Schnell Gelb

Old posts about upgraded good quality s/s headers indicate prices of $1000+/-.
Fleabay have some for under $100.too good to be true???
Just wondered if anyone has tried them? Obvious concern is fit/function.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181571489055?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Stephen Tinker

I fitted a set of SS headers from Top Speed Pro (Texas) to my 2001 Boxster S about 4 years ago. Since fitment, zero problems either quality wise or fitment. John (owner) was great to deal with, he sent the headers to Australia within a week or so and even when they forgot to package up the set of bungs where the O2 sensors fit, he sent another set to me no questions asked.
Not a great difference in performance below 3,500rpm but a definite hardening of sound and improved acceleration above 4,000 rpm. I was so impressed with the value for money that I later bought a set of cat delete pipes from Top Speed.

1) If I were to install them again, I would enlarge the flange bolt holes slightly as they are a tight fit to match the threaded holes in the head.
2) You will have to remove the cars rearmost plastic under tray - it won't fit with the extra sweep of the headers.

If you go to 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster Owners and Others and use the search function <Top Speed > you will get quite a few positive results....

GVA-SFO

I'm curious : how do you go thru the smog tests then ?
Also, you should have a permanent "Check Engine Light", right ?

Schnell Gelb

Smog?
Steven is in OZ and mine is a TX car. These headers are unsuitable for cars with a cat integral with the header -unless you 'creatively' use the O2 bungs provided. Even if that worked, you would fail the Visual part of the test.Highly likely because as Steven helpfully notes - the splash shield needs to be deleted.

Schnell Gelb

Be very careful using Top Speed:
http://986forum.com/forums/performan...s-exhaust.html
The last guy they screwed up with is a highly competent Boxster expert who has a huge amount of credibility based on multiple posts on several Boxster Forums.
If the headers are like those in the linked photo, they would be a disaster - O2 sensors hanging down,no possibility of re-fitting the splash shield. Easily damaged by road debris/small hazards & an instant visual "Fail" & possible tampered emission system penalty at the Smog Test.
Headers like that are the most expensive you can buy !
Look at Fabspeed instead?

Stephen Tinker

Schnell......
I remember this instance of the sensors hanging down (instead of pointing up) very well. Top Speed admitted that a number of their headers had been wrongly jigged before welding, causing the incorrect positioning of the sensors. It certainly caused a hiccup among people who found out too late, but apart from that issue I don't remember any other fitting problems.
Most pipe fitting issues seemed to stem from incorrect assembly - one side of the test pipes is slightly longer than the other and will (just) fit the opposite side, but if you cut it to fit the wrong side, your screwed....
Obviously $1000+ Fabspeed headers are manufactured to a very high standard - that's why you pay the premium, though there's one Rennlist owner on the 996 Forum who was messed around for months by Fabspeed - I'm sure you read about it.....

John@Fabspeed

Fabspeed fabricates the highest of quality product. The issue that occurred with our customers on the 996 forum has been settled and have since moved forward with us. Our Headers are T304L Stainless Steel and are Mandrel Bent to create a smooth and maximized flow of exhaust gases. Our headers are also backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We strive to give you the highest of quality products and customer service. Feel free to PM or email me for more information and pricing! I'd be glad to help.

GVA-SFO

I think also that if I would change my exhaust (weight and performance reasons), I would go with Fabspeed. (The solution with both cats on both sides.)
But, I would not like to increase noise, so, as, I have not directly heard any Fabspeed modified Boxster, I did stay quiet !

Im not a noise fan and, also, I like driving Laguna Seca so much, (that is normally limited to 90db) that, I'm not ready for this upgrade yet !!

John@Fabspeed

I'm glad to hear that we are your solution! Email me when you are ready!