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X-Pipe or Silencer delete?

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Old May 1, 2026 | 02:41 PM
  #1  
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Default X-Pipe or Silencer delete?

Hi all, now that my 911 C2S Cab is finally working again, I was thinking of treating her to a little exhaust upgrade.
I do find that it is a little "quiet" on tick over and really only gets a voice when you are using Sport mode. I have mapped a new PSE button to allow me to use "PSE Light" via some programming, which is OK, but not ideal for a true sound change.

But...I don't want to go full system, or retrofit a PSE valved. I was looking at some products by a company called "Top Gear" here in the UK and they offer - what appear - good value and quality options.

One is an x-pipe option, the other a silencer bypass. Links below.
https://www.topgear.co.uk/porsche-91...rice&order=ASC

https://www.topgear.co.uk/porsche-91...-valved-x-pipe

Any thoughts or experiences?

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Old May 1, 2026 | 05:41 PM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by MarkyMark911
Hi all, now that my 911 C2S Cab is finally working again, I was thinking of treating her to a little exhaust upgrade.
I do find that it is a little "quiet" on tick over and really only gets a voice when you are using Sport mode. I have mapped a new PSE button to allow me to use "PSE Light" via some programming, which is OK, but not ideal for a true sound change.

But...I don't want to go full system, or retrofit a PSE valved. I was looking at some products by a company called "Top Gear" here in the UK and they offer - what appear - good value and quality options.

One is an x-pipe option, the other a silencer bypass. Links below.
https://www.topgear.co.uk/porsche-91...rice&order=ASC

https://www.topgear.co.uk/porsche-91...-valved-x-pipe

Any thoughts or experiences?
Top Gear are cheap for reason.
They'll happily take your money but you'll get crickets if you want after sales service.
Many have had zero communication from them, they just don't reply.
I don't really like bagging a company but l have had 1st hand experience along with others.
Do your research.
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Old May 1, 2026 | 11:17 PM
  #3  
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do the x pipe- you wont regret it!

i went with AWE and the sound is sick!
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Old May 4, 2026 | 07:16 PM
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I have the topgear x pipe you listed. The exhaust valves are opposite of what the car is supposed to do, so you can't use your PSE button. You have to use their terrible valve controller that needs to be wired in. This is not advertised and they absolutely do not care about you. There is zero customer service. I cant say this loud enough, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM TOPGEAR EXHAUST. However any of the other major brands that make x-pipes seem to be good.
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Old May 4, 2026 | 08:23 PM
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Maybe try FVD brombacher? If not import a fabspeed
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Old May 5, 2026 | 04:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Arione
Maybe try FVD brombacher? If not import a fabspeed
Thanks. FVD appear quite expensive (especially when imported to UK) and don't seem to do an x-pipe, only whole systems. Fabspeed also are not cheap- and that's before any Import costs to the UK.
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Old May 5, 2026 | 05:03 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by El_Tigre
I have the topgear x pipe you listed. The exhaust valves are opposite of what the car is supposed to do, so you can't use your PSE button. You have to use their terrible valve controller that needs to be wired in. This is not advertised and they absolutely do not care about you. There is zero customer service. I cant say this loud enough, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM TOPGEAR EXHAUST. However any of the other major brands that make x-pipes seem to be good.
Really interesting - I have had positive feedback from others in the UK about their product and support (different forum I would point out). Mostly Caymen and Boxster IIRC.

If my car doesn't have the PSE as standard, why cant I use the "redundant" switch that has been added? Interesting to understand what your experience has been with it.
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Old May 5, 2026 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by MarkyMark911
Really interesting - I have had positive feedback from others in the UK about their product and support (different forum I would point out). Mostly Caymen and Boxster IIRC.

