I have stock engine 996.2 GT3 with x pipe Cat bypass and factory mufflers and wonder whether it is worth changing headers to aftermarket mandrel bent to get a weight reduction and power increase but the improvement over stock seems marginal for most brands.

 

I rather change out the cans since it hangs out more at the rear. Stock cans are heavy. Mike

 

Another option is to use the headers and cats from a 997 gt3 then run the mufflers or straight pipes as you like. That is what I did. No mufflers, but loud as hell. I must be getting old because its almost too loud for me.

 

^Dont u have to go center exhaust if you u going 997 headers? Mike

 

No, only if you use the 997/991 center exit muffler. Of course, you can have anything custom-built after the 997 headers and cats to keep the original bumper and side exits. I'm a huge believer in 997 headers + cats...those + heads are how hp went from 381 to 415 on 997.1. Frankly, the 996 exhaust setup sucks.

 

Yeah, my tech routed the exhaust to exit on the sides so I could keep my stock bumper.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what's the going rate for used 997 headers and cats?

 

Sorry can't help you with what they cost. I bought mine years ago and can't recall what I paid for them.

 

At the request of PorscheG96. Here you go.

 

Wow, your 6 looks great! Makes the orange 7RS look not-so-tough.

 

I've seen people asking 2-3K.

I have a full M&M cup exhaust on mine and the headers are a beautiful design that absolutely trumps the OEM gear. Very difficult to accurately quantify a difference however.

 

Guy I know did a before and after on a (the same) dyno with the M&M exhaust, and found that it was one of the few that actually gave a bump in HP...

Ray

 

I've never driven a stock 6-3 but I'm happy to say mine feels as if it goes like a shower of ****.

 

Competition headers should add some HSP, and Ive heard from Fabspeed tech it is the one exhaust product that will add the most hsp. Not knowing the 996 GT3 cars (I did test drive an '04 before I bought my 7.1), I would do some research since I assume your GT headers are pretty good even as a stock item, although seems all quality aftermarket products are less weight and some increase in hsp.