I've added PSE to my 2013 C2, installed by the dealer. I have the button and when I press it at idle there is a slightly noticeable deeper tone. However, I don't find it to be very loud or different when driving with PSE on vs off. It is a bit louder but I was expecting something more dramatic and visceral.

My question: Is this normal, or should I have it checked by the dealer to confirm it's working as intended?

 

Either that or perhaps going to the hearing specialist...

 

The most obvious way to tell if it is working is to put the car in sport mode and decelerate with the RPMs up some and the PSE on.
If you don't hear noticeably louder pops and crackles on deceleration at mid-to-high RPMs then it is not working. That is when the difference is most obvious.

The under-the-freeway bridge or tunnel test is the other place to test the PSE. The sound bounces back to you there and you can hear the difference under acceleration more clearly.

 

While driving in a pack a few weeks ago during a driving event I got all type of comments about how great my car sounded. Pop, crackle, crackle..... pop pop........

So get'er checked.

Where in NC are you? I'll be in Fayetteville, NC and the Raleigh, NC area here in another 2 weeks or so.

 

^^This

If you can't hear that, then they installed it backwards.

 

They replace all 3 mufflers?

Maybe an install issue?

 

Also, after having it installed on my current 911 and my last one. I can tell you that at first, it is quieter, but after the new exhaust wears in, it does tend to get louder!

 

Mine's loud enough that I generally don't activate it for daily driving. Still makes lots of noises.

 

Best way to tell is to roll your windows down, place in sport + mode if you have SC. Take rpm up to about 4500 rpm and then let off the gas. It will sound like gunfire or a war behind you.

You also need your exhaust fully warmed up for best results. Oil temp at 196 and you should be good to go with the fireworks.

How exactly is an exhaust system "worn in"?

 

I temporarily took off my AWE and put my PSE back on because I got I fix-it ticket for modified exhaust. I now feel like I'm driving around in a tesla in comparison. Too quiet for me.

 

I thought mine was quiet but then I was comparing it to my 458. It could be a lot louder for the money.

 

It is pretty loud from the outside. We had our monthly PCA event last night and I followed one home. if my car sounded like that out of the box I likely would not have gone aftermarket.

 

Honestly, if you can't hear it just by pressing the button at idle, it's not working. The difference is significant.

 

on a cayman it is not but on a 911.... its perfect.

 

Best way to tell if it is working is (as others have said) by depressing the button at idle.

That said, even if it is working properly, it is not supposed to be significantly louder than an OEM car without PSE.