T Kono

There are no X50 tips. The split tips were an option open to all.

Oak

T Kono

Muffler mods

Go to post #424 and check out the pics. Now, does anyone have a X50 muff they can cut up? Only then will we settle the difference question. (Unless there is more info out there, I couldn't find any, plus I am done looking)

Oak

quite possibly only the GT2 has a different exhaust as per part number indicates.

all else by appearance they are the same most likely something as simple as the size of the internal baffles maybe the only diff.

albeit minor, it is still a difference. similar to the x50 IC, any huge gains? most likely not but it is a difference.

T Kono

While most dealer sites do not distinguish between "regular" and X50, I find that AutoAtlanta does. They show the X50 variant, if applicable, as IX50. Looking at their site, the "regular" muffler is 99611102776, while the X50 / GT2 is 99611198776. The X50 version is cheaper, so who knows? As speculated, the diff is surely minor but one does exist. If nothing else you can save money by opting for the X50 muff if you needed to buy a factory replacement for some reason. I bet no concourse judge will ever notice the wrong part number on the OEM muff, ha!

manimal

Cool, so no consensus at all?

T Kono

For now, it will remain an unsolved (and unimportant) mystery.

Dock

I think the X50 exhaust weighs 0.0001 oz less than the non-X50 exhaust.

(Now I've done it; there's going to be a run on the X50 exhaust...)

"02996ttx50

Lol love minutia

autobonrun

Actually cutting one up may not resolve the issue. That will just tell you they either look the same internally or they don't. There are many reasons why Porsche could have changed the part number that would not be visible to the naked eye. For example, changing the metallurgy from say 304ss to 321ss or some variation; changing the thickness of the metal skin; changing how the internal baffles are welded, two versus three spot welds for example; not to mention just changing the part number because they changed suppliers and wanted to track the production change. It could even be the number of holes or diameter of holes in the baffles. I don't care enough to count the holes or measure them.

Like you, I have no clue.

However, after seeing this same question on various forums for 15 years with no firm answer, I sent it to PCA's technical support group that focuses on the 996 turbo. If I get a response I'll post it here. I've had good luck in the past with their technical experts replying to my questions. I think it's important to know because those searching for used mufflers want to know why the model numbers differ. If it's just something like I described above it doesn't affect fitment. IMO.

MezgerTT

"02996ttx50

in spite of my protestations to the contrary.. and given i cut/pasted this from Porsche's factory white paper: "Except for mufflers with less backpressure, the GT2 exhaust system is essentially the same as in the 911 Turbo.

there must be some difference. however seemingly insignificant.

MezgerTT

"02996ttx50

lol. indeed.

spooltime

The following is from the official Porsche 2004 911 Turbo press release:

"The 911 Turbo also offers an optional X50 engine enhancement performance
package that increases horsepower to 444 (SAE) @ 5,700 rpm and sustains 457 lb.-ft of peak
torque from 3,500 to 4,500 rpm. The new package includes modifications to the turbocharger, air
intake cooler, electronic control unit, exhaust system, as well as a strengthened transmission.
The X50 package is only available as an option from the Porsche factory."

Surely they wouldn't lie about this would they? Bottom line is that the X50 / GT2 version of the factory exhaust is the preferred version of the two factory exhausts for those that choose to retain the factory system.