Upgrading '99 exhaust to '03 S exhaust
 

I dont think the 03S exhaust will make any difference only cosmetic, am i right?

The 03 exhausts are a bit throatier, however I dont see why it wouldnt be a bolt on affair, as to my knowledge the differences are the mid pipe and headers, particularly that junction, but as far as I know the rear exhaust is the same for all years.

Patrick

You do need an adapter kit. I made a similar upgrade a few months ago.

It's a straight swap.

I'll post the kit number tomorrow.

What is the source of the info that a 2003 muffler sound any different than a 2.5 muffler?

Porsche Part #: 000 044 200 11

This is the muffler adapter for 2.5L.

Between 0-3000 RPM there's more volume compared to my stock 2.5L Boxster exhaust.

It's a noticeable difference.

Above 3000 RPM, everything sounded the same.

FWIW, I have heard the difference in tone from a pal's exhaust when he changed from an 01 muffler to an 03. The tone was different. Noticeably nicer raspy growl at lower rpms, no difference in higher rev range, however.

Is that the muffler mounting bracket that bolts onto the transmission or some other adapter?

How much was it?

This is the Porsche adapter kit for the 1997-1999 2.5. You can find them for about $120.

The adapter originally was so that you could mount the Porsche sport exhaust on a 2.5. But then people figured out it could also be used to mount the standard 2000-2004 muffler on a 2.5.

I can't tell the difference between the 2003 oem muffler and any other oem muffler. Must be my ears.

The '03+ S definitely has a very different sound. I don't know if it's entirely the muffler - the '03+ S cars have different manifold/cats as well, and they look to be more free-flowing than the ones on my '00 S. Two of my buddies have nearly identical '03 Boxster S's, and they sound the same - very different from my car.

I modified the muffler on my '00 S by cutting approximately 1" x 1" holes inside the inlets to the muffler. This bypasses some of the exhaust energy into the outermost chambers of the muffler but not enough to make the car drone. It sounds much more " '03 like" than it used to - throatier everywhere in the rev range. No performance increase, but it sounds more like a sports car should IMO - just slightly more aggressive.

The manifold/cats are all the same from 00-04. The only difference is the muffler. Mine look like this as should yours.

Hm, will have to take a closer look at the 03's. They looked different at first blush. Maybe mine are just really rusty. :(

I Finally Did It -- Here's the Scoop
 

The tip bolts to the outside of the muffler. The tip is purely cosmetic. There are 3 tips to choose from.