Our TrackTec exhaust sounds amazing and is also easier to install, versus the factory OEM system which the PSE wiring has to be run through the entire car to be hooked up to the corresponding PSE button on the center console. If the sound is very comparable to you that might help make your decision.

One final thought, after years of real world testing and experience, we have learned that the valves themselves on any system are subject to failure. This has lead to Fabspeed's decision to exclusively use Helical branded valves which are highest quality valves in the world, even OEM manufacturers like Porsche and Ferrari use Helical valves. Since switching years ago, we have not had one failure yet. No matter what decision you make, make sure you are getting genuine Helical valves. We actually just had a 987.2 Cayman with our TracTec exhaust do a 17,000 mile road trip from NY to CA and BACK with zero issues. During the trek, our exhaust and valves were exposed to extreme heat in the desert, cold in the Rockies, and direct rock hits from bottoming out on trails that NO Cayman should ever go on.

I'm available to speak further anytime!

mts

I actually have the OEM PSE on my current 981s. I was just thinking of swapping it out, for slightly more sound and a little extra hp. It sounds like a catted header might be a better answer though. I just wonder if the aftermarket headers do much at all in terms of horsepower if still mated with the OEM PSE.

PorscheAddict

They definitely do add power regardless of the muffler situation. Best combo is race headers and a tune, since I assume KY doesn't test (maybe they do), but catted still adds good power and sound. Either of the vendors in this thread have good products. Currently running Fabspeed race headers, actually, on my car.

Autoquest Motorsport

Keep the OEM PSE exhaust, the headers are going to make significant improvement not just in sound but performance as well. Your best return on investment would be a race header with a tune in regards to overall performance. Sport Headers will give you a bit more low end-mid range performance but not as much top end pull. It really all depends on where you want the power curve improvement. If you live in the higher RPMs, race headers, if you are mostly driving in the low end/mid range, sport headers. If you want a chat a bit more in depth about it, give me a ring at 484 883 6197 I'd be happy to give you some more insight and get you setup with the one that will best meet your goals.

Fabspeed Motorsport

John as always a great response. Said perfectly. Keep the Oem PSE and get the sport header pass emissions.(Unless that is not an issue)