titleistaddict87

This is exactly the information that I was looking for. As I understand it the center muffler has valves on the standard S exhaust as well but the PSE adds the control switch and sounds different. Am I correct in thinking there're minimal to no performance upgrades in switching to PSE?

One more question: Some guy was selling his GT3 center muffler in the parts section. Is this compatible with my car as a simple swap and if so would there be any performance gains or just sound changes?

Archimedes

No performance difference, sound only. Don't know about GT3 muffler.

STG

PSE=minimal performance upgrade from S exhaust.

GT3 exhaust would not make it better and won't fit. The PSE sounds better in the lower RPM's than the GT3. The GT3's valves don't open until the higher RPM range. No "on" button on it. Biggest complaint abut the GT3 is how quiet the exhaust is in the low RPM's. Quieter than the PSE when button is "on".

titleistaddict87

Good to know. Looks like I'll need to go aftermarket if I want some performance gains. I've heard good things about Tubi or Akrapovic ($$).

beaverlake

Has anyone, anywhere, been able to document any (worthwhile) performance gains from installing any aftermarket exhaust on a 911? Not claims, but documented improvements that would make a noticeable difference.

I'm asking because after almost two years of reading P9, 6speed, and Rennlist I've yet to see anything meaningful associated with exhaust changes other than sound.

RobC4sX51

[QUOTE=STG991;12853411]PSE=minimal performance upgrade from S exhaust

Where does it say this? Most guys I have talked to (Jake Raby for example) say PSE actually takes away back pressure at lower rpms and thus reduces torque at these lower engine speeds. At the higher rpms the open valves do help with minimal HP improvements (just like the stock S exhaust). Just curious to where you got your info. I agree that PSE is a higher quality exhaust with the tips and finish, but as for performance, none that I'm aware of, just the opposite in fact!

STG

All claims and nothing concrete. I'm not in favor of most of the options because many, I believe, upset the back pressure balance and negatively effect low end torque. I know a lot of the GT3 have mentioned that with some of the bypass pipes they've tried out.

I'd be in favor of a complete system like Akrapovic or Tubi over any bypass type pipes.

STG

[quote=RobC4sX51]I would agree with you, that for best performance, leave the PSE button off and let the valves open themselves to avoid any loss of back pressure. The PSE's valves open by themselves in the higher RPM's and behave just like the S exhaust when the button is "off". In other words, PSE is "on" no matter what when you hit a certain RPM button or no button pressed. The button only opens the valves so you can enjoy the sound at all times.

The PSE center muffler is actually two center mufflers as opposed to the single "S" exhaust. Any performance benefit?? Can't say for sure. Sounds better overall, and I didn't buy it for any performance claims. Although, I would bet the 2 muffler design may add some small gains. Nothing worth talking about.

STG

PSE center mufflers

RobC4sX51

Very cool pictures. I didn't realize that the PSE CM was actually Center Muffler(s)! Very distinct from my non PSE C4s. Thanks for posting these great pictures. I agree that having a button to turn the "sound" on and off at low rpm is handy but again I think our sports cars should sound better all the time and when we hear the flat6 play music it should never decrease in T/hp for any reason.

titleistaddict87

Thanks everyone, this is great information. So my takeaways are:

1) upgrading from stock "S" exhaust to PSE is probably not worth it. Only major benefit would be sound at the lower RPMs and the ability to control with a button. Downside is loss of back pressure and reduced performance at these same low RPMs. All of this in light of the cost of about $3500 installed at the dealer.

2) if you want upgraded sound and perhaps some performance gains in the higher RPMs, consider a Tubi or Akrapovic exhaust system. I think the Tubi retails for $4500 so probably $5000-$5200 installed? Akrapovic is a lot more.

3) I think I'll personally just leave my car the way it is. Pretty happy with the sound when the valves open up.

Archimedes

So you're only gripe is that it doesn't turn on automatically, i.e., that you have to press a button in the car when you get in?

Do you feel the same way about the Sport button? Because PSE actually goes on automatically when you press the sport button. I never touch the PSE button.

PSE isn't about the button, it's about a different muffler that is not in a non-PSE car. I wasn't certain it was worth the money until I drove out of the dealership; actually just hearing the car rumble when they drove into the service bay tunnel sold me on it. And I'm not even a big flat 6 sound fan, but the PSE makes this car sound the way it should sound. My neighbor's non PSE base Carrera sounds like a sewing machine by comparison.

LexVan

I disagree with all your points.

PSE is great. Great sound. Great fit. Great performance. Warranty. No drone. Better resale. Switchable. No CELs. Proven. Porsche.

fast1

I agree with all your points except better resale. On that point it's possible but not a certainty. I would never own a Porsche without PSE, but there are many others who feel it's a waste of money since there's no performance improvement and they are more than satisfied with the stock exhaust sound.

Jabs1542

That's why it includes a switch. I can't think of any time that an additional manufacturer's option would reduce the price of a car.