TopGear 981 GT4 Catless Header Review
09-12-2022, 08:32 PM
#16
hi there sorry to revive this thread
but I am looking to replace the headers
Fabspeed was my option but then I read this thread and the quote shipped to my place is 1.2k
Fabspeed equivalent is 3k without cats and 4K with cats
I have a couple of questions for you,
1) did you ever have a CEL or your J style 02 spacers prevent that?
2) a smog visual inspection can see the catless configuration without lifting the car? California only plugs the computer now, no sniffer, so as long as you don’t have codes you pass, but I am not sure if the cats are visible with the car on the ground.
3) I read you had the racing exhaust from Fabspeed with stock headers and decided to swap the configuration. What was the reason? Too loud?
4) top gear also offers manifolds with HF cats, did you consider them to avoid the CEL possibility ? Or you think catless is a way better configuration?
thanks
but I am looking to replace the headers
Fabspeed was my option but then I read this thread and the quote shipped to my place is 1.2k
Fabspeed equivalent is 3k without cats and 4K with cats
I have a couple of questions for you,
1) did you ever have a CEL or your J style 02 spacers prevent that?
2) a smog visual inspection can see the catless configuration without lifting the car? California only plugs the computer now, no sniffer, so as long as you don’t have codes you pass, but I am not sure if the cats are visible with the car on the ground.
3) I read you had the racing exhaust from Fabspeed with stock headers and decided to swap the configuration. What was the reason? Too loud?
4) top gear also offers manifolds with HF cats, did you consider them to avoid the CEL possibility ? Or you think catless is a way better configuration?
thanks
09-18-2022, 06:25 PM
#17
Drifting
In Georgia part of every smog check (which is necessary for Metro-Atlanta only) is to use a mirror-on-a-long-stick to check under the car for cats. They do it that way whether you have a low car or a high truck. The technician has to check a box on the computer indicating that he’s physically verified that something which looks like a cat con is in fact under the vehicle.
09-27-2022, 06:59 PM
#18
I'm interested in an update on these after a year of use. I had a TopGear exhaust on my 997 C2 and, dare I say, it sounded better than any exhaust I ever heard on a base Carrera, lol. I'm wondering if the headers are holding up.
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Feralc (09-28-2022)
12-28-2022, 11:45 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
For the ‘longer tube’ choices, FVD looks much closer to equal length. FVD routed the middle primary to the farthest part of the merge collector.
Supersprint also kept all the primaries long and relatively equal.
Last edited by DriverDaily; 12-28-2022 at 11:59 PM.
04-25-2023, 05:36 PM
#21
Instructor
I wasn't going to be the one to say it... ;-) Supposedly some sources have said it's the exact same part, made in the same factory, just without the sandblasted finish & Porsche Tax. How true, who knows! Either way, I'm very satisfied with the part & service from TopGear. My wallet also thanks me as well!
A little addition to this thread…
For starters, I looked at both brands headers, Soul and Top Gear. They are in fact EXACTLY the same!
Second, check out Sierra Racing Supply. No tax or shipping added to the price listed!
Mine should arrive Friday.
MIC DROP!!!
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nhnguy12 (04-25-2023)
05-13-2023, 10:00 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Just installed some of these TG catless headers which I got based on this thread, very simple/straightforward for the most part. Was definitely worth every penny and sounds glorious with valves open above 4K RPM. Otherwise sounds basically stock. Now to determine whether I want to leave the PSE as is, or do the GT3 exhaust conversion
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GT3FZS (06-14-2023)
05-14-2023, 09:33 AM
#23
Instructor
Just installed some of these TG catless headers which I got based on this thread, very simple/straightforward for the most part. Was definitely worth every penny and sounds glorious with valves open above 4K RPM. Otherwise sounds basically stock. Now to determine whether I want to leave the PSE as is, or do the GT3 exhaust conversion
Nice right? I ended up getting a CEL after about a week of driving so hopefully Softronic can help me out with that.
Alternatively one could try adding a rear O2 spacer. I found an outfit that sells the kind with a mini-cat for only $100 for the pair. I believe it was “2M fabrication”.
05-14-2023, 12:54 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
Nice right? I ended up getting a CEL after about a week of driving so hopefully Softronic can help me out with that.
Alternatively one could try adding a rear O2 spacer. I found an outfit that sells the kind with a mini-cat for only $100 for the pair. I believe it was “2M fabrication”.
Alternatively one could try adding a rear O2 spacer. I found an outfit that sells the kind with a mini-cat for only $100 for the pair. I believe it was “2M fabrication”.
05-14-2023, 03:53 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Dpmarc;[url=tel:18801833
18801833[/url]]Thanks for the info. How is it with the Softronic tune. Any noticeable power increase?
05-15-2023, 09:32 AM
#27
Instructor
definitely. I wouldn’t say it’s the night and day difference you get when you tune a turbo car in terms of sheer rip, but definitely more power and pull and with the headers the mid range is actually fun now. With the sound and pull now it feels more like my GT3 (but not the same obviously). Makes me very content.
Same experience here. I’ve got the Carnewal GT exhaust mod and added the X-pipe at the rear exit. The sound is killer!
After selling my OE manifolds and tips on fleabay this only cost me $900. The install was straight forward and took only a couple hours. There were a couple bolts I couldn’t get the proper torx socket onto but a 10mm six point socket worked just fine.
05-15-2023, 01:16 PM
#28
Instructor
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Thescout13 (05-15-2023)
05-16-2023, 05:47 PM
#29
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The welds on the Topgear headers the OP showed look pretty good, especially around the 3-into-1 collector.
Last edited by johnsopa; 05-16-2023 at 07:21 PM.
05-16-2023, 07:14 PM
#30
How are you guys finding the smell?