964RS_NGT

So, 200 cell cats with stock mufflers improves sound, and possibly performance, without beeing too loud.

Question;
If possible, I'd like to loose some weight by swaping out stock mufflers for something lighter without substantially increased sound level. Any recomendations?

NVRANUF

Absolutely on the sound!!
It gives it a very changed, but unique Porsche tone, with a substantial increase in volume.

NVRANUF

Huh, how about now?

RonCT

I wouldn't bother swapping mufflers to save a few lbs. The cats and headers are where the gains can be found and you'll find X51 headers and 200 cell cats save quite a bit over stock. The sound is "just right" with that setup. I think any aftermarket muffler is going to be VERY loud with the headers and cats.

NVRANUF

Ron I would have thought the same, however after having the full AWE system with 2 versions (over time) of their muffler cans, then reverting to stock cans.... the stock cans were quite loud, but with a completely different tone and sound. To the point where I was asked at a couple tracks... "Sounds great but did you really pass sound test?" .... which I did BTW!

The after-market AWE cans (with headers and sport cats) were not louder.... just different.

Maybe other mfr's cans would give different results, but this was my experience with AWE.

RonCT

Hmm, that's opposite my experience. I had the full AWE headers, cats, and mufflers on my 997.1 and it was "ear bleeding" loud. So much so, I took the mufflers off and put the stocks back on, which helped greatly. I later swapped out the X51 headers for the AWE headers and the sound was the same - Goldilocks "Just Right".

Dave07997S

This was my similar experience witht he AWE cans...I now have Borlas which are very loud with the X51 headers and 200cpi AWE cats..just the way I like it.

Dave

NVRANUF

LOL, which in this case further proves.... sound is a totally subjective "bear".

964RS_NGT

Ok, thanks for sharing pictures and experiences!

Re swapping mufflers I thought of the european tuners that often have "TÜV approved" versions (=less SPL) of their regular ones; Cargraphic, FVD/TechArt etc. I didn't know what to expect re weight loss. If it's only a few lbs then I'll pass. Would like it to be at least 15+ lbs. But, maybe that's unrealistic.

First step taken though. Had the car at my dealer for other reasons and "accidently" got a set of X51 headers with me. Had decided on equal length but will try these first.

Question;
Anyone knows if a (dyno) comparison has ever been done between X51 and an aftermarket equal length type? If possible, I'd like to know what's to be gained by going to AWE, Cargraphic, Tubi, FVD/TechArt, Borla, Fabspeed, Milltek etc. There are so many out there! Same with sport cats, AWE, Cargraphic, Milltek, FVD/TechArt, APR all have stuff for these cars.

Thanks,

German_Saint

Hmm my headers don't look like figure 1 - with the car on the lift.

any other pictures of stock 997 C2 under belly?

I'll snap some shots of mine -too.

Dave07997S

If you have a C2 then you don't have the same headers as the C2S with the 3.8L.

German_Saint

Thanks Dave,

-Is it worth upgrading the C2 headers? I see/ think I understand why the C2S headers are not as efficient, as the x-51.

How do the x-51 headers compare to C2 headers? and/OR FVD/AWE ?

If i'm not mistaken wasn't the x51 pkg used on the 3.6 anniversary model?

alexb76

I asked this in my other thread too, but let me summarize my understanding...

If I got X51 headers, PLUS PSE... what sort of changes should I expect? From what I gathered here:

- More breating in mid-range
- MAXIMUM 3-5 HP gain
- Much better engine/exhaust sound

Is that right? Also, I assume the header install is a relatively easy job, specially if you're doing exhaust at the same time, right?

Thanks

Dave07997S

Your headers on the 3.6 look very similar to the X51 trilog headers with just smaller diamater tubing. To be honest AWE did a complete exhaust system to include their headers, cats and mufflers and saw only an 11hp gain. Its the 3.8L S that is really choked off.

Dave

luisimo

So for a carrera/C2/3.6 997.1 the X51 headers is not a good call but the 200cpi AWE cats still does provide benefits. Did I get that right?