I would think you would get a performance gain and sound gain from any brand out there from what I have read. The Porsche OEM headers on 2000 up cars have 4 cats. 2 integrated in the headers and 2 further back.
I have seen the fabspeed online and looks like a great system, but expensive as you mention. I also have interest in the maxspeed motorsports headers on ebay which are the only ones I have seen in that price range with 4 O2 bungs in them for the oxygen sensors.
From what I have read and talked with my local Pcar indie shop, you can expect 10-15 HP gain from headers depending...
Anything is better than the horribly designed system from Porsche. Another "keep the Boxster below the 911 in performance" design.
Let us know what you go with and how you feel about the change. I feel that is the next mod I will be doing to my car.
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Jeff Wilson
1989 911 Cabriolet
Grand Prix White/Black
33k
Stock except:
Turbo 7x9 Fuchs
SOLD!
2002 986S
Seal Gray/Black
Painted Center Console
18" Turbo Twists with rear spacers
Tequipment aluminum shift knob
Colored center caps
De-ambered tail lights/side markers
Stock except:
B&B catback exhaust
http://i29.tinypic.com/i6crck.jpg