If my car doesn't have the PSE as standard, why cant I use the "redundant" switch that has been added? Interesting to understand what your experience has been with it.
If you don't have PSE or vacuum lines to begin with (like on a base 911), then you have to use their controller anyway. The Carrera S (even without PSE) has the vacuum lines and solenoids already. I should be able to use my OEM vacuum lines and PSE button to control the valves without having to add an extra piece of kit and carry around a key fob just to control the exhaust valve. They made an oversight in making the exhaust by installing the incorrect valves. I've emailed and tried to contact many times and they flat out don't care. They also have to "approve" any review on their product pages, so they of course won't allow my honest review to be posted on their website.
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Old May 5, 2026 | 05:19 PM
  #9  
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I looked into these a bit and I think that its a you get what you pay for product. I ended up with the Sharkwerks sport exhaust as it seemed high quality and much more cost effective than some others. 100% recommend them, the system is great and the sound was what I was looking for. A solid improvement over stock, but not droning or obnoxious.
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Old May 6, 2026 | 12:27 AM
  #10  
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From my experience, I had a 981S with Cargraphic exhaust. Loved it, there’s drone I’m not going to lie. I did drive from DFW to OK city with my wife and it was acceptable.
Now with my 991.1 S cab, I bought Top Gear side pipes (not the main x pipe). They were REALLY REALLY LOUD. Sounds really great too. They were fun for about 20 minutes then the drone killed any conversation you’re trying to have.
PSE on or off made little difference. So I swapped it back to OEM and instantly I felt the power loss, don’t miss the drones but really missed the torque.
So the stupid me swapped them back again. Drove it couple of times couldn’t stand the drone, now, swapped them back again. I think I learned my lessons and keep OEM PSE now.
I just placed an order for Cargraphic x pipe main exhaust, I hope this will be the best solution for louder, droneless AND regaining my lost power.
I’m planning on driving to the next RennSport reunion 2028 so I still have time to fine tune the exhaust system. Just need to make the right choice.
I also hear from few guys here that Kline Innovation exhaust system are really good 👍 but the inconel is about $8k, bit too steep for my wallet.
Yes, you get what you pay for and time wasted. Also my attic space is limited.

Last edited by baby991; May 6, 2026 at 12:29 AM.
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Old May 14, 2026 | 01:21 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by baby991
From my experience, I had a 981S with Cargraphic exhaust. Loved it, there’s drone I’m not going to lie. I did drive from DFW to OK city with my wife and it was acceptable.
Now with my 991.1 S cab, I bought Top Gear side pipes (not the main x pipe). They were REALLY REALLY LOUD. Sounds really great too. They were fun for about 20 minutes then the drone killed any conversation you’re trying to have.
PSE on or off made little difference. So I swapped it back to OEM and instantly I felt the power loss, don’t miss the drones but really missed the torque.
So the stupid me swapped them back again. Drove it couple of times couldn’t stand the drone, now, swapped them back again. I think I learned my lessons and keep OEM PSE now.
I just placed an order for Cargraphic x pipe main exhaust, I hope this will be the best solution for louder, droneless AND regaining my lost power.
I’m planning on driving to the next RennSport reunion 2028 so I still have time to fine tune the exhaust system. Just need to make the right choice.
I also hear from few guys here that Kline Innovation exhaust system are really good 👍 but the inconel is about $8k, bit too steep for my wallet.
Yes, you get what you pay for and time wasted. Also my attic space is limited.
I might be ok with being LOUD. Are you interested in selling your side bypass pipes by chance?
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Old May 14, 2026 | 09:40 AM
  #12  
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SOUL is all you need. Check out their webpage!
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Old May 14, 2026 | 02:28 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Viper1000
SOUL is all you need. Check out their webpage!
I have a hard time dropping $4500 on an xpipe. I know we have Porsches and shouldnt complain about how expensive things are, but here I am.
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Old May 14, 2026 | 10:17 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by El_Tigre
I have a hard time dropping $4500 on an xpipe. I know we have Porsches and shouldnt complain about how expensive things are, but here I am.

I understand butttttt from a fit, finish, power, sound, they are the best exhaust money can buy for these cars. You can find them on FB Market place and even here every so often, but remember you pay for what you get! I have their full system, long tube headers 200 cell cats and valved x pipe and love it. Just a thought.
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Old May 14, 2026 | 11:55 PM
  #15  
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There is a Soul Exhaust for sale in the marketplace. Not mine. Just sharing info.
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