Porsche 991 Exhaust Guide: Carrera, Turbo & GT3

"991" covers a lot of different cars, and the exhaust that fits yours depends on which one you have. Before you shop, answer three questions: which 991 (991.1 or 991.2), which model (Carrera, Turbo or GT3), and does it have PSE, the factory Porsche Sport Exhaust with the valve button. Most systems below come in separate versions for each.

How the 991 exhaust works

From the engine back:

1. Headers (exhaust manifolds), one per bank of the flat-six. On turbo cars they feed the turbos.
2. Catalytic converters, one per side.
3. Mufflers and tips at the back. PSE cars have valves that open in Sport mode. Non-PSE cars don't.
4. GT3, GT3 RS and 911R add a center muffler and two side mufflers, which is why their systems look different.

991.1 vs 991.2 Carrera: the 991.1 Carrera, S and GTS are naturally aspirated. The 991.2 Carrera moved to a twin-turbo 3.0, and the turbos muffle the sound a lot, so 991.2 owners tend to want more from an exhaust. Parts don't swap between the two, so match the generation in the product name.

991.1 Carrera, S and GTS (naturally aspirated)

The naturally aspirated flat-six already sounds good, so a rear system mostly adds volume and opens the sound up.

• SOUL valved performance exhaust, PSE / S / GTS: keeps a quiet mode and gives the 991.1 the volume many owners feel it lacks. For base cars without PSE, there's a non-PSE valved version.
• Capristo valved exhaust (for PSE): only for 991.1 Carrera/GTS cars delivered with quad tips. Check yours before ordering.
• QuickSilver 991.1 sport exhaust: secondary silencer delete pipes for the 3.4 and 3.8. A lighter, simpler way to add sound.
• Tips only: SOUL bolt-on tips (PSE / S / GTS) or the non-PSE version.

Headers: the SOUL long tube street headers are the next step on a 991.1. Pair them with a tune. Ask us how they work with your state's emissions inspection before you order. The long tube competition headers are for off-road and competition use only.

991.2 Carrera, S and GTS (twin-turbo)

On a 991.2, the turbos and catalysts damp most of the sound. Sport cats bring out the turbo sound, and a rear section adds the volume, so they work best together.

• SOUL valved exhaust (with PSE): a valved rear section for PSE cars. The SOUL X-pipe exhaust is the alternative for PSE cars.
• Non-PSE cars: the SOUL valved exhaust package or the SOUL performance exhaust systems for the base and S.
• Capristo valved exhaust with 250-cell sports cats: exhaust and cats in one kit. Order the CES3 version if your car doesn't have PSE; it adds Capristo's valve controller. There's also a Carrera S biturbo version.
• QuickSilver 991.2 sport exhaust and catalysts: active valves through QuickSilver's Sound Architect, keeping the in-car controls working.

Cats and headers: SOUL sport catalytic converters (non-PSE) keep a catalyst in place and bring out the turbo sound. SOUL sport headers improve flow ahead of the turbos; plan them with a tune. The SOUL cat bypass pipes remove the catalysts and are for off-road and competition use only.

991 Turbo and Turbo S

The Turbo is the quietest 991 from the factory, so even a rear system makes a clear difference.

• SOUL Turbo valved exhaust: a valved rear with a quiet mode.
• SOUL X-pipe systems: the X-pipe exhaust keeps the factory cats, and the Sport X-pipe system is SOUL's catted system with a modest step up in tone, plus pops and burbles. The Competition X-pipe system is for off-road and competition use only.
• Capristo valved exhaust and 250-cell sports cats: fits both 991.1 and 991.2 Turbo/S. A freer-flowing 200-cell version is also available.
• QuickSilver Turbo sports exhaust: lighter, with a sharper throttle response and a sportier sound.
• Akrapovič titanium slip-on (991.2 Turbo/S): needs Akrapovič's tips and a carbon diffuser.

For tuned Turbos: SOUL sport cats and sport headers, with a tune. The Turbo cat bypass pipes are off-road and competition only.

GT3, GT3 RS and 911R

The GT cars already sound great. Most upgrades here are about removing weight and the center or side mufflers.

• SOUL center muffler bypass: more volume and flow without going to straight side pipes.
• Side muffler bypass: SOUL valved or non-valved pipes, the QuickSilver side muffler deletes with Sound Architect, or the Capristo valved middle silencer delete, which is much lighter than the factory mufflers.
• Akrapovič Slip-On Race Line (991.2 GT3): titanium, bolts onto the factory system.
• Track days: SOUL resonated turn-down tips point the sound at the ground, which helps at tracks with noise limits.

Headers: the SOUL GT3 street headers are best paired with a tune; ask us about emissions inspection first. The SOUL competition headers and the Capristo 991.1 GT3 racing exhaust are track parts.

GT2 RS: the SOUL sport catalytic converters and Capristo valved sports cats are the street options. The SOUL cat bypass and race pipes are off-road and competition only.

What we'd do

• Daily driver: a valved rear system for your exact car (SOUL or Capristo, PSE or non-PSE version), keeping the quiet mode.
• Weekend car: on a 991.2 Carrera or Turbo, add sport cats with the rear system. On a GT3, a center or side muffler bypass.
• Track or tuned: headers and sport cats with a tune. Race pipes, bypass pipes and competition headers only for cars that never see the street.

If your state inspects emissions, ask us before ordering anything that changes the cats or headers. We can install all of it at our shop in Dallas.

See every 911 exhaust part on the Porsche 991 exhaust page, or everything for the 991.